Liquid Flow Slinger, Spreader, Deflector, Disperser, Or Rotation Modifier Patents (Class 96/204)
  • Publication number: 20110219853
    Abstract: A degassing system includes a vessel. A liquid inlet lets liquid into the vessel. A liquid outlet lets liquid out of the vessel. A liquid receiving chamber receives the liquid that enters the vessel through the liquid inlet. The liquid receiving chamber is open on one side. The degassing system further includes a motor having a shaft and a pump coupled to the shaft. The pump has the shape of a cone. The cone has an axis, a narrow end and a wide end. The pump is positioned so that its narrow end is inserted into the open side of the liquid receiving chamber and so that its wide end is close enough to a wall of the vessel so that fluid ejected from the wide end when the pump is spinning will strike the wall. The degassing system includes a gas outlet for releasing gas from the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Matthew Hay Henderson
  • Patent number: 8016206
    Abstract: An air conditioning system for automobile having a heater core capable of heating the interior in good efficiency is to be provided. Such a heater core is supplied with the coolant having bubbles removed, and thereby the efficiency of heat exchange is enhanced and the noise is reduced. On the internal combustion engine is mounted a water outlet (bubble separating means) 3 having a receiving chamber 8 that the coolant after cooling the engine flows in. In the downstream position of the chamber 8 is formed a communicating portion 9 of narrowed sectional area and a feeding chamber 10 of increased sectional area in turn. The flowing velocity of the coolant is increased in the communicating portion 9 and decreased in the feeding chamber 10 and thereby it is possible to make bubbles in the coolant float up and separate out. As a result, the coolant without bubbles may be fed to the heater core 7 through a feeding portion 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignees: Aichi Machine Industry Co., Ltd., Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norio Ito, Takayoshi Ichihara
  • Patent number: 7988768
    Abstract: A dialysis fluid cassette includes a rigid portion defining at least one valve chamber, the rigid portion further defining an air separation chamber, the air separation chamber when in an operating position including an inner surface, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and configured to cause a dialysis fluid to spiral around the inner surface toward the fluid outlet, such that air is removed from the dialysis fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Atif M. Yardimci, James C. Laird
  • Patent number: 7947121
    Abstract: A method for receiving fluid from a natural gas pipeline, the fluid comprising gaseous hydrocarbons, liquid hydrocarbons, water and optionally solids, the method comprising: (a) in a slug catcher (10), receiving the fluid comprising gaseous hydrocarbons, liquid hydrocarbons, water and optionally solids from at least one pipeline (20a, 20b, 20c) (b) in the slug catcher (10), separating at least a portion of the gaseous hydrocarbons from the rest of the fluid to leave a liquid mixture or a liquid/solid mixture; (c) directing at least a portion of the liquid mixture or liquid/solid mixture to a separation vessel (14), preferably a three-phase separation vessel; and (d) in the event of a surge of liquids and optionally solids to the slug catcher (10), directing at least a portion of the liquid mixture or the liquid/solid mixture from the slug catcher (10) to a surge vessel (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Eduard Coenraad Bras, Cornelis Buijs, Jill Hui Chiun Chieng, Robert Klein Nagelvoort
  • Patent number: 7942853
    Abstract: A fluid chamber having an inlet and an outlet at the top of the chamber. The inlet is arrange so that fluid entering the chamber at the inlet sweeps the top of the chamber so as to direct any air bubbles naturally collecting at the top of the chamber or which may be trapped in the entering fluid stream toward the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Alcon, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph E. Svetic
  • Patent number: 7901492
    Abstract: A device in connection with a pipe separator. The pipe separator comprising an extended tubular body (1) with a diameter that is principally the same as or slightly larger than the diameter of the inlet pipe (3) of the pipe separator. A gas manifold (2) is arranged in connection with the inlet pipe. The manifold (2) includes a number of vertical degassing pipes (7), which are connected to the supply pipe (3) immediately ahead of the inlet to the separator and which end in an overlying, preferably slightly inclined gas collection pipe (6). The manifold is designed so that the gas will be diverted up through the vertical degassing pipes and collected in the gas collection pipe (6) for return to the outlet pipe after the separator or transported onwards to a gas tank or gas processing plant or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro ASA
    Inventors: Per Eivind Gramme, Gunnar Hannibal Lie
  • Patent number: 7892325
    Abstract: A process for controlled conversion of at least two gases which form ignitable and/or explosive mixtures with one another, in which the gases are absorbed either separately or together in a carrier liquid which is inert in relation to the gases; the carrier liquid with the absorbed gases is fed to a degasser which comprises a closed degassing vessel (2) which comprises at least one feed line for the gas-laden carrier liquid (1) and at least one gas outlet (3) at its upper end, and also one or more drains for the carrier liquid below the feed line for the carrier liquid and in each case connected to a drain pipe (4), and in such a manner that the liquid flow rate in the degassing vessel (2) is less than 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Christ Water Technology AG
    Inventors: Thomas Menzel, Grigorios Kolios, Monique Bissen, Jürgen Johann
  • Patent number: 7892332
    Abstract: A dialysis fluid cassette includes a rigid portion defining first and second valve chambers, the rigid portion further defining an air separation chamber in fluid communication with the first and second valve chambers, the air separation chamber including a baffle and structured such that when the cassette is placed in a dialysis instrument, (i) the baffle extends upwardly from a bottom of the air separation chamber and (ii) first and second openings to the air separation chamber, communicating fluidly and respectively with the first and second valve chambers, are located near the bottom of the air separation chamber, such that the dialysis fluid is forced up one side of the baffle and down the other side of the baffle when flowing through the air separation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Michael R. Prisco, Atif M. Yardimci, Serhan Acikgoz, James C. Laird, Shincy J. Maliekkal, Justin B. Rohde
  • Patent number: 7887621
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device which comprises a channel (1) carrying a flowable medium. The due operation and/or maintenance of the device is associated with the formation of inclusions (3) inside the channel (1) of a fluid or gas distinct from the aforementioned medium. The channel (1) is configured in such a manner that the inclusions are moved towards a channel exit (4) by capillary forces. The invention also relates to a method for removing inclusions (3) from corresponding devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e. V.
    Inventors: Peter Koltay, Christian Litterst, Steffen Eccarius
  • Patent number: 7851211
    Abstract: An alga microbe photosynthetic reaction system is used to circularly cultivate alga microbes and a culture medium infused in the system. The system comprises a photosynthetic reaction unit, a communicating unit, a pressure liquid infusion unit, an injection and oxygen discharging device, and a regulation area. The photosynthetic reaction unit is a light permeable pipeline. The injection and oxygen discharging device is assembled with an oxygen discharge can and a liquid collection can. By the connection and the functioning of the photosynthetic reaction unit, the communicating unit, the pressure liquid infusion unit, the injection and oxygen discharging device, and the regulation area, the alga microbe culture solution can circularly cultivate good quality algae in the system. The system further comprises a heating unit, a watering unit, and a light complement unit to control the ambient temperature and the light source to suit all kinds of algae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventor: Chao-Hui Lu
  • Patent number: 7806955
    Abstract: A gas-liquid separation system and a method thereof are disclosed. The said system comprises a gas-liquid separation conduit and a drain pipe. The drain pipe is curled and one side of the drain pipe connects to the gas-liquid separation conduit and the other side connects to a sewage pipe. According to the U-Tube principle, the gas and the liquid which both are exhausted by a machinery can be separated in the said system and therefore the said system can prevent related processes causing exhaust piping jam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Inotera Memories, Inc.
    Inventors: Chia Chun Wang, Fei Chih Yang
  • Patent number: 7803217
    Abstract: A bubble trap for separating and collecting air and bubbles from a high flow rate stream of infusate includes multiple flow chambers to collect air, a sensor support mounted to one of the chambers, an air vent disposed in one of the chambers, and a valve in fluid communication with the chambers to control the flow of infusate therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Arizant Healthcare, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall C. Arnold, Mark T. Bieberich, Gary L. Hansen, Andrew J. McGregor, Christopher A. Miller
  • Publication number: 20100234824
    Abstract: Bubble traps for removing bubbles from a stream of liquid and flexible containers comprising such bubble traps are disclosed. The bubble trap includes a containment chamber fluidly coupled to an outlet conduit. At least one grate is disposed between the containment chamber and the outlet conduit. The at least one grate includes a plurality of grate inlets formed in a grate wall and fluidly coupled to the outlet conduit with a plurality of grate conduits such that the containment chamber is fluidly coupled to the outlet conduit. The grate traps bubbles entrained in the stream of liquid flowing from the containment chamber to the outlet conduit in the containment chamber when the bubbles are greater than or equal to a diameter of the grate inlets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS INTERNATIONAL AG
    Inventors: Huwiler Christoph, Kuhni Florian, Geipel Andreas
  • Patent number: 7771522
    Abstract: A slug flow separator facilitates the separation of a mixture flow into component parts. The separator includes an upper-tier elongate conduit, a lower-tier elongate conduit and a plurality of spaced apart connectors. Each of the upper and lower-tier elongate conduits has an outlet and at least one of the upper and lower-tier elongate conduits has an inlet for receiving the mixture flow. The upper and lower-tier elongate conduits also each have a plurality of openings such that one connector of the plurality of connectors may interconnect one of the upper-tier elongate conduit openings with a one of the lower-tier elongate conduit openings. The connectors enable communication of at least one of a liquid component and the at least one of another liquid component and a gas component of the mixture flow therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Jose Oscar Esparza, George John Zabaras
  • Publication number: 20100189606
    Abstract: The purpose of this system is to separate components of a molecule from the larger molecule or separate a molecule into smaller pieces. This system uses the shearing and/or breaking of molecular bonds using pressure waves, sudden pressure differentials, rotary movements, high velocity collisions to separate the molecule, or any combination of these methods. The system uses high voltage through no voltage to facilitate the separated or broken particles to remain in a separated state. For simplification purposes in the patent the drawings will show the separation of hydrogen from water molecules rather than to refer to all combinations; however, this patent refers in general to the separation of molecules/atoms of any size, shape, or configuration into a baser unit, separation of molecular components, or for distillation purposes. The process combinations described below can be used in any industry and for any reason without limitation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Ryan Thomas Burleson
  • Publication number: 20100064892
    Abstract: A gas liquid separator system for a hydrogen generating apparatus includes a collection area for collecting liquid from the generated gases. To empty the collection area occasionally so that liquid does not build up and become entrained again in the dried gas, a vent solenoid is provided in communication with the collection area and a pump is used to create a vacuum periodically on the electrolysis cells. Such arrangement is used to open the liquid gas filter and possibly just the sump to atmosphere occasionally and vacuum generated to draw the liquid from the sump back to the electrolysis cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: HY-DRIVE TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventor: Andrew Harland Linsday
  • Patent number: 7670702
    Abstract: A liquid-gas separator assembly is used in separating gas bubbles from a liquid coolant which liquid coolant is used in a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell power plant. The assembly includes a cylindrical housing containing a central tube which is surrounded by an annular chamber. The annular chamber is defined by the outer surface of the central tube and the inner surface of the cylindrical housing. An inlet line injects a stream of the coolant from the fuel cell stack area of the power plant into the bottom of the central tube in a tangential flow pattern so that the coolant and gas bubble mixture swirls upwardly through the central tube. The swirling flow pattern of the coolant and gas bubble mixture causes the gas bubbles to separate from the liquid coolant so that the gas in the mixture will migrate to the central portion of the swirl tube and the liquid component of the mixture will centrifugally migrate to the inner wall of the swirl tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: UTC Power Corp.
    Inventor: Albert P. Grasso
  • Patent number: 7662220
    Abstract: A driving section is provided for a housing. A fan is rotated in the housing by the driving section. Saturated steam, which is supplied to the housing, is separated into a liquid component and a gas component by applying the centrifugal force to the saturated steam by the fan to make the saturated steam pass through a cylindrical separating wall. The liquid component is discharged from an outlet port of the housing by the separating wall and a shielding section. On the other hand, the gas component is discharged from a discharge port formed at an upper portion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Fukano, Takayuki Murai
  • Patent number: 7637990
    Abstract: An air vent apparatus for a water tube, comprising: an air separator pipe installed to have an axial direction along a vertical direction, and connected to a portion, where an air reservoir tends to occur, of the water tube for passage of water; and air vent means for venting air accumulating in the air separator pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tanabe, Yasuhiro Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20090282985
    Abstract: A separator which includes a vessel with a horizontal section defining a horizontal chamber and a vertical section defining a vertical chamber. The vertical section extends upwardly from the horizontal section. A tubular member is positioned in the vertical section in such a way that the tubular member provides a fluid passage between the horizontal chamber and the vertical chamber and cooperates with the vertical section and the horizontal section to define a liquid receiving space. A deflector plate is spaced from the upper end of the tubular member in such a way that fluid passing up through the tubular member is deflected into the liquid receiving space and returned to the horizontal chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: James D. Whiteley
  • Patent number: 7615103
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatuses for removing bubbles from a process liquid. The process liquid can comprise a plating solution used in a plating tool. The process liquid is supplied to a tank. A plurality of streams of the process liquid are directed towards a surface of the process liquid from below. This can be done by feeding the process liquid to a flow distributor comprising a plurality of openings providing flow communication between an inner volume of the flow distributor and a main volume of the tank. Before leaving the tank through an outlet, the process liquid flows through a flow barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Helge Hartz, Markus Nopper, Axel Preusse
  • Publication number: 20090218278
    Abstract: A slug flow separator facilitates the separation of a mixture flow into component parts. The separator includes an upper-tier elongate conduit, a lower-tier elongate conduit and a plurality of spaced apart connectors. Each of the upper and lower-tier elongate conduits has an outlet and at least one of the upper and lower-tier elongate conduits has an inlet for receiving the mixture flow. The upper and lower-tier elongate conduits also each have a plurality of openings such that one connector of the plurality of connectors may interconnect one of the upper-tier elongate conduit openings with a one of the lower-tier elongate conduit openings. The connectors enable communication of at least one of a liquid component and the at least one of another liquid component and a gas component of the mixture flow therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Jose Oscar Esparza, George John Zabaras
  • Patent number: 7559978
    Abstract: A system for gas-liquid separation in electrolysis processes is provided. The system includes a first compartment having a liquid carrier including a first gas therein and a second compartment having the liquid carrier including a second gas therein. The system also includes a gas-liquid separator fluidically coupled to the first and second compartments for separating the liquid carrier from the first and second gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Grigorii Lev Soloveichik, David Brandon Whitt
  • Patent number: 7540902
    Abstract: A slug flow separator facilitates the separation of a mixture flow into component parts. The separator includes an upper-tier elongate conduit, a lower-tier elongate conduit and a plurality of spaced apart connectors. Each of the upper and lower-tier elongate conduits has an outlet and at least one of the upper and lower-tier elongate conduits has an inlet for receiving the mixture flow. The upper and lower-tier elongate conduits also each have a plurality of openings such that one connector of the plurality of connectors may interconnect one of the upper-tier elongate conduit openings with a one of the lower-tier elongate conduit openings. The connectors enable communication of at least one of a liquid component and the at least one of another liquid component and a gas component of the mixture flow therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Jose Oscar Esparza, George John Zabaras
  • Patent number: 7531026
    Abstract: A deaeration device for deaerating coolant fluid flow in a recirculation cooling system, where the recirculation cooling system includes a cooling fluid reservoir adapted to receive the deaeration device submerged within cooling fluid therein, includes an elongated deaeration tube including a fluid outlet and a deaerating skimming shaped slot for skimming air bubbles and cooling fluid from cooling fluid flow flowing through the deaeration tube, and including a fluid inlet for allowing the same amount of fluid that is skimmed off and removed through the top fluid outlet to re-enter the deaeration tube to maintain mass balance in the cooling fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: ISE Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Follette, Kevin T. Stone
  • Publication number: 20090101576
    Abstract: A renal treatment fluid priming method includes priming an extracorporeal circuit connected to a patient with a physiologically compatible fluid, the extracorporeal circuit including an arterial line, a venous line and blood compartment of a blood filter; and pumping from a renal treatment fluid line in communication with the blood filter (i) pulling blood from the patient through the arterial line to flush the physiologically compatible fluid through the arterial line and the blood filter compartment into the renal treatment fluid line and (ii) pulling blood from the patient through the venous line to flush the physiologically compatible fluid through the venous line and the blood filter compartment into the renal treatment fluid line, such that a greater volume of blood is pulled from the patient via (i) and (ii) than a volume of the extracorporeal circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicants: BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC., BAXTER HEALTHCARE S.A.
    Inventors: Justin Rohde, Matthew Muller, Alexander Braun
  • Patent number: 7507280
    Abstract: A portable degasser, flare tank and fluid storage system for use during oil well exploratory drilling which when connected to the fluid blow-out prevention hardware of an active drilling operation prevents the accidental spillage of liquid ejected under pressure from the drill bore hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventors: Deren John Tomshak, Michael Andrew Lehmann, Dean William Falkenberg
  • Publication number: 20090056553
    Abstract: A fluid tank includes a tank main body that contains a fluid and a bubble removing device that is provided to an inside of the tank main body and removes bubbles contained in the fluid. The tank main body includes a partition that partitions the inside of the tank main body to at least two sides and a delivery port through which the fluid is fed to an outside. The bubble removing device has an outflow port through which the fluid from which the bubbles have been removed flows to the inside of the tank main body and a bubble exhaust port through which the bubbles which have been removed are discharged to the inside of the tank main body. The delivery port is provided adjacent to the outflow port relative to the partition. The partition partitions the inside of the tank main body to a side in which the outflow port and the delivery port are provided and a side of the bubble exhaust port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Akiko Konishi, Tatsuro Nohara, Katsumi Yokoo, Shotaro Ishii, Noboru Kanayama
  • Publication number: 20090045140
    Abstract: Versions of the invention include methods for reducing microbubbles in liquids treated by heat or mass exchange devices. The exchange devices may be conditioned by having gases in crevices and surfaces displaced by a liquid. The methods can be used to prepare liquids with reduced numbers of microbubbles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Joseph Zahka, Aiwen Wu
  • Patent number: 7449091
    Abstract: A wafer electroplating apparatus with a function of bubble removal includes an electroplating bath main body and a fixing device. The electroplating bath main body has an inlet device, a first de-bubble tank and at least an air hole. The fixing device has a second de-bubble tank and an outer shell. The air hole guides gathering bubbles to an outside of the electroplating bath main body so as to remove bubbles. The fixing device can be put into the first de-bubble tank within the electroplating bath main body to form a de-bubble area and is separated easily therefrom to clean the wafer electroplating apparatus. The electroplating bath main body further includes a baffle for rectifying electroplating solution flow before entering the inlet device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chen-Chung Du, Jen-Rong Huang, Pang-Ming Chiang, Chih-Yuan Tseng, Muh-Wang Liang, Chih-Cheng Wang, Yi-Chao Weng
  • Patent number: 7364609
    Abstract: A kit for constructing a de-aerator for a fluid distribution system includes a gas concentrator adapted to be received in chamber of a T-coupling provided with the kit. A cap is provided that closes a cap connector integrally formed with the T-coupling. The cap supports a valve that opens and closes in response to fluctuations of a level of the fluid in the cavity as air is accumulated in the cavity and discharged by an opening of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventor: James MacDuff
  • Patent number: 7326282
    Abstract: The control device for a separator includes: a drainage pump powered by a first electric motor and an aspiration pump powered by a second electric motor. It further includes: sensor elements of known type for detecting operating parameters of the separator, such as pressure of liquid in outlet, ambient temperature, motor temperature, and for providing command signals which are proportional to the operating parameters and which command the inverters which upon receiving the command signals modify a frequency of the electrical supply current to the first electric motor and to the second electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Cattani S.p.A.
    Inventor: Ennio Cattani
  • Patent number: 7279031
    Abstract: An apparatus has a body with a wall defining at least in part an enclosed chamber. The wall has a first opening providing fluid flow into the chamber and a second opening providing fluid flow out of the chamber. The wall has a vent allowing gas to pass outwardly from the chamber. An outlet tube extends from the second opening into the chamber and an aperture. The aperture allows fluid within the chamber to enter the outlet tube and flow outwardly from the chamber through the second opening. Bubbles within the chamber are prevented from entering the outlet tube regardless of the orientation of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Inventor: David W. Wright
  • Patent number: 7255730
    Abstract: A fluid deceleration device is provided for a hydraulic system having a housing forming a sump, and a valve unit having an outlet port through which hydraulic fluid is expelled for communication to the sump. The fluid deceleration device includes an elongated tilted fluid container and a conduit which communicates fluid from the outlet port to an interior of the container. The container has an upper open end surrounded by a lip. When the container is filled, de-aerated fluid spills over the lip and falls into the sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Gaylen Eugene Hicok
  • Patent number: 7250143
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for spraying water in a feedwater tank of a thermal power plant. Because the spraying device comprises a catalyst for the conversion of the gases contained in the water, the gases released from the water during the spray degasification can be removed easily, reliably and completely. Thus, the degree of efficiency of the thermal circuit of the power plant and the lifespan of the components arranged in the circuit are increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Balke-Durr GmbH
    Inventors: Günter Grobelny, Robert-Joachim Keck
  • Patent number: 7244293
    Abstract: A reservoir tank which includes: a container for storing fluid therein, having an inlet through which the fluid flows into the container and an outlet through which the fluid flows out of the container; and a duct provided inside the container, which is connected to the inlet of the container and has a first opening open inside the container. The first opening is located above the outlet of the container and below a surface of the fluid in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michiko Morita, Hitoshi Shimonosono, Shizuo Yamamoto, Katsuyuki Fujii, Tomoyuki Hanada, Toshihiro Yamashita, Kenichiro Minami
  • 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: 7156377
    Abstract: A liquid feed line includes a stepped internal nozzle and an exit diameter smaller than the diameter of the liquid feed line. The stepped internal nozzle desirably introduces hydrodynamics or hydraulic waves for the fluid, with the number of steps selected based on the pressure of the motive flow. By limiting the length of the stepped internal nozzle cylinder, a desirable splayed liquid stream is formed within a mixing chamber in fluid communication with a vent line. An exit cylinder in fluid communication with the mixing chamber includes a channel through which an aerated liquid stream of fluid passes. The entrance and exit faces forming the channel are substantially perpendicular to the fluid flow with the channel having a generally uniform dimension, neither converging nor diverging, and a diameter 1 to 10 times greater, depending on the pressure of the motive flow, than the exit to the internal nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventors: Teddie C. Chapman, James C. Terry, III
  • Patent number: 7141099
    Abstract: A flare tank apparatus for separating combustible gases from a mixture of such gases and a liquid, for example combustible gases in drilling fluid from an oil or gas drill string. The apparatus has an inlet conduit having two or more connectors which permit components of the inlet conduit to swivel relative to each other. The connectors can be loosened to permit swivelling without disassembling the inlet conduit. The swivelling of the connectors permits the free end of the inlet conduit to be moved and positioned for connection to the outlet end of a flare line from the drill string and to be positioned against the holding tank of the flare tank apparatus for convenient transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Wellco Energy Services Partnership
    Inventors: Stanley R. J. Ross, Roddy J. Ross
  • Patent number: 7108785
    Abstract: A blood conditioning device having a housing with a helical blood acceleration section which includes a helical flow path for impressing centrifugal forces on the entrained bubbles in the blood to concentrate them towards the center of the flow path, a bubble pick off tube aligned with the centerline of the acceleration section which collects and recirculates the bubbles to the cardiotomy reservoir upstream of the device during operation, and a blood filtration section to intercept the flow of particles in the blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Convergenza Handelsanstalt
    Inventors: Hans Plechinger, Hans-Jürgen Tiedtke, Klaus Stevens
  • Patent number: 7060122
    Abstract: An oil separator for a compressor includes a wall with an inner surface defining an inner chamber. The inner chamber includes an oil accumulation region and a separator region with an impingement surface. A mixture inlet provides a passageway for an oil and gaseous refrigerant mixture to flow from the exterior of the separator into the inner chamber. Oil is separated from the mixture as the mixture impinges against the impingement surface. The separated oil drains into the accumulation region and exits the separator through the oil outlet. A gas outlet provides a passageway for the gaseous refrigerant from the separator region and out of the separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kanwal Bhatia, Eric Bryan Gheen, Aurelian Bahmata
  • Patent number: 6997972
    Abstract: A gas liquid separator comprising at least two containers, a first container for separating gas from a gas liquid mixture and a second container for receiving gas reduced or gas free liquid. The first container has an outlet port to the second container below the level of the gas for the gas reduced or gas free liquid and a separate outlet port for the separated gas. The second container has a height taller than the height of the first container to enable it to hold enough volume of the gas reduced or gas free liquid that can exert pressure on the liquid inside the first container so that the separated gas is forced to escape from the gas outlet port of the first container while allowing the gas reduced or gas free liquid to exit at a separate outlet port of the second container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Skydon Corp.
    Inventor: Anthony Tseng
  • Patent number: 6827862
    Abstract: A method and device for removing gas from gas containing blood. A non-rotating cyclone eddy chamber has the blood circulating therein and centrifugal force separates the blood radially outward and the gas radially inward. The cyclone inlet comprises a blood inlet channel that extends in a helical circular form developed to narrow in funnel like manner in the direction of flow toward the cyclone eddy chamber to accelerate the blood flow entering that chamber tangentially. A gas outlet is arranged in the radially inner center of the cyclone eddy chamber path while the blood outlet is coaxial and outward of the gas outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventors: Alexander Brockhoff, Hans Plechinger
  • Patent number: 6802892
    Abstract: An apparatus for condition of an organic fluid for subsequent us in a medical procedure includes a cabinet having a secure environment and a door providing the only access to the environment. An input system is provided for transporting an organic fluid charge from a source to the cabinet and a container is removably contained in the secure environment and coupled to the charge input system to receive the charge. Stressors are coupled to the cabinet and positioned for operation to create a conditioned charge in the container. An output system is coupled to the container and includes a receiver for the conditioned charge. The receiver, which may be a syringe, includes a sensor to detect when gas bubbles have been eliminated from the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Vasogen Ireland Limited
    Inventors: Duncan Arthur Newman, Paul George Andrew Moore, Taras Worona
  • Patent number: 6800116
    Abstract: Discloses apparatus and method to deaerate and condition bitumen froth obtained from a primary tar sands bitumen extraction process comprising a vessel containing a plurality of inclined plates, called a static deaeration conditioner. The inclined plates of the static deaeration conditioner are substantially equidistantly spaced from each other and are inclined at an angle to the horizontal. The plates form a corresponding plurality of channels there between for the froth to be deaerated to flow along. The declination angle is selected to obtain a gravity induced froth flow rate in the channel that exhibits a lamella effect near laminar flow characteristics, which promotes the creation of a water-enriched froth region near the lower plate of the channel. A braking pump can be provided on an outlet port of the vessel to control the rate of flow through the vessel of the froth to be deaerated and conditioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Suncor Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Stewart Stevens, Donald Norman Madge, William Lester Strand
  • Patent number: 6758886
    Abstract: A three-phase separator for separating off from a fluid gas and particles contained therein, includes at least one pair of two gas collection caps extending in a horizontal longitudinal direction (L) and each having a plate section. The plate sections converge in the downward direction. At the bottom ends the plate sections leave an inlet passage, elongated in the longitudinal direction, for the fluid containing particles and an outlet passage, elongated in the longitudinal direction, for settled particles. A discharge opening for fluid, opening into the settling chamber, is provided at a level higher than the inlet and outlet passages. The inlet passage and the outlet passage are located in the extension of one another, viewed in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Paques Water Systems, B.V.
    Inventor: Sjoerd Hubertus Jozef Vellinga
  • Publication number: 20040113288
    Abstract: A single port venturi device is provided for aeration of wastewaters containing suspended solids. The device has a non-obstructive design which prevents attachment or accumulation of suspended solids, and promotes even air distribution for efficient aspiration of air and mixing of air and wastewater. The device has provisions for adjustment of the venturi throat size, for protection of the throat from wearing out, for enhancing air and wastewater mixing capabilities, and for flashing of the solids accumulated in the air entrance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Jan A. Korzeniowski
  • Patent number: 6726743
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method for deaerating a liquid layer such as a coating solution using electrostatic forces. A flow of charged particles is created above and moved towards a low conductivity liquid layer. The flow of charged particles causes localized thinning of the liquid layer which facilitates the removal of bubbles of entrained gas from the liquid by bringing those bubbles closer to the exposed surface of the liquid and rupturing them at that surface. This electrostatic deaeration technique is combined with other non-electrostatic liquid layer thinning techniques or degassing techniques to further facilitate removal of bubbles from the liquid in preparation of further processing of the liquid. The liquid layer may be stationary or flowing with respect to the application of charge particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John W. Louks, Steven H. Gotz, Luther E. Erickson
  • Publication number: 20040074390
    Abstract: A downhole liquid and gas separator system has a pump, a separator and a motor, and a shroud around the pump, separator and motor. The shroud has a lower impermeable portion with a closed lower end and an upper porous portion. The upper end of the impermeable portion is above the inlet port for the separator so that production fluid flows upwards between the well casing and the shroud, over the upper end of the impermeable portion and downwards to the inlet port, generating a pressure drop and releasing gas before the production fluid enters the separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Ford, Thomas S. Osborne
  • Patent number: 6706094
    Abstract: A system for rapid collection of large volumes of dissolved gases from groundwater pumps the water from a large-diameter passage through a small-diameter restrictor passage, and then into a flow-through collection chamber. The small-diameter passage causes a drop in the hydrostatic pressure of the groundwater traveling therein, causing spontaneous ebullition of gas bubbles which are then collected in the collection chamber. Testing reveals that the gases are collected in proportion to their presence in the groundwater, and thus the system allows accurate quantification of concentrations of dissolved gas in groundwater. The system may beneficially be made easily portable, thereby allowing its use in the field as well as in laboratory settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: WiSys Technology Foundation Inc.
    Inventor: Bryant Alan Browne