Floating Distributor Patents (Class 261/120)
  • Patent number: 11772439
    Abstract: There is provided an amphibious vehicle for use on land and water comprising lateral floaters which increases the stability of the vehicle when in water. While on land, the lateral floaters may be retracted within the body of the vehicle to reduce the width of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Inventor: Robert Taillefer
  • Patent number: 11691905
    Abstract: A liquid aeration system includes an air compressor system and a diffuser. The air compressor system includes an air intake manifold, an air compressor, and a compressor inlet line. The compressor inlet line fluidly connects the air intake manifold and the suction inlet of the air compressor. The compressor suctions air from the air intake manifold through at least the suction inlet hose. The compressor compresses the air into compressed air that is supplied to the diffuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Kasco Marine, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Dombrock, Ian Watters, James Verdouw, Trevor Johnson
  • Patent number: 11306280
    Abstract: The present application focuses on systems and methods that utilize one or more carbon dioxide (CO2) sorbent substrates and a swing cycle, e.g., a moisture swing cycle, to increase the partial pressure of the CO2 in a gaseous feedstock, which is delivered through a membrane to a bioreactor, such as a membrane carbonation photobioreactor. Such systems and processes offer an effective means for concentrating and capturing CO2 obtained from air and delivering the concentrated CO2 to a photobioreactor through a membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Bruce Rittmann, Klaus Lackner, Justin Flory, Megha Patel, Allen Wright
  • Patent number: 11220439
    Abstract: A wastewater evaporation system includes a plurality of tube sections configured to direct compressed air into the wastewater. A portion of the manifold defines an injection head configured to be at least partially submerged below a surface of the wastewater. The wastewater evaporation system also includes an air compressor configured to direct the compressed air to the manifold. The wastewater evaporation system also includes a buoy system coupled to the manifold. The buoy system includes a buoy configured to maintain a portion of the manifold above the surface of the wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Tae-Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 11060754
    Abstract: A system for use with a manhole vault having an internal atmosphere, and, optionally, with a ventilation stack connecting the vault to an external atmosphere. The system includes a manhole cover, a ventilation pipe, and an air moving assembly. The cover has one or more through-holes extending between top and bottom surfaces. Each of the through-hole(s) is in fluid communication with the external atmosphere at the top surface. The pipe has a through-channel that extends between first and second openings. The first opening is positioned proximal to either an opening into the ventilation stack or at least one of the through-hole(s) at the bottom surface of the cover. The second opening is positioned in the interior of the vault. The device is configured to cause a portion of one of the interior and external atmospheres to flow through the through-channel toward a different one of the interior and external atmospheres.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: NOVINIUM, INC.
    Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras, Mark Newton, James Steele
  • Patent number: 10969136
    Abstract: A system for use with a manhole vault having an internal atmosphere, and, optionally, with a ventilation stack connecting the vault to an external atmosphere. The system includes a manhole cover, a ventilation pipe, and an air moving assembly. The cover has one or more through-holes extending between top and bottom surfaces. Each of the through-hole(s) is in fluid communication with the external atmosphere at the top surface. The pipe has a through-channel that extends between first and second openings. The first opening is positioned proximal to either an opening into the ventilation stack or at least one of the through-hole(s) at the bottom surface of the cover. The second opening is positioned in the interior of the vault. The device is configured to cause a portion of one of the interior and external atmospheres to flow through the through-channel toward a different one of the interior and external atmospheres.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: NOVINIUM, INC.
    Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras, Mark Newton, James Steele
  • Patent number: 10322257
    Abstract: A humidifier assembly (100, 100-1) includes a reservoir (120), an inlet structure (112, 112-1) leading into the reservoir and an outlet structure (114, 114-1) leading out of the reservoir, and a conduit element (130, 130-1) having a first end (131, 131-1), a body portion (132, 132-1), and a second end (133, 133-1). The first end is fluidly coupled to at least one of the inlet structure and the outlet structure The humidifier assembly additionally includes a float assembly (140, 140-1) coupled to the second end of the conduit element. The float assembly is structured to float on water held by the reservoir. The float assembly has a number of apertures (153, 153-1) structured to be in fluid communication with the outlet structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Mark William DiMatteo, Mark Wayne Barclay, John Raymond Pujol
  • Patent number: 10066846
    Abstract: Provided is a floating type humidifier, and particularly, a floating type humidifier which can prevent, when a floating type humidifier discharging water particles or vapor while floating on water in a water tank loses a balance thereof and falls, the water stored in the water tank from flushing abruptly and even though a water tank falls due to external force such as an earthquake or carelessness of a user, water stored in the water tank is prevented from being abruptly discharged to minimize a cleaning operation which occurs as much water is discharged, the floating type humidifier can prevent foreign materials from being input in the water stored in the water tank, and the floating type humidifier can be stably used even at places including a hospital, a kindergarten, and a home where a lot of children move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: MIRO CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Min Seok Kim
  • Patent number: 10060640
    Abstract: Provided is a floating type humidifier, and particularly, a floating type humidifier which can prevent, when a floating type humidifier discharging water particles or vapor while floating on water in a water tank loses a balance thereof and falls, the water stored in the water tank from flushing abruptly and even though a water tank falls due to external force such as an earthquake or carelessness of a user, water stored in the water tank is prevented from being abruptly discharged to minimize a cleaning operation which occurs as much water is discharged, the floating type humidifier can prevent foreign materials from being input in the water stored in the water tank, and the floating type humidifier can be stably used even at places including a hospital, a kindergarten, and a home where a lot of children move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: MIRO CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Min Seok Kim
  • Patent number: 10034987
    Abstract: An essential oils diffuser with a micro air pump providing between 500 and 1500 Pa of pressure with a consumption of between 0.2 and 1 Watts may be used to push air into essential oils or an essential oil solution to diffuse and expel the oils into the air, while keeping the oils away from the air pump, preventing the oils from shortening the life of the diffuser. The diffuser may include a power supply and a controller to regulate the operation of the diffuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: SPDI Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Pitcher
  • Patent number: 9964332
    Abstract: A vaporization system for liquid precursor includes a bubbler portion configured to store liquid precursor and to supply carrier gas into the liquid precursor to vaporize the liquid precursor to generate vaporized precursor. A baffle portion is arranged in fluid communication with the bubbler portion and includes N heated baffles, where N is an integer greater than or equal to one. The vaporized precursor generated by the bubbler portion passes through the N heated baffles before flowing to a substrate processing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: LAM RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventor: Gary Lind
  • Patent number: 9943774
    Abstract: A reservoir evaporation system for evaporating fluid from an open reservoir of effluent containing a contaminant includes a fluid evaporator, an air pump, and an air supply conduit functionally connecting the fluid evaporator with the air pump. The fluid evaporator includes a vessel adapted to be positioned in an operative position partially submerged on the top surface of the effluent in the reservoir with a lower chamber submerged in the effluent and an upper chamber extending above the top surface of the effluent. In operation, air from the air pump mixes with the effluent inside the fluid evaporator and subsequently is discharged through exhaust openings. A fluid discharge pipe can also simultaneously discharge aerated effluent back down into the reservoir. Fluid is thereby separated from the effluent in the lower chamber by evaporation in a controlled manner that minimizes spread of contaminants to surrounding environments by wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: HEARTLAND TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS LLC
    Inventors: Bernard F. Duesel, Jr., Craig Clerkin, Michael J. Rutsch
  • Patent number: 9884262
    Abstract: A bubble generating apparatus includes an air flow generator, a liquid tray defined by a floor and sidewalls and having one or more bubble forming ports therein, and a pivot arm coupled to a motor for pivoting the pivot arm about an axis so that during pivoting a bubble generating member of the pivot arm passes over one of the bubble forming ports, the air flow generator positioned to direct an air stream through the one or more bubble forming ports, and a gravity feed liquid reservoir, wherein the liquid tray is configured to generate bubbles from the liquid when the air flow generator directs the air stream through the one or more bubble forming ports while the pivot arm pivots about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Honor Metro Limited
    Inventor: Marcus Huey
  • Patent number: 9828166
    Abstract: A blow molded bottle (1): a) which is self-collapsible during its emptying; b) which comprises at least two transversal grooves and/or ribs (6.1), preferably located in the tubular body portion (6), equipped with collapse starters (6.2); c) wherein the mean wall thickness (Tmean) of the tubular body portion (6) is—in an increasing order of preference—less than or equal to 200; 180; 160; 150 ?m; preferably comprised between 65 and 150; and more preferably comprised between 90 and 130 ?m. The invention also discloses a method, a preform (100) and a mold for the manufacture of the aforementioned container by blow molding. The invention also discloses a method for bottling liquid into the bottles (1), a method for dispensing the liquid, a dispenser for implementing the method and a method for packing the thin-walled bottles, in view of storage and transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: SOCIETE ANONYME DES EAUX MINERALES D'EVIAN et en abrégé “S.A.E.M.E.”
    Inventors: Marie-Bernard Bouffand, Alain Colloud, Christine Gehringer, Agnieszka Jeziorska, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9795937
    Abstract: A fluid holding structure fluid circulating system includes a fluid movement assembly with a propeller including a housing having a perimeter wall and a plurality of blades attached to an outer surface of the perimeter wall. A motor is mechanically coupled to the propeller and is positioned above the propeller. A buoy has buoyancy in fluid great enough to raise the fluid movement assembly adjacent to a surface of a fluid holding structure when the motor is turned off. The motor is mounted within the buoy and the propeller urges fluid upwardly toward the buoy when the motor is turned on to rotate the propeller. The propeller is completely exposed around its lateral periphery. A positioning cable is attached to the fluid movement assembly to facilitate movement thereof within the fluid holding structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: John Ries
  • Patent number: 9696050
    Abstract: The invention relates to an evaporative humidifier including a water reservoir, a wick unit and a fan unit. The wick unit is configured to absorb water from the water reservoir. The fan unit is arranged within a fan housing and configured to force an air flow to flow through the wick unit. The fan housing comprises a top cover unit defining at least one annular air outlet at an outer part adjacent a circumference of the top cover unit. One of the main advantages of this invention is that the evaporative humidifier has an optimal air flow path and can operate in a low noise. The invention also relates to an indoor climate controlling system using such an evaporative humidifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: John Robert McGarva, Emma Sandberg, Lei Tao Chen, Zhiyoung Dai, Jean Bart Bleeker
  • Patent number: 9586184
    Abstract: An air-powered water circulation system for ponds, lakes, municipal water tanks, and other bodies of water having a draft tube extending along and about a vertical axis between upper and lower end portions and supported by a flotation arrangement with the upper end portion slightly below the water surface. A pneumatic, air flow arrangement is then provided to supply pressurized air from an aft pump to a plurality of submerged air pipes positioned within the draft tube below the upper end portion thereof and extending inwardly from a submerged manifold toward the interior of the draft tube. In operation, pressurized air is supplied from the air pump through an air delivery conduit to the submerged air manifold and into the submerged air pipes where it is discharged as air bubbles through series of discharge holes extending along the pipes to create an overall circulation pattern in the body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Medora Environmental, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel J. Bleth, Douglas P. Walter, Jonathan L. Zent, Corey M. Simnioniw, Willard R. Tormaschy
  • Patent number: 9260331
    Abstract: Disclosed is a water circulating device using sunlight which is installed in a park or a lake and circulates water to improve the quality of water. The water circulating device includes an expandable corrugated tube unit for introducing water within a water area to disperse the water to an upper stratum of the water area, a unit frame for supporting the expandable corrugated tube unit, a plurality of barge units for providing buoyancy to the expandable corrugated tube unit and the unit frame, an impeller for dispersing the water in the expandable corrugated tube unit to outside the expandable corrugated tube unit, and a torque provider for providing torque to the impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: ECOCO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Myoung-ha Park
  • Patent number: 8998179
    Abstract: An aeration ship including a ship body, a ship bottom, and an aerator. The aerator includes an air cylinder having an upper section and a lower section. The upper section of the air cylinder is fixed on the ship body, and the lower section of the air cylinder penetrates the ship bottom and extends downwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventors: Shulin Sun, Jian Sun
  • Publication number: 20150001743
    Abstract: An anti-icing apparatus for use with an aerator or other in-water device is disclosed. The anti-icing apparatus uses perforated tubes to introduce ambient air into a body of liquid. Anti-icing tubes are positioned near the lower periphery of the sides of the aerator housing. A blower is used to supply ambient air to the anti-icing tubes. The anti-icing tubes produce a blanket of air bubbles around the housing and thus prevent the formation of ice around the aerator. The anti-icing apparatus may be used to protect various devices that must remain in a body of water during sustained periods of below-freezing temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: JAMES DARTEZ
  • Publication number: 20140319054
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treatment of wastewater in waste processing ponds and other enclosed bodies of water are provided. An aerator are configured to include a first set of concentric air hoses disposed at a first position between the water outflow lip and the water intake, the first set of concentric air hoses being in fluid communication with an air inlet disposed at a position on the upper float chassis above the surface level of the water; and a second set of concentric air hoses disposed at a second position between the water first set of concentric air hoses and the water intake, the second set of concentric air hoses being in fluid communication with the air inlet, wherein the first set of concentric air hoses and the second set of concentric air hoses emit jets of air bubbles into the water column between the water intake and the water outflow lip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: ABSOLUTE AERATION
    Inventors: Griscom Bettle, III, James Rhrodrick Key, Ricky Eugene Roberts
  • Patent number: 8808497
    Abstract: A reservoir evaporation system for evaporating fluid from an open reservoir of effluent containing a contaminant includes a fluid evaporator, an air pump, and an air supply conduit functionally connecting the fluid evaporator with the air pump. The fluid evaporator includes a vessel adapted to be positioned in an operative position partially submerged on the top surface of the effluent in the reservoir with a lower chamber submerged in the effluent and an upper chamber extending above the top surface of the effluent. In operation, air from the air pump mixes with the effluent inside the fluid evaporator and subsequently is discharged through exhaust openings. A fluid discharge pipe can also simultaneously discharge aerated effluent back down into the reservoir. Fluid is thereby separated from the effluent in the lower chamber by evaporation in a controlled manner that minimizes spread of contaminants to surrounding environments by wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Heartland Technology Partners LLC
    Inventors: Bernard F. Duesel, Jr., Michael J. Rutsch, Craig Clerkin
  • Patent number: 8678358
    Abstract: The buoyant aerator with support legs is disposed in a body of water and supplied with air from a remote source. The remote source may be land-based or based upon a floating vessel. An air supply line extends from the remote air source to the aerator, the supply line being supported by one or more rigid poles or columns anchored into the floor of the body of water. The entire aerator structure floats to hold the aerator at a constant level and is held in position by restraining cables. A plurality of rigid support legs extends from the periphery of the float to support the aerator in conditions where the water level drops below the height of the aerator as defined by the vertical distance between the float and the support pads of the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: Bader Shafaqa Alenzi
  • Patent number: 8651766
    Abstract: Circulation and aeration systems for ponds, lakes, sounds, treatment basins, and other bodies of water. In one set of embodiments, water is pumped in a downward direction to circulate ambient oxygen from the atmosphere and produced by plant photosynthesis to deeper strata. In other embodiments, water is circulated within predetermined depth strata. Each system preferably includes a wind turbine, a drive shaft, and an impeller array. Some systems include conduits for conveying and mixing water from and to selected depth strata, or configured as an open impeller-mixing apparatus. Alternative embodiments include systems which incorporate electrical power generation by the wind turbine, solar power generation and use hybrid wind-solar apparatus, and combinations of land-based and in-water based apparatus. A pneumatic pump diffuser and a control flow centered orifice diffuser line are employed in some embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Robert W. Kortmann
  • Patent number: 8622371
    Abstract: The anchored aerator has a non-buoyant sunken base and a plurality of rigid guide columns extending upward therefrom. A toroidal float is captured between the guide columns, and rises and descends with changes in water level. A down tube passes through the center of the float. A diffuser having a number of radially extending diffuser pipes is installed at the lower end of the down tube. Air is supplied from a remote source, either land-based or based upon a floating vessel. The remote source may supply air to more than one aerator. An air supply line extends from the remote air source to each aerator. Each supply line is supported by one or more rigid columns anchored into the floor of the body of water. The primary aerator structure floats to hold the aerator at a constant level, and is held in position by restraining cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Bader Shafaqa Alenzi
  • Patent number: 8622370
    Abstract: The aerator air distribution manifold has a central plenum disposed at the lower end of a concentric rigid downpipe or duct, and a radial array of diffuser tubes extending from the plenum. Since the aerators are buoyant, the aeration tubes are deployed at a constant, uniform depth below the surface of the water at all times, regardless of the water level. All of the aerator manifolds receive their air supply from a remotely disposed air source. The air source may be based on shore, or may be based upon a ship or other floating vessel. A flexible air supply line or hose extends from the air supply to each of the buoyant aerators, the hose being supported by one or more rigid columns or poles anchored into the bottom of the body of water in which the aerators are placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Bader Shafaqa Alenzi
  • Patent number: 8623174
    Abstract: A liquid evaporation system for evaporating clean water from a reservoir of wastewater includes a liquid evaporator to evaporate and separate water vapor from the wastewater in a confined space, an air blower to supply air to the liquid evaporator, and a wastewater heating system arranged to collect heat to heat the wastewater in the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Heartland Technology Partners LLC
    Inventors: Bernard F. Duesel, Jr., Craig Clerkin
  • Patent number: 8585869
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and/or apparatuses for treating wastewater produced at a thermoelectric power plant, other industrial plants, and/or other industrial sources are disclosed. The wastewater is directed through a wastewater concentrator including a direct contact adiabatic concentration system. A stream of hot feed gases is directed through the wastewater concentrator. The wastewater concentrator mixes the hot feed gases directly with the wastewater and evaporates water vapor from the wastewater. The wastewater concentrator separates the water vapor from remaining concentrated wastewater. A contained air-water interface liquid evaporator may be arranged to pre-process the wastewater before being treated by the wastewater concentrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Heartland Technology Partners LLC
    Inventors: Bernard F. Duesel, Jr., Craig Clerkin
  • Publication number: 20130292858
    Abstract: An aeration system may have a submersible aerator that may be located on the bottom of a body of water and a floating aerator that may operate directly above the submersible aerator. The submersible aerator may create a laminar column of bubbles and may be powered by an air compressor. The floating aerator may use a motor driven propeller to agitate water on the water surface. A controller may determine when to operate the aerators, and may operate them separately or together in some instances. Some embodiments may have a controller that operates the aerators differently based on energy supply, which may vary in solar powered systems with a battery bank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: KEETON INDUSTRIES
    Inventor: Jimmie A. Keeton, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130256221
    Abstract: Wastewater treatment tank for achieving hydraulic flow equalization and high efficiency soluble biological oxygen demand (BOD) removal. The wastewater treatment tank provides a compact arrangement of at least one dissolved air flotation (DAF) cell and an equalization reactor cell. The tank achieves regulatory wastewater pretreatment requirements for reducing total BOD concentrations below 250 to 300 mg/L.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: John H. Reid
  • Patent number: 8523984
    Abstract: Water circulation systems with air stripping arrangements to treat and remove undesirable disinfectant byproducts from potable water in municipal water tanks, ponds, and other bodies of water. The systems include a flotation platform, dish, draft tube, and an impeller to draw water from the depths of the tank up through the draft tube to be discharged outwardly of the dish to create a primary circulation pattern and an induced, inner or secondary circulation pattern. Each system additionally includes an air stripping arrangement positioned adjacent and about the upper portion of the draft tube and adjacent an upper portion of the secondary flow. The air stripping arrangement includes a plurality of submerged sets of air manifolds wherein pressurized air is supplied to the air manifolds and driven out of them in bubbles to create a treatment zone immediately above each set of manifolds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Medora Environmental, Inc.
    Inventors: Corey M. Simnioniw, Jonathan L. Zent, Douglas P. Walter, Joel J. Bleth, Willard R. Tormaschy
  • Publication number: 20130220940
    Abstract: A system for treatment of suspended solids in a liquid medium having a one pond, an apparatus for controlled ventilation and aeration of a liquid medium, the apparatus having a dome supported by a flotation device, a blower, a lower housing supported by the flotation device, the lower housing connected to the dome, an aeration apparatus positioned within the sealed space and partially submerged in the flotation liquid, and having one or more parallel shafts, at least one first disc positioned axially on one of the shafts, at least one second disc positioned axially on another of the shafts, wherein the second disc is interleaved relative to the first disc, and wherein a surface of the first disc rotates in a direction opposite a surface of the second disc relative to each other resulting in a mixing area therebetween, and wherein the apparatus is positioned within the pond.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: Robert J. Galletta
  • Patent number: 8512561
    Abstract: The water aerator using a compressed gas container is a self-contained unit having a float and a container of compressed gas (e.g., air, oxygen, etc.) installed beneath a perforated diffuser plate that, in turn, is positioned below the float. High-pressure gas from the container flows through a pipe or tube to a regulator valve and pressure gauge at the top of the pipe. A larger diameter low-pressure pipe or tube is placed concentrically about the high-pressure pipe. Regulated low-pressure gas flows down through the outer low-pressure pipe to a dispensing nozzle below the diffuser plate, whereupon the gas flows upward and is broken up by the perforations in the diffuser plate to form smaller aeration bubbles. An electrical power source, pressure switch, and light may be provided to indicate when the compressed gas container is depleted. The device may be motorized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Bader Shafaqa Al-Anzi
  • Publication number: 20130207282
    Abstract: An aeration apparatus is provided. The aeration apparatus includes a raft, a cruising device, and an aeration device. The aeration device is installed on the raft. In use, the raft floats on a water surface, the cruising device propels the raft back and forth on the water surface, and the aeration device diffuses bubbles under the water surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Rong-Feng Tsai, Wen-Yuh Jywe
  • Patent number: 8500107
    Abstract: An aeration device adapted for the introduction of gas into a liquid medium is provided, including an elongated primary distribution member with a proximal end adapted to be connected to a gas source and a distal end adapted to be immersed into the medium. Additionally, at least one aeration member is connected to the primary distribution member at a location on the distribution member spaced from the proximal end thereof and being in fluid communication with the distribution member, adapted for bringing the gas into a state entrappable within the liquid medium. Also, a flotation member is provided, mounted onto the primary distribution member and adapted to assume various positions along the distribution member according to the level of the liquid medium. An aeration system is also provided, the system including an array of aeration devices as described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Mapal Green Energy Ltd.
    Inventor: Hanoch Magen
  • Patent number: 8413968
    Abstract: The water aeration capsules provide a quick and highly portable system for aerating polluted water. The capsules contain bubbles of air, oxygen, and/or other gas(es) surrounded by a water soluble shell or membrane of a suitable substance, e.g., various salts, sugars, water-soluble polymers, such as polyvinyl alcohol. The capsules are ballasted to make their specific gravity greater than the water they displace. The ballast may comprise any non-toxic metal, sand, clay, or other non-organic material, and/or fish bait or other food for aquatic animals. Magnetically attractive ballast elements may be provided, and a magnetic sheet may be placed on the bottom of a smaller body of water to enhance the settling of the capsules. Various means of dispensing the capsules from various mobile carriers are also disclosed, including dispensing by hand from shore or by a diver, from a small boat or larger ship, and/or from aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Bader Shafaqa Al-Anzi
  • Patent number: 8413966
    Abstract: The water aeration system using a renewable energy source is a self-contained unit having a float and a perforated diffuser plate positioned below the float. An electrically powered air pump is installed atop the structure, and a device for collecting renewable energy also extends above the structure. The renewable energy collection device may be one or more solar panels or a wind generator or wind turbine. The pump draws ambient air in through an inlet and pumps the air down through a supply tube to escape from a nozzle below the diffuser plate. The air then bubbles up through the water, the bubbles being broken up by the small perforations of the diffuser plate to provide efficient aeration of the water. An electrical storage battery and auxiliary power receptacle may be provided to power the pump motor during periods when solar or wind power is not available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Bader Shafaqa Al-Anzi
  • Patent number: 8398296
    Abstract: The invention provides a mixing system comprising a magnetically coupled drive system and a foil for cultivating algae, or cyanobacteria, in an open or enclosed vessel. The invention provides effective mixing, low energy usage, low capital expenditure, and ease of drive system component maintenance while maintaining the integrity of a sealed mixing vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Algenol Biofuels Inc.
    Inventors: Harlan Miller, III, George Meichel, Edward Legere, Edwin Malkiel, Robert Paul Woods, Oliver Ashley, Joseph Katz, Jason Ward, Paul Petersen
  • Publication number: 20130049237
    Abstract: The water aeration capsules provide a quick and highly portable system for aerating polluted water. The capsules contain bubbles of air, oxygen, and/or other gas(es) surrounded by a water soluble shell or membrane of a suitable substance, e.g., various salts, sugars, water-soluble polymers, such as polyvinyl alcohol. The capsules are ballasted to make their specific gravity greater than the water they displace. The ballast may comprise any non-toxic metal, sand, clay, or other non-organic material, and/or fish bait or other food for aquatic animals. Magnetically attractive ballast elements may be provided, and a magnetic sheet may be placed on the bottom of a smaller body of water to enhance the settling of the capsules. Various means of dispensing the capsules from various mobile carriers are also disclosed, including dispensing by hand from shore or by a diver, from a small boat or larger ship, and/or from aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: BADER SHAFAQA AL-ANZI
  • Patent number: 8302940
    Abstract: An energy-saving and wind-powered aerator includes a floating carrier (1), a wind turbine (2), a water stirrer (3), and a transmission element (4). The floating carrier (1) has a supporting structure (12). The wind turbine (2) is connected to an upper portion of the supporting structure (12). The water stirrer (3) is mounted to the floating carrier (1). The transmission element (4) is connected to the wind turbine (2) and the water stirrer (3). The water stirrer (3) is rotated by means of the rotation of the wind turbine (2) and a driving action of the transmission element (4). With this arrangement, the wind turbine (2) is blown by natural and inexhaustible wind to rotate, so that the water stirrer (3) can be driven by the transmission element (4) to beat water rapidly, thereby increasing the amount of oxygen dissolved in the water and facilitating the decomposition of organic compounds in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Jetpro Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Shih-Hsiung Chen
  • Patent number: 8276889
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing a bubble curtain with a diversity of bubble diameters for purposes such as modifying the characteristics of a seismic source used in marine seismic surveys. Bubble generating elements are used that combine porous wall material with discrete holes (91) to create a curtain of diverse-sized bubbles (92).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Michael W. Norris, Steven E. Heiney, Warren S. Ross, Marvin L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8256748
    Abstract: A working pontoon raft has frame that supports a plurality of high speed evaporator fans. An alternative design uses a skid to support the same high speed evaporator fans. An on board pump draws wastewater from under the raft or via a hose from the pond to the skid and feeds it to the fans. Large amounts of wastewater from industrial reservoirs, such as oil drilling reservoirs, are evaporated into the air in an environmentally friendly manner Power is supplied to the raft via hydraulic lines. A land base generator supplies the hydraulic power. The entire system fits on a custom trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Aston Evaporative Services, LLC
    Inventor: Roger P. Boulter
  • Patent number: 8246018
    Abstract: A diffuser assembly with a buoyancy vessel and a chamber for buoyantly raising the diffuser assembly for maintenance work. The diffuser assembly has a support structure, diffusers connected to the frame, and a buoyancy vessel positioned on the frame, capable of alternating between a state of buoyancy or ballast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Environmental Dynamics International, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Tharp
  • Publication number: 20120193819
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling element for connecting at least one aeration body to the feed line of a water aerating device. According to the invention, said coupling element has at least one integrated flow channel for a gaseous medium along a curved section, the inlet opening and outlet opening of said channel being arranged at different angular positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: BIOWORKS VERFAHRENSTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventor: Peter Kröner
  • Patent number: 8191868
    Abstract: A floating oxygenation circulator platform (OCP) is disclosed employing sub-vortex induction to initiate numerous, gentle yet complex, tumbling, swirling, rolling, roiling or rotating sub-vortices spreading outward on the liquid surface. The circulator platform itself sets in motion a non-turbulent, high efficiency, bottom to top, primary toroidal vortex flow. Varied sub-vortex induction mechanisms mounted on, made part of, attached to, extending out from or placed around the body of the circulator platform, induce sub-vortices to increase the surface exposure of the liquid and its contents to atmospheric oxygen and UV sunlight. The OCP and its sub-vortex induction mechanisms taken together act in the manner of a Rotating Inverse Biological Contactor (RIBC), labeled “inverse” because the liquid itself rotates and tumbles its contents into direct contact with the atmosphere and with sunlight, in contrast to RBC devices where solid disks rotate in and out of a liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventors: William Frederick Tooley, Thomas Jerome Tooley
  • Patent number: 8191869
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing gas and liquid comprising a submersible or a self contained, self powered floating pressurized dome aeration apparatus housing multi-shaft intermeshed plurality of mixing discs with a remote umbilical power and control unit and process for adding dissolved gas (oxygen) into fluid (water), wherein intermeshed rotating sets of discs operate on parallel shafts driven by variable speed motors or drives, and strakes are radially mounted on the discs to carry liquid up into a mixing area and to carry air and liquid down into a mixing area resulting in a shear force that drives air into the oxygen depleted liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Galletta Aerator, LLC
    Inventor: Robert J. Galletta, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110278746
    Abstract: A diffuser module and system for diffusing gas into liquid such as in aeration/mixing of wastewater. Each module has a header pipe and diffusers which receive gas from the header pipe. Each header pipe is equipped with a truss for enhanced structural strength and resistance to bending. The truss may take the form of a buoyancy/ballast pipe connected with the header pipe by purlins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventor: Charles E. THARP
  • Patent number: 8056887
    Abstract: A surface aerator for mixing gas and liquid is disclosed. The surface aerator has an upwardly pumping impeller located within a draft tube. A flow diverter redirects pumped liquid from the impeller traveling in an upward direction to a radially outward direction where it impacts and aerates the remaining liquid in a vessel. A baffle extends radially at a shallow depth to a point beyond the impact area of the liquid to provide separation of the impact area from the rest of the liquid and promote aeration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Blair H. Hills
  • Publication number: 20110272831
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system for deployment within a pond having a floor and a wastewater surface is formed from a plurality of floating modular aeration units that are fluidly connected to a motorized blower via a central air delivery line. Each of the floating modular aeration units has an aeration grid retained below the wastewater surface and configured to form air bubbles below the wastewater surface. A buoyant frame retains the aeration grid above the floor of the water pond at a pre-determined depth. Pressurized air is delivered to the aeration grid forcing air bubbles to rise through the water column to the surface and supply oxygen to the pond.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Robert Noel Pearson, Michael Stephen Bonner, Christopher Michael Bonner
  • Publication number: 20110254179
    Abstract: The present invention uses paddle wheel to push water through a trough raising water above the level of surrounding water to the outlet of the trough from which the water flows across an outlet tray into a conduit protruding above surrounding water surface, containing the water falling from the outlet tray in the conduit as it travels to the outlet of the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Kent Alan Henderson