Gas Inlet Patents (Class 261/64.1)
  • Patent number: 8118283
    Abstract: An aqueous scream is pumped through a vortex cylinder. The aqueous stream is rotated in a downwardly moving spiral stream within the vortex cylinder at a high downward velocity. The downward velocity of the aqueous stream increases as it flows through a discharge conduit concentrically located within a mixing chamber of the vortex cylinder. An adjustable air inlet tube open to atmospheric pressure extends through the vortex chamber and into the discharge conduit. A negative pressure zone is created at the discharge end of the discharge conduit for drawing air into the aqueous stream for mixing therewith and dissolving oxygen in the aqueous solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Lanny Vlasak
  • Publication number: 20110220209
    Abstract: A home soda machine includes a cylinder of gas suitable for carbonation, an attachment mechanism to attach a bottle of water, a valve opening mechanism to open a gas release valve on the gas cylinder and introduce the gas to the bottle of water, a gas release sensor to sense at least events indicating the opening and closing of the gas release valve, and an indirect gas meter to at least determine an amount of the gas released from the cylinder based at least on a cumulative length of time the gas release valve was open as per data received from the gas release sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: AMIR SCHORI, Alon Gendel, Allan Ring, Antony Frank Pateman, David O'Neill
  • Publication number: 20110215485
    Abstract: Home carbonator designed to work with used consumer product bottles; especially used drink bottles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventor: Benjamin H. Steinberg
  • Publication number: 20110204530
    Abstract: The single body passage (single barrel) carburetor main body design for air demand. The carburetor main body design includes a single throttle plate, a main body assembly, boosters associated with a main fuel delivery circuit, idle fuel delivery passages, transfer circuit delivery passages, air venting passages, bowl venting passages and accelerator pump passages. The idle circuit ports open downstream of the throttle plate. Transfer circuit discharge ports are positioned across the throttle plate. The combination of the idle, transfer and main fuel circuits ensures the smooth delivery of fuel throughout all operating conditions of the engine. The modular metering design incorporated with the multiple outlet booster design allows improved control of the delivery of fuel in the single body passage (single barrel) and increased air flow capability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Patrick James
  • Patent number: 8002247
    Abstract: The present invention is a quartz bubbler container with cross purge capability. This cross purge allows the user to easily purge air and chemical from the valve inlet and outlet by simply flowing inert gas, and avoids the requirement for a more complicated vacuum purging apparatus. The design incorporates two small footprint 3-way valves mounted on the bubbler container inlet and outlet connectors. The 3rd port of each valve is piped together between the valves with a crosspurge line. The valves are corrosion resistant, leak free, maintenance free, non-leaching of impurities, and can accommodate an optional breakseal crusher that will perforate quartz break seals (on the inlet and outlet of ampoule). Liquid out containers of various materials of construction are also contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Michael Birtcher, Thomas Andrew Steidl, John Eric Baker
  • Publication number: 20110151085
    Abstract: The present disclosure is related to illustrative embodiments of an apparatus and method for maintaining carbonation of sparkling beverages, such as sparkling wines, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages such as sodas and coffee. A transparent, shatter-resistant, height-adjustable carbonation enclosure is used to contain an opened bottle of a sparkling beverage. An air-tight carbonation cap with a built-in one-way valve is used to re-carbonate the beverage inside the bottle using a pressurized gas source. The base of the carbonation enclosure includes a platform that may be used to adjust the effective height of the enclosure to fit the height of the bottle and provide an air-tight interface between an opening of the bottle and the carbonation cap. The carbonation enclosure further includes a number of openings to open air to prevent pressurization of the carbonation enclosure. Another illustrative embodiment includes a safety enclosure for multiple bottles pressurized directly by conical nozzles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: PERLAGE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: R. Evan Wallace
  • Publication number: 20110134716
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods employed in wet cleaning semiconductor devices are provided. In particular, systems that can deliver deionized water with the desired concentration of CO2 and methods of generating deionized water with a desired concentration of CO2 for use in wet cleaning of semiconductor devices are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Johannes Seiwert, Ulrich Brammer, Christiane Gottschalk, Joachim Lohr
  • Publication number: 20110076211
    Abstract: Aspects include a valve comprising a flowing liquid, operable to control a flow of gas through a port. Certain aspects include reaction chambers operable to react gases, and in some aspects gases are substantially contained within an envelope comprised of a flowing liquid. Certain embodiments control gas entrance into a chamber with a valve comprised of a flowing liquid controlling gas flow through a port. Various gas scrubbing systems are described, including systems comprising reaction chambers operable to react gases that yield substantial amounts of solid reaction products. Methods for controlling gas flow are disclosed. Systems and methods include sequential steps of wet-scrubbing, reacting and further wet-scrubbing a gas stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Mark Johnsgard
  • Publication number: 20110057334
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for inserting gas bubbles into a liquid, comprising a base plate (2) with a gas supply opening (3) which is connected to a gas supply device (3) and closable by a valve, wherein a valve element (12) is fixed in the operating position directly to the upper side of the base plate (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventor: Roland Doppler
  • Publication number: 20100308479
    Abstract: A carburetor with a starter includes a carburetor body, a main fuel supply device with a swing frame, an idle speed fuel supply device with a main metering pin, a starter a joint for a fuel input pipe and a main nozzle having a fuel nozzle. The carburetor further comprises an operating mechanism having a linkage arm and an air strangler. The air strangler and the linkage arm are pivoted to two sides of the carburetor body, respectively. The linkage arm has an upper position and a lower position formed thereon. The upper position presses against the swing frame so as to move the main metering pin and cause the air strangler to shut down an air passage in the carburetor body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: QiAn Chen
  • Publication number: 20100295192
    Abstract: Provided is an aeration apparatus, which is enabled, when stopped, to prevent an air injection nozzle from being choked, by keeping the air injection nozzle out of contact with an object to be treated. An aeration apparatus (1) is dipped in the object and blows air to aerate the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicants: AURA TEC CO., LTD., KAWASHIMA SEISAKUSHO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Eguchi, Kazumi Kawashima
  • Patent number: 7731161
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods employed in wet cleaning semiconductor devices are provided. In particular, systems that can deliver deionized water with the desired concentration of CO2 and methods of generating deionized water with a desired concentration of CO2 for use in wet cleaning of semiconductor devices are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Johannes Seiwert, Ulrich Brammer, Christiane Gottschalk, Joachim Lohr
  • Patent number: 7621511
    Abstract: A fragrance disperser includes a first source (25) of fragrance associated with a first flowpath (21) and a second source of fragrance (26) associated with a second flowpath (23). A fan (17) provides a flow of air along the first flowpath (21) or the second flowpath (23) to release the associated fragrance. A flow controller (38, 52) is movable by an actuator (34) to open and close the flowpaths (21, 23) so that only one fragrance is released at a time or a proportionate mixture of the two fragrances is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Carbonate Limited
    Inventors: Paul Richard Hayes-Pankhurst, Keith Graham Lacy, Paul Simon Wells
  • Patent number: 7611131
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a carburetor of an internal combustion engine having a manually activated start position. The carburetor includes at least a choke valve and a throttle valve both located in the carburetor's main air passage which are able to move between an open and a closed position, each valve having at least one respective lever that cooperates during the manual activation to give at least one start position of the choke and throttle valves. The carburetor further usually includes at least one thermally responsive member arranged to affect the start position. Further a handle is arranged to provide a two stage draw—lift motion to attain the start position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Husqvarna AB
    Inventors: Thomas Engman, Carl-Johan Arnesson, Göran Dahlberg, Gustaf Döragrip, Kenth Gustavsson, Mats Gustavsson
  • Patent number: 7603774
    Abstract: A mechanical draft cooling tower includes an air inlet and an air outlet. A liquid spray assembly is provided below the air outlet. A fill shell assembly is provided below the liquid spray assembly such that liquid can be sprayed onto the fill sheet assembly. An indirect heat exchange assembly is mounted beneath the fill sheet assembly. The indirect assembly usually comprises a series of coils through which a fluid to be cooled is circulated. A first air inlet is provided beneath the fill sheet assembly and includes a closing assembly. A second air inlet is provided beneath a top surface of the indirect assembly and includes a closing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc
    Inventors: Timothy P. Facius, Frank T. Morrison
  • Publication number: 20090236025
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for producing a foamed material. Pressurized gas is introduced into a multiple-component mixture that contains a catalyst-containing component and a crosslinker-containing component. The multiple-component mixture may be directly mixed and combined with the gas in a mixing device. Alternatively, the multiple-component mixture may be combined in a first mixing device and this mixture may be subsequently combined with the gas in a second mixing device. When dispensed onto an application target, the gas entrained in the multiple-component mixture expands to form the foamed material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Frank Burkus, Pascal Laborde, Leslie J. Varga
  • Publication number: 20090127724
    Abstract: A water aerating and controlling assembly for an aquarium includes an aerating device for attaching to a container of the aquarium, a gaseous reservoir coupled to the aerating device for supplying a gaseous material to the aerating device, and a controlling device for controlling the gaseous material to be selectively supplied to the aerating device when the gaseous reservoir is opened, such as during the day time, and for allowing an air or oxygen in an environment to flow into the aerating device and to be supplied to the water plants or the water weeds when the gaseous reservoir is closed, such as during the night time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Hsueh Lee Tsai
  • Publication number: 20090078792
    Abstract: An aqueous scream is pumped through a vortex cylinder. The aqueous stream is rotated in a downwardly moving spiral stream within the vortex cylinder at a high downward velocity. The downward velocity of the aqueous stream increases as it flows through a discharge conduit concentrically located within a mixing chamber of the vortex cylinder. An adjustable air inlet tube open to atmospheric pressure extends through the vortex chamber and into the discharge conduit. A negative pressure zone is created at the discharge end of the discharge conduit for drawing air into the aqueous stream for mixing therewith and dissolving oxygen in the aqueous solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: LANNY VLASAK
  • Patent number: 7484718
    Abstract: A mechanical draft cooling tower includes an air inlet and an air outlet. A liquid spray assembly is provided below the air outlet. A fill shell assembly is provided below the liquid spray assembly such that liquid can be sprayed onto the fill sheet assembly. An indirect heat exchange assembly is mounted beneath the fill sheet assembly. The indirect assembly usually comprises a series of coils through which a fluid to be cooled is circulated. A first air inlet is provided beneath the fill sheet assembly and includes a closing assembly. A second air inlet is provided beneath a top surface of the indirect assembly and includes a closing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc
    Inventors: Timothy P. Facius, Frank T. Morrison
  • Patent number: 7478800
    Abstract: A valve for sealing a carburetor inlet of a first diameter, includes a valve element having a curved surface for sealing the inlet opening, and a through hole of substantially the first diameter extending through the valve element, and a translation mechanism for rotating the valve element between a first position wherein the curved surface completely seals the opening and a second position wherein the through hole aligns with the inlet allowing a free flow into the carburetor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Central Coast Patent Agency, Inc.
    Inventors: Duncan Adam Keller, Arthur Langlie
  • Publication number: 20080272505
    Abstract: A carburetor includes a base, a Venturi cone assembly, a cam assembly, a horsepower adjustment assembly, and a vacuum horsepower adjustment valve. The Venturi cone assembly is mounted in the base. A supporting portion of a cone collides with a cam of the cam assembly. An oil line rotation wheel of the horsepower adjustment assembly is drawn by an oiling line to drive the fan blade. The amount of displacement of the cone of the Venturi cone assembly under vacuum suction from the engine is controlled by a cam of the cam assembly. The vacuum horsepower adjustment valve automatically supplies enough fuel to the engine. Accordingly, the present invention can make the fuel burn sufficiently, effectively improving efficiency and reducing air pollution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Ming-Ching Wang
  • Patent number: 7441753
    Abstract: A carburetor includes a base, a Venturi cone assembly, a cam assembly, a horsepower adjustment assembly, and a vacuum horsepower adjustment valve. The Venturi cone assembly is mounted in the base. A supporting portion of a cone collides with a cam of the cam assembly. An oil line rotation wheel of the horsepower adjustment assembly is drawn by an oiling line to drive the fan blade. The amount of displacement of the cone of the Venturi cone assembly under vacuum suction from the engine is controlled by a cam of the cam assembly. The vacuum horsepower adjustment valve automatically supplies enough fuel to the engine. Accordingly, the present invention can make the fuel burn sufficiently, effectively improving efficiency and reducing air pollution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Borch Corporation
    Inventor: Ming-Ching Wang
  • Patent number: 7438285
    Abstract: A refrigerator incorporating in its door a water dispenser within a compartment present on the outside of the door, the dispenser being connected to a water container of given capacity carried by the door and provided to enable the contained water to be carbonated via a connection to a cylinder that contains the carbonating gas and is also disposed in the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Marco Maritan, Stefano Tavolazzi
  • Publication number: 20080230930
    Abstract: An intake air amount controlling apparatus of an engine is provided. The apparatus comprises an intake manifold that is branched from an intake manifold collecting portion of the engine. The intake manifold communicates with an intake port of a cylinder head of a corresponding cylinder. The apparatus further comprises a throttle valve in the intake manifold of the cylinder and a throttle bore provided in the intake manifold. The throttle bore has a curved surface. The throttle valve rotates such that one half of the throttle valve contacts with the curved surface of the throttle bore until the throttle valve reaches a predetermined opening degree. Thus, an air flow via the one half of the throttle valve is prevented from entering the intake port. An air flow via the other half of the throttle valve is allowed to enter the intake port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shusuke AKAZAKI, Yuji YAMAMOTO
  • Patent number: 7427057
    Abstract: A combustion engine carburetor has a control valve assembly that generally controls flow through a fuel-and-air mixing passage extending through a body of the carburetor. The control valve assembly has at least one valve preferably of a butterfly-type having a shaft that extends transversely across the fuel-and-air mixing passage and journaled for rotation in the body about a rotation axis. The shaft has opposite trailing and leading end portions that project from generally opposing sides of the carburetor body. Axial movement of the shaft with respect to the body is limited by an axial retention feature that preferably has a radially enlarged end cap formed unitarily to the trailing end portion and a coupler snap fitted to the leading end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Walbro Engine Management, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Erin E. Kampman, George M. Pattullo
  • Publication number: 20080191369
    Abstract: A carburetor with a housing defining an air intake and fluidly connected to a throttle system is provided. A rotatable choke is connected to the carburetor and includes a plate with an inlet aperture in fluid communication with the air intake. A dial is rotatably mounted to the housing and surrounds a portion of the plate. The dial substantially blocks the inlet aperture when in a first position with respect to the plate, and the dial exposes the inlet aperture when in a second position with respect to the plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Marion W. Reynolds, John F. Morris, Anthony S. Thomas, Roger Klinck, Charles A. Eakins
  • Patent number: 7344123
    Abstract: A fragrance disperser (10) in one form includes a single fan (101) that passes air over a wicked single or double fragrance (102). A second form has the fan (11) reversible to provide two different airstreams (29a, 29b; 60a, 60b) that evaporate respective different fragrances one after the other. Where two fragrances are provided, the evaporation may be by respective electrical heaters. A fragrance source may be formed by two sheets (31, 40; 47, 48) joined together to form two chambers each receiving a respective wick (37a, 37b; 56a, 56b) and having respective exposed wick portions. The source may incorporate a source of electrical power (45). An alternative source (81a, 81b) has a reservoir (82a, 82b) for fragrance and a wick (87a, 87b) located in an air passage (83a, 83b) forming part of the source so that an air flow is guided through the passage past the wick to evaporate fragrance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Carbonate Limited
    Inventors: Richard P. H. Pankhurst, Brian D. Smith, Michael J. Evans
  • Patent number: 7344125
    Abstract: A carburetor choke valve electronic control system includes: a transmission device coupled to a choke valve for opening and closing an intake path of a carburetor; an electric motor for driving the choke valve to be opened and closed via the transmission device; and an electronic control unit for controlling operation of the electric motor. The system further includes: a casing mounted on one side of the carburetor, and housing the transmission device and the electric motor; an operating lever disposed outside the casing; and a choke valve forced closure mechanism that allows the transmission device to be operated in a direction that closes the choke valve by operation of the operating lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hayato Matsuda, Soji Kashima
  • Patent number: 7243910
    Abstract: A cone system to produce super-oxygenated and structured water is provided. The cone system includes a source of oxygen, and a plurality of cones in communication with the source of oxygen and configured to receive preconditioned water and spin the preconditioned water to combine it with oxygen received from the source. The system may be used with a system and method for producing and tuning super-oxygenated and structured water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: David Bagley
  • Patent number: 7204232
    Abstract: An electrically-operated automatic choke system of a carburetor includes a choke valve connected to a choke valve closure spring that urges the choke valve in a direction to close it. A wax-type temperature sensitive actuating device is coupled to the carburetor to receive heat generated by an engine. A piston member of the device faces a pivoting member coupled to the choke valve and makes contact with, or moves away from, the pivoting member on a pivoting path to the closed side of the choke valve. While the engine has stopped running, closure of the choke valve by the choke valve closure spring is restricted according to the amount the piston member protrudes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hayato Matsuda
  • Patent number: 7186343
    Abstract: A process for supplying bubbles to a membrane module and cleaning an aerator producing the bubbles includes, in repeated cycles, steps of producing bubbles from an aerator and reducing pressure in the aerator such that water in the tank enters the aerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Zenon Technology Partnership
    Inventors: Hamid R. Rabie, Pierre Lucien Cote, Manwinder Singh, Arnold Janson
  • Patent number: 7156376
    Abstract: A carburetor electronic control system includes: transmission devices coupled to valves for opening and closing an intake path of a carburetor; electric motors that make the valves open and close via the transmission devices; and an electronic control unit for controlling the operation of the electric motors. The interior of a casing joined to one side face of the carburetor is divided by a partition plate into a transmission chamber on the carburetor side and a drive chamber on the opposite side. The transmission devices and the electric motors are housed and held in the transmission chamber and the drive chamber, respectively. Therefore, the transmission devices, the electric actuators, and the electronic control unit can be housed in a common casing, thereby reducing the dimensions of the carburetor electronic control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiichiro Bungo, Yoshinori Maekawa, Hayato Matsuda, Soji Kashima
  • Patent number: 7152851
    Abstract: A direct contact steam injection heater that includes a steam diffuser having a plurality of steam diffusion holes that are selectively exposed by a regulating member to control the amount of steam used to heat a liquid. The regulating member is movable within the steam diffuser and includes a seating member to prevent the flow of steam from the diffuser when the regulating member is in a completely closed, seated position. A pair of sealing members surround the discharge region of the steam diffuser when the regulating member is in the closed position. The diameter of the steam diffusion holes and the distance between the steam diffuser and the inner wall of the heater body is selected to maintain a desired ratio to reduce bubbles that cause noise and vibration within the direct contact steam injection heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Hydro-Thermal Corporation
    Inventor: Bruce A. Cincotta
  • Patent number: 7108251
    Abstract: A carburetor for an internal combustion engine having a body that fastens at a first end to an air filter and at a second end to the intake port of a cylinder head. The body has an intake bore formed in the first end that receives air from the air filter, a throttle bore formed in the second end that provides a fuel/air mixture to the intake port, and a venturi formed between the intake bore and the throttle bore that receives air from the intake bore, provides fuel to form a fuel/air mixture, and provides the fuel/air mixture to the throttle bore. A bore is formed in the body from the venturi and receives a nozzle that communicates fuel to the venturi. A fuel enrichment system, which is responsive to the vibration of the engine, has a passage that communicates air from the intake bore, through the passage, to the nozzle. A valve seat is disposed within the passage and also has a passage to allow the flow of air therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Kohler Company
    Inventor: Gregory L. Mueller
  • Patent number: 7104527
    Abstract: A choke valve is fixed to a predetermined position even after manual release, whereby an improved start and a subsequent stable operation are obtained. A fixing force and a valve opening force are applied to a choke valve shaft. Further, a pin of a choke valve lever pushes an arm piece of a throttle valve lever to slightly open a throttle valve when a choke valve is in a fully open position, and the choke valve opens half way to return the throttle valve to an idle position by a valve closing spring when a complete firing of the engine is achieved. When opening the throttle valve, a cam of the throttle valve lever pushes the pin to open the choke valve, a valve opening force overcomes a fixing force near the fully open position to set the choke valve to the fully open position, and the pin separates from the cam to open and close the throttle valve without interference with the choke valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Z AMA Japan Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kimio Koizumi
  • Patent number: 7025338
    Abstract: A direct contact steam injection heater is placed directly in line with a flow of stock through a pipe. The steam injection heater includes a Mach diffuser having a plurality of steam diffusion holes and an adjustable steam-plug cover that is positioned within a stationary diffuser tube to modulate the amount of steam added to the flowing stock by exposing a desired number of steam diffusion holes. The steam tube assembly includes an O-ring that forms a seal along the inner wall of the diffuser tube to prevent the flow of stock into the steam tube assembly when steam pressure is not present. Select areas of the steam injection heater, including the deflection plate, diffuser tube and heater body inner wall are coated with a wear coating such as tungsten carbide. Further, a pair of pressure ports are formed in the steam-plug cover to equalize the pressure between the open interior of the steam-plug cover to further facilitate rotation of the steam-plug cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Hydro-Thermal Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce A. Cincotta, Matthew Bertsch
  • Patent number: 6955341
    Abstract: An apparatus for effectively dissolving gas into liquid medium to obtain high concentration of gas solution includes a mixer and a tank enclosure, wherein the mixer primarily includes a quasi-Venturi tube and an expansion chamber. During operation, gas is introduced into the liquid in the quasi-Venturi-typed mixer. A valve mounted at the inlet of the mixer is used to regulate the gas flow so that the flow rate of the gas entering the mixer is lower than the rate of the gas drawn into the quasi-Venturi tube. With the gas drawn-in capability of the quasi-Venturi tube, gas can be mixed with the liquid flow through the quasi-Venturi tube under negative pressure and forms small gas bubbles in the liquid. The liquid carrying small gas bubbles flows out of the mixer, and subsequently flows into the tank enclosure and forms a whirlpool therein. As such, the gas bubbles can remain in the liquid for a prolonged time, which helps the gas dissolve in the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: Huei-Tarng Liou
  • Patent number: 6921063
    Abstract: A gas dissolved water producing apparatus includes a gas dissolving section, a gas channel for guiding a gas into the dissolving section, a first water channel for guiding water into the dissolving section, a gas dissolved water discharge channel, and a second water channel for guiding the water without passing through the dissolving section. The second water channel joins the gas dissolved water discharge channel to control the solution gas dissolved in the gas dissolved water can be controlled to a prescribed level of concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Suguru Ozawa, Ryoichi Shinjo, Minoru Harada, Takayuki Saito, Kenichi Sasaki, Keiichi Murakawa, Kazuhide Shimamura
  • Patent number: 6881343
    Abstract: An aeration system for a submerged membrane module has a set of aerators connected to an air blower, valves and a controller adapted to alternately provide a higher rate or air flow and a lower rate of air flow in repeated cycles. In an embodiment, the air blower, valves and controller, simultaneously provide the alternating air flow to two or more sets of aerators such that the total air flow is constant, allowing the blower to be operated at a constant speed. In another embodiment, the repeated cycles are of short duration. Transient flow conditions result in the tank water which helps avoid dead spaces and assists in agitating the membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: ZENON Environmental Inc.
    Inventors: Hamld R. Rabie, Pierre Lucien Cote, Manwinder Singh, Arnold Janson
  • Patent number: 6880812
    Abstract: A carburetor is provided that supplies an appropriate amount of fuel at engine start-up and in a specific range of rotational speed, and allows stable engine operation at a target rotational speed. The carburetor comprises a first fuel system (F1) for metering fuel from the constant fuel chamber (18) with a metering needle (32) linked to a throttle valve (5), and delivering the fuel to an air intake passage (2); and a second fuel system (F2) for controlling fuel compressed by a fuel pump (8) with an electromagnetically driven control valve (52) and delivering the fuel to the air intake passage (2); by supplying pressured fuel controlled by the control valve (52) in a predetermined specific range of rotation and controlling the rotational speed during start-up and warm-up, a target rotational speed can be maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Zama Japan
    Inventor: Takumi Nonaka
  • Publication number: 20040217490
    Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for generating vortex rings in a fluid medium. The apparatus is immersed in a body of water, and an air pump feeds gas in the form of air directly into the base of the apparatus through a gas inlet or the gas is provided from a container with a finite quantity of gas. A nozzle extends from the gas inlet to a pocket located on an underside of a lever. As air is pumped into the pocket, the air forms a single bubble, and when the force of the air mass exceeds the weight of the lever, the lever rises and the air mass travels as a cohesive unit to an exit nozzle. When the lever reaches the maximum height displacement defined by a resilient upper stop, the air exits the lever through a nozzle and forms a vortex ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: David E. Whiteis
  • Publication number: 20040212104
    Abstract: Air flow from the airbox (57) to the carburetor of an internal combustion engine is regulated by a plurality of valve bodies (66) fitted with rotatable lids (77) which permit infinite adjustment of air flow between a fully closed and fully open position. In an alternate embodiment, a rectangular valve is used that has a relatively lower profile and uses a sliding door (94) to permit manual adjustment of airflow to the airbox (57).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Lonn M. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6780214
    Abstract: An air intake scoop for a motorcycle carburetor inserts into the carburetor mouth while also fitting within the air filter housing. The air scoop being designed with a cutout in front, a ridge along the interior and a 90-degree angle for the ability to draw a strong airflow into the carburetor, preventing gas mist from escaping from the carburetor. This air intake scoop would be molded preferably of polyurethane or other gas and oil resistant plastic or rubber, and would be easily adapted to fit a variety of different sizes of carburetors and air filter housings. An air filter cover with a forward air opening admits a strong current of air into the air filter and air intake scoop on clear days and has a closeable lid to prevent water from entering the carburetor on rainy days.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: David Leibold
  • Patent number: 6779785
    Abstract: A self-relieving choke adjustment apparatus for an internal combustion engine carburetor including a choke valve body and a choke mixing passage formed in the valve body. A choke plate is supported in the mixing passage for pivotal motion about a parallel choke plate axis between an open position and a closed position, such that airflow through the mixing passage tends to rotate the choke plate toward the open position. A rotary biasing element is connected between the choke plate and the choke body and applies a torque biasing the choke plate toward its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Walbro Engine Management, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Donald W. Warner
  • Patent number: 6767006
    Abstract: Solubilizing device of a gas into a fluid includes the following components in combination: at least a first pipe section (1) convergent at the end thereof; a second pipe section (2), with a cross section smaller than that of the first pipe section (1), coaxial and integral thereto; a third pipe section (3) divergent for the entire length thereof, coaxial to the second pipe section (2), of a cross section intermediate between the ones of the first and of the second pipe section, the second and the third pipe section being separated by a mixing chamber, provided with a gas introducer (5) and (6), substantially slanted of a ≦90° angle with respect to the axis of the pipe section (2), for the inlet and the adjustment of the gaseous substance to be admixed to the fluid, respectively. The invention also relates to the use of the aforesaid device in various technological fields. The figure shows an embodiment of the device according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Centro Sviluppo Materiali S.p.A.
    Inventor: Marco Tripepi
  • Patent number: 6755396
    Abstract: A portable vehicle humidifier includes an enclosed container with a removable cover, the cover having a plurality of apertures formed therein to permit humid air to be released from the container. A fan is mounted over a large opening in the cover to blow air into the container. A liquid-absorptive pad is positioned within the container to prevent excess movement of water in the container, and to slowly release water vapor into air blowing across the pad. A slide plate positioned over the large opening permits adjustment of the air through the container, and the volume and velocity of humid air exhausted from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Weinrich
  • Publication number: 20040107680
    Abstract: An air intake scoop for a motorcycle carburetor inserts into the carburetor mouth while also fitting within the air filter housing. The air scoop being designed with a cutout in front, a ridge along the interior and a 90-degree angle for the ability to draw a strong airflow into the carburetor, preventing gas mist from escaping from the carburetor. This air intake scoop would be molded preferably of polyurethane or other gas and oil resistant plastic or rubber, and would be easily adapted to fit a variety of different sizes of carburetors and air filter housings. An air filter cover with a forward air opening admits a strong current of air into the air filter and air intake scoop on clear days and has a closeable lid to prevent water from entering the carburetor on rainy days.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: David Leibold
  • Patent number: 6736375
    Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for generating vortex rings in a fluid medium. The apparatus is immersed in a body of water, and an air pump feeds gas in the form of air directly into the base of the apparatus through a gas inlet or the gas is provided from a container with a finite quantity of gas. A nozzle extends from the gas inlet to a pocket located on an underside of a lever. As air is pumped into the pocket, the air forms a single bubble, and when the force of the air mass exceeds the weight of the lever, the lever rises and the air mass travels as a cohesive unit to an exit nozzle. When the lever reaches the maximum height displacement defined by a resilient upper stop, the air exits the lever through a nozzle and forms a vortex ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: David E Whiteis
  • Patent number: 6733004
    Abstract: Foam for suppressing fires is formed by mixing together a constant stream of compressed air and water from a pump at a controlled rate with a quantity of a foaming agent from a foaming agent supply proportional to the rate of flow of water so as to be incorporated therein. An agitator mixes the water and the foaming agent into the stream of compressed air to generate the foam. The rate of flow of the water is controlled by a continuously variable valve member driven between five set positions by an electronically controlled motor including a fully open position, in which a maximum flow rate of the water is supplied to the mixer with the proportional quantity of a foaming agent, a fully closed position, in which the flow of water and the flow of a foaming agent from the foaming agent supply are halted, and at least three intermediate positions of different foam characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Harry Crawley
  • Patent number: 6712341
    Abstract: A water aerator apparatus having a base with a receptacle area, an aerator having an effluent port opening from the base, a container removably received within the receptacle area of the base, and an air delivery channel formed on an interior of the container. The container has an effluent port opening at a bottom of the container. The effluent port is cooperative with the influent port. The air delivery channel communicates with the influent port such that air from the aerator passes into the air channel through the influent and effluent ports. A mesh screen is positioned directly over the air delivery channel with the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventors: Teri H. Mathis, Lee F. Mathis