Closed Circulating System Patents (Class 137/563)
  • Patent number: 8216455
    Abstract: A plurality of buildings each have a plurality of primary devices adapted to dispense potable water and a plurality of secondary devices adapted to dispense salt water. A primary feed line and branch feed lines convey the potable water to the primary devices. A secondary feed line and secondary branch feed lines convey the salt water to the secondary devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventor: Mackenzie Anne O'Brien
  • Patent number: 8201577
    Abstract: An arrangement is provided for feeding a liquid additive from a receptacle into a fuel pipe or into an exhaust line of an internal-combustion engine of a motor vehicle. The receptacle is fillable with additive from a larger storage tank that is also accommodated in the motor vehicle by way of a connection line that can be blocked by a shut-off element. A pump is installed in the receptacle or in the connection line. A heating device for heating at least a partial volume of the additive is present in the receptacle. A blockable return line branches off into the receptacle from the connection line between the pump and the shut-off element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andreas Bruhn, Jonas Wachter, Udo Strathoff, Guenther Schneider
  • Patent number: 8196602
    Abstract: The Water Distribution System is specifically applicable in cold climates in which water distribution systems may be subjected to freezing during the winter months. The Water Distribution System is applicable to domestic, industrial, recreational and institutional water distribution systems including water transmission and distribution mains and service connections. The Water Distribution System has applications in specific terrain and climatic conditions such as high bedrock, high groundwater table and permafrost. The Water Distribution System may, in specific terrain and climatic conditions, use uninsulated or insulated water mains and service connections, but without heat tracing or water bleeding in any case. The Water Distribution System is applicable to single and multiple complex distribution pipe systems arranged as parallel or looped, or combination of both arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Jan A. Korzeniowski
  • Publication number: 20120132287
    Abstract: A pump for conveying a medium comprises a pump chamber having an intake opening and an outlet opening. A movable component is movably disposed in the pump chamber in order to convey a batch of the medium, which is located in the pump chamber, from the intake opening to the outlet opening. A ventilation device has a ventilation opening in fluid communication with the pump chamber. The ventilation opening is different from the intake opening and the outlet opening. The ventilation device is configured to reduce or at least substantially prevent, at least temporarily, the formation of a partial vacuum or a negative pressure in the pump chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Jürgen KREUTZKAEMPER, Paul SATTELBERGER, Stefan SCHÜRMANN
  • Publication number: 20120111413
    Abstract: Systems and method for delivering materials to a tool are disclosed. A material delivery system utilizes two or more sources of the material to be delivered to the tool. One or more of the sources of the tool may be a batch mixer. The material delivery system also includes at least two material delivery recirculation lines providing material to at tool. The material delivery system may be manually or automatically controlled to switch supply of the material from one source to another, and/or to switch from one material delivery recirculation line to another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: Mega Fluid Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David Kandiyeli, Todd Graves, Rhey Yang
  • Patent number: 8171876
    Abstract: The present invention provides applicators reducing generating bubble. Dispersion liquid is supplied while the pressure of a circulation tank on the delivery side is lower than the atmospheric pressure but higher than the pressure of the space in buffer tanks. The dispersion liquid in the discharge chambers is recovered while the pressure in a circulation tank serving as recovery destination is lower than the atmospheric pressure. Gas dissolution can be reduced because the dispersion liquid does not come into contact with gases at pressures higher than the atmospheric pressure and engulffing gas or deformation of solid microparticles can be avoided because no pump is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Ulvac, Inc.
    Inventors: Takumi Namekawa, Kei Baba, Yuya Inoue, Masao Murata, Koji Hane, Robert D. Taff, Robert R. McKay, Ralph D. Fox
  • Patent number: 8166765
    Abstract: A fuel delivery and control system is provided including a dual pump fluid circuit configuration comprising a fixed positive displacement pump sized to supply the main engine burn flow ranging from above windmill through cruise and a variable displacement pump sized to supply fluid to engine actuators, valves and other hydraulically operated engine components with a pump flow sharing system interconnecting the two pumps. The combined flow from the two pumps is sufficient to meet the engine flow demand for windmill relight and maximum flow conditions. During cruise or normal operating conditions, the pumps operate in completely isolated flow circuits, minimizing recirculation and therefore heat input into the fuel supply system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Carthel C. Baker, Joe F. Wollschlager
  • Patent number: 8113236
    Abstract: Systems and method for delivering materials to a tool are disclosed. A material delivery system utilizes two or more sources of the material to be delivered to the tool. One or more of the sources of the tool may be a batch mixer. The material delivery system also includes at least two material delivery recirculation lines providing material to at tool. The material delivery system may be manually or automatically controlled to switch supply of the material from one source to another, and/or to switch from one material delivery recirculation line to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Mega Fluid Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David Kandiyeli, Todd Graves, Rhey Yang
  • Patent number: 8109289
    Abstract: A method includes associating a plurality of valve balancing units with a plurality of valves in a hydronic network. The method also includes adjusting a setting of at least one of the valves using at least one of the valve balancing units to balance the hydronic network. Adjusting the setting could include identifying a differential pressure across a valve and a flow rate of material through that valve. Adjusting the setting could also include comparing the identified differential pressure to a target differential pressure and/or the identified flow rate to a target flow rate. Adjusting the setting could further include instructing an actuator to adjust the setting until the identified differential pressure is within a first threshold of the target differential pressure and/or the identified flow rate is within a second threshold of the target flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Pavel Trnka, Vladimir Havlena, Jaroslav Pekar, Axel Hilborne-Clarke
  • Publication number: 20120012208
    Abstract: A constant temperature circulator assembly may include a circulator head assembly having a fixed display and a base ring assembly adapted for connection to a container wherein the circulator head assembly movably engages the base ring assembly so that an orientation of the fixed display may be selectively adjusted with respect to the base ring assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: Preston Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip Preston
  • Publication number: 20110284107
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-chamber fluid reservoir including two or more fluid chambers with thermal isolation between the chambers. The multi-chamber fluid reservoir is particularly suited for use in the cooling systems of internal combustion engines and is also suited for use in electric vehicles such as, for example, hybrid vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: MANN+HUMMEL GMBH
    Inventors: Kirk Ciak, John Baumann
  • Publication number: 20110240152
    Abstract: A system for adjusting the position of a control member of a power plant has a hydraulic fluid operated hydraulic actuator provided with a displaceable member connected to the control member, and having operating parameters; a servo valve configured to control the hydraulic actuator by means of the hydraulic fluid, and selectively operable between at least an open position for allowing fluid connection with the hydraulic actuator and a closed position for blocking fluid connection to the hydraulic actuator; a by-pass fluid device to drain the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic actuator in any position of the servo valve; and a control device configured to selectively driving the servo valve as a function of an operating parameter of the hydraulic actuator so as to compensate the fluid drain, and keep the operating parameter within a given range about a selected target value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: ANSALDO THOMASSEN B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Adrianus Maria Overgaag
  • Publication number: 20110219803
    Abstract: An air conditioning device is provided that includes an outdoor unit and a distribution unit. In the air conditioning device, a length of pipes that connect a plurality of indoor units to the outdoor unit is minimized to improve aesthetic appeal and efficiency, and pipes are arranged in the distribution unit for interconnecting the indoor units and the outdoor unit efficiently so as to minimize the volume of the distribution unit. The distribution unit may have a modular structure such that single or multiple distribution units may be added or removed as needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Hee PARK, In Kwon Hwang, Eun Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 7997298
    Abstract: Device for the regulation of the concentration of a product in a liquid and, most specifically, of an alcohol used in the composition of a varnish contained in a varnishing vat for optical glasses or other substrates. The vat comprises an overflow tray and a sealed alcohol reservoir. The reservoir is installed higher than the overflow tray so that when level of the varnish in the overflow tray drops sufficiently low, an air bubble is created that rises to the alcohol reservoir, thus creating additional pressure in the alcohol reservoir and forcing a drop of alcohol into the overflow tray until the level of the varnish in the overflow tray recovers its normal level above the junction point between the second pipe and the overflow tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Special Coating Laboratory International Archamps
    Inventors: Jean Gehrig, Denis Gehrig
  • Patent number: 7938874
    Abstract: A system and method for supplying clean dry gas to gas seals of a compressor. The system uses a rotary separator magnetically coupled to a source of rotational power, along with a gas stream cooling unit configured to condensate liquids out of a wet gas stream before the wet gas stream is supplied to the rotating separator. The system may further include a gas stream pressure booster, a heating unit to heat a dry gas stream generated by the rotary separator, and a controlled recirculation loop configured to continually recirculate the wet gas through the driven rotary separator until a desired amount of condensates are removed from the wet gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Dresser-Rand Company
    Inventor: Philippe Auber
  • Patent number: 7934519
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve unit for a microfluid system comprising a first and a second fluid reservoir, a flow chamber, a fluid channel array and a conveying means, said first fluid reservoir being, via the flow chamber, in fluidic communication with the second fluid reservoir through the fluid channel array, wherein the valve unit can be brought from a first state to a second state so that, in said first state, a fluid can be conveyed by the conveying means from said first fluid reservoir through the flow chamber in a predetermined direction of flow into the second fluid reservoir, and so that, in said second state, a fluid can be conveyed by the conveying means from said second fluid reservoir through the flow chamber in a predetermined direction of flow into the first fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: ibidi GmbH
    Inventor: Roman Zantl
  • Patent number: 7931810
    Abstract: A water purification system and method. A closed water recirculation loop supplied at one point by a water inlet with water to be purified, and having at least one outlet point of use of the purified water. Also included is a pump and a water purifier on the loop respectively downstream of the inlet point and upstream of the at least one outlet point, in the water flow direction. The system includes two independent valves, including a first valve on the loop upstream of the pump and a second valve upstream of the at least one point of use outlet point. The first and second valves are selectively opened and closed to recirculate all the water treated by the purifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Yves Gaignet, Ichiro Kano, Cecilia Regnault, Daniel Darbouret
  • Publication number: 20100326538
    Abstract: The water recirculation system provides for the controlled recirculation of water between an overhead water tank, which is mounted on the roof of a building, and an underground water tank. The overhead tank has a feed outlet, a recirculation outlet, and a recirculation inlet formed therein. A first conduit is provided, with a lower end thereof being positioned within the underground tank. A pump draws water from within the underground tank, which is delivered to a second conduit. An upper end thereof is in fluid communication with the overhead tank. A third conduit is further provided, having an upper end in communication with the overhead tank and a lower end in communication with the underground tank. A programmable valve selectively controls water flow out of the overhead tank, which is delivered, via the third conduit, to the underground tank by gravity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Abdullah Saeed Al-Ghamdi
  • Patent number: 7814933
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for stabilizing the concentration of a previously generated aerosol, which includes: an aerosol inlet channel; an aerosol pressure adjustment unit accelerating the aerosol; a buffer connected to the aerosol pressure adjustment unit via an aerosol transport channel and having a much larger sectional area than the aerosol inlet channel and the aerosol transport channel, wherein the aerosol accelerated by the aerosol pressure adjustment unit reaches the buffer via the aerosol transport channel and is mixed in the buffer; a feedback channel connecting between the buffer and the preceding channel to the buffer to feedback a portion of the aerosol present in the buffer to the preceding channel to the buffer; and an aerosol outlet channel releasing the aerosol uniformly mixed in the buffer. Provided is also a method for stabilizing the concentration of an aerosol according to the same principle as in the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoon-ho Khang, Joo-hyun Lee
  • Publication number: 20100258486
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for preventing mud from being hardened in a drain holding tank, in an apparatus that treats drains generated during the marine drilling of petroleum or gas. The apparatus for preventing mud from being hardened in a drain holding tank includes a drain holding tank which gathers a drain being generated in a drilling process; a mud re-compounding pump which circulates a fluid having a pressure that is higher than a predetermined value by spouting the fluid to an area of the drain holding tank where the mud is stored, to prevent mud included in the drain from being hardened in the drain holding tank; a transfer pump which transfers the mud; and a waste mud tank, configured to gather the mud. The apparatus for preventing mud from being hardened in a drain holding tank can circulate the mud at an area of the drain holding tank in which the mud is stored for a period of time, to prevent the mud from being hardened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: Samsung Heavy Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ji-Soon Park, Young-Ho Jung, Young-Beum Jang
  • Publication number: 20100259044
    Abstract: A water tower includes a reservoir configured to store fluid. The reservoir includes a bottom surface. The water tower also includes a recirculating passageway fluidly connected to the reservoir. The recirculating passageway includes a first end connected to and located near or below the bottom surface of the reservoir, and a second end connected to the reservoir above the bottom surface of the reservoir. The water tower further includes a pump located in the recirculating passageway and configured to pump fluid through the recirculating passageway, and a fluid-driven energy generating device fluidly connected to the recirculating passageway. At least a portion of fluid directed through the energy generating device is directed through the recirculating passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: David J. Muchow
  • Patent number: 7807119
    Abstract: A process for the production of alumina trihydrate by alkaline digestion of bauxite using the Bayer process in which aluminate liquor and insoluble residues are separated using a solid/liquid separation device (E; W2; DC) characterised in that the said slurry (21a; 41; 230?) is at least partially passed through a hydrocyclone (H1; H21; H22; H3) to improve and accelerate the separation of the sodium aluminate liquor from the insoluble residues in the slurry (21a; 41; 230?) containing the said liquor and the said residues and that supplies or is derived from the said liquid-solid separation device. In a first embodiment, at least one hydrocyclone is used at the upstream side of the settler-thickener, as clarifier of the pregnant liquor. In a second embodiment, at least one hydrocyclone is used as a thickener of insoluble residue mud. In a third embodiment, a hydrocyclone is used in combination with the causticisation settler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Aluminium Pechiney
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Rousseaux, Gerard Pignol, Yves Magnan
  • Patent number: 7793858
    Abstract: A paint delivery and application apparatus, wherein the apparatus includes a source of paint, a paint applicator, a supply line interconnecting the source of paint and the applicator and at least one pig in the supply line, wherein the paint pushes the pig from adjacent the source of paint to the paint applicator and a source of purging solvent delivering a small volume of purging solvent to the supply line when the pig is adjacent the source of paint adjacent to and upstream of the pig acting as a lubricant, reducing chattering and skipping of the pig and extending the life of the pig. Where the apparatus includes two pigs, purging solvent is delivered between the pigs adjacent the applicator, the pigs are delivered to adjacent the source of paint and a small volume of solvent is then delivered from between the pigs upstream of the pigs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Durr Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Heldt, Rainer Melcher, Manfred Michelfelder, Robert E. Brady
  • Patent number: 7793684
    Abstract: The invention concerns a hydraulic connector (140) forming a distributor or manifold for a hydraulic circuit of a fluid purification system (100) having a purified fluid inlet (142) and three outlets (143, 144, 145), characterized in that the inlet (142) is connected directly to a first outlet (143) of the three outlets by a pipe and in that a second pipe (141) is hydraulically connected to the first pipe between said inlet (142) and said first outlet (143) and to a third pipe having two ends forming the other two outlets (144, 145) of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Yves Gaignet, Ichiro Kano, Cecilia Regnault, Daniel Darbouret
  • Publication number: 20100212744
    Abstract: The invention includes a method for continually circulating a fluid in a system, in the absence of an external pumping mechanism, by providing a fluid, an active space capable of generating a higher pressure zone and causing a contiguous lower pressure zone, a passive space, and a porous medium disposed between the active space and the passive space, and generating a pressure differential relationship between the active space and the passive space causing the fluid to circulate freely in both directions between the active space and the passive space, across the porous medium, without the aid of an external pumping system, such that the fluid circulation defines a self-acting self-circulating fluid system, and to the system created thereby.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
    Inventors: Minel J. Braun, Ana M. Balasoiu, Stefan I. Moldovan, Gerald W. Young, Joshua D. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20100147394
    Abstract: A method includes associating a plurality of valve balancing units with a plurality of valves in a hydronic network. The method also includes adjusting a setting of at least one of the valves using at least one of the valve balancing units to balance the hydronic network. Adjusting the setting could include identifying a differential pressure across a valve and a flow rate of material through that valve. Adjusting the setting could also include comparing the identified differential pressure to a target differential pressure and/or the identified flow rate to a target flow rate. Adjusting the setting could further include instructing an actuator to adjust the setting until the identified differential pressure is within a first threshold of the target differential pressure and/or the identified flow rate is within a second threshold of the target flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Pavel Trnka, Vladimir Havlena, Jaroslav Pekar, Axel Hilborne-Clarke
  • Publication number: 20100139776
    Abstract: A system and method for supplying clean dry gas to gas seals of a compressor. The system uses a rotary separator magnetically coupled to a source of rotational power, along with a gas stream cooling unit configured to condensate liquids out of a wet gas stream before the wet gas stream is supplied to the rotating separator. The system may further include a gas stream pressure booster, a heating unit to heat a dry gas stream generated by the rotary separator, and a controlled recirculation loop configured to continually recirculate the wet gas through the driven rotary separator until a desired amount of condensates are removed from the wet gas stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: DRESSER-RAND COMPANY
    Inventor: Philippe Auber
  • Patent number: 7723700
    Abstract: A vapor delivery system for delivering a steady flow of sublimated vapor to a vacuum chamber comprises a vaporizer of solid material, a mechanical throttling valve, and a pressure gauge, followed by a vapor conduit to the vacuum chamber. The vapor flow rate is determined by both the temperature of the vaporizer and the setting of the conductance of the mechanical throttle valve located between the vaporizer and the vacuum chamber. The temperature of the vaporizer is determined by closed-loop control to a set-point temperature. The mechanical throttle valve is electrically controlled, e.g. the valve position is under closed-loop control to the output of the pressure gauge. In this way the vapor flow rate can be generally proportional to the pressure gauge output. All surfaces exposed to the vapor from the vaporizer to the vacuum chamber are heated to prevent condensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Semequip, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas N. Horsky, Robert W. Milgate, III
  • Patent number: 7661871
    Abstract: The present invention generally comprises a storage vessel for the polymeric slurry chemical, a vapor recirculation system, a chemical recirculation system, a device for chemical temperature control, a device for measuring storage vessel level, a device for metering and pumping chemical, and a device for controlling apparatus. The vapor recirculation system, chemical recirculation system, mechanism for chemical temperature control, mechanism for measuring storage vessel level, mechanism for metering and pumping and mechanism for controlling apparatus are housed in the pumping equipment container and are connected to the storage vessel by control conduits, and piping for vapors and liquid chemicals to make the complete apparatus. The apparatus is used to maintain slurry materials in a usable state and to inject the slurry materials as required for specific applications, such as injecting drag reducing agent into operating pipelines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventors: Robert Rinehart Hyatt, George William Hyatt
  • Publication number: 20090288721
    Abstract: In a vacuum unit for use in drawing a vacuum on a steam sterilizer, a pump circulates water through an ejector and a reservoir. Fresh water is injected at the pump inlet to maintain a low temperature in the ejector so that it can operate efficiently. Excess water is taken from a location adjacent the bottom of the reservoir through an internal dip tube, and passed through a U-shaped conduit that serves as a condensate trap. To maintain the water discharge temperature below a predetermined level, fresh water is injected into the U-shaped conduit through a valve controlled by a temperature sensor downstream from the water injection point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: R-V Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam L. Brugnoli, Kenneth G. Brownlow, III, Phillip B. DeMarra, Todd A. Becker, Daniel Gonzalez, Andrew J. Dillow, Alan C. Cinquegrana
  • Publication number: 20090151801
    Abstract: A method of operating a controller for a pool pump motor includes the steps of setting an operating mode for the pool pump motor, setting a torque value for the pool pump motor corresponding to the operating mode, setting a high operating threshold and a low operating threshold corresponding to the torque value, operating the pool pump motor in a constant torque mode using the torque value, monitoring an operating parameter of the pool pump motor corresponding to a load on the pool pump motor, discontinuing operating the pool pump motor when the operating parameter is higher than the high operating threshold or lower than the low operating threshold and signaling a pool pump motor fault upon the discontinuing operating the pool pump motor. The operating parameter of the pool pump motor is RPM or current supplied to the pool pump motor. Additionally disclosed are energy efficient pool hydraulic design techniques that increase the energy efficiency of hydraulic systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: John Gorman, William Lizalde, Robert Kulakowski
  • Publication number: 20090101212
    Abstract: A fluid regulator (1) for use as a shower water saving device, wherein an initial volume of water of a water stream at an undesired cold temperature is collected in a chamber and is reintroduced into the water stream when the stream has reached the desired temperature. Reintroduction of the initial volume of cold water is at a controlled rate such that the temperature change upon reintroduction is not significant. The fluid regulator (1) comprises a body (2), a flow passage (3) having an inlet (20) and outlet (21) for the water stream, a water collection chamber (4) in fluid communication with the flow passage (3), and a flow diverter (5) associated with the flow passage (3) and moveable between a closed position in which the water stream is directed to the collection chamber (4), and an open position in which the water stream may flow to the outlet (21) and the water in the collection chamber (4) may be drained from the collection chamber (4) to the outlet (21) by way of the flow passage (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: CULLIN INNOVATION PTY LTD
    Inventor: Peter CULLIN
  • Patent number: 7516755
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for producing and distributing compressed air that comprises at least one compressor (1) having connected thereto a suction pipe (2) for the intake of air and an output pipe (3) for air compressed by said at least one compressor, and distribution piping (4) connected to the output pipe (3) for distributing air to sites of use (5, 6). According to the invention, the system further comprises a return pipe (7) arranged between the suction pipe (2) and at least one site of use (5) for receiving air reduced in pressure in it and feeding it back to said at least one compressor (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Op Systems Oy
    Inventor: Raimo Parkkinen
  • Publication number: 20090050709
    Abstract: A powder paint recirculation block assembly for use in a powder paint transfer assembly, and a method of operation, is disclosed. The recirculation block assembly includes a powder paint recirculation block body having an intake flow passage directing flow to an applicator flow passage leading to an application flow control assembly and a return flow passage leading to a return flow control assembly. The angles (change in direction) through which powder paint flows may be minimized to minimize potential impact fusion. The pinch rubbers in pneumatic pinch valves of the application flow control assembly and return flow control assembly may be removable to allow for valve repair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., EFC SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Frank P. Rauch, Eric G. Norrmalm, Fei Yang, Gunnar Van Der Steur
  • Publication number: 20090020172
    Abstract: A water distribution apparatus comprises a water user outlet facility and a water re-circulation loop. The water re-circulation loop comprises a water supply, a water pump for establishing and maintaining a flow of water in the loop, a water delivery path extending from the pump to a water user outlet facility, a water return path extending from the water user outlet facility to the water supply, and a thermal disinfection apparatus disposed in the water delivery path for improving the potability of the water within the loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: Robert E. Walker
  • Publication number: 20080264499
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a machine is disclosed. The hydraulic control system may have a source driven by an engine to pressurize fluid, and a tool actuator movable by pressurized fluid. The hydraulic control system may further have a first valve element movable to control an amount of pressurized fluid directed to the tool actuator, and an interface device movable by an operator to control an amount of pressurized fluid directed to move the first valve element. The hydraulic control system may also have a second valve element movable to limit an amount of pressurized fluid available to move the first valve element, and a controller in communication with the second valve element. The controller may be configured to move the second valve element to reduce pressurized fluid directed to the first valve element in an amount related to a load on the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Kevin A. Bacon, Andrew J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7392818
    Abstract: A slurry dispensing system comprises a first supply station, a second supply station, a first loop, a second loop, a first valve and a second valve. The first loop is selectively connected to the first supply station and the second supply station. The second loop is also selectively connected to the first supply station and the second supply station. The first valve connects the first loop to points of use. The second valve connects the second loop to the points of use. When slurry is supplied to the first loop from the first slurry station, slurry is supplied to the second loop from the second slurry station. When the first valve is opened and the second valve is closed, slurry is supplied to the points of use from the first loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Tzung Hsu, Paul Tan, Chiang-Jeh Chen, Cho-Ching Chen, Hui-Ming Chu
  • Patent number: 7389792
    Abstract: An apparatus for sampling or feeding a flowable material through a wall of a vessel or conduit includes a body having a collection chamber formed therein. A passage has an opening operatively connected to the collection chamber. An orifice is formed in the body and is in communication with the collection chamber. The orifice is located generally adjacent the opening of the passage. A sealing device is mounted to the body to seal and unseal said orifice. Furthermore, at least a portion of the opening of the passage is located flush with or on a process side of the wall of the vessel or conduit when the apparatus is mounted to the wall of the vessel or conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: NL Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Newberg
  • Patent number: 7338606
    Abstract: An arrangement and method for maintaining a minimum flow velocity in return piping receiving dirty coolant from a plurality of machine tools receiving filtered coolant from a filter apparatus. A bypass line diverts clean coolant into the return piping via a pressure reducing valve set to allow make up flow of clean coolant into the return piping just sufficient to maintain a pressure corresponding to the minimum flow velocity in the return piping. A pressure maintaining valve is interposed upstream of the pressure reducing valve and set to restrict flow as necessary to maintain adequate pressure to insure that the machine tools are adequately supplied with clean coolant at start up prior to the beginning of contaminated flow in the return piping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: Jack R. Bratten
  • Publication number: 20080017249
    Abstract: A slurry dispensing system comprises a first supply station, a second supply station, a first loop, a second loop, a first valve and a second valve. The first loop is selectively connected to the first supply station and the second supply station. The second loop is also selectively connected to the first supply station and the second supply station. The first valve connects the first loop to points of use. The second valve connects the second loop to the points of use. When slurry is supplied to the first loop from the first slurry station, slurry is supplied to the second loop from the second slurry station. When the first valve is opened and the second valve is closed, slurry is supplied to the points of use from the first loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ming-Tzung Hsu, Paul Tan, Chiang-Jeh Chen, Cho-Ching Chen, Hui-Ming Chu
  • Patent number: 7316243
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system includes a fluid storage vessel that feeds a first pipe work loop having a first pump that urges fluid through the first loop at a first pressure and which returns to the vessel. At least one pipe work branch is fed from the storage vessel or the first pipe work loop. The pipe work branch includes a second pump that urges fluid through the pipe work branch at a second pressure. The fluid having flowed through a return manifold is returned to the vessel when the offtakes are closed. Opening of one or more offtakes opens the system to atmospheric pressure and causes the direction of fluid flow to reverse in one or more hoses that connect the one or more opened offtakes with the return manifold. The one or more opened offtakes is supplied with fluid from both the branch manifold and return manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Honeyman Group Limited
    Inventors: Trevor Honeymann, Kenneth Robinson
  • Patent number: 7308906
    Abstract: A method and system for the distribution of water in a high rise building is provided using a minimum number of piping risers. The system has a domestic cold water riser, and a domestic hot water supply riser and a return riser. At each serviced floor, a cold water supply main extends from the domestic cold water riser and a hot water supply main extends from the domestic hot water supply riser. On each floor at which riser pressure is higher than domestic use pressures, a valve reduces the pressure of the entire cold water supply main to domestic use pressures. One or more valves at each of one or more suites on the floor reduce the pressure of the hot water to each suite, leaving the hot water supply main for the floor at full riser pressure. Coupling fan-coils with chilled water supply and the full pressure domestic hot water provides an efficient piping system for both environmental controls and domestic hot water use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventor: Ross Sinclaire
  • Patent number: 7240692
    Abstract: A system for producing and distributing compressed air that comprises at least one compressor (1) having connected thereto a suction pipe (2) for the intake of air and an output pipe (3) for air compressed by the at least one compressor, and distribution piping (4) connected to the output pipe (3) for distributing air to sites of use (5, 6). The system further comprises a return pipe (7) arranged between the suction pipe (2) and at least one site of use (5) for receiving air reduced in pressure in it and feeding it back to the at least one compressor (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: OP Systems Oy
    Inventor: Raimo Parkkinen
  • Patent number: 7178543
    Abstract: An apparatus is shown for attachment to a plumbing system for the rapid on-demand delivery of hot water through the plumbing system to an ultimate point of use. The apparatus includes a diverter valve located in a hot water supply line upstream of the point of use. The diverter valve is actuated for a predetermined interval by a user to initially purge cold water from the hot water line to a drain. After the preset interval, the valve automatically closes. The initial diversion of cold water standing in the water supply line causes rapid delivery of hot water to the point of use once the diverter valve has completed its cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Charles L. Adams
  • Patent number: 7172689
    Abstract: An arrangement and method for maintaining a minimum flow velocity in return piping receiving dirty coolant from a plurality of machine tools receiving filtered coolant from a filter apparatus. A bypass line diverts clean coolant into the return piping via a pressure reducing valve set to allow make up flow of clean coolant into the return piping just sufficient to maintain a pressure corresponding to the minimum flow velocity in the return piping. A pressure maintaining valve is interposed upstream of the pressure reducing valve and set to restrict flow as necessary to maintain adequate pressure to insure that the machine tools are adequately supplied with clean coolant at start up prior to the beginning of contaminated flow in the return piping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Jack R. Bratten
  • Patent number: 7089955
    Abstract: The present recreational vehicle water warming and circulating system uses the heated water in the water heater to heat the on-board water supply when the outside air temperature drops below the freezing point of water. The system includes a holding tank for containing a majority of the on-board water supply, and heated and cold loops that supply heated and cold water to various fixtures in the recreational vehicle. When temperature sensors sense a potentially freezing condition, a control circuit opens one or more solenoid valves to open the one or both loops to return undispensed heated or cold water to the holding tank. The control circuit closes the solenoid valves when the potentially freezing condition is no longer detected by the temperature sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Grant T. Komro, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7077149
    Abstract: An apparatus for injecting a fluid into a closed pressurized system can be connected to a service port of the system. The fluid can be introduced into the system using the resting and operating pressures of the closed pressurized system. The system can be a climate control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Bright Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence D. Kalley, John Burke
  • Patent number: 7077155
    Abstract: A hot water circulating system to provide instant hot water including a hot water source connected to one or more fixtures and a hot water return line from the fixture to the hot water source including a check valve and a continuous circulation pump in the return line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Bruno Giammaria
  • Patent number: 7036520
    Abstract: A hot water recirculation system includes a source of hot water, a fixture, a fluid circuit, a fluid pump, and an electrical circuit sensor. The fixture is remote from the source of hot water and is configured to dispense hot water. The fluid circuit extends from the source to the fixture for delivering hot water to the fixture. The fluid circuit returns to the source for recirculating hot water in the fluid circuit back to the source for reheating. The fluid pump is configured for recirculating hot water through the fluid circuit. The electrical circuit sensor is configured to detect operation of an electrical circuit proximate the fixture and associated with a user operating the fixture. The electrical circuit sensor is further configured to initiate operation of the fluid pump responsive to detected operation of the electrical circuit to initiate hot water recirculation. A method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Pearson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7028489
    Abstract: A dual purpose recirculation valve system for a cryogenic vessel includes a fill line, a delivery line assembly, a recirculation line and a recirculation valve. The cryogenic vessel defines a storage space and includes a pressure monitoring device structured to monitor the pressure in the storage space, as well as an electronic control system structured to receive input from the pressure monitoring device. The fill line is structured to be coupled to a bulk tank, whereby the storage space is filled with a cryogenic fluid. The delivery line assembly has a delivery coupling assembly and the delivery line assembly structured to remove the cryogenic fluid from the storage space and deliver the cryogenic fluid to the delivery coupling assembly. The recirculation line extends between, and is in fluid communication with both, the fill line and the delivery line assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Harsco Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Ivan Keith Hall