Patents Examined by Jay H. Woo
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Patent number: 5958095Abstract: Thin plate-like electric heaters are disposed among multi-layer cylindrical filters for capturing particulates in positions without contacting with the filters. As the means for more reducing the power supply to the heater as the position of the heater is closer to the central cylinder of the multi-layer filters, the thicknesses of the thin plate-like electric heaters or the geometrical patterns of the electric conduction paths are changed to thereby set the resistance values of the heaters in advance in order to reduce the temperature of the central-side cylinder which is apt to be high to thereby realize the balance with the temperature of the outer-circumferential cylinder, or the electric conduction quantity to the heaters is selectively more reduced as the position of the heater is closer to the central cylinder to realize the balance of temperature distribution with the filter on the outer-circumferential side filter.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1997Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Katsuhiko Yoro, Tutomu Ooka, Masataka Oji
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Patent number: 5958228Abstract: An apparatus for producing a mineral water is provided with a mineral source having a mineral element containing a soluble mineral component. Plain water is supplied to the mineral source. The mineral component dissolves in the plain water when the soluble mineral of the mineral element is brought into contact with the plain water. Ultrasonic waves are applied to the mineral source by an ultrasonic source. The conditions for applying ultrasonic waves to the mineral source is controlled to prepare a mineral water which contain mineral component according to a user's requirements or liking.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1996Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuo Tokushima, Akiko Ito
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Patent number: 5958097Abstract: A filter insert. The filter insert includes an accordion fold pack that is made of a filter material and is joined to a filter frame. The material of the filter frame is injected in a flowable state into the folds of the accordion fold pack which are open in the on-coming flow direction of the medium to be filtered. The material is subsequently hardened during automatic claw fixation with the fold walls. The entire peripheral edge of the accordion fold pack sealingly overlaps the outer boundary surfaces of the filter frame, and is designed as a sealing device.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1998Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: Firma Carl FreudenbergInventors: Ulrich Schlor, Udo Michaelis, Jorgen Knudsen
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Patent number: 5958230Abstract: A filter for fuel and the like comprising an inner filter element and an outer metal filter can which allows the element and can to work together so that when the filter can is removed from the dispensing apparatus, the filter element springs closed and locks against the filter can so that no fuel is spilled. Additionally, the filter can grasps the filter element and pulls it from the dispensing apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1998Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: Eagle Fitter CorporationInventors: James Pyle, Geoffrey Wilcox
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Patent number: 5958251Abstract: In a method of purifying contaminated liquids and gases, a continuous surface film (31) is produced by means of a nozzle (15) and is simultaneously irradiated by a suitable radiation source (17), e.g. an UV lamp. The surface film (31) is discharged as a falling or trickling film (33) which is also exposed to the radiation. A gas for purification is passed through the surface film (31). In these conditions the pollution particles and other pollutants in the gas are absorbed by the liquid. The advantage of the process described is that decomposition of the pollutants can take place both in the gas phase and in the liquid phase. Gas pollutants which are not decomposed in the gas phase are absorbed by the liquid, where they are finally decomposed. With the present invention liquids and gases can be treated simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1997Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: Ultralight AGInventors: Karl Przybilla, Gerold Paesold
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Patent number: 5958094Abstract: A cyclone, in particular a cyclone collector and a cyclone classifier having an arrangement disturbing the gas-particle flow in the inlet area of the inlet casing or in the cylindrical part of the housing. This flow disturber effects a deflection and dispersion of the dense material flow, whereby improved separation, in particular of the finest particles, is facilitated without significant reduction damage of the powder collecting efficiency. The flow disturber can be a prism-type flow disturber, a flap of a blowing arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1997Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Inventors: Karl-Heinz Schwamborn, Ing. H.J. Smigerski
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Patent number: 5958238Abstract: Method for anaerobic removal of a sulphur compound from waste water containing such compound, comprising the steps of: 1) feeding the waste water to an anaerobic digestion system; 2) converting the sulphur compound in the digestion system to a sulphide; 3) circulating an effluent containing the sulphide from the digestion system in a by-pass channel, the channel comprising a stripper system for stripping the sulphide from the effluent; 4) removing the sulphide from the effluent by contacting with a transporting gas in the stripper system; and 5) converting the sulphide to sulphur; wherein 6) the sulphide is absorbed from the transporting gas in an absorber system by an absorbing liquid, which absorbing liquid is passed in a closed loop through the absorber system and a regenerator system, and comprises a regenerable redox liquor, which redox liquor has a pH-value in the range of 4 to 7, preferably about 6.5.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1997Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie Voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNOInventor: Josephus Sychbertus Adrianus Langerwerf
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Patent number: 5958113Abstract: An improved water vacuum extraction machine having a modular design allowing the detergent container to be removed when the machine is used in the vacuum mode when the detergent solution is not required. The water vacuum extraction machine includes a removable water filter to allow for the hydro filtration tank to be cleaned more easily. Further, an added filter is provided downstream of the suction motor to thereby reduce the amount of particles which are released into the environment. Specifically, the machine includes an outer casing including a bottom wall and a top wall and defining a chamber therein and a recovery tank removably positioned within the chamber. The hydro filter is disposed within the recovery tank and includes an inner tube and an outer which are concentrically arranged to define an annular space therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1997Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: Thermax, Inc.Inventors: Gary W. Collins, Kehl T. LeSourd
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Patent number: 5958229Abstract: An electrolytic disinfectant system especially useful in a maritime application for treating freshwater so as to render it potable, provides a brine solution that is stored in a tank from which hypochlorite as the disinfectant is fed to a freshwater supply. Gases also fed to the disinfectant storage tank including hydrogen is discharged therefrom and passed to a hydrogen recombiner through which the hydrogen is disposed of by reaction with oxygen under control of external heating bands to generate water vapor. The system thereby provides enhanced disinfectant effectiveness and eliminates storage of hazardous chemicals.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1998Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: George Filiopoulos, Thomas E. Wenzel
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Patent number: 5958226Abstract: A storm drain filter is sized to cover the opening of a storm drain. It includes a top debris tray removably positioned within a bottom media tray. Each tray includes a peripheral trough surrounding a central overflow opening. The top tray is shorter in height than the bottom tray, so that a filter media receiving chamber is defined between the top tray and the bottom tray. Filter media is positioned in the filter media receiving chamber. A handle is attached across the central overflow opening of the top tray. In a first embodiment, the bottom surfaces of the top and bottom trays are perforated. In a second embodiment, the inner walls of the top and bottom trays are perforated. In either embodiment, water flowing into the filter is distributed around the top trough, passed through the perforated surface of the top tray, the filter media, the perforated surface of the bottom tray, and into the storm drain. Hydrocarbons and other contaminants are filtered by the filter media.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1998Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Inventor: Charles R. Fleischmann
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Patent number: 5955116Abstract: Multi-veined chewing gum is produced by injecting a plurality of different liquid flavor/dye compositions into a substantially homogeneous gum base composition or into a laminated or coextruded gum composition. The injection may be performed while the gum composition is being conveyed in one or more extruder head barrels, the injection being at a plurality of radial and/or circumferential positions in the barrel. In embodiments of the invention substantially straight longitudinal veins of color are then partially mixed to partially displace the colored veins in a direction transverse to the direction of extrusion so as to create veined, multi-colored patterns substantially throughout a cross section of the product in a manner so that the multi-colored patterns in the cross-section differ along the length of the extrudate. The extrudate is cut to obtain gum pieces having different veins of injected liquid additives which provide a swirled or marbleized pattern in the opposing cut ends.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1996Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Assignee: Nabisco Technology CompanyInventors: Gary Kehoe, Thomas J. Carroll, Donald L. Mihalich
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Patent number: 5954972Abstract: A pool cleaner floats on the surface of a pool. The cleaner includes a pump and filter, the filter being connected downstream of the pump. A vacuum head, connected by a hose to the pump, is moved around the pool, to direct water from the pool through the pump and filter. Due to the absence of any filter on the upstream side of the pump, the cleaner maintains its efficiency for a longer time than comparable cleaners of the prior art. The cleaner may also include a rotary strainer, placed upstream of the pump, for removing large pieces of debris. The strainer includes a slidable, transparent access cover which allows visual monitoring of the condition of the strainer, and permits easy access to the interior of the strainer, for removal of debris. In another embodiment, the cleaner includes a filter unit having a continuous sheet of filter material which advances automatically when the filter material previously exposed to the water has become clogged.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1998Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Assignee: The Gadgeteers Inc.Inventor: Ralph F. Polimeni, Jr.
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Patent number: 5954863Abstract: A wet and dry vacuum that includes a housing that is open across its top end and is arranged to be covered by a removable lid wherein is mounted a vacuum source. The housing includes an inlet port to receive a vacuum hose connected therein to pull in wet or dry materials and is formed to direct such materials towards the housing inner wall, which inlet port enters the housing above a filter system that is a lower portion of an intermediate cover that connects to the lid undersurface, which intermediate cover includes an opening into the filter cage that functions as a valve seat. The filter system includes a float ball contained in a cage to float on water as is pulled into the housing during wet operations, with the float ball, when a liquid level of a certain height is present in the housing, is pulled by the vacuum source into the open seat, closing off an air flow pulled though the housing.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1998Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Inventors: Michael L. Loveless, Colleen G. Loveless
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Patent number: 5954846Abstract: A replaceable air filter system for milking machine pulsators has a base with an internal channel that communicates with the air inlet of a milking machine pulsator when the base is mounted on the pulsator. An air filter section is releasably mounted to the base and includes a case, air filter medium attached to the case, and a connector extending from the case which connects to an open bore of the base. The air filter section can be releasably secured to the base. The air filter medium may be formed of multi-fold filter material to provide a large area filter for the input air. When the filter medium is saturated or clogged, an operator can detach the air filter section from the base and replace it with a new air filter section quickly and conveniently.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1997Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Assignee: Alfa Laval Agri Inc.Inventors: Mofazzal H. Chowdhury, Rolf W. Reisgies, Stuart Wipperfurth
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Patent number: 5954847Abstract: A radial air filter is pleated in the horizontal direction rather than the vertical direction so as to have increased capacity and efficiency with reduced air flow restriction. Preferably, the pleats have a parabolic cross section wherein the panels of the pleats form legs of parabolas with the legs being joined by arcuate peaks and valleys.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1998Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Assignee: Dana CorporationInventors: Terrence Allen Shively, Willie Luther Stamey, Jr.
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Patent number: 5954952Abstract: A novel filter assembly for a drainage system stormwater curb and gutter-type catch basin is provided with spaced-apart frame elements that are joined to and carry a singular mesh fabric filter element, the mesh fabric filter element advantageously additionally functioning to hingedly interconnect the filter assembly frame elements into a unitary structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1998Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Assignee: Alpine Stormwater Management CompanyInventor: Daniel M. Strawser, Sr.
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Patent number: 5954848Abstract: A filter cartridge having pleated filter material, the ends of which are joined together to form a conical tube. At least one band is bonded to the pleated filter material and extends at least partially around the circumference of the material in the area of each of its end sides. The band may be bonded to crease points of the filter material. A method of manufacturing the filter cartridge includes providing the initially strip-shaped, planar filter material with pleats. The pleated strip-shaped filter material is laid out forming an unwound cone-shaped shell. A band is placed onto the crease points of one side and is bonded to the crease points. Subsequently, the filter material is bent to form a conical tube, and the tube is closed upon itself by joining the two ends together.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1998Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Assignee: Firma Carl FreudenbergInventors: Rainer Otto, Hans Wiegand
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Patent number: 5954969Abstract: A method and system is provided for producing a commercially usable iron oxide material by treating iron contaminated water. A clean effluent is also produced. Iron contaminated water is sampled to determine a bicarbonate to iron molar ratio. The flow of the water is directed to a collection basin assembly when the bicarbonate to iron molar ratio is at least 2 to 1. Iron oxide material precipitates in the collection basin assembly. The water from the collection basin assembly is directed to a constructed wetland. After a period of time, the iron oxide material in the collection basin assembly can be harvested and used for commercial purposes without excessive further treatment.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1997Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Inventor: Robert S. Hedin
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Patent number: 5951866Abstract: A wetland bioreactor treatment cell for use in a waste water treatment process for reducing stated water quality indicators of the waste water is provided. The wetland bioreactor treatment cell comprises a vegetated containment area containing porous media for receiving an influent comprising water and organic waste material with the containment area having a front end and a rear end. A manifold distributor structure for receiving and distributing the influent into the containment area is provided with the manifold distributor structure being positioned entirely within the front end of the containment area and the manifold distributor structure having a port for allowing cleaning or maintenance of the manifold distributor structure. A hydraulic upflow structure is positioned nearingly adjacent and downstream from the manifold distributor structure with the hydraulic upflow structure maintaining a substantial amount of suspended solids in the front end of the containment area.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventors: John E. Grove, John Aldrich
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Patent number: 5951858Abstract: A device for cleaning a body of water by passing an elongated net having a C-shaped cross section over the surface and slightly immersed in the water. The elongated net is supported by elongated rigid members that include C-shape brackets that are cooperatively disposed therealong. A rubber band with cooperating slots is positioned over the arcuated plate of the brackets trapping the elongated net in place. An upright wheeled assembly is perpendicularly mounted to the elongated net and includes a mechanism for adjusting the vertical position of the net. The upright wheeled assembly includes a cooperatively positioned handle for imparting motion to the structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventors: Eduardo Soto, Jorge Izquierdo