Patents Examined by Shuyi S Liu
  • Patent number: 11090585
    Abstract: A system and a method of continuously separating submicron thickness laminar solid particles from a solid suspension, segregating the suspension into a submicron thickness particle fraction suspension and a residual particle fraction suspension, the method comprising the steps of; providing a continuous centrifuge apparatus; providing a suspension of submicron thickness laminar solid particles in a solid suspension; wherein the solid suspension comprises the submicron thickness solid particles in a liquid continuous phase; separating the solid suspension in the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Inventors: Paul Ladislaus, Lee Glasgow
  • Patent number: 11090584
    Abstract: Gas-tight decanter centrifuge process for separation of volatile organic compounds from drilling fluid. A method is described for removing low gravity solids from a mixture of recovered oil based drilling fluid and low gravity solids and diluent. A gas-tight decanter centrifuge that is designed and constructed for this purpose in a gas-tight manor so to ensure vapour cannot escape the decanting process, and foreign oxygen cannot enter the process under normal operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: RECOVER ENERGY SERVICES INC.
    Inventors: Stan Ross, Paul Sudlow
  • Patent number: 11091965
    Abstract: Extracting and separating solid particulates from a drilling fluid includes combining a stream of drilling fluid containing solid particulates with a liquefied gas to form a mixture having a reduced viscosity and/or density. The mixture enters a centrifugal separator at a pressure sufficient to keep the liquefied gas in a liquid phase where rotational forces promote the separation of at least a portion of the solid particulates from the mixture. At least a portion of the solid particulates are removed to form a fluid stream having reduced solids content. In embodiments the liquefied gas can be selected from the group consisting of an inert gas, an alkane gas, an alkene gas, an alkyne gas, a noble gas, and combinations thereof. The liquefied gas can be removed from the fluid stream after the centrifugal separator and recycled back to be mixed with the stream of drilling fluid containing solid particulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin G. Kleinguetl, Dale E. Jamison
  • Patent number: 11084046
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides an aerosol concentrating apparatus for use with an aerosol aging drum, where the aerosol concentrating apparatus includes an outer housing, an aerosol inlet tube connected to the outer housing, and an extraction tube connected to the outer housing. An axle connected to the outer housing is axially centered within the outer housing, where the axle is formed from porous material. An inner housing is connected to the axle, such that the axle is axially centered within the inner housing, and such that the inner housing is adapted to spin about the axle within the outer housing to separate aerosol particles by size. Aerosol particles below a first threshold size are forced out of the aerosol concentrating apparatus through the axle; and, aerosol particles between the first threshold size and a second threshold size are suspended within the inner housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: The Government of the United States, as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Jaime B. Anderson, Mark M. Bailey, Larry E. Bowen, Brett R. Haupt
  • Patent number: 11071985
    Abstract: A centrifugal microfluidic chip mounting, kit and method include a swivel joint permitting a chip to rotate about an axis of the chip in a plane swept by a centrifuge, and a force applicator for controlling an angle of the swivel and for applying a force in proportion to a rotational rate of the centrifuge. The mounting includes: a blade part (18) that couples to, or defines, a blade (10) of a centrifuge at a radial distance from a centrifuge axis (12); a chip part (20) that holds the chip at an orientation having a normal not perpendicular to the axis; a one degree of freedom (DoF) joint (16) between the blade part and the chip part; and a force applicator (28) which bears on the chip part at a fixed set of one or more points, which do not surround, and are not surrounded by, the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: National Research Council of Canada
    Inventors: Liviu Clime, Teodor Veres, Keith Morton
  • Patent number: 11059053
    Abstract: A centrifugal separator structure is configured for cleaning of crankcase gases from an internal combustion engine. The centrifugal separator structure includes a separator rotor configured for rotation about a centre axis arranged inside a stationary housing. The separator rotor includes an axle member configured for connection to a shaft of a driving device. A stack of separation discs is supported on the axle member. The axle member is un-journaled inside the stationary housing when the centrifugal separator structure is separate from the driving device. Further, an assembly includes the centrifugal separator structure and a driving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: ALFDEX AB
    Inventors: Thomas Eliasson, Peter Franzén, Torgny Lagerstedt
  • Patent number: 11059007
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rotor (10) of a dual centrifuge wherein the rotor has a rotor head (12) and an additional rotational mechanism for at least one rotational unit (22) which is provided in the rotor head (12) and comprises a bearing unit (70) and a rotational head (24) that is connected to the bearing unit (70) which is rotatably mounted and can be driven relative to the rotor head (12) by an additional rotational mechanism, an opening (16) for the rotational unit (22) being provided in which the rotational unit is accommodated and by means of which the bearing (70) is arranged such that it is fixed relative to the rotor head (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: ANDREAS HETTICH GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Jovan Dobos, Anke Lenz, Ulrich Massing, Klaus-Guenter Eberle
  • Patent number: 11052327
    Abstract: A continuous centrifugal separator (CCS) system provides a laminar, annular, velocity distribution (LAVD) throughout, using axially staged and radially staged distribution of incoming flows. Diffuser plates help establish the LAVD at comparatively low (stably laminar) Reynolds numbers in axial flow through a trapezoidal (trapezoid of rotation) rotor shell. Dynamic cleaning (during uninterrupted operation) by feedback control of fluid and system conditions (e.g., turbidity, vibration) may be set and reset by feedback control. Static cleaning removes deposits not flushed by dynamic cleaning. A coalescence plate encourages collapse of the dispersion band to a thin boundary between separated species at a central radius optimized by operating parameters, such as mass flow rate and rotational velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: THOUGHT PRESERUE, LLC
    Inventors: C. Michael Miller, David A. Bell
  • Patent number: 11020753
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated apparatus for monitoring the separation of the solid and liquid phases in a centrifugal by measuring at least one parameter of a filling material inside a centrifugal, the integrated apparatus comprising at least one light source for illuminating at least part of a surface of the filling material, and a light detector arrangement being a adapted to receive light reflected from the filling material. The present invention also relates to an associated method for monitoring and controlling separation of solid and liquid phases in a centrifugal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: BJARNE CHRISTIAN NIELSEN HOLDING APS
    Inventor: Bjarne Christian Nielsen
  • Patent number: 11014098
    Abstract: The botanical extraction and purification device described in this patent provide the ability to extract and purify botanical compounds from a diverse plant species through specially crafted process sequences that effectively reach the desired botanical component despite differences in botanical material types and unique differences in organic chemical characteristics. The technological package consists of two main processing centers; each is a combination of process features that can be personalized to effectively address unique extraction requirements. When combined, the extraction processes deliver capabilities in product throughput speed and product purity not available using previously available separation methods. The first component of this package is a CUP that transfers chemical compounds from botanical material into a solvent. The second component is an AISP. This device separates unwanted botanical compounds from the solvent, resulting in a relatively pure plant extract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Delta Separations, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Stephens, Scott Streeter
  • Patent number: 11007539
    Abstract: A discontinuously operated centrifuge, in particular sugar or starch centrifuge, includes a rotating, cylindrical centrifuge basket having a casing provided with openings and having an upper open end. An inner screen element formed as a composite unit of a screen mat and a support mat is insertable as a prefabricated, single-piece screen element into the centrifuge basket via the upper open end thereof. The screen element has ends abutting in a circumferential direction within the centrifuge basket, with axially extending end strips attached to the abutting ends of the screen element. A closure element in the form of an axially extending clamping strip cooperates with the end strips so as to lock and radially brace the screen element against the centrifuge basket casing. Attached on the centrifuge basket is an upper limiting flange, with an annular cover being screwed onto an upper limiting flange for securing the screen element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: ANDRITZ FEDLER GMBH
    Inventors: Markus Weingartner, Philip Schofield
  • Patent number: 11000858
    Abstract: A centrifuge has a mechanical drive coupled to a capsule rotatable simultaneously about mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes. A stationary base has a first motor driving a centrally located hub in rotation about the Z axis. The hub has a pair of colinear arms and a pair of struts extending from the arms to support an outer ring. An inner ring is positioned concentric with the outer ring and a second motor is engaged with both the outer ring and inner ring so that it is enabled for rotating the inner ring relative to the outer ring. A third motor is engaged with both the inner ring and the capsule for rotating said capsule relative to the inner ring. The simultaneous rotation of the capsule about all three axes is therefore possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Inventors: David M. Patrick, Robert S. Patrick
  • Patent number: 10994285
    Abstract: A centrifuge includes light sources to provide different illumination states depending on the status of the centrifuge to communicate the status of the centrifuge. The light sources, when activated, project light in the centrifuge chamber and through the centrifuge lid. The light sources are preferably light-emitting diodes. The illumination state is visible up to at least a distance from the centrifuge at which no other visual information on the centrifuge is available. The illumination states allow staff to visually identify the status of a centrifuge from a distance and may reduce turnaround times by enabling staff to identify a completed centrifuge cycle more quickly, reduce staff time wasted checking on the status of a centrifuge, and reduce turnaround time wasted as a result of specimens sitting in a centrifuge after the centrifuge cycle has completed. Methods of communicating the status of a centrifuge are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: THE DRUCKER COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Stout, Christoper L. Ivory
  • Patent number: 10987678
    Abstract: Provided is a centrifuge. In a centrifuge having a rotor with a rotor body that holds a sample and that is rapidly rotated, an inclined surface that extends upward as it extends radially outward is formed on an upper-side outer peripheral portion of the rotor, in a region that is at a radially outward side and at an upper side of the outer edge of an opening. The inclined surface is a continuous ring-like inclined surface that has the same cross-sectional shape in the circumferential direction and is formed into a straight-line shape or a curved-line shape in cross-section along a rotation central axis. Although winds occur during high-speed rotation of the rotor, the winds are rectified by the inclined surface, and a component force for pressing the rotor body in a downward direction acts thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Eppendorf Himac Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Sato, Kenichi Nemoto
  • Patent number: 10967389
    Abstract: A centrifuge rotor assembly includes a chamber assembly, a bearing support, and a counterweight that is substantially diametrically opposed to the bearing support with respect to the chamber assembly. The chamber assembly receives a processing chamber of a fluid circuit, while the bearing support receives a portion of an umbilicus that is fluidly connected to the processing chamber. The bearing support and counterweight are rotated about a central axis of the chamber assembly by an electric drive of the centrifuge rotor assembly, with the bearing support and counterweight remaining substantially diametrically opposed to each other with respect to the chamber assembly while being rotated about the central axis. The electric drive may rotate the bearing support and counterweight at a plurality of different speeds, with the counterweight automatically moving with respect to the bearing support between radially innermost and radially outermost positions to balance the centrifuge rotor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. West, Daniel R. Lynn
  • Patent number: 10967388
    Abstract: A centrifugal separator for separating a liquid phase from crankcase gases of an internal combustion engine includes a separation chamber, a rotor shaft, a rotor inside the separation chamber, an inlet for crankcase gases, a gas outlet, and a liquid outlet for separated liquid phase. The centrifugal separator also includes a liquid outlet chamber, a check valve, and a rotating member. The liquid outlet chamber forms an individual chamber and is arranged in fluid communication with the separation chamber via a liquid passage. The rotating member is connected to the rotor shaft and is arranged inside the liquid outlet chamber. The liquid outlet forms an outlet of the liquid outlet chamber. The check valve is arranged in the liquid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: ALFDEX AB
    Inventors: Anders Örtegren, Mats Olsson, Per Stjernswärd, Pedro Hernandez Fraczek, Mikael Walter
  • Patent number: 10960128
    Abstract: A biological component collection system and a circuit internal pressure acquisition method are provided, which are capable of accurately measuring the circuit internal pressure. A centrifugal separation device of a blood component collection system has a first load detecting unit, an internal pressure calculation unit that calculates an internal pressure using the load detected by the first load detecting unit and internal pressure calculation data. The internal pressure calculation unit performs a calculation reflecting a change in the internal pressure calculation data depending on temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masatsugu Igarashi, Davis Benz
  • Patent number: 10960410
    Abstract: A disc stack separator and an accelerator disc for a disc stack separator, especially a centrifugal nozzle separator, has curved blades mounted on a cone-shaped shell. The blade configuration assists in directing flow to space for the nozzles in the centrifugal separator bowl in an optimal manner, thus reducing the power consumption of the separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Andritz Frautech S.r.l.
    Inventors: Daniele Casa, Damon Cecchellero
  • Patent number: 10953410
    Abstract: An oil separator that separates mist oil from processing-target gas containing mist liquid includes a plurality of separation disks. The plurality of separation disks rotate around an axis, and are stacked and spaced in an axial direction. The separation disk includes an inner peripheral part and an outer peripheral part. The inner peripheral part forms a surface of a frustum of a hypothetical cone or pyramid coaxial with the separation disk, and is inclined with respect to a radial direction toward one side in an axial direction. The outer peripheral part forms a surface of a frustum of a hypothetical cone or pyramid coaxial with the separation disk, and continuously extends outward from an outer peripheral edge of the inner peripheral part. The outer peripheral part is inclined with respect to the radial direction toward another side in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: TOKYO ROKI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kosaku Ishida
  • Patent number: 10955432
    Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a frame and a drive member configured to rotate a rotating part in relation to the frame around an axis of rotation. The rotating part includes a spindle and a centrifuge rotor enclosing a separation space. The rotating part is supported by the frame by at least one bearing device. The centrifugal separator further includes a system for detecting rotation of the rotating part. The system includes at least one first type of sector each occupying a first length of the perimeter of a member arranged for rotation with the rotating part, and at least one second type of sector each occupying a second length of the perimeter of the member arranged for rotation. The at least one second type of sector is spaced apart from the at least one first type of sector. The second length is different compared to the first length. The at least one first and second types of sectors are irregularly spaced around the perimeter of the member arranged for rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: ALFA LAVAL CORPORATE AB
    Inventor: Per Karlsson