Patents Examined by Michael Fleming
  • Patent number: 6161954
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Harold O. DeWall
  • Patent number: 6161955
    Abstract: A device for kneading doughs and pastes consisting of a type of flour, a liquid such as water and other appropriate additives, which device consists substantially of a horizontal lying elongated trough provided with a curved bottom having standing side walls connecting thereto, and a rotatably driven mixing and kneading gear operating in the trough, wherein the mixing and kneading gear consists of at least two tubes or rods which are driven around the center line of the trough bottom and received in rotatable supports on either end of the trough, wherein the diameters of the rotating tubes or rods are practically identical and the circumscribed circle lies a short distance from the trough bottom, such that many types of dough mass can be made and the mixing and kneading gear is easy to clean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Rademaker B.V.
    Inventor: Mattheus Anthonius Rademaker
  • Patent number: 6153098
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a fluid filter element which has a hollow perforate cylindrical supporting core. A relatively fine filter media of substantial cross section is spirally wound about the supporting core with adjacent layers spaced from each other and with the fine filter media accommodating fluid flow for filtering in both a radial and circumferential direction through the cross section and with free access through the cross section to the supporting core. In substantially the same manner, a relatively coarse filter media of substantial cross section is disposed in the space between the layers of fine filter media and with the coarse filter media exiting at the supporting core, the coarse filter media accommodating fluid flow for filtering in both a radial and circumferential direction through the cross section and with free access through the cross section to the supporting core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Filtration Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Bayerlein, Douglas G. Bayerlein
  • Patent number: 6149569
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Firma Andreas Hettich
    Inventor: Guenter Eberle
  • Patent number: 6145670
    Abstract: A bathtub spout water filter for use with a bathtub spout having a spout body with an open rear, and an open front for water egress with a female threaded fitting located behind the open front. The bathtub spout water filter has a frustum-shaped filter body with enclosing sidewalls, a rearwardly extending male threaded end for water ingress adapted to screw into a bathtub spout water supply line, and a frontwardly extending male threaded end for water egress and adapted to screw into the female threaded fitting in the bathtub spout. Filter material is contained within the enclosed filter body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: William Risser
  • Patent number: 6117063
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Alfa Laval AB
    Inventors: Stefan Szepessy, Jouko Juhani Pitkamaki
  • Patent number: 6116769
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Harold O. DeWall
  • Patent number: 6071411
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of stabilizing soil and controlling dust from soil. The invention also relates to disposing of unwanted waste waters produced in purifying water. The method of the present invention includes applying waste water containing 0.15% by weight of the salts of NaCl, CaCl.sub.2, MgCl.sub.2 and mixtures thereof to soil to control dust and effect soil stabilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Gerald J. Grott
  • Patent number: 6042261
    Abstract: Apparatus for and method of improving mixing of a plural component putty-like material is disclosed. The invention includes an applicator having a plurality of first component channels for flowing a first, highly viscous component, and a central channel communicating with a plurality of transverse channels for flowing a second, lower viscous component into conjoined flow paths with the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Glas-Craft, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven R. Sinders
  • Patent number: 6027649
    Abstract: A system of purifying water to remove at least one of natural organic matter, color, turbidity, bacteria, cysts and oocysts, viruses, arsenic compounds and insoluble impurities. The system comprises the steps of providing a body of water to be purified; controlling the pH of the body in a range of 5 to 8; and adding a coagulant to the body to provide a floc. The floc is maintained in the body in a concentration in the range of 1 to 6, for purposes of adsorbing at least one of the natural organic matter, color, turbidity and bacteria to provide treated water. Thereafter, a first portion of the treated water and floc is removed from the body of water. A submerged semi-permeable membrane is provided in the body of water for removing a second portion of the treated water. The membrane has a pore size in the range of 0.02 to 1 .mu.m to provide a permeate comprised of purified water and to provide a retentate containing the floc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Zenon Environmental, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Benedek, Hadi Husain, Manwinder Singh
  • Patent number: 6027644
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: PentaPure Incorporated
    Inventors: Jan H. Magnusson, Alan Lonneman, David M. Botts
  • Patent number: 6024869
    Abstract: A filter head for use in cooperative engagement with an associated liquid filter comprises a block member having a bypass valve assembly, and a back pressure flow valve assembly. The block member defines an inlet port; an inlet channel positioned for fluid communication between the inlet port and the associated liquid filter; a first outlet port; a second outlet port; and an outlet channel positioned for fluid communication between the associated liquid filter and the first and second outlet ports. When in an open orientation, the bypass valve provides fluid communication between the inlet channel and the outlet channel. When in a closed orientation, the bypass valve blocks fluid communication between the inlet channel and the outlet channel. The back pressure flow valve assembly, when in an open orientation, provides fluid communication between the outlet channel and the second outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Stifelman
  • Patent number: 6022478
    Abstract: Device and process for the substance-specific treatment of fluids by means of treatment elements made from porous membranes, arranged in a casing, where the treatment elements have cavities which are closed or open in the direction of the outlet arrangement of the casing and the treatment elements are arranged in the casing such that a continuous channel system is formed around them and which substantially surrounds them. The fluid to be treated flows as the primary stream around the treatment elements along essentially their entire exterior, and part of this primary stream flows as a secondary stream through the porous membrane wall of the treatment elements wherein the substance-specific treatment is performed, collects in the cavities and leaves the treatment elements again in order to be reunited with the primary stream within the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Akzo Nobel N.V.
    Inventors: Ulrich Baurmeister, Rudolf Wollbeck
  • Patent number: 6015502
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for coalescing microscopic droplets of organic (principally hydrocarbons) that are present with particles in an aqueous stream (primarily water), which avoids frequent shutdowns for backwashing. The system includes two anthracite beds (56, 58, FIG. 2) and apparatus for connecting the beds in series. Most of the time, the stream flows down (60) through the first bed and up (64) through the second bed, and to a separator, while particles (74) accumulate at the top of the first bed. When the particles begin to seriously block flow through the first bed, the flow is reversed for a period while the particles are transferred from the top of the first bed to the top of the second bed. After several minutes, the flow is reversed again, causing particles at the top of the second bed to flow to the separator for removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Spintek Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Misak Dzhragatspanvan, William A. Greene
  • Patent number: 6015491
    Abstract: An apparatus for equalising pressure and flush in a vessel (1) has a chromatographic separation chamber (5), a distribution plate (3) or collection plate located in the vessel, a pressure equalisation chamber (4) defined at least in part by the extremity of the vessel and by a first face of the plate, the separation chamber (5) being defined by a second face of the distribution or collection plate, a first conduit (6) which places a first fluid in communication with the distribution or collection plate, the separation chamber (5) communicating with the equalisation chamber (4) via a flush chamber (10) comprising a first opening (21). A line (9) for supplying a second fluid which is substantially pure or substantially non contaminated is directly connected to the flush chamber at a point such that a portion of the second fluid can circulate towards the pressure equalisation chamber via a further opening (20) and the remaining portion can circulate towards the separation chamber via the first opening (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Pierre Renard, Olivier Callebert, Jean Paul Dessapt
  • Patent number: 5997738
    Abstract: A water saving device for a reverse osmosis water fountain machine is provided in which an aspirating pipe with a solenoid valve is coupled to an intake pipe line at the front end of the reverse osmosis cylinder. Before that joint, another solenoid valve is connected to the intake pipe line. The rear end of the aspirating pipe extends into a reservoir. A solenoid valve is connected to a drain pipe line of the reverse osmosis cylinder, and extends into an input pipe of a reservoir. All of the solenoid valves are controlled by a central processing unit to change the working state of the water purification system. One such operating state is the recycling of the waste water from the reverse osmosis cylinder, thereby reducing the amount of waste water produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Shang-Chun Lin
  • Patent number: 5989414
    Abstract: A self-adjusting extraction nozzle for extracting a surface disposed over a base fluid includes a suction tube having at least one slot extending therethrough. A nozzle channel extends outwardly from the at least one slot. The nozzle channel is slidably coupled to the exterior of the suction tube and to a float to support the nozzle channel at a level of the surface fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Bechtel Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Fariborz M. Bzorgi
  • Patent number: 5989413
    Abstract: A fuel filter with a pressure regulating valve for fuel circulated from a fuel tank and injected into an internal combustion engine. The fuel filter comprises a filter pot closed by a cover and an annular filter element for radially filtering flow from the outside in. Fuel flows in and out through main flow connections on opposite sides of the filter. There is a recirculation connection to recirculate fuel. There is a pressure regulating valve on one end of the filter housing with the discharge connection. The pressure regulating valve operates against atmospheric pressure and has a spring-loaded diaphragm which acts in conjunction with a closure ram to close the inlet port of a recirculation flow duct which passes through the center of the filter and connects the regulating valve to the return connection. The diaphragm is fastened with the valve seat in a sealed manner to the edge of the pressure regulator housing, which open into the filter port and is formed in the cover of the filter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignees: DaimlerChrysler AG, Knecht Filterwerke
    Inventors: Stefan Jauss, Fritz Vogt, Lothar Mauz, Adolf Triffterer, Walter Schiffer, Jurgen Schrepfer
  • Patent number: 5985146
    Abstract: A novel rigid, nonporous shell for use with a spiral wound membrane filtration element that allows a controlled bypass flow between the outside of the element and the inside of an enclosing pressure housing while maintaining structural mechanical properties and tight tolerances on the outside diameter of the element allowing easy installation and removal of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: TriSep Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Herbert Knappe, Daniel Franklin Quigg, Ronald Paul Magnani