Patents Examined by Charles A Bushey
  • Patent number: 9393379
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved method of determining a water out condition in a humidified gases supply apparatus. The method includes a two step process including a primary determination of a water out condition and a secondary determination of a water out condition. This primary determination is made during observation of the normal operation of the apparatus. During the secondary determination the method takes temporary control over the humidifying part of the apparatus. The secondary determination confirms or contradicts the primary determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Dean Antony Barker, Jack Che-Wei Hsu, Jae Chul Han
  • Patent number: 9389030
    Abstract: A splash grid is provided for installation in a rain zone of liquid gas contacting industrial equipment. The splash grid has a supporting frame assembly and multiple generally parallel elongate elements supported by the frame assembly. The elongate elements each has a transverse dimension, in plan view, not exceeding 3 mm, and a spacing in plan view not exceeding 10 mm. The elongate elements may be of a molded plastic material that is optionally integral with a surround that forms, or is attached to, the supporting frame assembly. Alternatively, the elongate elements may be separately manufactured flexible filament or cord supported by a surround that forms or is attached to the supporting frame assembly. The elongate elements may be staggered in the vertical direction and gaps may be provided for larger objects to pass through the splash grid. A liquid cooling installation having a rain zone fitted with a splash grid is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Hanno Carl Rudolf Reuter, Detlev Gustav Kröger
  • Patent number: 9387414
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mass transfer tray of a column with a liquid feed on the tray feed side and a liquid discharge on the opposite tray discharge side, and with multiple profile-shaped channels of a U-shaped cross section that are arranged in the tray between the feed and the discharge, parallel to one another and transversely in relation to the direction of liquid flow, and form between them gas passage slits which are covered over by elongated profile-shaped hoods, which have an inverted U-shaped cross section, wherein the side walls of the channels reach into the hoods, and so the channel side walls are covered over by the hood side walls by a height that is less than the height of the channel side walls and the height of the hood side walls, wherein the liquid flows alternately in opposite directions in the channels, and so in every second channel the liquid flows in one direction and in the channels lying in between the liquid flows in the opposite direction, and wherein the hoods are set higher t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: JULIUS MONTZ GMBH
    Inventors: Helmut Jansen, Thomas Rietfort
  • Patent number: 9383141
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for an air bypass system for a natural draft cooling tower that employs a wet heat exchanger, a direct dry heat exchanger or an indirect dry heat exchanger to extract heat from a heated fluid, which is usually liquid or steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: SPX Dry Cooling USA LLC
    Inventors: Michel Vouche, Eldon Mockry
  • Patent number: 9381474
    Abstract: In an apparatus for foaming a liquid with an aerating device by which the liquid can be aerated, an outlet arrangement which is in communication with the aerating device via a conduit and a pump arranged in the conduit for transporting the aerated liquid from the aerating device to the outlet arrangement, at least one flow resistor is provided in the conduit or the outlet arrangement which includes a plurality of adjacent resistor elements of an elastic material which are movable relative to one another and between which there are passages through which the aerated liquid is forced whereby a high quality stable foam is generated and a pump control arrangement is provided for maintaining the aerated liquid under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Inventor: Volker Barth
  • Patent number: 9377243
    Abstract: The claimed invention teaches direct contact steam injection heater capable of handling steam pressure in excess of 300 psi. Specifically, the invention provides: a fixed upper seal assembly situated between the diffuser base and the diffuser which is designed to prevent the flow of steam around the regulating member into the diffuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Prosonix LLC
    Inventor: Bruce A. Cincotta
  • Patent number: 9372008
    Abstract: A humidifier includes a housing with a substantially open top portion. Water can be added to the humidifier by pouring the water into a water reservoir through an open top. The water is pumped from the water reservoir to an upper portion of the humidifier where it is dispersed into the environment by a flow of air. The humidifier may include both an ultrasonic nebulizer and a heater to provide a warm mix of cool mist and hot vapor. Alternatively, a warm mist can be provided by dispersed water from an ultrasonic nebulizer in combination with warm air. The humidifier may also solely provide a cool mist from an ultrasonic element, or the water can be dispersed using a wicking filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventors: Christopher S. Kanel, Richard Katzman, Bill Fiebel
  • Patent number: 9370784
    Abstract: Provided is a bubble generating mechanism that does not use a complicated air mixing mechanism and generates micro-bubbles in a sufficient quantity. A flow path (2) that connects an inflow opening (2n) that opens on an inflow end and an outflow opening (2x) that opens on an outflow end is formed in a state passing completely through a member main body (6), and a constricted part (2c) the flow-through cross-sectional area of which is smaller than the inflow opening (2n) is formed in a position within that flow path (2). Colliding parts (3) that further reduce the cross-sectional area of the flow path in the constricted part (2c) are disposed in the constricted part (2c) in a state that divides the axial plane of the flow path (2) into three or more segment areas (2e).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Shibata Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroo Katou, Yoshiki Shibata
  • Patent number: 9366480
    Abstract: A cooling tower with a self-supported shell, and a cooling apparatus residing inside the shell. The shell includes a base section, a cap section and an annular wall residing between the base section and the cap section, the annular wall including a plurality of geometric bodies that are joined to one another and giving the shell a geodesic configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: ROSENWACH TANK CO., LLC
    Inventor: Andrew Rosenwach
  • Patent number: 9353961
    Abstract: A steam dispersion system including insulation is disclosed. The steam dispersion system may include a steam dispersion tube with at least one opening defined on an outer surface of the steam dispersion tube and a hollow interior. The insulation covers at least a portion of the steam dispersion tube, the insulation defining an opening aligned with the opening of the steam dispersion tube, wherein the insulation meets 25/50 flame/smoke indexes for UL723/ASTM E-84 and has a thermal conductivity less than about 0.35 Watts/m-K (2.4 in-hr/ft^2 deg F.). A nozzle defining a throughhole may be placed within the opening of the steam dispersion tube, the throughhole being in fluid communication with the hollow interior of the steam dispersion tube to provide a steam exit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Dri-Steem Corporation
    Inventors: James Michael Lundgreen, David Baird, Joseph T. Haag, Mark Allen Kirkwold, Scott Allen Nuteson
  • Patent number: 9353960
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a humidifier. According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a humidifier comprising: a main body including a water reservoir for storing water; an upper body disposed above the water reservoir for covering the water reservoir; and a vibration unit including a vibrator for atomizing the water in the water reservoir, wherein the upper body includes a first hinge part for hinge-coupling with the main body and a second hinge part for hinge-coupling with the vibration unit, the upper body is capable of being lifted from the main body using the first hinge part as a shaft, the vibration unit is capable of rotatably moving in the water using the second hinge part as a shaft, and the vibration unit further includes a vibrator receiving unit for the vibrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: MERKER INC.
    Inventor: Hyung Joo Kim
  • Patent number: 9346024
    Abstract: A liquid product is dispensed via a membrane contactor. The contactor employs a plurality of gas-permeable hollow fibers. The contactor has a gas port communicating with the interior of the fibers and input and output ports for liquid communicating with space within the contactor surrounding the fibers. A gas comprising carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide is dissolved in the liquid in the contactor. The gas at a controlled pressure is supplied to the gas port. The liquid is supplied at a higher pressure than the gas to the input port for liquid from a supply of such liquid via a first valve having a first valve inlet port communicating with the supply of liquid and a first valve outlet port communicating with the inlet port for liquid. Liquid with the gas dissolved therein is dispensed from the outlet port for liquid via a dispense tap to ambient. The dispensing liquid step includes a start dispense step in which dispensing commences and a stop dispense step in which dispensing is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: HEADMASTER LTD.
    Inventors: John Kenneth Rurik Page, Mark George Page
  • Patent number: 9339786
    Abstract: The packing includes a pile of plates having corrugations forming a succession of positive and negative edges, each edge comprising fins, each fin being made up of at least one band cut out in one of the plates and remaining secured to the plate on at least one side, the band being deformed so as to create an orifice forming a discontinuity on the surface of the plate, wherein the direction of the edges of a plate forms a non-zero angle with respect to the direction of the edges of an adjacent plate. Each plate has at least one longitudinal zone parallel to one lip of the plate where the edges have no orifice, the zones being positioned in such a way that two adjacent plates have their zone one above the other so as to form at least one point of contact between a positive edge and a negative edge of the two adjacent plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: IFP Energies nouvelles
    Inventors: Ludovic Raynal, Raphael Gonnot, Mickael Mejean
  • Patent number: 9340438
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for dissolving gases into a fluid that is passing through a force-main and gravity sewer system. The system includes a dissolution tank having a pressure vessel for containing a liquid and for providing a regulated gas head space above the liquid, an inlet that permits passage of wastewater into the gas head space, and an outlet that permits passage of treated wastewater out of the pressure vessel. The system also includes a gas source in communication with the pressure vessel; a pump for supplying wastewater from a force-main or sewer system sump into the pressure vessel under conditions effective to dissolve oxygen gas in the wastewater; and a discharge device in communication with the outlet of the dissolution tank assembly for discharging treated wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignees: Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas, BlueInGreen, LLC
    Inventors: Larry K. Linguist, Clay R. Thompson, Christopher B. Milligan, Gregory Scott Osborn
  • Patent number: 9334566
    Abstract: A system for supplying vaporized precursor includes an enclosure including an output. A plurality of trays is arranged in a stacked, spaced configuration inside the enclosure. The plurality of trays is configured to hold liquid precursor. A first conduit fluidly connects a carrier gas supply to the enclosure and includes a plurality of openings. A first valve is arranged along the first conduit and is configured to selectively control delivery of the carrier gas from the carrier gas supply through the first conduit to the plurality of openings in the first conduit. The plurality of openings is configured to direct the carrier gas across the liquid precursor in the plurality of trays, respectively. The output of the enclosure provides a mixture of the carrier gas and the vaporized precursor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: LAM RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ramesh Chandrasekharan, Davis Weymann
  • Patent number: 9333480
    Abstract: The packing includes a pile of plates having corrugations forming a succession of channels comprising fins, each fin being made up of at least one band cut out in one of the plates and remaining secured to the plate on at least one side, the band being deformed so as to create an orifice forming a discontinuity on the surface of the plate, wherein the direction of the channels of a plate forms a non-zero angle with respect to the direction of the edges of an adjacent plate. Finally, the lengths of the fins of a channel are different from those of the fins of a neighboring channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: IFP Energies nouvelles
    Inventors: Ludovic Raynal, Raphael Gonnot, Mickael Mejean, Pascal Alix
  • Patent number: 9333443
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Zahka, Aiwen Wu
  • Patent number: 9327249
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for humidifying a gas stream. Methods for providing a humidified gas stream comprise providing a dry gas, directing the dry gas to a humidification device, humidifying the dry gas to provide a humidified gas stream having an amount of moisture in excess of a predetermined amount, directing the humidified gas stream to a cooling device, cooling the humidified gas to a predetermined temperature, and directing the cooled humidified gas to a point of usage. Systems for providing a humidified gas stream comprise a dry gas stream, a humidification device configured to receive and humidify the dry gas stream to form a humidified gas stream having an amount of moisture in excess of a predetermined amount, and a cooling device configured to receive and cool the humidified gas stream to a predetermined temperature to form a cooled humidified gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Scott Albro, Anna K. Wehr-Aukland, John Lewis Green, Donald James Bowe
  • Patent number: 9327250
    Abstract: A bubble cap assembly for an air distribution grid includes a stem having a top region and a bottom region, a bubble cap connected to the top region of the stem, a membrane having an opening, the bottom region of the stem communicating with the opening; a flange connected to the bottom region of the stem; at least one clamp for pressing the flange against the membrane, and a gasket squeezed between the flange and the membrane by the clamp to provide an air-tight connection between the flange and the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Mikhail Maryamchik, Michael J Szmania, Stephen W Borsani, William C Henson, Donald L Wietzke, Joseph C Comanitz
  • Patent number: 9315402
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for treating wastewater. The system includes a bioreactor which defines a basin for receiving wastewater to be treated; a membrane module in fluid communication with the bioreactor; and a dissolution tank. The tank includes a pressure vessel that contains a portion of the wastewater to be treated and provides a regulated, pressurized gas head space above the wastewater. The tank also includes at least one liquid spray nozzle that permits passage of the wastewater into the gas head space of the pressure vessel and an outlet for discharging the wastewater having a desired gas concentration from the pressure vessel. The system also includes a pumping mechanism for supplying the wastewater to the spray nozzle of the tank such that fluid droplets are formed in the gas head space and the gas contained within the pressurized head space is dissolved into the wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignees: Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas, BlueInGreen, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Scott Osborn, Clay R. Thompson, Marty D. Matlock