Including Baffle Patents (Class 96/220)
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Patent number: 7785400Abstract: An apparatus for separating natural gas from production streams comprising a liquid dispersion of water, sand, and natural gas is provided for. The separator comprises a vessel having an interior surface defining a spherical interior space. The interior space allows a production stream introduced therein to experience a velocity drop sufficient to allow separation of the natural gas from the sand and water components. The separator also comprises a stream inlet port in the vessel, a liquid drain in the lower end of the vessel, and a gas outlet port at the upper end of the vessel remote from the stream inlet port. A baffle is mounted in the interior of the vessel in the path of the production stream between the stream inlet port and the gas outlet port. The baffle is effective to spread and direct a high pressure production stream introduced into the interior space via the stream inlet port downward toward the liquid drain.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2009Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Sand Separators LLCInventors: Emmett Ronald Worley, Shirley Royce Green
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Publication number: 20100124676Abstract: A system and method for managing gas bubbles in a liquid flow system are described. In particular, according to the system and method, novel techniques reduce a volume of cavities in the liquid flow system and limit a cross-sectional area of the liquid flow system to a maximum cross-sectional area of tolerably sized bubbles. In this manner, by reducing the cavity volumes and limiting cross-sectional areas, the formation of intolerably sized bubbles and the aggregation of tolerably sized bubbles into intolerably sized bubbles are each substantially prevented. Also, bubbles may be removed from the system to reduce the quantity of bubbles that are to be managed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2008Publication date: May 20, 2010Inventors: John E. Meschter, James K. Prueitt, Paul Bishop, Robert Miller, Karen Thatcher, Bryan Grygus, Michael Chen, Zhigang Qi
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Publication number: 20090180089Abstract: A vacuum system for an immersion exposure apparatus includes a flow passage connected to a vacuum source, and a separator provided on the flow passage. The separator separates any gas from a liquid sucked into the flow passage together with the gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2009Publication date: July 16, 2009Applicant: NIKON CORPORATIONInventors: Masahiro Nei, Naoyuki Kobayashi
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Patent number: 7531026Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 13, 2006Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: ISE CorporationInventors: David J. Follette, Kevin T. Stone
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Patent number: 7507280Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 31, 2006Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Inventors: Deren John Tomshak, Michael Andrew Lehmann, Dean William Falkenberg
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Publication number: 20080257161Abstract: A gas/liquid separator (1) assembly is provided. The assembly generally comprises a vessel with at least one internally received serviceable separator element (10) arrangement. A unique inlet baffle arrangement (36,39) is provided, to facilitate preseparation of liquid from gases, as gases are passed through the assembly. The assembly is particularly adapted for use in air/oil separation, for example for compressors. Methods of assembly and use are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2006Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: DONALDSON COMPANY INC.Inventor: Brian Read
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Patent number: 7399338Abstract: In the present invention, a solution containing a target substance is atomized into a mist by ultrasonic oscillation in an ultrasonic atomization chamber, and the target substance is collected by aggregating the atomized mist in a collection chamber, whereby the target substance is separated from the solution. Further, in the present invention, the gas phase pressure in the collection chamber is maintained to be higher than an atmospheric pressure, whereby the saturation vapor pressure of the target substance in the gas phase is made lower than the saturation vapor pressure under atmospheric pressure.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2005Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Ultrasound BreweryInventor: Kazuo Matsuura
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Patent number: 7279031Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 26, 2004Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Inventor: David W. Wright
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Patent number: 7244293Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 19, 2004Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Michiko Morita, Hitoshi Shimonosono, Shizuo Yamamoto, Katsuyuki Fujii, Tomoyuki Hanada, Toshihiro Yamashita, Kenichiro Minami
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Patent number: 7069740Abstract: An improved accumulator is disclosed, which includes a body having an empty space therein; an inlet tube inserted into the inside of the body from a top thereof, downwardly, for an inflow of a refrigerant to the inside of the body; an outlet tube inserted into the inside of the body from a bottom thereof, upwardly, for a discharge of the refrigerant to the outside of the body; and an isolating plate provided on an inner bottom of the body between the inlet tube and the outlet tube, for preventing the outlet tube from being splashed with the liquid phase refrigerant, and preventing the liquid phase refrigerant from flowing into the outlet tube.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2003Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: LG Electronics IncInventors: Won Hee Lee, Yoon Jei Hwang, Chan Ho Song
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Patent number: 7060122Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 6, 2003Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Kanwal Bhatia, Eric Bryan Gheen, Aurelian Bahmata
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Patent number: 6915658Abstract: An accumulator having a heater therein and an air conditioning system using the same is disclosed, in which the accumulator includes a body having an empty space therein; an inlet tube inserted into the inside of the body through a predetermined external point, for an inflow of a refrigerant to the inside of the body; an outlet tube inserted into the inside of the body from a predetermined external point, for a discharge of the refrigerant to the outside of the body; and at least one heater provided in the inside of the body, for heating the flowing refrigerant.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2003Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Won Hee Lee, Yoon Jei Hwang, Chan Ho Song
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Patent number: 6860921Abstract: A tubular separation unit insertable into a caisson or tube for separating liquid from an upward flowing liquid/gas multi-phase stream, and including a centrifugal flow-induced liquid separator having a multi-phase gas/liquid inlet, a liquid outlet, and a gas stream outlet; a liquid transfer conduit connected to the liquid outlet of the flow separator; and a pump for pumping liquid, disposed below the separator and including a pump liquid inlet connected to the liquid transfer conduit and through which liquid separated in the separator is received, and a pumped liquid outlet through which separated liquid is, in use, caused to flow selectively.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2003Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: Cooper Cameron CorporationInventor: Hans P. Hopper
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Patent number: 6800116Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 18, 2002Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: Suncor Energy Inc.Inventors: Geoffrey Stewart Stevens, Donald Norman Madge, William Lester Strand
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Patent number: 6758886Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 5, 2002Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: Paques Water Systems, B.V.Inventor: Sjoerd Hubertus Jozef Vellinga
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Patent number: 6730146Abstract: A drilling fluid degasser having a weir to more evenly spread the drilling fluid over the leaves of the degasser to increase the efficiency of the degasser is disclosed. Additionally, a plurality of gas vent pipes are provided that ensure that once the gases are removed from the drilling fluid, the gases are removed from the degasser without contacting the drilling fluid to ensure the gases are not mixed into the drilling fluid again.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Kem-Tron Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Dilipkumar P. Shah
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Patent number: 6726743Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 18, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: John W. Louks, Steven H. Gotz, Luther E. Erickson
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Patent number: 6709488Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly and a method for separating gas from gas-containing liquids handled in a process industry. For separating the entrained gas, particularly air, or partial removal thereof, from a liquid flow, the apparatus includes a liquid-flow guide adapted substantially close to the lower end of an inlet pipe discharging the gas-containing liquid into a container.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Ecopump OyInventors: Leo Lunden, Jouni Mussalo
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Publication number: 20040011201Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2002Publication date: January 22, 2004Inventors: Geoffrey Stewart Stevens, Donald Norman Madge, William Lester Strand
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Patent number: 6620221Abstract: The invention relates to a device for separating gas and liquid from a medium flowing in a line, and to a method for separating such a medium, in particular a gas-liquid mixture, in the device, which separates gas and liquid particles from one another at high and low flow speeds. High-quality phase separation that is independent of the flow speed is achieved in that both a surface tension of the liquid and different forces of inertia of the liquid and gas prevent a flow of the liquid through openings of a separator element.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Thomas Lenzing, Uwe Konzelmann
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Publication number: 20030150786Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a three-phase separation during treatment of wastewater and sludge, which includes a gas collector (1) which traps gases that rise in the settling basin during the treatment process. The gas collector has an inclined outer surface (2, 3) which ensures that sewage sludge can slide down unhindered. The angle of inclination (&agr;) can be adjusted in order to adapt the apparatus to different sewage sludges. The gas collector has a flexible tube (4) which is guided around a plurality of reversing or bending surfaces (5, 6, 7, 8) so that sections (10, 11) of the tube form the inclined outer surfaces (2, 3). Another section (15) of the tube defines the interior volume (V) of the gas collector. The resulting gas collector is simple to produce and effectively prevents the separation apparatus from becoming clogged by particles of sewage sludge adhering to the outer surfaces of the gas collector.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2002Publication date: August 14, 2003Inventor: Johan Verink
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Publication number: 20030010212Abstract: A water remover for an air compressor system has a housing and at least one baffle mounted in the housing to define a tortuous air-flowing channel in the housing. Accordingly, the moisture in the high-pressured air will condense on the surface of the housing and the baffle when the air flows through the tortuous channel. Only little power is needed for the operation of the water remover, and the structure of the water remover is simple.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2002Publication date: January 16, 2003Inventor: Po-Huei Chen
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Publication number: 20020117053Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly and a method for separation of gas-containing liquids handled in a process industry. The invention is characterized in that, for the separation of entrained gas, particularly air (9), or partial removal thereof, from a liquid flow (7), the apparatus includes a liquid-flow guide (2) adapted substantially close to the lower end of an inlet pipe (1) discharging the gas-containing liquid into a container.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2002Publication date: August 29, 2002Inventors: Leo Lunden, Jouni Mussalo
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Patent number: 6398955Abstract: A blood filter (1) has a small priming volume and a high ability of trapping and removing the air bubbles. The blood filter (1) according to the present invention includes a housing (5) accommodating a blood inlet (8), a blood outlet (9), an air bubble outlet (14), and a filter element (3) disposed in the housing (5). The blood inlet (8) is preferably disposed in the vicinity of a bottom surface (7) of the housing. The housing (5) includes a spiral chamber (10) defined between an inner wall (5b) and an outer wall (5a) of the housing (5) and a center chamber (11) defined within the inner wall (5b). The spiral chamber (10) extends in a helix shape to surround the center chamber (11). Due to such a structure, even when air bubbles are introduced to the blood filter (1) through the blood inlet (8), the air bubbles are effectively separated from the blood in the spiral chamber (10). The blood filter having such a spiral chamber (10) is unlikely influenced by the blood flow rate and the amount of air bubbles.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2001Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Jostra Bentley, Inc.Inventors: Hideo Fumiyama, Takeshi Aizawa
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Patent number: 6372024Abstract: The system removes contaminating gases, such as radon, from water using a bubbling action. Contaminated water is sprayed together with air through a duct to a bottom region of a bubbling container. The water and air move generally in the same direction through the system, allowing the flow rate to be varied while maintaining forced air/water contact. The aerated contaminated water bubbles upwardly through the bubbling container and passes through one or more diffusing or mixing plates causing the aerated contaminated water to further break out contaminating gases into the air. At the top region of the bubbling container, the contaminating gases are vented while the decontaminated water flows into a tank. The decontaminated water can then be pumped to a desired location, for example, to a house water system.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2000Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Inventors: Russell E. Prescott, Perrin T. Prescott
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Patent number: 6355096Abstract: A mass transfer machine removes dissolved gases or volatile organic compounds from air or a liquid. The mass transfer machine includes a vessel capable of containing a liquid and having a liquid inlet and an air inlet at a near end. It further includes a liquid outlet at a far end. Two or more baffles are located transversely inside of the vessel. The baffle located nearest to the far end of the vessel has a window. Two or more diffusers are located near a bottom surface of the vessel. The diffusers are in communication with the air inlet and have two or more orifices through a wall. An adjustable plate is releasably mounted over the window of the baffle located closest to the far end of the vessel. The plate is adjustable in a vertical direction. In one embodiment, an air source supplies air to the air inlet located on the near end of the vessel. In another embodiment, an air source is connected to the an air exit located on the far side of the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2000Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: Aeromix Systems, Inc.Inventor: Troy D. Schmidtke
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Publication number: 20020017450Abstract: A liquid having certain undesired elements therein is distilled in a distillation column to form a vapor stream. This vapor stream is fed by means of an inert gas drive to a first container having an array of semi-permeable screens which are rotated at a speed of 3,000-10,000 rpm to generate vertical spiral vortexes which act on the vapor to separate out heavier impurities. An inert gas is employed to drive the vapor stream from the first container to the bottom of a second container having a narrower diameter array of semi-permeable screens, these screens being driven at a velocity of 6000-100,000 rpm. In the second container, the molecular species is separated from the main vapor stream by virtue of the exposure of the vapor to large centrifugal gravity forces generated by the horizontal velocity vectors of the rotating screens.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2001Publication date: February 14, 2002Inventor: Ernest Csendes
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Patent number: 6345908Abstract: The device is used to mix and degas a flowable mass (5), in particular a filler-containing casting resin. It is provided with a cylindrically constructed, evacuatable container (1), the container axis (2) of which is oriented essentially vertically. Guided along the container axis (2), it also contains a shaft (12) that holds agitating elements (8, 21). The container (1) is divided into an upper storage container (4) for holding the mass (5) to be degassed, a lower buffer space (19) for holding the degassed mass (20), as well as a pass-through container (6) with a degassing system arranged between storage container (4) and buffer space (19), in which degassing system the mass (5) to be degassed is guided in the form of thin layers. The thin layer degassing system contains at least two conically constructed run-off surfaces (15, 16) offset axially relative to each other. The run-off surfaces are angled in opposing directions.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2000Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Assignee: Micafil AGInventor: Paul Gmeiner
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Patent number: 6338749Abstract: A system is provided for de-gassing a material. The system includes a vessel and a material distributor. The vessel has an internal chamber in which a vacuum can be maintained. The material distributor is located inside the internal chamber and is adapted to distribute the material to be degassed as a thin film along at least one wall of the vessel in such a way that exposure of the thin film to vacuum within the internal chamber causes entrained air or other gasses from the material to be withdrawn from the thin film. Also provided is a method for degassing a material. Preferably, a material distributor is inserted into a vessel where degassing of a material is to be performed. The material distributor can comprise an inlet for the material to be degassed, a scaling lip, a film-forming lip, and a material distribution cavity. The sealing lip is adapted to sealingly engage at least one wall of the vessel. The film-forming lip is spaced apart from the sealing lip.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2000Date of Patent: January 15, 2002Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Raymond Keith Fulk, Carleton L. Berk
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Patent number: 6302933Abstract: The separator (1) has a tubular inlet opening (2) and two tubular outlet openings (3, 4) which are connected with one another in a flow-carrying manner. A separating device (6) is disposed in the flow direction (5) between the inlet opening (2) and the outlet openings (3, 4). One of the outlet openings (3) carries substantially only separated liquid and the other outlet opening (4) carries substantially only gas freed of liquid. An outer tube (7) surrounds an inner tube (8) with an all-around space between them. The inner tube (8) is connected at one end to the inlet opening (2) in a flow-carrying manner, and at the other end is associated with the outlet opening (3) for the separated liquid.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 1998Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Firma Carl FreudenbergInventors: Wolfgang Krause, Karl-Heinrich Spies, Klaus Döhring, Klaus Kurr
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Patent number: 6214096Abstract: An air separation apparatus to be installed to pipes for separating and expel air from circulating water, includes an air separator having a main body associated with pipes at both sides, an opening lid fixed on the main body by a coupling member for closing/opening the main body, and a plurality of thin metal plates accommodated in the main body with an interval for flowing circulating water, and an air vent having a main body coupled to the air separator, a housing with an air outlet, a float accommodated in the main body and movable up and down, and a valve member on the float for closing/opening the air outlet of the air separator by the up and down movement of the float, wherein since the air vent is formed by engineering plastic molding in a simple structure, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost and improve its lifetime and performance.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1998Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Inventor: Won-Bok Kwak
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Patent number: 6214092Abstract: A separator apparatus for separating flush effluent from an oil and gas well following a fracture stimulation process, the separator having a vessel that maintains the effluent at a selected liquid level, an inlet is connected to the vessel at a location below the liquid level so that the effluent enters the vessel at a location therebelow. A plurality of baffles within the vessel slow the effluent so that solids settle out to a drain which is periodically opened to transfer the solids to an appropriate disposal. An upper outlet permits the venting of gases that percolate from the liquid constituent, a backpressure valve disposed in communication therewith to maintain a positive pressure within the vessel. A liquid drain withdraws the liquid constituent from the vessel at a rate determined by a level assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1998Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Inventors: Larry G. Odom, Ronnie L. Stovall
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Patent number: 6190546Abstract: An oil suction filter having an enclosed housing with a base surface and an oil intake opening, a top surface with an oil discharge opening, and a filter usually in the form of a filter cloth in the housing between the intake opening and the outlet. In one form, an oil diverting device at least partially surrounds the oil intake opening. In another form, an oil flow diverting device is provided at either or both of the oil intake opening and the oil outlet. In another form, an oil filter cloth has various densities, thicknesses or layers that control the flow. All the foregoing is for the purpose of minimizing formation of large air bubbles passing through the suction filter. Further, beads in the housing may keep the filter cloth off the base surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1997Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Luk Fahrzeug-Hydraulik GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Ivo Agner
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Patent number: 6187079Abstract: A motion insensitive phase separator for separating oilfield production fluid phases includes a tank having a pair of opposing inlets and three generally centrally arranged outlets for different phases of a production fluid mixture fed into the tank simultaneously through the inlets. Separation media is disposed in the tank for separating the different phases of the production fluid, The separation media include antifoam media at opposite ends of the tank and further includes demisting media proximately to the median plane, on opposite sides thereof. Flow regulators, such as perforated plates, are disposed substantially vertically in the tank between the antifoam media and the demisting media. The separation media and the flow regulators are disposed generally symmetrically about a central transverse plane, thereby providing for a symmetrical flow and weight distribution for motion insensitivity.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1999Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Philip J. Bridger
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Patent number: 6176904Abstract: An arterial blood filter device for removing foreign particles and undissolved gases from blood flowing through the device, having a cylindrical housing enclosing a cylindrical filter element between a hollow upper cap forming an inlet chamber and a flat lower cap forming an outlet chamber. The upper cap has a vertical gas outlet and has a horizontal tubular inlet with the outermost wall of the tubular inlet extending tangentially from the outermost wall of the base of the upper cap. A principle feature of the invention is a stepped dome having a circular base with a diameter closely matched to the outer diameter of the filter element and attached to the upper end thereof. The stepped dome includes hemispherically shaped upper surface extending into the inlet chamber and having a maximum diameter smaller than the diameter of the circular base.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1999Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Inventor: Brij M. Gupta
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Patent number: 6176252Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a liquid in a semiconductor manufacturing process includes a container storing the liquid therein, and having a gas inlet for introducing a gas and a liquid outlet for discharging the liquid pressurized by the gas, and a first filter connected to the liquid outlet of the container for removing an impurity of the liquid. The container is slopingly positioned so that the liquid outlet of the container is inclined downwardly to allow the liquid to be totally discharged therefrom. The first filter includes a plurality of plates extending outwardly form an inner surface of the first filter for allowing the liquid to be agitated therein, an outlet arranged at the bottom of the first filter for discharging a precipitated impurity, and a plurality of exhaust valves respectively arranged adjacent to the plates for allowing a gaseous impurity to be released therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1999Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Winbond Electronics Corp.Inventor: Jui-Hung Peng
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Patent number: 6171368Abstract: Apparatus and an associated method of operation are disclosed for removal of gaseous contaminants, particularly oxygen, from closed containers. The apparatus is economical, simple to install and operate, of convenient size, and highly effective. A gas extractor communicates with a container for a gas-sensitive product. A high gas concentration in the container causes operation of the extractor until the gas concentration is reduced to a desired low level, when the extractor operation stops. Separate sensors and controllers responsive to concentrations can be present, or the extractor can be self-actuated by use as a power source of a battery which operates on gas generated by operation of the extractor. The system preferably is used for oxygen extraction from containers holding oxygen-sensitive contents. The preferred extractor includes an electrochemical cell which has a ion-permeable membrane disposed between two electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Med-E-CellInventors: Henri J. R. Maget, Robert J. Rosati
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Patent number: 6171484Abstract: A flow through bubble trap for fluid flow lines comprises a chamber-defining wall and a flow inlet/outlet tube at least substantially extending through the chamber and open at opposed tube ends to respectively define an inlet and an outlet of the bubble trap. The tube defines a flow inlet port and a flow outlet port within the chamber interior. A flow blocking partition closes the bore of the tube between the flow inlet and outlet ports. Additionally, the chamber defining wall carries a retaining-sealing member for removable, sealing connection with a tube connector of a fluid flow line. The retaining-sealing member is free of fluid flow connection with the interior of the chamber defined by the wall, and thus serves as a seal for connectors on tube ends of a set carrying the bubble trap. Also, the chamber defining wall has a bottom wall that defines a third port.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: DSU Medical CorporationInventors: William J. Schnell, David S. Utterberg
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Patent number: 6171465Abstract: A longitudinally horizontal pressure vessel desalts a fluid mixture of oil, an emulsion of oil globules encapsulated in salt water casings, gas and/or free water. A vertical wall splits the vessel into a double length flow path extending from an inlet to separate outlets for discharging the gas, the free water and the oil. A plurality of vertical baffles at intervals between the inlet and the outlets are divided along horizontal lines into a lowermost perforated zone for passing free water, a lower central zone for blocking passage of the emulsion, an upper central perforated zone for stripping the salt water casing from the oil globules and for passing oil and an uppermost open zone for passing gas. The line dividing the lower and upper central zones of each baffle are higher than the corresponding line of each preceding baffle along the flow path extending from the inlet to the outlets.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Inventor: Bill E. Compton
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Patent number: 6165373Abstract: An oil suction filter having an enclosed housing with a base surface and an oil intake opening, a top surface with an oil discharge opening, and a filter usually in the form of a filter cloth in the housing between the intake opening and the outlet. In one form, an oil diverting device at least partially surrounds the oil intake opening. In another form, an oil flow diverting device is provided at either or both of the oil intake opening and the oil outlet. In another form, an oil filter cloth has various densities, thicknesses or layers that control the flow. All the foregoing is for the purpose of minimizing formation of large air bubbles passing through the suction filter. Further, beads in the housing may keep the filter cloth off the base surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1999Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: Luk Fahrzeug-Hydraulik GmbH & Co., KGInventor: Ivo Agner
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Patent number: 6165255Abstract: A chemical-liquid controlling apparatus is described. The chemical-liquid controlling apparatus is mounted between a chemical-liquid container and an exhaust apparatus. During a chemical-liquid refilling process, once the chemical liquid is drawn out of the container by the exhaust apparatus, the chemical liquid first enters the chemical-liquid controlling apparatus. The chemical-liquid controlling apparatus separates the chemical liquid from a nitrogen gas and a chemical gas. In addition, the chemical-liquid refilling process is stopped by a signal transmitted from a leak sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1999Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.Inventors: Chien-Hsin Lai, Peng-Yih Peng, Li-Min Chang, Fu-Yang Yu
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Patent number: 6079372Abstract: A triple effect, pressurized deaeration system for boiler feedwater the system including a component deaerator unit and a feedwater receiver, the deaerator unit being mounted external to and above the feedwater receiver, the deaerator unit including a makeup and return water spray nozzle and a pair of screen trays with steam circulated from the receiver through the screen trays and water spray for two stages of deaeration with spray water collected below the screens and delivered through a spray water return conduit to a water collection and mixing column in the receiver, wherein steam from a steam supply is delivered to the water collection column and mixed with collected spray water for a third stage deaeration before the deaerated water commingles with reservoir water contained in the receiver.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1998Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Inventor: Martin Bekedam
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Patent number: 6066239Abstract: A new baffle device for a distiller has a tubular body and a baffle member fixed with respect to such body. The baffle member has a plurality of apertures for stripping dissolved solids from steam passing through the member. The distiller raw water vessel has a steam discharge nozzle and the baffle device extends part way into and is in telescoped engagement with the nozzle. The device is held in place by a retention ring and both the ring and the device are quickly removable from the raw water vessel for easy cleaning of the device and the vessel. The distiller has a condensing platform with a steam receiving port built into it. When the raw water vessel is on the platform in the water-boiling position, the baffle device extends between the nozzle and the port and forms a conduit for steam to flow to the condensing coil.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1997Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignee: The West Bend CompanyInventor: David C. Belongia
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Patent number: 6051134Abstract: A flow through bubble trap comprises a chamber-defining wall having a flow inlet/outlet tube extending through the chamber and open at opposed tube ends. The tube has its bore closed with a partition, with ports in the side wall communicating with the chamber interior on opposite sides of the partition and adjacent to the bottom wall of the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1999Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Assignee: Medisystems Technology CorporationInventors: William J. Schnell, David S. Utterberg
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Patent number: 6004470Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating a first liquid phase from second liquid phase and entrained air and solids. More particularly, the apparatus removes tramp oil, metal shavings and other solids from coolant used in metal-working machines. The apparatus can also be used to remove air and solids from a single liquid phase. The apparatus is compact and simple to use. It overcomes many of the disadvantages of prior art devices, including their tendency to become plugged with oily material.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 1999Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Inventor: Tim Abril
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Patent number: 5963611Abstract: A separator/injector having an outlet pressure higher than an inlet pressure thereof is introduced instead of the dynamic equipment for a reactor recirculation system that is necessary in the prior art, to achieve both liquid-vapor separation and forced circulation. A jet pump and a recirculation flow-rate control valve are provided in a lower portion of a downcomer portion of a reactor pressure vessel. A shroud head has a double-walled structure, a two-phase liquid-vapor flow that is flowing from a lower portion of the lower shroud head is accelerated by an accelerator nozzle of the separator/injector, and a liquid component of the thus-separated flow is increased in pressure and guided into a jet pump through a space formed between the double shroud heads.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1997Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Tadashi Narabayashi, Miyuki Akiba, Shinichi Morooka, Mikihide Nakamaru, Makoto Yasuoka
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Patent number: 5931990Abstract: A tank for removing unabsorbed gas from a mixture of unabsorbed gas and liquid. The tank has an inlet pipe that carries an unabsorbed gas and liquid mixture into the tank. A deflector is located at the exit of the inlet pipe so that when the unabsorbed gas and liquid mixture strikes the deflector there is a rapid reduction of flow velocity of the mixture and a directional change of flow of the mixture. A separation chamber, in the form of a cylinder, extends at one end into a gas pocket and at the other end into the mixture at the bottom of the tank past the deflector so that once the mixture hits the deflector the less dense unabsorbed gas is directed generally upwards. When it reaches the top of the separation chamber the unabsorbed gas passes into the gas pocket. A liquid retention chamber is defined by the wall of a second cylinder and an outlet pipe.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1997Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Assignee: CoronatorInventor: Steven L. Andrews
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Patent number: 5919289Abstract: There is disclosed a deaeration tank which can sufficiently deaerate object water, is decreased in size, and has high treatment capability. The deaeration tank includes a tank body which defines a deaeration chamber and receives object water, an air injection device disposed within the deaeration chamber for injecting air, a discharge passage for discharging object water from the deaeration chamber, and a bubble-scavenging member disposed in the discharge passage for scavenging fine bubbles contained in the object water which passes through the discharge passage. When object water is fed into the deaeration chamber, and air is injected into the deaeration chamber, thus-injected air ascends in the object water in the form of coarse bubbles and is then released from the surface of the object water. During this ascent of coarse bubbles within the deaeration chamber, through contact with the object water, coarse bubbles attract fine bubbles contained in the object water, so that the object water is deaerated.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1997Date of Patent: July 6, 1999Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Kihachiro Misawa, Yoshio Okumoto
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Patent number: 5878841Abstract: A pump apparatus for a milking machine is provided with an oil container for the supply of lubricant to the pump. A joint device is inserted in the container. The joint device comprises a casing enclosing an inlet conduit for bringing back oil to the container and an outlet conduit for the removal of oil from the container and supply to the pump.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1997Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Assignee: Alfa Laval Agri ABInventors: Krzysztof Malecki, Waldemar Szymanski
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Patent number: 5858071Abstract: A water-purifying apparatus, for reducing the radon content of radon-contaminated water, includes a reactor tank for treating the radon-contaminated water, a radon-releasing structure arranged in the upper part of the reactor tank to receive water from a first pump adapted to supply water from a source of water containing radon-contaminated water, the water from the radon-releasing structure accumulating in the reactor tank, an inlet duct extending between the first pump and the radon-releasing structure, an outlet duct from the reactor tank, the outlet duct being connected to a water consumption system, and a radon-gas outlet from the reactor tank. In a mixing structure, water from the first pump is mixed with water from the reactor tank with the aid of a second pump in order to produce such a water flow in the radon-releasing structure as results in effective radon release.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 1997Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: Libradon ABInventor: Bror Nilsson