Patents Examined by Charles Hart
  • Patent number: 5164083
    Abstract: Liquid is contained in a source container and oil is removed from the source container and deposited into a destination container. The apparatus includes a housing having a base, at least one wall upstanding from, and encompassing the periphery of, the base, and a top cover. A two-sided piece of material made of rubber, nylon, vinyl, or other oil gathering capable material forms an endless belt or ribbon. At least one scraper device mounted within the housing facilitates removal of oil from the material. A bi-directional pulley system including a disk rotatably mounted to the housing, adapted for engaging the material, and an electric motor adapted for engaging and rotating the disk, circulate the material from the surface of the liquid through the scraper device and back to the liquid surface. A sump situated within the base of the housing is disposed to collect oil removed from the material, and a conduit from the sump to the destination container conveys oil from the sump to the destination container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Inventor: Matthew R. Ahrendt
  • Patent number: 5163984
    Abstract: A filter module (12) is proposed which includes a multiplicity of tubes arranged in side-by-side disposition to provide an annular array of flow passages (16) disposed about a common centre (17). The tubes comprise a filter material, and the disposition thereof is such as to maximize the filtration area whilst minimizing space utilization. A plurality of filter modules (12) is arranged in stacked relationship, corresponding tubes of the respective elements being in fluid flow relationship and one end of the stack being closed by a bottom plate (33). (FIGS. 1 and 2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Scapa Group plc
    Inventor: John Harrison
  • Patent number: 5163986
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vortex chamber separator (1) with at least one vortex chamber and at least one immersion pipe (11, 12). Each immersion pipe is arranged coaxially in the vortex chamber and is connected to a pure gas outlet. In the region of the end walls (9, 10) of the vortex chamber there is an angular channel (13) surrounding at least one immersion pipe (11, 12), forming an annular vortex casing (14). Via a peripheral slot (15), the latter is in communication with the vortex annular space (16) surrounding at least one immersion pipe (11, 12). There is a spiral immersion pipe casing in the region of the immersion pipe opening (17) which is connected to the annular vortex space (16) and at least one fume outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Inventor: Ernst-August Bielefeldt
  • Patent number: 5160516
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for supporting and guiding the skirt of a cyclone, and comprising at least three "shoe" components which pass through the cyclone body and the ends of which support the top portion of the skirt. By means of this disposition, the arrangement enables the skirt to be held at its periphery, thereby limiting deformation of the skirt. Preferably, the inner ends of the shoes support the top portion of the skirt via a horizontal annular flange provided on the skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Stein Industrie
    Inventors: Jean Aubry, Andre Teton, Jean-Paul Tessier
  • Patent number: 5160357
    Abstract: A container providing environmental protection to electronic equipment includes a four sided frame, a front cover, and a rear cover. An exhaust fan is mounted on the rear cover and an air filter is mounted on said front cover to allow air to flow through the container. A viewing port is mounted on the front cover. A first door covers the viewing port. An access port on the front cover for allowing manual access to the electronic equipment. A set of elastic flaps is mounted on the cover covering the access port. A second door covers the access port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: GTE Government Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Sol Faber
  • Patent number: 5160513
    Abstract: An inlet distributor for use in downflow reactors or contacting vessels removes debris from the feedstream that could otherwise plug the top of the catalyst or particle bed surface. Gaseous streams are charged into the inlet distributor and debris is separated from the inlet stream and accumulated in the bottom of the distributor. Fluid flow in the bottom of the distributor is minimized to prevent reentrainment of debris into the gas stream as it leaves the distributor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventor: William J. Koves
  • Patent number: 5158586
    Abstract: A submicron particle filter unit of the Hepa type adapted to be interposed between a source of pressurized gas and a work-processing region to provide an environment therefor free of particles and other contaminants. The membrane of the unit is fabricated from a continuous, elongated, porous metal sheet accordion-folded to define a uniform series of pleats forming a media pack having an entry and an exit face, the pack being clamped with gaskets between the side plates of a frame or welded or otherwise joined thereto. Pressurized gas from the source applied to the entry face of the pack is filtered therethrough to yield at its exit face a laminar flow of gas which creates a clean environment for the work-producing region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Inventor: Howard M. Layton
  • Patent number: 5156662
    Abstract: An exterior filter system (10) for the housing (101) of a conventional A/C system (100); wherein, the filter system (10) comprises an elongated rectangular filter member (20) releasably secured and suspended by strap members (30) around the sidewalls (102) of the A/C housing (101) to prevent dirt and debris from passing through the intake vents (103) of the A/C system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Inventors: Johnnie G. Downing, Edward J. O'Neal
  • Patent number: 5156661
    Abstract: A bag filter comprising at least one sheet of a filter medium, preferably a polypropylene high dirt capacity filter medium, formed into a bag configuration with an opening, an inside surface, an outside surface, and at least one seam formed at adjoining filter medium portions which have been sewn together, wherein said seams are sealed with a thermoplastic tape that has been heat-sealed to the adjoining filter medium portions. A method of preparing such a bag filter is also provided herewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph G. Adiletta
  • Patent number: 5156741
    Abstract: A biological treatment system and method is provided for treating wastewater from a treatment plant which provides primary and secondary treatment. An aggregate-filled bed enclosed by a water-impervious barrier is used to receive and cleanse the wastewater using the roots of turf grass grown on the top of the bed. Wastewater is introduced near the bottom of the bed and flows generally upwardly through the voids in the media, passing through the root system of the turf grass. Wastewater is withdrawn from the bed at a higher level than it is introduced. The top surface of the bed remains dry and is capable of supporting pedestrian and vehicular traffic. A recirculation system maintains the generally upward flow of water through the bed. Transpiration reduces the volume of the wastewater and the biological cleansing action of the roots cleanses the wastewater. Alternative forms of the bed are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Inventors: Dean N. Morrison, Marvin Daniels, Frank Sinclair, G. S. Tiwari
  • Patent number: 5151116
    Abstract: A sorption column for waste-gas cleaning having at least one vat containing a solid stationary sorbent and connected with a lower gas connecting piece and an upper gas connecting piece. The lower gas connecting piece has a coupling member. The vat adapted to be placed on the lower gas connecting piece as a valve in its cover and a valve in its bottom. The upper gas connecting piece has a coupling member. The coupling member of the lower gas connecting piece is adapted to be joined with the valve in the vat bottom and the valve in the vat cover. The valve in the vat bottom and the valve in the vat cover open when joined with the coupling member of the lower gas connecting piece so as to form a gas space communicating from the lower gas connecting piece to the upper gas connecting piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Assignee: CS Halbleiter- und Solartechnologie GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Scholz, Yassilios Sefalidis
  • Patent number: 5151111
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a vacuum-assisted vapor recovery system for loading vessels with volatile materials such as liquid hydrocarbons, including gasoline and distillates, which system utilizes a series of interlock premissives and vacuum controllers to maintain a vacuum on the vapor header of the vessel being loaded, which vacuum is within a desired, predetermined level. The system is further arranged and adapted to shutdown the filling of liquids into the vessel should a vacuum leak be detected or should any other malfunction of the vapor recovery system or the liquid filling system arise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Alistair A. Tees, Glen E. Kenney
  • Patent number: 5151197
    Abstract: Apparatus (1) for treating fluid, in this case wastewater, comprising a treatment vessel or tank (2), means (3) to supply wastewater to be treated in a pulsed sequence to the vessel, and means (4) to supply treatment fluid, in this case comprising oxygen to the vessel or tank (2) in a pulsed sequence opposite to the pulsed sequence of the supply of wastewater to be treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Assignee: Thames Water Utilities Limited
    Inventors: Alan J. Smith, Jennifer J. Quinn
  • Patent number: 5149052
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for precision molding soluable polymers is disclosed, in order to form an exact and precisely shaped product, such as contact lenses and surgical implants. A preferred mold for forming contact lenses includes a female part having an indentation and a sharp circumferential edge surrounding the indentation. The mold also includes a male part which is adapted to contact the sharp circumferential edge of the female part to form the molding cavity between the indentation of the female part and the male part. A semi-permeable gate is formed between the female part and the male part for introducing coagulating fluid into the molding cavity while preventing the escape of the polymer solution from the molding cavity. The semi-permeable gate allows the diffusion of the coagulating fluid into the molding cavity at a faster rate than the rate of diffusion of solvent out of the molding cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Kingston Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir A. Stoy, George P. Stoy
  • Patent number: 5149446
    Abstract: A water generating device for obtaining potable water from inside or outside ambient air, having ducts for bringing a supply of inside or outside ambient air to the device and for releasing the air back outside the device after it has been processed. There is an air filter for filtering the air prior to processing of the air. The air filter includes at least one filter element which becomes unusable when removed from the generator. A condenser is provided for extracting water vapor in the air brought thereto by the ducts. Within the ducts there is a fan or blower to move air from outside the device through the condenser and for returning the air back outside after it has traversed the condenser. Between the condenser and the collection point, there is a water filter for filtering the water from the condenser. The water filter includes a filter element cooperating female sensor which becomes unusable when removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Inventor: James J. Reidy
  • Patent number: 5147421
    Abstract: A particle discharge system employs a wet scrubber producing a waste particle sludge, and an evaporator and solidifier operating in parallel with the wet scrubber to cause discharge material to be dried and then solidifed in a compacted composition for convenient disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Calvert Environmental, Inc.
    Inventor: Shui-Chow Yung
  • Patent number: 5145496
    Abstract: A centrifugal air cleaning apparatus includes a housing defining a filter compartment containing a generally tubular filter cartridge having the open upper end thereof in communication with an air outlet opening through the top wall of the filter compartment. A vacuum source is provided in communication with that air outlet opening to effect vacuum pressure within the filter compartment. An air inlet opening through a side wall of the filter compartment has a multi-baffled flame arrestor associated therewith for extinguishing sparks in the fumes being drawn into the filter compartment and for directing the incoming air flow tangentially of the filter cartridge so that a portion of the pollutants carried in the fumes are separated by gravity before the fumes contact the filter cartridge. An injector conduit is provided within the flame arrestor to facilitate blowdown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventor: Floyd F. Mellen
  • Patent number: 5145687
    Abstract: A spinner assembly for a cotton candy machine. The spinner assembly includes a tubular steel wall member having an upright wall provided with slots. A heater element is supported by the wall member in close proximity with the slots. The wall member is provided with a flame sprayed alumina coating which insulates the wall member from the heater element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Gold Medal Products Co.
    Inventor: Donald A. Parker
  • Patent number: 5145499
    Abstract: A unitary liner (36) for use in a dual inner and outer cyclonic vacuum cleaning apparatus (10) is described. The liner has a rigid receiver member (38) that collects dirt separated from the airflow by the inner cyclone (12). The receiver is integrally bonded to a flexible container portion (37) that lays over the inner surface (11D) of the outer cyclone (11) to collect dirt separated from the airflow by the outer cyclone. The container portion (41) can also be a rigid member bonded to a rigid receiver (42). Also, the rigid container portion (45) can provide the outer cyclone and be bonded to a rigid receiver (46). The liner collects separated dirt from the inner and outer cyclones and is easy to remove and replace from the cleaning apparatus by removing the cover (13) which supports the inner cyclone, from the outer cyclone to expose the liner when the vacuum cleaner becomes full of dirt. A liner (130) for a tank type, dual inner and outer cyclonic vacuum cleaning apparatus (110 ) is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Notetry Limited
    Inventor: James Dyson
  • Patent number: 5145500
    Abstract: A trimmable range hood filter for covering both an inlet opening of a range hood and a light on the range hood adjacent the inlet opening. The filter includes a rectangular filter element, four non-telescoping frame members sequentially arranged to form a rectangle, attachment clips joining the frame members at the corners, a translucent plastic pane, and a separator bar with an "S"-shaped cross-section joining an edge of the pane to an edge of the filter element. The pane and filter element, joined by the separator bar, fit within inwardly facing channels of the frame members. The various parts of the range hood filter, i.e., the filter element, the pane, the separator bar, and the frame members, are trimmable by scissors to fit the range hood dimensions, with the filter element covering the inlet opening and the pane covering the mouth of a cavity in which the range hood light sits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Air Kontrol, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward F. Nolen, Jr.