Patents Examined by Paul J Durand
  • Patent number: 8127867
    Abstract: A system and method for separating solids from return fluids in well drill-out, flow back, well-test, and other production operations. Solids are collected in a filter comprising a perforate inner tube inside a solid outer tube with an annulus therebetween. The fluid stream from the well enters the filter through the inner tube so that the solids are captured inside and the filtrate flows out through the annulus. The filtrate is passed though a flow back line to a flow back tank. As needed, the solids are removed from the inner tube into a debris tube without interrupting the fluid flow through the filter. Chokes are included for equalizing the pressure along the flow path as the debris is moved from the filter to the debris tube and from the debris tube into to a debris pit so that dramatic changes in pressure are avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Bronco Oilfield Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Droke
  • Patent number: 8082933
    Abstract: A vessel having an implement located in a fluid receiving space inside the vessel. The vessel includes an enclosure for enclosing a closed space around the implement. An actuator actuates the enclosure to and fro between an open position, in which the enclosure does not enclose a closed space around the implement, and a closed position, in which the enclosure forms a fluid tight or at least essentially fluid tight casing that encloses a closed space around the implement so as to prevent fluid in the fluid receiving space outside the closed space from flowing into the closed space. A method for cleaning and/or calibrating an implement located in a fluid receiving space inside such a vessel and a method for removing an implement from or inserting an implement into a fluid receiving space inside a vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Hamworthy PLC
    Inventors: Peder Hansson, Erik Bjørklund
  • Patent number: 8070963
    Abstract: A method for purifying fluids and a sedimentation tank, the sedimentation tank includes: a perforated plate spaced from an upper and of the sedimentation tank dividing the sedimentation tank into an upper chamber and a lower chamber; an inlet adapted to inlet fluid into the tank; a first outlet, positioned above the perforated plate for outletting a clarified fraction of the fluid; a second outlet positioned at a bottom of the tank, for outletting a concentrated sludge fraction of the fluid; a pump; and a washing mechanism, positioned at least partially above the perforated plate; wherein the pump is adapted to provide a washing fluid to the washing mechanism when a level of fluid in the sedimentation tank is below a predefined level; and wherein the washing mechanism washes an upper surface of the perforated plate by the washing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Odis Irrigation Equipment Ltd.
    Inventor: Vladimir Bomze
  • Patent number: 8048296
    Abstract: An apparatus for filtering liquid that includes a filter having an external surface; a rotatable shaft extending through the filter; and a movable member coupled to the rotatable shaft. The movable member is configured to impart a suction force at various locations across the external surface of the filter. The movable member has a trailing portion that extends further than the leading portion in the direction toward the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Jay Stevens
  • Patent number: 8043094
    Abstract: A portable model and methods for simulating water treatment processes are presented. Included are a body of untreated drinking water, simulated sources of wastewater, and simulated drinking and wastewater treatment plants. In the simulated drinking water treatment plant, water is treated and stored for distribution though a simulated pipeline system. In the simulated wastewater treatment plant, simulated wastewater is filtered, settled, clarified, disinfected and discharged. The simulated wastewater may be transferred to the simulated wastewater treatment plant through a simulated sewage pipeline network. Simulated biosolids as a result of the wastewater treatment process may be stored or applied to land. The model may also simulate a storm drain system that diverts storm water to a water source or to the wastewater treatment plant. The materials used to simulate the various aspects and components are preferably non-toxic, non-poisonous and biodegradable in order to facilitate use with children and clean up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: JT & A, Inc.
    Inventor: Carlene T. Bahler
  • Patent number: 8029664
    Abstract: A variable wash flow filter assembly includes a wash velocity control cone movable between a minimal position and a maximum position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Gibbons, Francis P. Marocchini, Tomas R. Leutwiler
  • Patent number: 8002121
    Abstract: An in-line flow separator (1) comprises an uphill section (2) of pipeline which, in use, carries a gravitationally stratified flow of a first liquid (3) and a second denser liquid (4). The second liquid (4) forms a sump (5) extending uphill from the foot of the uphill section (2), and an interface between the first and second liquids on the uphill section is inclined from the horizontal. An extraction port (6) in the pipeline extracts the second liquid from the sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michel Berard, Kamal Babour, Ibrahim Babelli
  • Patent number: 7998352
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of inhibiting and/or removing deposits from internal surfaces in a hot water system. The method includes controlling a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in a hot water system to alter the dynamic between deposit constituents and the bulk water of the system to inhibit deposition or initiate deposit removal. The method is equally effective for a system undergoing a wet layup sequence or in an online operational system. The invention further includes a multi-component deposit inhibition and/or removal device, including a receiver, a processor, and a transmitter that work in unison to alter the system dynamics to inhibit or remove deposits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventors: Peter D. Hicks, David A. Grattan
  • Patent number: 7981279
    Abstract: An oil filter assembly has a bypass valve and a cover formed with an orifice. In order to provide a simple contamination indicator for the oil filter, there is provided a deflection device that deflects an oil jet emerging through the orifice when the bypass valve is open on the outside of the cover. The oil jet can thus be deflected into a region observable through a filling orifice. A contaminated oil filter can therefore be reliably detected on occasion of a quick visual check, by observing the deflected oil jet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG
    Inventor: Thomas Pabst
  • Patent number: 7981282
    Abstract: An automatic strainer assembly for straining a slurry comprises an inlet for receiving the slurry, a horizontally disposed strainer body in fluid communication with the inlet, and a rotatable strainer member received within the body having an inner surface and an outer surface. The strainer member defines a plurality of passageways for strained fluid to pass therethrough. A scraper is positioned substantially adjacent to and contacting the outer surface of the strainer member for removing material from the outer surface of the strainer member. A collection vessel is positioned substantially below the body for receiving material scraped from the outer surface of the strainer member. This collection vessel can include a transport member for returning this scraped material to an initial slurry supply for reprocessing thereof. An outlet is provided in fluid communication with the horizontal strainer body to expel the strained slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: TM Industrial Supply, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl A. Steiner, Miguel A. Rendon, Kerry K. Kerr, Ricky L. Jackson
  • Patent number: 7976702
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for filtering particulates and volatiles from fluid systems. The apparatuses and methods include particulate filter and evaporator sections. The apparatuses and methods may furthermore include a heater disposed at least in part in the evaporator section having a ridge on a surface of the heater. The apparatuses and methods may furthermore include an evaporation tube positioned around the heater having a conically shaped outer surface and a heater safety sensor. The apparatuses and methods may also include an air inlet and an air outlet in the evaporator section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Geiger
  • Patent number: 7972505
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for treating waste water. The system may be applied to any application for the treatment of waste water which benefits from an equalized flow into the waste water treatment processes, such as industrial batch discharges, storm water settling and screening, and septic receiving at a waste water treatment plant. The system comprises a single primary settling tank for the processes of grit removal, flow equalization, fine screening and primary clarification. The system further comprises the use of a flow measurement device on the discharge side of the primary settling tank to provide a uniform flow to downstream processes. The system further comprises placement of a fine screen on a discharge mechanism which controls the effluent flow from the primary settling tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Trans Terra Corporation
    Inventor: Terry Wright
  • Patent number: 7972509
    Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods relating to washboxes are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Blue Water Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Remembrance L. Newcombe, David G. Volkenand, Mark S. Lopp
  • Patent number: 7972573
    Abstract: A reactor suitable for the continuous oxidizing of an organic material in a supercritical water oxidation process, the reactor includes (a) a reactor body with reactor walls; (b) and a threaded reactor upper plug; and (c) a cylindrical liner attached solely to the threaded reactor upper plug, such that, when the threaded reactor upper plug is removed from the reactor, the reactor liner is consequently and simultaneously removed from the reactor as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Parsons Corporation
    Inventors: John Scott, James Osterloh
  • Patent number: 7967977
    Abstract: A filter device, especially a line filter forming part of hydraulic installations, includes a filter housing (1) that can be removed from a filter head and is used to receive a filter element (5) that separates a non-filtered side (13) from a filtered side (11) in a position in the filter housing for the operation of the filter. The filter device is provided with a display device (19, 21) signaling the absence or presence of the filter element (5) in the filter housing (1) in the operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Hydac Filtertechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Viktor Lauer
  • Patent number: 7967978
    Abstract: An apparatus for preconditioning a filter media includes a reservoir containing a liquid; a pump operatively connected and in fluid communication with the reservoir; a filter housing operatively connected and in fluid communication with the reservoir and the pump, and having a filter media disposed therein; a control unit operatively connected to the pump; and wherein the pump is operable to circulate the liquid through the filter media to wet and remove air from the filter media prior to installation of the filter media in a processing application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Bright, George L. Mack, Michael J. Schade
  • Patent number: 7959010
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for bypassing a fuel filter pressure regulation valve which includes a bypass window and bypass passage. The bypass passage window is positioned in the top of a standpipe of a filter. The filter includes a filter cartridge with top and bottom end plates. The top end plate of the filter cartridge has a hole to receive a standpipe. The top end plate also has a sealing gasket to seal the bypass passage window when the proper filter cartridge is in place. This arrangement exposes the regulator valve to the fuel and/or air at the top of the filter housing when the proper filter cartridge is in place. Pressure in the housing opens the valve, allowing air and/or fuel to be vented through the bypass passage and back to the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Hawkins, Mark T. Wieczorek
  • Patent number: 7955503
    Abstract: A pure water producing apparatus prevents fluctuations in the amount of produced pure water without requiring a heat exchanger. Raw water is filtered with an activated carbon filtration device, sent through a water supply pump to the reverse osmosis device, and demineralized. Demineralized water output from the reverse osmosis device contacts a water quality sensor including a water temperature sensor, is sent to an electrodeionization device, and subjected to electrodeionization. Water subjected to electrodeionization contacts a water quality sensor having a water temperature sensor, and is taken out as treated water. A sensing signal output from the water temperature sensor is input to a pump control circuit to control an amount of the water supplied from the pump so that an amount of water passing through the reverse osmosis device is maintained constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiichi Onota, Masayuki Miwa
  • Patent number: 7951298
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in a hot water system undergoing a wet layup sequence to inhibit corrosion in the hot water system. The method includes separating the wet layup sequence into a plurality of phases. Each phase is either short-term or long-term and a subset of the short-term phases is optionally transitional. The method further includes defining one or more zones in the hot water system. At least one of the defined zones is selected for each phase and one or more of the selected zones include at least one ORP probe operable to measure the real-time ORP and communicate with a controller. The ORP probe(s) either intermittently or continuously measure the real-time ORP at operating temperature and pressure at one or more of the selected zones in one or more of the phases and transmit the measured real-time ORP to the controller. The real-time ORP is assessed to determine whether it conforms to an ORP setting for that phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventors: Peter D. Hicks, David A. Grattan
  • Patent number: 7938958
    Abstract: A de-aeration system for a fuel system, the fuel system having a housing for containing a fuel filter element, a fuel inlet and a fuel outlet is disclosed. The de-aeration system includes a de-aeration valve having a valve inlet in a lower face of the valve for connection to the housing for purging the air trapped in the housing. The de-aeration valve also includes a valve outlet in an upper face of the valve and a ball. The ball is configured to lift between the lower face and the upper face in response to an air pressure differential acting on the ball. This opens the valve to purge air trapped in the housing. The ball is further configured to close the valve by sealing against the valve outlet in the upper face in response to a pressure differential across the ball created by unfiltered fuel entering the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin (UK) Limited
    Inventors: Phil Core, James Ashton, Steven Wilson