Patents Examined by Michael A. Fleming
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Patent number: 6398039Abstract: An unique filtration device (10) which removes acidic contaminants such as H2S and SO2 from a fluid stream through the use of partially hollow wicking fibers (20) impregnated with an effective amount of alkaline-generating chemical compounds, preferably also containing an effective amount of a compound with elements from Group II and Group 6-12 in +2 oxidation state, and most preferably also containing an effective amount of solid fine particles (18). A nonwoven filter mat (12) is formed from a plurality of the elongated fibers (20) each having at least one internal channel (22) connected to the fiber outer surface via an elongated opening (24). The fluid stream containing the acidic gas phase contaminants is directed over the nonwoven filter mat (12) whereby said plurality of small solid particles (18) and reservoir of active chemical reagents disposed in the open channels (22) communicate through the elongated opening (24) with the fluid flow path and absorbs the acidic gas phase contaminants.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1997Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.Inventors: Lixin Xue, Ronald Rohrbach, Daniel Bause, Peter Unger, Russell Dondero, Gordon Jones
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Patent number: 6280619Abstract: An inline filter having a swivel right-angle fitting for coupling an inlet or outlet tube. The fitting includes a stem having a pair of O-rings and a distal ridge and notch. The cap of the filter includes a port having a plurality of annular, resilient tabs that engage the notch and ridge to retain the fitting to the cap.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1998Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Sta-Rite IndustriesInventors: Charles R. Lacy, Michael T. Baird
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Patent number: 6251294Abstract: A self-regenerating filter unit having a housing which carries an ultrasonic transducer periodically energizable to dislodge caked solids from a filter element in the housing. The removed solids collect in a storage zone where they are periodically removed.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1997Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.Inventors: Scott Judson Davis, Dan Michael Hausermann
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Patent number: 6241879Abstract: A filter cloth comprising at least a base layer and a filtering layer, characterized in that the ratio T/L of the thickness (T) of the filtering layer to the length (L) of fibers of fiber bundles constituting the filtering layer is 0.02 to 0.7 and the sum of a projected area of the fibers onto the base layer surface is 8 to 350 times the area of the base layer surface and, a filter cloth characterized in being constituted with at least a base layer and a filtering layer mainly composed of fiber bundles of crimped fiber ratio over 5%.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1998Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.Inventors: Hiroyasu Kato, Manabu Terao, Yoshihiro Tomida
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Patent number: 6241378Abstract: The invention relates to a dosing apparatus for pastelike substances and mixtures thereof with a solvent by means of an injector, comprising an integrated shutoff device. The apparatus contains a detection device which detects the amount of paste according to conductimetry. The shutoff device is a dual piston valve closing an opening between the paste supply tube and an injector suction chamber as well as an opening between the solvent supply tube and an injector pre-chamber. The invention also relates to a method for dosing pastelike substances and the mixtures thereof with a solvent by means of such a device. By opening a shut-off device in a supply tube for a pressurized solvent, a dual piston valve moves against an opposing force. This releases a connection between a paste supply tube and an injection suction chamber, followed by a connection between the solvent supply tube and the injector pre-chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1999Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: Henkel-Ecolab GmbH & Co. OHGInventors: Guenther Amberg, Wolfgang Huber, Klaus Rutz
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Patent number: 6241377Abstract: An apparatus for continuously tempering chocolate masses and the like includes a plurality of tempering chambers (17) including tempering surfaces (18) and being interconnected for the flow of a tempering medium. A plurality of mass chambers (7) is interconnected for the flow of the mass to be tempered, each of the mass chambers (7) being arranged between the tempering surfaces (18) of the tempering chambers (17). A plurality of driven mixing discs (6) has a radius, a circumference, an outer diameter, an inner diameter, a top side (10) and a bottom side (11). The mixing discs (6) are arranged inside the mass chambers (7), and they include openings (22) allowing for a passage of the mass to be tempered from the bottom side (11) toward the top side (10). A majority of mixing blades (12) is arranged at the top sides (10) and at the bottom sides (11) of the mixing discs (6) without continuous channels being formed between the mixing blades (12).Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1999Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: Sollich GmbH & Co., KGInventor: Hans Heyde
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Patent number: 6238572Abstract: An apparatus for the separation of immiscible liquids from liquid influent has a containment vessel. An influent channel extends toward the bottom of the vessel so the influent is discharged vertically upward, a downwardly curved deflection plate is mounted above and aligned with the discharge end of the influent channel, and a plate with a downward slope from a central location extends toward the periphery of the vessel in a lower portion of the vessel than the deflection plate. This permits the influent to move radially outwardly thus slowing the influent and providing a residence time for gravitational separation of lighter immiscible liquids from the influent. A gap between the downward slope plate and the discharge end of the influent channel permits gravitational release of trapped immiscible liquids. A transfer tube, a sensor, and a pump are provided to pump the separated immiscible liquids out to a remote location.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1998Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Clearline Systems, Inc.Inventor: William C. Batten
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Patent number: 6234659Abstract: A plasticating apparatus adapted to handle a wide variety of synthetic resinous materials without predrying. The plasticating apparatus includes a two-stage screw rotatably and reciprocably mounted within a barrel. A surge suppressor is provided between the first and second stages and is comprised of an integral protrusion of the screw root and a deep channel section immediately preceding the protrusion. The surge suppressor prevents the surge of molten material into the vent area following the holding portion of an injection molding cycle, thereby allowing faster recovery and preventing bleeding of plasticized material from the vent opening.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1998Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Assignee: HPM CorporationInventors: Stephen T. Takashima, John C. Medici, Jr.
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Patent number: 6234662Abstract: A cooking whip for mixing foods is disclosed. The cooking whip includes an elongate tubular handle portion. A whip portion has a head and a plurality of resiliently deformable loops extending from the head. The whip portion is detachably coupled to the lower end of the handle portion. An elongate shaft portion with opposite first and second ends and a longitudinal axis extending between the ends is removably insertable in the handle portion. The first end of the shaft portion is coupled to the head of the whip portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1999Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Inventor: Peter Blake
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Patent number: 6228016Abstract: A simple but still effective sealing device to separate two openings (4, 5), which are arranged at a distance from each other in the outer casing (3) of a shaft suspension unit (1), which supports a shaft (2) of a centrifugal separator in a bearing (8, 9), the shaft extending axially through at least one opening (4) into a space surrounding the shaft (2) in the outer casing (3). The sealing device is provided with sealing elements (12, 13), one connected to the outer casing (3) and one connected to the shaft (2), which surround the shaft (2) and divide the space in two departments (15, 16) connected to one opening each (4, 5, respectively). The sealing elements form between themselves a narrow gap (14) surrounding the shaft (2), which prevents the flow of gas between the departments (15, 16).Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1999Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: Alfa Laval ABInventors: Aksel Kristensen, Sven-Åke Nilsson, Jouko Pitkämäki, Carl Peder Öhlander, Robert Sandblom
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Patent number: 6220454Abstract: A compact, high capacity in-tank fuel filter defines a large surface area while simultaneously occupying a relatively small space and defining a small footprint. The filter comprises a body of filtration media and an outlet fitting which is integrally molded to the filtration media and provides communication from the interior of the filter to an associated fuel pump to which it is typically mounted. The filtration media of the body is folded upon itself in a multiple accordion fold configuration and sealed along the non-folded edges. The resulting surface area to size (footprint) ratio provides improved flow capacity, reduced pressure drop and extended service life.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Kuss CorporationInventor: Hugh G. Chilton
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Patent number: 6220744Abstract: A barrel mixer and assembly is disclosed. The barrel mixer comprises a rotary mixer barrel and a support for the rotary mixer barrel. The support includes a tipping arrangement for the barrel, wherein the support limits tipping of the barrel between a mixing position in which the barrel is angled to retain its contents, and a pouring position in which the barrel is angled so that its contents are poured out. The mixer also a motor having a motor output shaft aligned parallel to an axis of rotation of the barrel, and a mounting plate attached to the motor and surrounding the motor output shaft. Finally, the mixer has a transmission mounted on the support for rotating the barrel. The transmission includes step-down gearing between the motor and the barrel.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Belle Engineering (Sheen) LimitedInventor: Ronald Samuel Blackhurst
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Patent number: 6193884Abstract: A cartridge based water purification and filtration system which permits cartridge changes without drainage at the input and output ports. Interlocking flanges at the manifold and cartridge lock the cartridge to the manifold and raised surfaces at the cartridge operate the inlet valve with a rotational seating of the cartridge. A spring biased inlet valve depends from a supply manifold input port and cooperates with the filter cartridge to prevent forward flow until the cartridge is seated to the manifold. The check valve includes a split stem which prevents chatter with valve operation. A check valve at the output port cooperates with a sealed bayonet fitting that mates to a concentric outlet port at the cartridge to prevent back flow with cartridge removal.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1999Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: PentaPure IncorporatedInventors: Jan H. Magnusson, Alan Lonneman, David M. Botts
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Patent number: 6193643Abstract: The invention refers to a decanter centrifuge particularly for sludge centrifugation, incorporating a drum, a rotor arranged therein and equipped with a helical screw for feed of sludge, a sludge outlet and a reject outlet and a flush washing device for washing (flushing) in countercurrent to the dewatered sludge. In the rotor in close connection to the blades of the helical screw are provided a number of threaded holes for connection of the nozzles of the flush washing device. In response to the washing requirement, certain or entire groups of threaded holes are closable by means of sealing plugs, so that the washing (flushing) can be effected in several consecutive steps with portions without flushing in between.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1998Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Noxon ABInventor: Lars-Åke Larsson
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Patent number: 6190557Abstract: A spiral wound type membrane element is formed by winding independent or continuous envelope-like membranes around the peripheral surface of a water collection pipe and interposing raw water spacers between the envelope-like membranes. When running, raw water is supplied from at least the periphery side of the spiral wound type membrane element and permeate is taken out from an opening end of the water collection pipe. In back wash reverse filtration, permeate is introduced from the opening end of the water collection pipe and permeate guided out from the peripheral surface of the water collection pipe is discharged from at least the periphery side of the spiral wound type membrane element.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1997Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Nitto Denko CorporationInventors: Hajimu Hisada, Yuji Nishida
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Patent number: 6187182Abstract: The filter cartridge assembly has a valve body having an interior flow passage, a filter across the interior flow passage, and a check valve assembly in the valve body. The filter removes particulates as small as 0.003 microns. A check valve element adjacent to a valve seat in the interior flow passage has a check valve poppet and a stem. The check valve poppet has a relatively narrow neck, and the check valve poppet is tapered inwardly from the outlet end toward the neck at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the valve body that is substantially equal to the oblique angle of the annular valve seat.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1998Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: Semifab IncorporatedInventors: Gerald D. Reynolds, Gary M. Gallagher, John Burns, Mark V. Smith
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Patent number: 6161954Abstract: An apparatus for mixing powdered or premixed drywall joint compound and water to form a joint compound mixture or slurry includes a portable container rig with a container, pumping components, and mixing components on a dolly. A mixing element rests within the container upon the container bottom, while a mixing element driver assembly that is adapted to rest upon the upper lip portion of the container engages the mixing element and rotates it for mixing purposes while at the same time raising it slightly. The pumping components may include various commercially available valves and pump outlets that facilitate the filling of various tape application tools, and one preferred embodiment includes remote control components featuring automatic pump turnoff. One embodiment includes a multifunction coupling assembly having an upper coupling component and two different lower components.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1999Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Inventor: Harold O. DeWall
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Patent number: 6149569Abstract: The present invention is a centrifuge essentially comprised of a rotor and a transparent cover which can be fixed to the rotor. The cover is provided with a plurality of spaced concentration lines each extending around the cover and a plurality of different graduated scales extending radially from the center of the cover across the concentration lines at spaced angular intervals. The rotor and the cover also have opposing snap lock elements at a central portion of the rotor and the cover.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1998Date of Patent: November 21, 2000Assignee: Firma Andreas HettichInventor: Guenter Eberle
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Patent number: 6117063Abstract: The invention refers to a device and a method for cooling a bearing of a centrifugal separator. Through a portion (11, 21) adjacent to the bearing extends at least one channel (15, 23), which is arranged to receive a flow of a cooling medium and comprises at least two successive channel portions (23) and at least one connecting portion (24) provided between successive channel portions. The connecting portion (24) is arranged to provide such a mixing of the cooling medium in the flow through the channel that the flow has an essentially uniform velocity profile immediately after the connecting portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1998Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: Alfa Laval ABInventors: Stefan Szepessy, Jouko Juhani Pitkamaki
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Patent number: 6116769Abstract: An apparatus for mixing powdered or premixed drywall joint compound and water to form a joint compound mixture or slurry includes a portable container rig with a container, pumping components, and mixing components on a dolly that includes an arrangement for holding the mixing components in an elevated position. A mixing element rests within the container upon the container base, while a mixing element driver assembly that is adapted to rest upon the upper lip portion of the container engages the mixing element and rotates it for mixing purposes while at the same time raising it slightly. The pumping components may include various commercially available valves and pump outlets that facilitate the filling of various tape application tools, and one preferred embodiment includes remote control components featuring automatic pump turnoff.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1998Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Inventor: Harold O. DeWall