Patents Examined by Bradley R. Garris
  • Patent number: 4231845
    Abstract: Injection of steam into the ascension pipe of each coking chamber in a coking plant is continued for a period of time after charging of that chamber so as to create a slightly sub-atmospheric pressure in the chamber during the initial stage of the coking process, in order to reduce leakage of gas and fumes to the atmosphere past the doors and filling openings. A time clock operated by the coke pusher machine or by the coal charging machine stops this injection of steam after a desired period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1980
    Assignee: Hoogovens Ijmuiden, B.V.
    Inventors: Timen Vander, Nicolaas J. Thijssen, Jan F. de Blok, Jan Middel
  • Patent number: 4230675
    Abstract: This invention relates to improved apparatus for counter-currently contacting liquids and solids to dissolve, or leach, a selected component of the solids while minimizing back-mixing of the liquid phase. The apparatus includes an elongated drum which is rotatable about its longitudinal axis in either direction and is partitioned radially into a solids-inlet/liquid-outlet compartment at one end, a solids-outlet/liquid-inlet compartment at its other end, and leaching compartments therebetween. The drum is designed to operate with its acid-inlet end elevated and with the longitudinal axis of the drum at an angle in the range of from about 3.degree. to 14.degree. to the horizontal. Each leaching compartment contains a chute assembly for advancing solids into the next compartment in the direction of solids flow when the drum is rotated in a selected direction. The chute assembly includes a solids-transfer baffle and a chute in the form of a slotted, skewed, conical frustum portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1980
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Orlan O. Yarbro
  • Patent number: 4228914
    Abstract: A container is disclosed with a valve opening at its bottom wall to permit steam to circulate into the container and to permit any condensation to drain from the container while the valve is open. The valve is closed by an expandable chamber in response to the pressure drop at the end of a sterilizing cycle. A valve controlling the flow of steam into the expandable chamber closes when subjected to the high temperature steam, thus capturing steam within the chamber. This steam expands when the pressure drops to close the valve in the container. The container lid and gasket permit steam to be withdrawn from the container but prevent air flow into the container. A vacuum created in the container at the end of the sterilizing cycle holds the container lid in place and holds the valve closed.Also disclosed is a bimetallic spring valve which opens when steam is applied to a container and closes when the temperature drops as steaming ceases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1980
    Inventor: Roger S. Sanderson
  • Patent number: 4229415
    Abstract: A dispenser comprising a rectangular housing defining an air inlet chamber between the first partition and the top wall of the housing, a valved air inlet communicating with the air inlet chamber, a second partition defining an air outlet chamber between the second partition and the bottom wall of the housing and a central chamber between the first and second partitions, a valved air outlet communicating with the air outlet chamber, apertures in the first and second partitions for affording air flow from the air inlet chamber, at least one tray member, a support on the end walls for horizontally supporting the tray member in the central chamber and for facilitating at least partial withdrawal of the tray member, a holder on the tray member for removably holding a plurality of relatively thin rectangular envelopes which contain a substance to be dispensed and which are arranged in parallel vertical relation to each other to permit air flow past the envelopes from the air inlet chamber to the air outlet chamber
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1980
    Assignee: Will Ross, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Bryson
  • Patent number: 4229284
    Abstract: A method of inhibiting corrosion in separation units of water-free petroleum and petrochemical hydrocarbon processing systems which comprises adding a compound corresponding to Formula I below either alone or in combination with a film-forming amine corrosion inhibitor to the hydrocarbon being processed:Formula IR--O--(CH.sub.2)nNH.sub.2,wherein n is 2 or 3 and R is a lower alkyl radical of not more than 4 carbon atoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1980
    Assignee: Nalco Chemical Co.
    Inventors: James A. White, Thomas C. Maynard
  • Patent number: 4229307
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for preparing phosphorus compounds wherein phosphorus vapor containing P.sub.2 molecules is condensed at a temperature below the solidification point of red phosphorus and the resulting solid is then reacted with a phosphorus-reactive material. When the phosphorus-reactive material is water at an elevated temperature, phosphine is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1980
    Assignee: Hooker Chemicals & Plastics Corp.
    Inventors: Edward J. Lowe, Frederick A. Ridgway
  • Patent number: 4228135
    Abstract: Apparatus for sterilizing laboratory and hospital glassware, liquids, instruments, garments, contaminated animal wastes and bedding and the like, utilizing a sterilizer enclosure having a steam jacket surrounding the same and a vertically movable front door closure, wherein the door is vertically slideable in a track and is substantially restrained from outward movement by restraining means only at its upper and lower end, and including expandable seal members surrounding the sterilizer opening and opposite the door. The seal comprises two discrete segments, an inflatable member for displacing the sealing member against the door in sealing relationship therewith, and a sealing member. The construction is designed for maximum safety and ease of operation at minimum cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1980
    Assignee: Better Built Machinery Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Wolff
  • Patent number: 4226829
    Abstract: A vaporizer for air treatment and the like producing vapors which can be renewed to provide effective operation for an extended period of time. The vaporizer comprises an hourglass-shaped container having a pair of adjacent chambers communicating by means of a restrictive orifice. Each chamber has an opening in the end covered by a porous membrane. The container contains a supply of particulate fluid-like carrier material carrying a volatile vapor-producing treating material. A part of the treating agent is transferred by the carrier material to the membrane for producing air treating vapors by volatilization or evaporation of the treating agent. Inversion of the container, mixes and redistributes the treating agent among the carrier vehicle particles and exposes a freshly loaded vapor producing membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1980
    Inventor: Andrew Mike
  • Patent number: 4225556
    Abstract: Sterilization of a web of packing material is accomplished in two steps with the web first being coated and washed with a sterilizing agent in liquid form at a first treatment station. The web then passes through a second treatment station where sterilizing liquid is sprayed as a fine mist onto a heated surface which vaporizes the sterilizing liquid. The vapor condenses on the passing web to further sterilize the web. One or more heaters again vaporizes the sterilizing agent which is on the packing web to remove the sterilizing agent. The sterilized packing material web is then cut into individual package units after the web has been filled with sterile contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1980
    Assignee: Tetra Pak International AB
    Inventors: Stig A. Lothman, Alfred Fuchs
  • Patent number: 4225555
    Abstract: A method for sterilizing objects including an autoclave having a chamber into which a supply conduit is connected provided with a medium, such as steam and a further supply conduit provided with at least one control medium, such as compressed air. The apparatus also has a discharge conduit and a vent conduit. The method achieves the desired results of sterilization of the objects within said chamber by operating the system as near as possible to the temperature tolerance of the plastic packaging of the products being treated. The thermodynamic system utilized is so constructed and arranged to control the temperature in the chamber with great accuracy and to permit trimming of the operation of the system within certain parameters for a given program, or to readjust the system for another program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1980
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Electrolux
    Inventors: Hans A. Fahlvik, Kurt E. Sandquist
  • Patent number: 4222814
    Abstract: A crystalline dual diamond sodium thallium type intermetallic compound is formed on a substrate surface from lithium and either aluminum, zinc or cadmium. The compound is grown within a magnetic field and, as a result, the compound is formed with a major crystallographic plane thereof aligned generally parallel to the field. Apparatus is disclosed for accomplishing formation of the compound. Silicon may later be grown on the surface of the compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1980
    Assignee: Sotek Corporation
    Inventor: Norman E. Reitz
  • Patent number: 4222987
    Abstract: The calciner is an elongated, insulated chamber, in which material is fed to counter-rotating screw conveyors. The material is calcined by heat radiating from a muffle plate interposed between the conveyors and gas-fired burners. This radiant heating, applied evenly to material having a constantly-exposed fresh surface, results in increased production, lower fuel cost per pound of product, and higher quality product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1980
    Assignee: Cities Service Company
    Inventor: David P. Keller
  • Patent number: 4221638
    Abstract: Rectangularly-shaped fluid distributors for large diameter, vertical vessels include reinforcers for high heat operation, vertical sides with gas distributing orifices and overhanging, sloped roofs. Devices are provided for cleaning the orifices from a buildup of solid deposits resulting from the reactions in the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1980
    Assignee: Paraho Corporation
    Inventor: John B. Jones, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4216671
    Abstract: A method for cleaning the sensing probes in a water quality momitoring apparatus, when the probes become coated with a build-up of slime, algae or particulate matter, which comprises the steps of continuously removing particulate matter from the body of the liquid, moving a part of the body of liquid into a confined zone surrounding the probe and applying ultrasonic energy to the confined liquid to remove deposits of foreign matter from the surface of the probe and the liquid confining surface areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1975
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1980
    Assignee: Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago
    Inventor: Jerome J. Kurland
  • Patent number: 4217165
    Abstract: A method of growing a ribbon crystal wherein a meniscus of molten semiconductor material attached to vertical movable seed is lifted at a rate substantially equal to the rate at which the meniscus freezes, characterized by the steps of continuously sensing the brightness of the growth region of the ribbon in selected areas across the width thereof for detecting changes in the intensity of the brightness of said selected areas, and modifying the temperature of the meniscus and pulling speed in response to changes detected in the intensity for controlling the geometry of the ribbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1980
    Inventors: Robert A. Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, with respect to an invention of Frosch, Theodore F. Ciszek
  • Patent number: 4213827
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for quenching coke which obviates the necessity of using a high energy scrubber for the cleaning of the gases by virtue of quenching the coke in a non-oxidizing atmosphere to drop the temperature of the coke below its ignition point for eliminating the emissions of hydrocarbons, confining the steam and vapor for additional quenching and pressure buildup, cleaning of the steam and vapor of particulate matter, and containing the excess quench water including the breeze resulting from the quench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1980
    Inventor: Albert Calderon
  • Patent number: 4213934
    Abstract: This invention relates to the use of phosphorylated oxyalkylated polyols (POP) in conjunction with sulfite oxygen scavengers in inhibiting corrosion in oxygen-containing systems. The phosphorylated oxyalkylated polyols are effective in inhibiting the precipitation of the sulfite and bisulfite oxygen scavengers as scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1980
    Assignee: Petrolite Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Bellos, James E. Davis
  • Patent number: 4213828
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for quenching coke which comprises the quenching of the coke in a non-oxidizing atmosphere in a chamber during the push to drop the temperature of the coke below its ignition point for eliminating the emissions of hydrocarbons at the source, confining the steam and vapor for additional quenching within said chamber by virtue of pressure build-up, forcing the steam out of said chamber for direction to condensing means, condensing the steam to eliminate the plume, precipitating particulate matter and dissolving condensables, scrubbing the non-condensables for the removal of sub-micron particulate matter, containing the excess quench water and condensate including the breeze resulting from the quenching and condensing and exchanging the heat from the quench water and condensate for heat recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1980
    Inventor: Albert Calderon
  • Patent number: 4213936
    Abstract: A foam generating and spraying apparatus adapted to receive a quantity of polymeric resin and a foaming agent therefor, and emit the foamed product thereof, comprises a resin conduit having an inlet and an outlet end; a foaming chamber having an inlet and an outlet end being disposed coaxially with respect to the resin conduit; a resin inlet upstream of the resin conduit for admitting a quantity of pressurized polymeric resin thereto; a foaming agent inlet upstream of the foaming chamber for admitting a quantity of pressurized foaming agent thereto; a mixing chamber downstream of both of the resin conduit and foaming chamber; and, a spray member disposed at the outlet end of the resin conduit for establishing a hollow cone spray of resin, and angularly directing that spray against the walls of the mixing chamber. Methods for generating a foamed polymeric resin and the products produced thereby are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1980
    Inventor: Robert Lodrick
  • Patent number: 4212615
    Abstract: Agglomerating apparatus in the form of a rotating drum and a method for agglomerating and controlling the size consist of carbonaceous material, such as particulate coal, finely divided char and, optionally, a binder such as pitch. Control of the agglomerate consist size distribution discharged from the drum is achieved by increasing the relative residence time of the small or growing agglomerates and by limiting contact between the large formed agglomerates and the small forming or growing agglomerates. The preferred means to insure adequate growth time for the small agglomerates consists of a plurality of annular ribs spaced about the inside wall of the drum and a cooperating scraping mechanism. The scraping mechanism comprises a plurality of scraper blades projecting radially from a rotating shaft throughout the length thereof of the agglomerate-forming section of the drum. However, at the annular paths wherein a rib is found the scraping blades are shorter in length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1980
    Assignee: Bethlehem Steel Corporation
    Inventor: Earl W. Bennethum