Regulating Or Metering Means Patents (Class 96/116)
  • Patent number: 11016064
    Abstract: A controller includes a temperature prediction unit. The temperature prediction unit predicts, on the assumption that a refrigerant is fed from a refrigerant feeder, an internal temperature of a column oven based on time interval information and decrement information in a memory. Thus, the temperature prediction unit can accurately predict the internal temperature of the column oven when the refrigerant is fed from the refrigerant feeder. If the refrigerant is fed from the refrigerant feeder when the predicted internal temperature of the column oven is suitable for the analysis operation, the internal temperature of the column oven can be brought closer to an appropriate temperature. As a result, the internal temperature of the column oven can be controlled with precision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Shigenobu Nakano, Yuki Komori, Masayuki Okada
  • Patent number: 10695710
    Abstract: A method for the continuous production of ozone and recovery of oxygen in a purge cycle adsorption process having four adsorbent beds. The method has the steps of feeding a mixture of ozone and oxygen to a first and second adsorbent bed wherein the first and the second adsorbent bed adsorb ozone and allow oxygen to pass through; recovering the oxygen from the first bed; feeding the oxygen from the second bed to a fourth adsorbent bed, wherein ozone is desorbed from the fourth bed; feeding clean dry air through a valve to the third adsorbent bed, and measuring the flow rate of the clean dry air through the valve, comparing this flow rate to a pre-calculated value and adjusting the flow rate of the clean dry air to equal the pre-calculated value; desorbing ozone from the third bed; and recovering ozone from the third bed and the fourth bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Messer Industries USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Finley, Frank R. Fitch, Ravi Subramanian
  • Patent number: 9579943
    Abstract: A compressed air supply installation for operating a pneumatic installation, especially an air suspension installation of a vehicle, includes an air supply unit and an air compression unit for supplying a compressed air supply unit with compressed air, a pneumatic connection, especially a bleeding line, comprising a bleeding valve and a bleeding port for bleeding air, and a pneumatic connection, especially a compressed air supply line having an air drier and a compressed air port for supplying the pneumatic installation with compressed air The air drier has a drier container through which compressed air can flow and which contains a desiccant. The drier container has a wall forming a desiccant-free recess, and at least part of the bleeding valve system is arranged in the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: WABCO GMBH
    Inventors: Dieter Frank, Frank Meissner
  • Patent number: 9011582
    Abstract: Disclosed is an oxygen enrichment that can follow changes in adsorption performance in response to changes in the temperature of the usage environment and can reduce power consumption. The oxygen enrichment device has a purge step control means that controls a purge step time to increase/decrease the length of a purge step so as to maximize the oxygen concentration by changing opening/closing timing of a flow-channel switching means while the oxygen enrichment device is running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Teijin Pharma Limited
    Inventors: Makoto Ando, Hisashi Kiriake
  • Publication number: 20150078964
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide an air treatment assembly including a sorbent, such as a carbon fiber cloth, for cleansing circulating indoor air of VOCs. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the air treatment assembly is provided and may be configured for in-situ regeneration, using outside air to flush a sorbent and purge the air treatment assembly in a repeatable adsorption-regeneration cycle, allowing a relatively small mass of sorbent to be used for an extended period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: ENVERID SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Udi Meirav, Israel Biran
  • Patent number: 8894752
    Abstract: An air dryer includes first and second flow paths. Each flow path includes a check valve that prevents fluid flow into the flow path and an exhaust valve having an open position that permits fluid flow out of the flow path and a shut position that prevents fluid flow out of the flow path. A diverter valve has a first position that provides fluid communication to the first flow path and a second position that provides fluid communication to the second flow path. An interlock operably connected to the diverter valve and the exhaust valves prevents positioning the diverter valve to the first position when the exhaust valve in the first flow path is in the open position and prevents positioning the diverter valve to the second position when the exhaust valve in the second flow path is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Graham-White Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: William F. Ginder
  • Publication number: 20140290092
    Abstract: The substrate treating apparatus includes a process chamber in which an organic solvent remaining on a substrate is dissolved by using a fluid, that is provided as a supercritical fluid, to dry the substrate and a recycling unit including a recycler separating the organic solvent from the fluid discharged from the process chamber to recycle the fluid. The recycler includes a column having a space in which an absorbent for absorbing the organic solvent is stored, a supply tube supplying the fluid discharged from the process chamber into the space of the column, a discharge tube discharging the fluid from which the organic solvent is separated in the column, a gas supply tube supplying a purge gas into the column so that the organic solvent is separated from the absorbent, and an exhaust tube exhausting the purge gas containing the organic solvent to the outside of the column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Semes Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eun-Sun JUNG, Woo-Young KIM, Chan-young HEO
  • Patent number: 8840712
    Abstract: An evaporative emission control system includes a fuel tank, a canister, a normally-closed control valve, a filler pipe, and a breather pipe. The fuel tank is to store fuel. The canister is to adsorb evaporative fuel generated in the fuel tank. The normally-closed control valve is provided in a vapor passage connecting the fuel tank to the canister. The fuel is delivered to the fuel tank through the filler pipe. The breather pipe includes a communicating passage, an opening, and at least one hole. The communicating passage connects the fuel tank to the filler pipe. The opening is provided at a first end of the breather pipe in the fuel tank. The opening is located below a predetermined fuel level in the fuel tank. The at least one hole is located above the predetermined fuel level in the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kitamura, Koichi Hidano, Ayumu Horiba, Masakazu Kitamoto, Yoshikazu Kaneyasu
  • Patent number: 8828118
    Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system using two or more valves for controlling the flow of gases entering or exiting a bed of adsorbents is disclosed, where the two or more valves are opened sequentially (i.e., in at least two actions separated by a delay in time). The sequential opening of the valves may increase the degree to which adsorbed species are purged from the bed, and also facilitates more rapid execution of certain time steps of the PSA cycle, thus increasing adsorbent productivity The sequential opening of the valves may also allow for verification of valve operation by measuring either the absolute value, the slope (derivative) or the rate of change of derivative of the pressure, either in the adsorbent bed, in the downstream manifold, or in a volume of gas held in a buffer vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Lummus Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Franklin D. Lomax, Richard S. Todd, Brian A. Zakrajsek
  • Publication number: 20140190348
    Abstract: Systems and methods associated with providing a concentrated product gas utilizing a vacuum swing adsorption process are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes first and second sieve beds, a scavenger pump, and a controller. In one embodiment, the method includes: separating one or more adsorbable components from a source gaseous mixture via first and second sieve beds in alternating and opposing filling and purging cycles of a vacuum swing adsorption process to form the concentrated product gas and pressurizing the concentrated gas for delivery to a user. Other embodiments include selectively controlling a variable restrictor based at least in part on a desired output setting to selectively provide flow between the first and second sieve beds such that the flow for at least one output setting is different from the flow for at least one other output setting in relation to corresponding filling cycles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph B. Richey, II, William J. Daniels
  • Publication number: 20140165828
    Abstract: A dehydrator for dehydrating air supplied to a power related or mechanical device includes a first container configured to hold a desiccant, a first heater arranged with the first container configured to heat the desiccant in the first container, a second container configured to hold a desiccant, and a second heater arranged with the second container configured to heat the desiccant in the second container. The dehydrator further includes a conduit configured to selectively connect one of the first container and the second container to the power related or mechanical device and a controller configured to selectively operate one of the first heater and the second heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: WAUKESHA ELECTRIC SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Arthur MARTIN, John PRUENTE
  • Publication number: 20140137737
    Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of an oxygen concentrator system that includes a home oxygen concentrator system couplable to a portable oxygen concentrator system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: INOVA LABS, INC., A DELAWARE CORPORATION
    Inventors: William R. Wilkinson, Dragan Nebrigic
  • Publication number: 20140076164
    Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption purification unit (PSA unit) comprising: N adsorbers comprising N inlets and N outlets with N?2; at least one rotary distributor connected via N connections to the N inlets or to the N outlets of the N adsorbers; and characterised in that each of these N connections comprises a means for regulating a flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: L'Air Liquide Société Anonyme pour I'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Christian Monereau, Bernard Saulnier
  • Publication number: 20140013944
    Abstract: A device for selectively regenerating and performing tank leakage diagnosis of a tank ventilation system has a sorption filter and a pump. The sorption filter is configured to temporarily store fuel evaporating from a fuel tank. The pump is arranged at a fresh-air side of the sorption filter and is connected in fluid-conducting fashion to the sorption filter. The pump is configured to generate a fluid flow to regenerate the sorption filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GMBH
    Inventors: Silke Haag, Helmut Denz, Andreas Pape, Manfred Franz
  • Publication number: 20130239814
    Abstract: An air passage that connects an inlet port that sucks air from a dehumidification target space and an outlet port that supplies air to the dehumidification target space; a heating device that heats the air; a first moisture adsorption/desorption device releasing moisture into air that has a relatively low humidity and absorbing moisture from air that has a relatively high humidity; a second moisture adsorption/desorption device disposed so as to be spaced apart from the first moisture adsorption/desorption device, a cooling device cooling air that has been humidified; and switching devices switching between an air path passing air through the first moisture adsorption/desorption device, the cooling device, and the second moisture adsorption/desorption device in this order, and an air path in which the air passes through the second moisture adsorption/desorption device, the cooling device, and the first moisture adsorption/desorption device in this order.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichi Ito, Masaki Toyoshima, Fumitake Unezaki
  • Patent number: 8529677
    Abstract: A carbon canister as utilized relative to underground fuel storage tank vapor recovery, including for the capture and purging of hydrocarbon vapors as air is introduced into and released from an underground storage tank, and wherein, in one form intended primarily for use in Stage II Vapor Recovery systems, the carbon canister includes a valve activated by weight of saturated carbon and wherein, in another form intended primarily for use in Stage I Vapor Recovery systems, the carbon canister is a free breathing carbon canister with a surge protection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Husky Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Schroeder, Darrell Vilmer, Arthur C. Fink, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130192468
    Abstract: The invention provides gas purification systems for the recovery and liquefaction of low boiling point organic and inorganic gases, such as methane, propane, CO2, NH3, and chlorofluorocarbons. Many such gases are in the effluent gas of industrial processes and the invention can increase the sustainability and economics of such industrial processes. In a preferred system of the invention, low boiling point gases are adsorbed with a heated activated carbon fiber material maintained at an adsorption temperature during an adsorption cycle. During a low boiling point desorption cycle the activated carbon fiber is heated to a desorption temperature to create a desorption gas stream with concentrated low boiling point gases. The desorption gas stream is actively compressed and/or cooled to condense and liquefy the low boiling point gases, which can then be collected, stored, re-used, sold, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventor: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
  • Publication number: 20130186276
    Abstract: An oxygen concentrator provides ambulatory oxygen utilizing a vacuum swing adsorption (VSA) oxygen separator powered by a power pack. The separator has a plurality of nitrogen-selective adsorbent beds, each operating in VSA cycles including feed, evacuation and repressurization phases. The concentrator also contains a delivery system for receiving oxygen produced by the VSA separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: Vbox, Incorporated
    Inventor: Vbox, Incorporated
  • Patent number: 8404022
    Abstract: A method of concentrating ozone gas in which, although the apparatus configuration is simple, ozone gas of a predetermined concentration can be efficiently taken out, and an apparatus therefor are provided. In a method of concentrating ozone gas in which an ozone-oxygen mixture gas is acted in an adsorbing column that is filled with an adsorbent, to cause the adsorbent to selectively adsorb the ozone gas, and the selectively adsorbed ozone gas is desorbed, thereby concentrating and purifying the ozone gas, the ozone-oxygen mixture gas is acted on the adsorbent in a non-cooled state to cause the ozone gas to be selectively adsorbed to the adsorbent, the adsorbing column is vacuumed when performing an operation desorbing of the ozone gas, thereby desorbing the ozone gas from the adsorbent, and an initial amount of the leading out of the desorbed ozone gas is not recovered, thereby obtaining high-concentration ozone gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Iwatani Corporation
    Inventors: Kunihiko Koike, Sadaki Nakamura, Naohisa Makihira, Koichi Izumi, Shigenori Takatori
  • Publication number: 20130042754
    Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system using two or more valves for controlling the flow of gases entering or exiting a bed of adsorbents is disclosed, where the two or more valves are opened sequentially (i.e., in at least two actions separated by a delay in time). The sequential opening of the valves may increase the degree to which adsorbed species are purged from the bed, and also facilitates more rapid execution of certain time steps of the PSA cycle, thus increasing adsorbent productivity The sequential opening of the valves may also allow for verification of valve operation by measuring either the absolute value, the slope (derivative) or the rate of change of derivative of the pressure, either in the adsorbent bed, in the downstream manifold, or in a volume of gas held in a buffer vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: LUMMUS TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventors: Franklin D. Lomax, Richard S. Todd, Brian A. Zakrajsek
  • Patent number: 8328904
    Abstract: An active wheel desiccant dehumidifier is controlled for improved energy savings by modulating operation characteristics including process air flow, reactivation air flow, temperatures, and wheel rotation in response to changing conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignees: Bry-Air, Inc., Bry-Air (Asia) Pvt. Ltd.
    Inventors: William C. Griffiths, Deepak Pahwa, Rajan Sachdev
  • Patent number: 8262784
    Abstract: A regenerative adsorption gas dryer has a wet gas inlet, first and second drying towers, and a dried gas outlet. The inlet, towers and outlet are arranged such that, in use, a flow of purge gas regenerates an off-stream one of the towers, while a stream of wet gas from the wet gas inlet enters an on-stream one of the towers to exit that tower as a stream of dried gas which then continues to the dried gas outlet. The roles of the off-stream and on-stream towers are reversible. The dryer further has a first check valve for controlling a stream of dried gas between the first drying tower and the dried gas outlet, and a second check valve for controlling a stream of dried gas between the second drying tower and the dried gas outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Walker Filtration Limited
    Inventors: Brian Walker, Peter Carney
  • Patent number: 8231717
    Abstract: An oxidizing gas purification apparatus (1) for a fuel cell (7) has a compressor (2) that compresses oxidizing gas and sends the oxidizing gas; a cooling apparatus (4), disposed downstream from the compressor (2), that cools the oxidizing gas passing therethrough; an adsorbent unit (5b), disposed downstream from the cooling apparatus (4), that houses an adsorbent (5a) that adsorbs impurities included in the oxidizing gas sent from the cooling apparatus (4) at a prescribed adsorption temperature and releases the adsorbed impurities at a prescribed thermal regeneration temperature that is above the prescribed adsorption temperature by control of the operation of the cooling apparatus (4) to cool the oxidizing gas that has a temperature above the prescribed adsorption temperature and that is sent from the compressor (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroshi Fujitani
  • Patent number: 8182583
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer readable storage medium for managing powdered activated carbon (PAC) injections for controlling mercury emissions from coal-fired boilers. A mercury concentration value received from a mercury continuous emissions monitor is stored in the plant control system database. A PAC injection rate from an activated carbon injection system also is stored in the plant control system database. If the mercury concentration value is greater than the mercury setpoint, a signal is sent to the activated carbon injection system to increase PAC injection by a predetermined value. If the mercury concentration value is less than the mercury setpoint, a signal is sent to the activated carbon injection system to decrease PAC injection by a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Southern Company Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Damon Eric Woodson, Charles Walter Conner, Lawrence Petoia, Calvin J. Hohenshell
  • Publication number: 20120118143
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for dehumidifying a desired area using a desiccant dehumidifier. The desiccant dehumidifier of the present invention provides substantial advantages over known desiccant dehumidifiers in terms of simplified manufacture and improved efficiency. The dehumidifier of the present invention includes a single chamber with an intake and an exhaust end, a desiccant, a fan and a heater located in the chamber, and one or more regulators for directing intake and/or output of air in relation to the chamber. This configuration does not require a rotor motor or cycling multichamber apparatus in order to change operation of the apparatus from drying air to reactivating the desiccant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Ronald E. Foreman
  • Publication number: 20120031273
    Abstract: An air processing device for a utility vehicle includes a compressor and two air dryer cartridges. The air dryer cartridges are located in two parallel paths. A control unit controls a regeneration of one of said air dryer cartridges independent from a load phase of the other of said air dryer cartridges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: HALDEX BRAKE PRODUCTS GMBH
    Inventor: Siegfried Heer
  • Patent number: 8110029
    Abstract: An integrated system [1000] is described for reducing operating costs of power plants while keeping gaseous pollutants in exhaust flue gasses, such as Mercury (Hg), below acceptable limits. Controller [1800] monitors and controls operation of a scrubber [1300], activator injection system [1400], sorbent injection system [1500] and a filter [1600]. Scrubber [1300] provides a neutralizer to remove SO2 emissions. Activator injection system [1400] provides and activator that increases affinity of the pollutant gasses for a sorbent. Sorbent injection system [1500] employs novel low friction injection lances [1590] that evenly distribute the sorbent particles. A filter [1600] collects the sorbent particles that cake onto filter bags [1620] that are periodically cleaned. A controller [1800] receives the costs of materials consumed and the filter bag life for the plant and performs an optimization of the multiple variables to minimize costs while keeping the pollutant emissions below a prescribed limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: David J. Matteson, James P. Sutton, Rebecca L. Tobiasz, Martin J. Kozlak
  • Publication number: 20120012005
    Abstract: Regenerative air dryers are disclosed for feeding pressurized air with a controlled moisture content to a header. In one embodiment, a dryer comprises first and second chambers alternating between drying and regenerating phases. One of the chambers is at the drying phase while the other is at the regenerating phase. A controller is programmed to switch the phase of the chambers between drying and regenerating when the desiccant in the chamber at the drying phase has retained water to a predetermined capacity. A bypass line bypasses both chambers. An input provides air to the chamber at the drying phase and to the bypass line. A dew point feedback system controls a volume of air passing through the bypass line. Means are included for combining air from the bypass line with air exiting the chamber at the drying phase to provide air with a controlled dew point to the header.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Nicholas Edward Burke
  • Patent number: 8075677
    Abstract: A carbon canister with a valve activated by the weight of nearly saturated or saturated carbon communicates with piping from an underground tank. The invention includes carbon within a casing inside a canister, a weight actuated valve, and piping in communication with the atmosphere. When an ORVR vehicle refuels, the pressure lowers in the tank that draws air into the canister. After refueling, the tank remains subject to conditions that generate hydrocarbon vapors. Those vapors then return to the canister and adhere to the surface of the carbon. The carbon, heavier with hydrocarbons, lowers the canister and closes the weight actuated valve. Closing the valve returns pressure control to an external pressure vacuum relief valve. The next refueling draws in atmospheric air to purge the hydrocarbons in the canister and thus lighten it. A secondary purge valve also removes hydrocarbons from the canister. Once the carbon lightens, the inlet valve opens and the vapors return to the canister for adsorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Husky Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Schroeder, Darrell Vilmer, Arthur C. Fink, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8070853
    Abstract: In one aspect, a product gas concentrator is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus may include: a first process separating absorbable components from a source gaseous mixture, a second process providing concentrated product gas in a continuous output mode, a third process providing concentrated product gas in a pulsed output mode, and a fourth process selectively switching between the continuous and pulsed output modes. In another embodiment, the apparatus may include: a first process pressurizing a source gaseous mixture, a second process separating absorbable components from the pressurized gaseous mixture, a product tank accumulating concentrated product gas for dispensing, an output path, a third process selecting a volume to be dispensed during a predetermined time, a pressure sensor monitoring pressure of the concentrated product gas, and a fourth process controlling flow of the concentrated product gas in response to the selected volume and the monitored pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas B. Sprinkle
  • Patent number: 8070864
    Abstract: An apparatus to provide an oxygen concentrator that is a pressure swing adsorption-type oxygen concentrator equipped with; at least one adsorption bed filled with an adsorbent capable of selectively adsorbing nitrogen relative to oxygen, an air supply device to supply compressed air to the adsorption bed, a flow channel switching device to repeat at a predetermined timing an adsorption step to supply air from the air supply device to the adsorption bed to isolate concentrated oxygen and a desorption step to depressurize the adsorption bed to regenerate the adsorbent therein, and a flow rate setting device to set a volume of concentrated oxygen supplied to a user; comprising an exhaust pipe channel equipped with a leak valve in a flow channel between the air supply device and the adsorption bed to release a part of compressed air that is to be supplied to the adsorption bed into atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Teijin Pharma Limited
    Inventors: Mitsuru Uchiyama, Katsushi Fujimoto, Makoto Ando
  • Publication number: 20110214646
    Abstract: A fuel vapor processor has a fuel tank configured to reserve fuel, a canister containing adsorbent capable of adsorbing fuel vapor vaporized in the fuel tank, a separator receiving a fuel vapor containing gas from the fuel tank, a regulator controlling the volume of the fuel vapor containing gas supplied to the separator, and a suction unit capable of removing the fuel vapor from the canister. The separator selectively passes the fuel vapor therethrough in order to divide the fuel vapor containing gas into a first gas mainly containing the fuel vapor and a second gas having a fuel vapor density lower than the first gas. The suction unit suctions the first gas from the separator in order to return the first gas into the fuel tank. The second gas is introduced into the canister or is released into the atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Katsuhiko MAKINO
  • Patent number: 8012240
    Abstract: In one aspect, a product gas concentrator is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus may include: a first process separating absorbable components from a source gaseous mixture, a second process providing concentrated product gas in a continuous output mode, a third process providing concentrated product gas in a pulsed output mode, and a fourth process selectively switching between the continuous and pulsed output modes. In another embodiment, the apparatus may include: a first process pressurizing a source gaseous mixture, a second process separating absorbable components from the pressurized gaseous mixture, a product tank accumulating concentrated product gas for dispensing, an output path, a third process selecting a volume to be dispensed during a predetermined time, a pressure sensor monitoring pressure of the concentrated product gas, and a fourth process controlling flow of the concentrated product gas in response to the selected volume and the monitored pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas B. Sprinkle
  • Publication number: 20110146487
    Abstract: A modular and compact adsorbent bed structure is disclosed for use in an adsorption-based gas separation plant. The conventional adsorbent bed in a gas separation plant is replaced with a plurality of modular adsorbent bed units connected to make the adsorbent bed structure. Modular adsorbent bed units of this invention provide higher capacity of product per unit volume of adsorbent material (i.e., increased adsorbent utilization) as compared to that obtained from conventional adsorbent beds. The modular design requires lower fabrication costs; is easier to transport; has less maintenance and repair requirements; and is easier to load with adsorbent material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Cem E. Celik, MARK WILLIAM ACKLEY, James Smolarek
  • Patent number: 7964017
    Abstract: A gas flow system and method are provided for controlling the moisture in a gas flow. The system may include a gas source from which gas flows, a processing chamber to which the gas flows, and a gas flow line through which the gas flows from the gas source to the processing chamber. The gas flow line may include a moisture control line section. The moisture control line section includes a pass-through line through which the gas may pass, so as to be exposed to a dryer. The exposure to a dryer may be controlled by a suitable valve. A scrubber is disposed in the gas flow line, the scrubber removing contaminates from the gas in the gas flow. The system may include a moisture sensor disposed in the gas flow, the moisture sensor sensing at least one parameter of the gas and outputting a signal representing the at least parameter to a moisture sensor controller, such that the moisture sensor controller determines the moisture in the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, Inc.
    Inventor: John Petinarides
  • Patent number: 7922789
    Abstract: A portable gas fractionalization apparatus that provides oxygen rich air to patients is provided. The apparatus is compact, lightweight, and low-noise. The components are assembled in a housing that is divided into two compartments. One compartment is maintained at a lower temperature than the other compartment. The lower temperature compartment is configured for mounting components that can be damaged by heat. The higher temperature compartment is configured for mounting heat generating components. An air stream is directed to flow from an ambient air inlet to an air outlet constantly so that there is always a fresh source of cooling air. The apparatus utilizes a PSA unit to produce an oxygen enriched product. The PSA unit incorporates a novel compressor system which includes the use of free piston linear compressors so as to reduce power consumption, noise and vibration reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Inogen, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Frank Deane, Brenton Alan Taylor
  • Patent number: 7854793
    Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption system comprising two or more vessels, each having a feed end, a product end, and adsorbent material adapted to adsorb one or more components from a multi-component feed gas mixture; piping adapted to (1) introduce the feed gas mixture into the feed ends, withdraw a product gas from the product ends, and withdraw a waste gas from the feed ends of the vessels, and (2) place the product ends of any pair of vessels in flow communication; a feed pipe adapted to supply the feed gas mixture to the system; a product pipe adapted to withdraw the product gas from the system; and a waste gas pipe adapted to withdraw the waste gas from the system. An indexed rotatable multi-port valve is adapted to place the product end of each vessel in sequential flow communication with the product end of each of the other vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Inventors: David Lester Rarig, Roger Dean Whitley, Matthew James LaBuda
  • Patent number: 7833325
    Abstract: A sorption column for waste-gas cleaning has a vat-shaped housing (1) for receiving a solid stationary sorbent, an inlet for waste gas to be cleaned into the housing (1) and an outlet for cleaned waste gas out of the housing (1). The housing circumferential wall (2) is provided in the area of the housing bottom (3) and the housing cover (4) in each case with a depression (9, 10) for receiving a ball valve (11) at the waste gas inlet or a ball valve (12) at the waste gas outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: CS Clean Systems AG
    Inventor: Edmund Merdzo
  • Patent number: 7827972
    Abstract: An adsorption/desorption device is communicated with an upper space of a fuel tank via a vapor passage. The adsorption/desorption device is configured to selectively adsorb or desorb air components contained in vapor. The adsorption/desorption device and the vapor passage are not communicated to the external atmosphere. The fuel tank is provided with a pressure detecting device for detecting the internal pressure of the fuel tank. A pressure regulating device is provided to the vapor passage for controlling and maintaining the pressure applied to the adsorption/desorption device. When the internal pressure of the fuel tank is higher than the atmospheric pressure, the internal pressure of the fuel tank is pressure-fed to the side of the adsorption/desorption device via the pressure regulating device until the internal pressure of the fuel tank becomes in equilibrium with the atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsuhiko Makino
  • Patent number: 7819958
    Abstract: A purge valve for use with an air drying system is provided. The valve includes a housing or body, a piston disposed within the body, and a valve in communication with the piston. The respective geometries of the piston body and the valve define a circumferential cavity between and around the piston body and the valve. A sealing means is disposed within the circumferential cavity for forming a seal between the valve and the body. A plurality of guide members attached to or formed integrally with the valve provide positional stability to the valve within the body and provide enhanced airflow in, through, and around the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Bendix Commerical Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Fred W. Hoffman, Leonard A. Quinn, Randall W. Nichols
  • Publication number: 20100192775
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable pressure swing adsorption (“PSA”) oxygen generator with at least one partition board disposed inside its housing; an oil-free compressor and a control valve assembly are disposed in one of the separated space isolated by at least one fixing board and the at least one partition board; wherein a fan is disposed inclined or vertically on the partition board outside of the isolated space so that air can be blown into the isolated space directly by an air outlet of the fan. The present invention is built in compact structure with small size and light weight to carry and move, and works safely with a choice of three different types of power supplies, which enable the oxygen generator of the present invention to be used more widely than conventional ones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Dong-lei WANG
  • Patent number: 7727306
    Abstract: A system for use in the treatment of contaminated fluid is provided. The system includes a source from which contaminated fluid may be introduced into the system, and a reservoir for an adsorbent material designed to remove contaminants from the fluid. The system also includes a reactor within which the adsorbent material and the contaminated fluid may be accommodated for treatment. A separation device may further be included for removing spent adsorbent materials from the system. A method for treating contaminated fluid is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Perry Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Krogue, Timothy L. Holmes, Michelle Hewitt
  • Patent number: 7727305
    Abstract: A system for recycling vented atmosphere gas discharged from a heat treatment chamber utilizing a protective atmosphere gas therein. The system includes an atmosphere recycling apparatus configured to receive the vented atmosphere gas. The atmosphere recycling apparatus includes a gas separator configured to separate the vented atmosphere gas into a purified atmosphere gas stream and an impure stream. The atmosphere recycling apparatus is configured to feed the purified atmosphere gas stream to the heat treatment chamber. A storage vessel can be provided to receive the purified atmosphere gas stream from the atmosphere recycling apparatus, and configured to supplement an atmosphere gas supply to the heat treatment chamber with the purified atmosphere gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Lummus Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Franklin D. Lomax, Jr., Gregory S. Carr, Richard S. Todd
  • Patent number: 7704304
    Abstract: An improved sieve bed design to manage breakthrough and the mass transfer zone by way of volumetric division. An empty space in the product end is separated from adsorbent-filled sieve space in the feed end by a mid-diffuser plate. The ratio of the empty product end void space to the adsorbent filled sieve space within a sieve bed may be determined by the relative percentages of the gasses to be separated and the bulk loading factor of the molecular sieve. A product end void space of the correct volume may ensure the maximum volume of nitrogen has been adsorbed before breakthrough occurs. In operation, pressure in the sieve bed empty space and sieve filled space may be equal at any instant. This contains breakthrough to the location of the mid-diffuser plate. The mass transfer zone may be static at the point of the mid-diffuser plate and as such, gas separation is a function of pressure within the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Wearair Oxygen, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Warren, Anthony Hiscock
  • Publication number: 20100078027
    Abstract: The apparatus is equipped with cover unit (1) fixed to a head portion of worker so as to cover at least the regions of nose and mouth of the worker, the cover unit capable of trapping the worker's breath. The cover unit has an exhaust opening and an air supply opening. Further, the apparatus is equipped with moisture recycle unit (2) fitted to the worker so as to simultaneously carry out the two processes consisting of the adsorption process of introducing moist air, effecting adsorption of the water contained in the air on an adsorbent and emitting dry air and the regeneration process of introducing dry air, effecting evaporation of the water adsorbed on the adsorbent into the dry air and emitting moist air. Still further, the apparatus is equipped with exhaust hose (3) connecting the exhaust opening of the cover unit to the moisture recycle unit and with air supply hose (4) connecting the moisture recycle unit to the air supply opening of the cover unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: Itswa Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Minoru Ogasahara
  • Patent number: 7655077
    Abstract: An air treatment system includes a recirculation line (24) through which air from the enclosed space can be recirculated, and a contaminant adsorption assembly (36) is provided in an auxiliary supply conduit (31). In the event that contaminants are detected in atmospheric air, air from the enclosed space can be recirculated for conditioning and then readmitted to the enclosed space. Oxygen that is breathed by occupants of the enclosed space can be replenished by admitting air from atmosphere, which is treated using the adsorption assembly and then mixed with air that is in the enclosed space or being recirculated for admission to the enclosed space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Domnick Hunter Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert Michael Fielding
  • Patent number: 7615107
    Abstract: An emission treatment system includes a first separation device that is operable to introduce one or more sorbents into an exhaust stream having emission products. The sorbent captures the emission products such that the exhaust stream includes sorbent with captured emission products. A second separation device located downstream from the first separation device receives the exhaust stream and utilizes an electrostatic potential to separate the sorbent with captured emission products from the exhaust stream into a discharge stream to produce a clean stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Southern Company Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Sergei F. Burlatsky, Eric J. Gottung, Venkata R. Vedula, Michael A. Sloan, Vincent C. Nardone, Bruce H. Easom, Leo A. Smolensky, Mark S. Berry
  • Publication number: 20090255403
    Abstract: As an apparatus to prevent the excess adsorption of oxygen molecules caused by excess supply of raw material air and the reduction in the level of generated oxygen caused by concentration of argon, which occur when a predetermined value of an oxygen supply flow rate is in a low flow rate zone, to suppress the electric power consumption and to stably drive a compressor, the present invention provides an oxygen concentrator that is a pressure swing adsorption-type oxygen concentrator equipped with; at least one adsorption bed filled with an adsorbent capable of selectively adsorbing nitrogen relative to oxygen, an air supply device to supply compressed air to the adsorption bed, a flow channel switching device to repeat at a predetermined timing an adsorption step to supply air from the air supply device to the adsorption bed to isolate concentrated oxygen and a desorption step to depressurize the adsorption bed to regenerate the adsorbent therein, and a flow rate setting device to set a volume of concentrated
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: Teijin Phama Limited
    Inventors: Mitsuru Uchiyama, Katsushi Fujimoto, Makoto Ando
  • Patent number: 7578872
    Abstract: An underground fuel tank releases vapors depending upon air pressure. A vapor pressure management system has a canister for a vapor recovery system that connects with piping from an underground tank and has carbon therein along with appurtenant pipes and valves. When an ORVR vehicle refuels, the pressure lowers in an underground tank that draws air through the valves into the canister. After refueling an ORVR vehicle, environmental conditions generate hydrocarbon vapors. Barometric pressure drops and evaporated fuel during long refueling lulls produce hydrocarbon vapors at an increased pressure. Those hydrocarbon rich vapors then return to the canister of the system where the carbon binds the hydrocarbons while releasing air to the atmosphere. The refueling of the next ORVR vehicle draws in atmospheric air to purge the hydrocarbons retained in the canister of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Husky Corporation
    Inventor: Arthur C. Fink, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7556670
    Abstract: A method and system of coordinating an intensifier and sieve beds. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods comprising coordinating control of an intensifier with cycles of a sieve bed fluidly coupled to the intensifier such that there is at least one low pressure stroke of the intensifier and at least one high pressure stroke of the intensifier during a fill cycle of the sieve bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventors: Alonzo C. Aylsworth, Charles R. Aylsworth