Spiral Guide Patents (Class 55/399)
  • Patent number: 11022018
    Abstract: A vortex generator including an annular bearing for mounting on an interior surface of an exhaust line. The vortex generator further includes an annular blade assembly mounted on the annular bearing. The annular blade assembly includes a leading face with an upstream opening having a first radius. The annular blade assembly further includes a trailing face with a downstream opening having a second radius, wherein the upstream opening and the downstream opening are centered around a longitudinal axis of the exhaust line, and the second radius is different from the first radius. The annular blade assembly further includes a side extending from the leading face to the trailing face, wherein the side has a plurality of openings, each opening of the plurality of openings containing a blade, and each opening of the plurality of openings extends beyond the annular bearing in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Wei Chang Cheng, Ping-Hsu Chen, Chi-Hung Liao, T. S. Lo, Yung-Yao Lee
  • Patent number: 10667465
    Abstract: Debris-collecting systems and bagging apparatus for debris-collecting systems are provided. One bagging apparatus includes a primary bag and a dust skirt configured to wrap around the primary bag. At least an inner face of the dust skirt has an electrical charge. One debris-collecting apparatus includes an input portion, a bagging portion, and a draft inducer for drawing the air and debris through the input portion and to the bagging portion. The bagging portion has a hood, a primary bag removably positioned lowerly adjacent the hood, a dust skirt configured to wrap around the primary bag, and a bagging passage for directing air and debris to the hood from the input portion. The hood has a helical configuration extending from the bagging passage toward the primary bag. At least an inner face of the dust skirt is electrically charged. A frame having at least one wheel facilitates transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Billy Goat Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Kent Lauer, William Jackson Morton, III
  • Patent number: 10473021
    Abstract: A vortex generator for an exhaust system includes an annular bearing for mounting on an interior surface of an exhaust line. The vortex generator further includes a flow splitter mounted on the annular bearing. The flow splitter includes a leading face with an upstream opening. The flow splitter further includes a trailing face with a downstream opening, wherein the upstream opening and the downstream opening are centered around a longitudinal axis of the exhaust line. The flow splitter further includes a side extending from the leading face to the trailing face, wherein the side has a plurality of openings, each opening of the plurality of openings containing a blade, and wherein a trailing side of each blade faces the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Wei Chang Cheng, Ping-Hsu Chen, Chi-Hung Liao, T. S. Lo, Yung-Yao Lee
  • Patent number: 9643105
    Abstract: An inlet diverter is provided for separating multiphase mixtures. The inlet diverter has curved vanes which define flow passages between adjacent vanes. The passages are arranged such that the inlet diverter discharges flow from the passages toward the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Worthington Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick R. Walker, Shaun J. Pressly, Charles Mark Bevington, Patrick J. Siewny, Naethan Eagles, David J. Hesse
  • Patent number: 9642508
    Abstract: Debris-collecting systems and bagging apparatus for debris-collecting systems are provided. One bagging apparatus includes a primary bag and a dust skirt configured to wrap around the primary bag. At least an inner face of the dust skirt has an electrical charge. One debris-collecting apparatus includes an input portion, a bagging portion, and a draft inducer for drawing the air and debris through the input portion and to the bagging portion. The bagging portion has a hood, a primary bag removably positioned lowerly adjacent the hood, a dust skirt configured to wrap around the primary bag, and a bagging passage for directing air and debris to the hood from the input portion. The hood has a helical configuration extending from the bagging passage toward the primary bag. At least an inner face of the dust skirt is electrically charged. A frame having at least one wheel facilitates transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Billy Goat Indutries, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Kent Lauer, William Jackson Morton, III
  • Patent number: 9427689
    Abstract: This invention is intended to prevent carry-over of the liquid phase and solid particles, decrease loss of head, and simplify design in centrifugal separators. The separator comprises a cylindrical body, inlet and outlet pipes aligned with the body and a swirler. The diameter of separation pipes is smaller than the internal diameter of the body; the end of the inlet pipe is expanded against the inlet pipe making a parallel-plate duct inside the cylindrical duct. The swirler is installed in the inlet pipe comprising a cone with its top positioned towards gas-liquid flow. The cylindrical pipe is fixed to the cone base. The flat plates are mounted circumferentially along the internal surface of the inlet pipes located at 25-35° to the cone guide; and between the external diameter of the outlet pipe and the external diameter of the body there is a cylindrical flow damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Inventor: Iurii Kochubei
  • Patent number: 8940067
    Abstract: A system and methods for separating liquids, aerosols, and solids from a flowing gas stream whereby gas flows through a helical path formed in a separator element. Partially separated gas exits the bottom of the separator element at a generally conical cavity. Clean gas exits through an inner tube that is axially aligned beneath the helical path. Separated materials exit through an annular space between the inner tube and an outer tube. Separation occurs in the helical channels which include radially diverging walls to provide an aerodynamically efficient flow, in a region of high swirl created in a generally conical cavity beneath the separator element, and in a toroidal vortex ring created in the annular space. The area and geometry of the helical path, the conical cavity, and the inner and outer tubes is optimized to provide efficient separation at varying gas flow rates and at varying liquid loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Mueller Environmental Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred J. Mueller
  • Patent number: 8898856
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a body including a nozzle assembly and a handle assembly. A suction generator and a dirt collection vessel are both carried on the body. The dirt collection vessel includes a dirt cup having a side wall and a bottom wall, a tangentially directed inlet in the side wall and an axially directed outlet. An inside surface of the side wall includes ribbing to help remove dirt and debris from the airstream and improve vacuum cleaner performance and efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation of North America
    Inventor: Brian K. Ruben
  • Patent number: 8801823
    Abstract: A system for separating contaminants from an airstream, including a centrifugal fan and housing; a contaminant containment vessel mounted to an outer surface of the housing; and a diverter in the airstream downstream of the fan and within the housing, the diverter being configured to separate a portion of the airstream from a remainder of the airstream, accelerate the portion of the airstream towards the containment vessel, and thereafter guide the portion of the airstream towards the remainder of the airstream. The diverter preferably does not negatively impact the rated performance of the fan, such that a performance of the system is not measurably different than the rated performance of the fan and housing combination. The diverter may accelerate contaminants entrained in the airstream toward the containment vessel, thereby separating the contaminants from the airstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Leseman Davis, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Byron Davis, Gary Thelen Leseman
  • Patent number: 8741014
    Abstract: In a multi-stage steam-water separation device and a steam-water separator, a first swirl vane (6) which causes a gas-liquid two-phase flow to rise while swirling is provided in a first riser (5) of a first steam-water separator (2), and a second swirl vane (12) which causes the gas-liquid two-phase flow which has passed through the first swirl vane (6) to rise while swirling at a speed higher than that provided by the first swirl vane (6), is provided in a second riser (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Kondo, Jiro Kasahara, Kengo Shimamura, Kenji Nishida
  • Patent number: 8470064
    Abstract: A system for separating contaminants from an airstream, including a centrifugal fan and housing; a contaminant containment vessel mounted to an outer surface of the housing; and a diverter in the airstream downstream of the fan and within the housing, the diverter being configured to separate a portion of the airstream from a remainder of the airstream, accelerate the portion of the airstream towards the containment vessel, and thereafter guide the portion of the airstream towards the remainder of the airstream. The diverter preferably does not negatively impact the rated performance of the fan, such that a performance of the system is not measurably different than the rated performance of the fan and housing combination. The diverter may accelerate contaminants entrained in the airstream toward the containment vessel, thereby separating the contaminants from the airstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Leseman Davis, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Byron Davis, Gary Thelen Leseman
  • Patent number: 8454715
    Abstract: The device according to the invention for carrying out chemical and/or physical reactions between a solid material and a gas, in particular for the preheating, cooling and/or calcining of fine-grain materials, essentially comprises at least one helical and/or spiral conduit, in which the gas-solid material suspension is separated by centrifugal forces into a solid material flow and a gas flow, and, connected to the end of the helical and/or spiral conduit, at least one separation region, to which a solid material conduit for discharging the solid material flow and a gas conduit for discharging the gas flow are connected. The separation region is here formed by a lower part of the gas conduit, the separation region in the region of the junction of the helical and/or spiral conduit and the part of the gas conduit above and adjoining it having the same diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Polysius AG
    Inventors: Detlev Kupper, Luis Lagar Garcia, Andreas Hoppe, Heinz-Werner Thiemeyer, Verena Georg, Marco Völlink
  • Publication number: 20120067014
    Abstract: Disclosed are filter assembly systems that utilize replaceable filter elements. The filter elements may include a ramp or sleeve for redirecting air intake when the filter elements are installed in the filter assembly systems and air is drawn into the systems. The filter elements and assembly systems may utilize co-acting components that mate with each other to at least one of: a) orient and permit mounting of the filter element in the systems; and b) permit mounting of only an authorized filter element in the systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: Cummins Filtration IP Inc.
    Inventors: Rajeev Dhiman, Jim Alonzo, Kelly Detra, Barry Mark Verdegan
  • Patent number: 8075654
    Abstract: A gas-liquid separator assembly has a flow passage providing expansion of and reduced flow velocity of the post-separation gas stream, and in some embodiments provides pre-escape regions facilitating partial pre-transition of some of the flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark V. Holzmann, Ashwin K. Koleshwar, Chirag D. Parikh, Merwyn I. Coutinho, Daniel Y. Hodges, Michael W. Klimmek, Matthew T. VandenBush
  • Patent number: 8002866
    Abstract: In a steam-water separator, a swirl vane (52) is provided inside a riser (51), an annular downcomer space (54) is formed by providing a downcomer barrel (53) outside the riser (51), a deck plate (55) is arranged above the riser (51) and the downcomer barrel (53) with a predetermined space therefrom, an orifice (56) and vents (57) are formed, and aperture ratios of plural slits (58a, 58b, 58c, and 58d) formed on the riser (51) are set at from 30% to 70%. Accordingly, the steam and the water is appropriately separated, and the separated steam is reliably discharged upward from the orifice while the separated water is allowed to reliably flow down through the downcomer space, thereby enhancing steam-water separating efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Kondo, Tadahiko Suzuta, Toshiyuki Mizutani, Yasuhiko Hirao
  • Patent number: 7938872
    Abstract: The invention concerns a separating device for separating particles (4) from a gas stream (2) in which the gas stream (2) by means of a guiding device is caused to rotate and the liquid or solid particles (4) to be separated are removable by a particle outlet. The separating device (1) is comprised of a cylindrical housing pipe (5) with a guiding device (3) and an immersion pipe (6) arranged in alignment with the flow direction of the gas stream (2) in the housing pipe (5) which immersion pipe is provided on the exterior with a spiral (7) for a directed removal of the particles (4) separated by rotation to a housing opening (8) and with a central outlet (9) for the purified gas stream (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Mann + Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Blossey, Torsten Fritzsching, Mario Rieger, Bernhard Klotz
  • Publication number: 20110078986
    Abstract: A filter device for substantially minimising moisture and particulate matter in a stream of compressed air or other fluid
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: Simon Gorozidis
  • Patent number: 7837752
    Abstract: A rigid or semi-rigid demister pad is positioned between an air turbine and an inertial water removal device such as extractor in an air conditioning system for an aircraft. The demister pad comprises packed fibers or strands whose diameter typically ranges from approximately 10 or fewer microns to approximately 280 microns. The demister is capable of catching very small droplets discharged from the air turbine that coalesce into larger droplets that exit the demister pad and enter an adjacent water removal device downstream from the pad to separate the larger water droplets from the stream of air. This avoids using a water separator containing a coalescer bag that requires frequent maintenance and is sensitive to dirt and freezing. The demister can operate at freezing temperature, is not dirt-sensitive and requires no maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ranjit R. Darke, Michael B. Faust, Allen K. MacKnight, Russell Johnson, Alexander M. Bershitsky
  • Patent number: 7837751
    Abstract: An apparatus for collection and reduction of yard debris combining a frontally facing vacuum pick up with a chipper-shredder-blower unit to induce airflow for entraining debris collected at the vacuum pick up; reduce the entrained debris to a more manageable volume; impel the reduced debris to a two-stage free-flow-separator device for removing the debris from the air in which it is entrained; and deposit the debris in a detachable accumulator for subsequent dumping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: BestRake, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Everett Dunning, Richard Bernard Saathoff
  • Patent number: 7799104
    Abstract: A dust collection container for power tool with suction capacity is described comprising a first pipe (15) for air inlet and at least one second pipe (20) for air outlet, i.e. connected to the external environment, the dust container (13) comprising a filtering element (22) placed inside an external casing (14). The container further comprising a bladed element (100) accommodated in the external casing (14) and being adapted to increase the air turbulence. The shape of the space comprised between the filtering element (22) and the external casing (14) determines a cyclonic type air motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Guido Valentini
  • Patent number: 7780753
    Abstract: A dust collector cup working in the principle of fall centrifugal separation, consists of cup body (13), outlet (3) on the cup body (13), inlet (1) tangential to the circumferential wall of the cup body (13), and a separator settled in the cup body (13). The separator is composed of outlet tube (9), inlet (6) on the wall of the outlet tube (9), and the isolating shield (7) under the inlet (6) of the outlet tube (9), with the outlet tube (9) linked to the outlet (3) of the cup body (13). The fall between the horizontal positions of the lower end of inlet of the cup body (13) and the upper end of the inlet (6) of the outlet tube (9) is 0-140 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Weiguo Lang
  • Publication number: 20100206173
    Abstract: A dust collecting apparatus for compressing dust is provided. The dust collecting apparatus for compressing dust may include a centrifugal dust separating device having a dust outlet, a compressing device formed inside the dust receptacle, and including a compressing plate in which a dust inlet is formed, and a dust passage forming member forming a dust passage between the dust outlet and the dust inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Jang-keun OH
  • Publication number: 20100199617
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a body having a nozzle assembly with a suction inlet and a control assembly including a control stalk. A dirt collection vessel is carried on the body. The dirt collection vessel includes a toroidal cyclone. The toroidal cyclone has an inlet port, a clean air outlet port and a particle outlet provided in a wall of the toroidal cyclone between the inlet and outlet port. A cork screw baffle is received in the toroidal cyclone. The cork screw baffle defines a spiraling air path through the toroidal cyclone. A suction generator, carried on the body, draws the air stream through the dirt collection vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Brian K. Ruben
  • Publication number: 20100139633
    Abstract: The invention concerns a separating device for separating particles (4) from a gas stream (2) in which the gas stream (2) by means of a guiding device is caused to rotate and the liquid or solid particles (4) to be separated are removable by a particle outlet. The separating device (1) is comprised of a cylindrical housing pipe (5) with a guiding device (3) and an immersion pipe (6) arranged in alignment with the flow direction of the gas stream (2) in the housing pipe (5) which immersion pipe is provided on the exterior with a spiral (7) for a directed removal of the particles (4) separated by rotation to a housing opening (8) and with a central outlet (9) for the purified gas stream (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: MANN+HUMMEL GMBH
    Inventors: Werner Blossey, Mario Rieger, Torsten Fritzsching, Bernard Klotz
  • Patent number: 7637978
    Abstract: A foreign particle eliminating function and durability of an engine may be improved by an intake duct system having a cyclone duct including a cyclone module for generating torque of air, wherein the cyclone module includes: a central shaft; a plurality of cyclone blades that are formed outward from the central shaft; and a turbulence preventing device that is formed at a downstream side of the central shaft of the cyclone module so as to prevent turbulence of the air that has passed the cyclone blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Suk Hwan Jung
  • Patent number: 7540936
    Abstract: An evaporator for receiving waste fluid stream and producing separate streams of an evaporated fluid and a condensate liquid for use in industrial waste treatment has a curved pathway bounded by a casing having an inlet port through which the waste fluid enters the casing. The casing defines a pathway having a flow direction therein through which the waste fluid stream flows, and within which casing the evaporated fluid is produced. The casing has a drain beneath the pathway through which the condensate passes, and an outlet through which the evaporated fluid is drawn. A series of fins of elongate aerofoil cross-section are located in and extend across the pathway in the flow direction of the waste fluid stream flowing along the pathway. The casing is curved and the fins are arranged parallel to a tangent of the curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Industrial Waste Treatment Limited
    Inventor: Richard Lilleystone
  • Patent number: 7476317
    Abstract: Hydrocyclone (1) for separating an input stream (8) of two immiscible liquids having a stream inlet (18) an inner shell (3) and an outer shell (4) concentric with the longitudinal axis (5) of the hydrocyclone (1), a cyclone chamber is defined by the shells (3,4), encircles the axis (5) and has an entrance (7), an expansion chamber (9) which reduces the velocity of the input stream (8) by the time it reaches the entrance (7) is between the stream inlet (18) and the entrance (7). The dimensions of the hydrocyclone are selected so that the hydrocyclone (1) has a radius not more than 30% greater than the radius of the outer shell (4) and lies within a circle in a plane perpendicular to and centered on the axis (5), therefore the hydrocyclone (1) can be readily lowered into a well casing (2) in the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Gnesys, Inc.
    Inventor: Naji Nassif
  • Patent number: 7354257
    Abstract: The present invention is intended to remove foreign matter such as worn powder in a refrigerating cycle and enhance the reliability in a refrigerating cycle using, in particular, HFC refrigerant. In the invention, accordingly, a coil shaped connection piping is provided in at least front portion or rear portion of a throttling unit, a fine pipe is connected to a lower portion of the connection piping, and a collector for collecting foreign matter in the refrigerating cycle is coupled to this fine pipe. Foreign matter in the refrigerant is separated from the refrigerant by centrifugal force, and is collected in the collector. Moreover, the foreign matter collecting effect is enhanced by disposing a magnetic piece in the collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirotsugu Fukuoka
  • Patent number: 7354466
    Abstract: An apparatus for collection and reduction of twig-containing yard debris combining a frontally facing twig breaker with a chipper-shredder-blower unit to induce airflow for entraining debris collected at the vacuum pick up; reduce the entrained debris to a more manageable volume; impel the reduced debris to a free-flow-separator device for removing the debris from the air in which it is entrained; and deposit the debris in a detachable accumulator for subsequent dumping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: BestRake, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Everett Dunning, Richard Bernard Saathoff
  • Patent number: 7338545
    Abstract: A liquid separator includes a housing, a separation chamber disposed within the housing, a drain, an inlet channel, a swirler disposed within the inlet channel, and an outlet channel. The drain has a drain passageway for draining liquid from the separation chamber. The inlet channel is configured to communicate the fluid stream from a first inlet end to a second inlet end disposed within the housing and proximate the separation chamber. The outlet channel is configured to communicate the fluid stream from a first outlet end positioned proximate the second inlet end, to a second outlet end remote from the separation chamber. The drain passageway has an inner diameter sized such that the interaction between the surface tension of the liquid and the inner passageway causes some liquid to be retained in the drain passageway, to form a low pressure gas seal of the drain passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Hydrogenics Corporation
    Inventors: Ricardo Bazzarella, Todd A. Simpson
  • Patent number: 7279022
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include methods and devices for trapping particulate matter suspended in exhaust from, for example, automotive diesel engines. Particulates carried in exhaust are actually a colloidal suspension of finely divided particulates in a fluid (in this case, the exhaust gases). This colloidal mixture is channeled through an open spiral exhaust channel. The particulates will differentially tend to travel through the fluid in a straight line, which leads them to collide with a fine mesh or porous material that defines the open spiral exhaust channel. The gas, on the other hand, will easily traverse the spirally shaped exhaust channel, with its molecules bouncing around the curved path of the spiral. Continuing through the device, more and more particulates will build up in the surrounding meshwork or porous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Industrial Widget Works Company
    Inventor: Richard C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7169305
    Abstract: A liquid vortex separator including a vortex tube (16) with an impeller (13) in the feed end to impart a rotational motion to liquid within the tube, a feed cylinder (12) connected to the vortex tube by a reducing cone (14). The separator has a separating cone (17) at the outlet end, an annular collecting ring (18) for heavy solids and a liquid discharge pipe extending axially from the separating cone. A feed tank (31) and circulating stream arrangement ensures operation of the system at varying feed rates. The liquid vortex separator may also be fitted with microwave generators (40), electrodes (51)powered from a DC source or magnets (60) to produce desired effects or chemical reactions in the material being processed through the liquid vortex separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Rodolfo Antonio M Gomez
  • Patent number: 6802880
    Abstract: An air guide filter for an internal combustion engine includes an air filter having a pair of support rings coupled to upper and lower portions of the filter. A pleated filter plate is disposed between the support rings, and an air guide is disposed between the support rings parallel with the filter plate. The air guide comprises a plurality holes defined by half-cone cross-section depressions uniformly disposed about its face, such that, when the air guide is placed at a certain elevation angle with respect to the support rings, air flowing into the filter is guided, rotated and mixed with fuel to generate a uniform air-fuel mixture. The uniform mixture improves combustion and engine performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Heru Prasanta Wijaya
  • Patent number: 6725654
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a vortex device for treating exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, which comprises a first housing having a first end surface and a second end surface; a first inlet positioned on the first end surface and connected to an exhaust tube of the internal combustion engine; a first outlet positioned on the second end surface; a first baffle board fixedly connected to the housing, having a plurality of gas holes; a first vortex mechanism connected to the first baffle board; and a catalytic filter. The invention also provides a system for treating exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine. The system comprises the vortex device, the first treating device, and/or the second treating device and/or a fourth treating device as the internal combustion is a diesel engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Shusheng Li
  • Patent number: 6666667
    Abstract: The present invention is intended to remove foreign matter such as worn powder in a refrigerating cycle and enhance the reliability in a refrigerating cycle using, in particular, HFC refrigerant. In the invention, accordingly, a coil shaped connection piping is provided in at least front portion or rear portion of a throttling unit, a fine pipe is connected to a lower portion of the connection piping, and a collector for collecting foreign matter in the refrigerating cycle is coupled to this fine pipe. Foreign matter in the refrigerant is separated from the refrigerant by centrifugal force, and is collected in the collector. Moreover, the foreign matter collecting effect is enhanced by disposing a magnetic piece in the collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirotsugu Fukuoka
  • Patent number: 6331195
    Abstract: A water extractor of an environmental control system includes a swirl section and a water collector downstream the swirl section. The water collector includes an upstream sump having an inlet positioned to capture the bulk of water droplets leaving the swirl section. The water collector further includes a downstream sump for capturing water droplets that were not captured by the first sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Michael B. Faust, Faress H. Rahman, Philippe H. Adam
  • Patent number: 6246739
    Abstract: Passive aerosol retention apparatus positioned in the connecting vents of a nuclear reactor containment are described. The aerosol retention apparatus minimizes aerosol transport from the lower drywell to the upper drywell of the reactor containment. The retention apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical housing and a flow modulator positioned inside the housing and extending at least partially from a first end to a second end of the housing. The flow modulator includes a helically shaped baffle positioned in the housing so as to be coaxial with the housing. The baffle is coupled at each end to the housing by attachment bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Shyam Satinder Khorana, Jimmy Frank Galtman
  • Patent number: 6214071
    Abstract: A fluid level measuring device for measuring a fluid filling level in a container contains a float disposed in the container and a magnet disposed in the container. The magnet is coupled to the float in terms of movement and, in the event of a change in the fluid filling level, executes a movement that corresponds to a change in fluid level. A magnetic field sensor is disposed in a zone of influence of magnetic field generated by the magnet and outputs an electrical signal which is representative of a height of the fluid level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Ming-Chih Wang
  • Patent number: 6168641
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner cyclone separator having a cyclone with a first end wall, a second opposite end wall (35,36,135), and an intermediate part (38,130), which has the shape of either a cylinder or, at least partly, an up-side-down truncated cone. The intermediate part has an outlet opening (39,131) for particles through which particles separated by the cyclone leave from the intermediate part toward the second end wall. The cyclone is, close to the first end wall, provided with a generally tangentially-directed air inlet (33,129) for dust laden air and also has a tube shaped air outlet (50,142) extending from the first end wall (35) toward the intermediate part and communicating with a vacuum source (15,111).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Akteibolaget Electrolux
    Inventors: Lars Tuvin, Lars Kilström, Stefan Petersson, Patrik Pastuhoff
  • Patent number: 6129775
    Abstract: A terminal insert for a cyclone separator for separating a material from a fluid. The terminal insert has a distinct member positioned within the cyclone separator to impinge upon at least a portion of the fluid as it rotates within the cyclone separator to destructively interfere with the rotational motion of the fluid within the cyclone separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: G.B.D. Corp.
    Inventors: Wayne Ernest Conrad, Helmut Gerhard Conrad, Ted Szylowiec
  • Patent number: 6071331
    Abstract: Gas is separated from fluent material, particularly a liquid or a cellulose fiber suspension having a consistency of about 8-18%, utilizing a closed separation apparatus having a spiral housing with a central axis, a fluent material inlet channel, a fluent material outlet, and a gas outlet. A pressure differential is maintained between the inlet channel and the spiral housing, and the pressure differential is converted to kinetic energy of the fluent material by causing the fluent material to flow through one or more spiral flow paths through the inlet channel toward the spiral housing. In the spiral housing a rotor is rotated to impart a strong centrifugal force to the fluent material to cause gas to separate and collect adjacent the central axis of the spiral housing, from which the gas is removed. The strong centrifugal force caused by the rotating rotor discharges the fluent material through the outlet. The spiral flow paths rotate with the rotor in the spiral housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Ahlstrom Machinery Corporation
    Inventors: Toivo Niskanen, Kari Peltonen
  • Patent number: 6019825
    Abstract: A hydrocyclone for separating a combined phase input stream has two nesting truncated, downwardly tapering conical members having an annular space therebetween. A tangential inlet leads to the annular space between the conical members. Alternate embodiments applicable to a hydrocyclone device composed of nesting cylindrical or conical shells forming an annular cyclonic space have passages located on either of the shells to effect an intermediate draw off of a fraction of the flow stream. In addition, a coiled, hollow tube is advantageously situated within the annular space to optimize the flow pattern. Ports may be provided in the hollow tube for removing a gas fraction in counterflow orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Gnesys, Inc.
    Inventors: Boyd Greene, Naji Nassif
  • Patent number: 5885333
    Abstract: The steam/water separator includes a lower standpipe for receiving a two-phase mixture of water and steam at its lower end. Internal threads or elements spaced about the interior wall of the standpipe impart a swirl to the incoming mixture, producing a thin film along the walls. Standard pick-off rings or a porous wall may be employed to separate the liquid from the vapor. A central swirl is imparted to the flow in the region dominated by vapor. This combination of peripheral swirl followed by a central swirl for steam/water separation affords minimum pressure losses along the separator with reduced sensitivity to inlet and submergence conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Gary E. Dix
  • Patent number: 5570744
    Abstract: Hydrocarbon fluid production wells and similar process flowstreams have a spiral baffle-type separator interposed in a surface flowline for separating fluids of different densities, such as gas from oil or gas from oil and from water, for example. Particulate solids may also be separated from the fluid flowstream. The separator includes a spiral baffle of single or multiple diameters interposed in an elongated cylindrical casing connected at its opposite ends to suitable fittings whereby the separator may be connected to conventional fluid flowlines on the surface just downstream of a wellhead or otherwise in a process flowstream. Multiple spiral baffle separators may be connected in series to provide multiple stages for separation of fluids of different densities. The separator is particularly compact, mechanically uncomplicated and may be easily adapted to be interposed in well production fluid flowlines or conduits for process flowstreams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventors: Jean S. Weingarten, Miroslav M. Kolpak, Scott A. Mattison, Ronald G. Oba, M. Jane Williamson
  • Patent number: 5505756
    Abstract: A ramp outlet air precleaner has a base assembly, a dome shaped hood, and a rotor assembly. The base assembly includes an inner circumferential wall and an outer circumferential wall, the inner circumferential wall defining an air outlet port. Angled web supports connect the outer circumferential wall to the inner circumferential wall and the arrangement forms air inlet ports that direct air upon the rotor assembly. A ramp extends perpendicularly and axially from the outer circumferential wall and, starting at the top of the outer circumferential wall, the ramp surface winds around the outer circumferential wall in a spiral, terminating near the bottom of the outer circumferential wall below its starting point. The two ends of the ramp form the top and bottom of a particulate discharge port gap. The rotor assembly includes a hub that has arms extending outwardly therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: American Farm Implement & Specialty, Inc.
    Inventor: William K. Decker
  • Patent number: 5462585
    Abstract: Gas is separated from fluent material, particularly a liquid or a cellulose fiber suspension having a consistency of about 8-18%, utilizing a closed separation apparatus having a spiral housing with a central axis, a fluent material inlet channel, a fluent material outlet, and a gas outlet. A pressure differential is maintained between the inlet channel and the spiral housing, and the pressure differential is converted to kinetic energy of the fluent material by causing the fluent material to flow through one or more spiral flow paths through the inlet channel toward the spiral housing. In the spiral housing a rotor is rotated to impart a strong centrifugal force to the fluent material to cause gas to separate and collect adjacent the central axis of the spiral housing, from which the gas is removed. The strong centrifugal force caused by the rotating rotor discharges the fluent material through the outlet. The spiral flow paths may be stationary or may rotate with the rotor in the spiral housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: A. Ahlstrom Corporation
    Inventors: Toivo Niskanen, Kari Peltonen
  • Patent number: 5385592
    Abstract: A filter device for compressed air including first and second filters, wherein the first filter is free from a variation in the filtering efficiency, and does not require periodic replacement of its packing, leading to a reduced maintenance cost of the first filter. The first filter is adapted to separate the liquid and solid particles from the compressed air passing therethrough, while the second filter is adapted to remove or eliminate any residual liquid and solid particles remaining in the compressed air passing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Maeda Limited
    Inventor: Sadao Maeda
  • Patent number: 5224976
    Abstract: A device for separating liquids and/or solids from a high-pressure gas stream having a cylindrical vessel fitted with a top compartment into which the gas stream is fed, a middle compartment having a number of blades set helicoidally around the axis of the vessel, and a bottom compartment for separating the gas and the liquid and/or solids. A coaxial gas discharge pipe projects upwardly from the bottom compartment through the middle and top compartments, around which helicoidal blades have been fixed, each helicoidal blade being composed of a bottom section with a constant pitch and a section with a gradually increasing pitch. Vertical baffles are fitted between the helicoidal blades which, viewed in the flow direction of the gas, extend from the discharge pipe in the direction of the inner wall of the vessel. Conical sleeve sections are provided in the separation section of the device, at the outer wall of the gas discharge pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: N.V. Nederlandse Gasunie
    Inventor: Leendert Oranje
  • Patent number: 5215559
    Abstract: A device for separating fibers and gas, comprising a cyclone (1) with inlet (2) for a mixture of fiber/gas and separate outlets (3 and 5, respectively) for fibers and gas, respectively. In front of the gas outlet (5) a screen (6, 10) is located, which is provided with apertures and attached on a rotatable shaft, so that the rotation of the screen gives rise to accelerations and forces preventing fibers from passing through the apertures in the screen (6, 10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Sunds Defibrator Industries Aktiebolag
    Inventor: H E Kenneth Eriksson
  • Patent number: 5215553
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved mechanical separator which is capable of continuous operation without clogging, which is capable of efficiently separating particulate material from a gaseous medium such as air in such a manner that the collected particulate material may be salvaged, and which apparatus is environmentally friendly in that it cleans gases such as air in a highly efficient manner while at the same time saving potentially valuable products which would otherwise be mainly lost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Blowhard Pneumatic Services Inc.
    Inventors: Alvin Herman, Rubien Herman, Ken Bokor