Patents Examined by Stephen Hobson
  • Patent number: 11453012
    Abstract: A salt lamp humidifier which has a humidifier base body and a humidifier water tank connected with the humidifier base body to form an air humidifier, and a salt lamp chamber is arranged on the humidifier base body, in which a salt lamp is provided, the salt lamp and the humidifier base body are configured as a retractable structure. The salt lamp is arranged in the humidifier base body or the salt lamp is assembled on the bottom cover to form a retractable concealed structure with reasonable design. The salt lamp salt stone box has a retractable design to facilitate the replacement of salt stones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: XIAMEN AIRPPLE ELECTRONIC INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jueyuan Chen, Yunlong Gao, Weiqiang Zheng
  • Patent number: 11433361
    Abstract: A water treatment system for aeration of water in a treatment tank includes at least one bridge extending above an upper surface of the water in the tank; a retrievable mounting frame assembly, including a frame, a plurality of aeration elements, a plurality of mounting brackets to secure the aeration elements to the frame, a control arm having secured to the frame at the first end, and a first air distribution conduit coupled to the aeration elements for supplying an air flow to the aeration elements; at least one guide rail system secured to the bridge assembly and extending to the floor of the tank, the guide rail system having at least one or multiple parallel guide rails, a second air distribution conduit coupled to the first air distribution conduit, and an actuatable push-rod positioned between the guide rails and connected to the control arm's second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Inventor: Claudius Jaeger
  • Patent number: 11426676
    Abstract: Gas/liquid separation column, containing a device for dispensing a liquid, intended for a gas/liquid separation column, comprising: a plate, in which several orifices are arranged, through which the liquid is able to leave the dispensing device; a plurality of stacks extending from the plate, each stack being configured to be followed by the gas; a plurality of plugging means respectively arranged at one end of one of the stacks, each plugging means having a gutter shape allowing a first portion of the liquid to be collected; a plurality of troughs for directly collecting a second portion of the liquid, at least one part of the orifices being distributed in the base of said troughs, each plugging means comprising a first open longitudinal end and a second closed longitudinal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Mikael Wattiau, Benoit Davidian
  • Patent number: 11420135
    Abstract: A multi-pass contact tray for use in a mass transfer column has a mixture of fixed valves to movable valves, with the numbers of the respective valves being selected to balance the volumetric flow of vapor through deck segments when the vapor is ascending at volumetric flow rates insufficient to maintain the movable valves in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: KOCH-GLITSCH, LP
    Inventors: Izak Nieuwoudt, Charles Griesel
  • Patent number: 11421899
    Abstract: A gas-fired atmospheric pressure steam humidifier having high efficiency and ultra-low NOx(3) emissions is disclosed. In some examples, the gas-fired humidifier can have an efficiency of greater than 90 percent and a NOx(3) output of less than 20 parts per million (ppm). In one aspect, the humidifier includes a secondary heat exchanger having a first heat exchange section for pre-heating combustion air and a separate second heat exchange section for pre-heating make-up water, wherein the first and second heat exchange sections are in heat transfer communication with exhaust gases generated by the gas-fired burner and combustion blower assembly. In some examples, the first heat exchange section includes orifices for enabling flue gas recirculation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: DRI-STEEM Corporation
    Inventors: James M. Lundgreen, Cole K. Farley, Alvin J. Klisch, David Pflum, Daniel W. Celotta
  • Patent number: 11376549
    Abstract: Provided is a humidity conditioning method that enables absorption and desorption of moisture with low power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Sho Ochi, Tetsuya Ide, Makoto Yamada, Hiroka Hamada, Jun Sakuma, Tsuyoshi Kamada
  • Patent number: 11369940
    Abstract: A structured packing module for use in a mass transfer column. Corrugated sheets of structured packing in the structured packing module are held together by fasteners that extend into the corrugated sheets from opposite sides of the structured packing module at an angle of inclination or perpendicularly with respect to the sides of the structured packing module. The fasteners may have an outer surface with protrusions or indentations that resist removal of the fasteners from the structured packing sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: KOCH-GLITSCH, LP
    Inventor: Darran Headley
  • Patent number: 11365895
    Abstract: A floating type humidifier with an increased humidification amount according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a floating body which floats on water accommodated in a water tub and has a hollow portion vertically and penetratively formed at a central portion of the floating body; an ultrasonic generator which is installed in the hollow portion and configured to atomize water, which is introduced at a lower portion, to create humidification particles by using ultrasonic vibration; a humidification particle guide unit which is installed on an upper portion of the floating body and guides the humidification particles so that the humidification particles move upward along a guide hole in the humidification particle guide unit; and an air pressurizing portion which is provided in the humidification particle guide unit and pressurizes air so that the humidification particles are moved upward by the pressurized air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: MIRO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong Jin Seo, Yong Ju Oh, Min Seok Kim, Jeong Won Lee
  • Patent number: 11359826
    Abstract: A humidifier includes a base, a water storage tank, an atomizer, and a flow control arrangement. The flow control arrangement includes a water buffering housing, a water control tank a water regulating assembly and a water control device. The water control device includes a floating member movably received in the water control tank, and a water control member extended from the floating member in such a manner that when a volume of water in the water control tank is below a predetermined threshold, the water control member is moved to allow water to flow from the water buffering tank to the water control tank. When a volume of water in the water control tank reaches a predetermined threshold, the floating member is driven by water buoyancy to drive the water control member to stop water from flowing to the water control tank from the water buffering housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Inventors: Lin Yang, Hai Yang
  • Patent number: 11352276
    Abstract: The present inventions are generally directed to surface aerators for aerating water or wastewater in a basin, lagoon or tank. In particular, the present inventions relate to flow straightening vanes incorporated into an aerator volute tube that straighten the intake and discharge flow thereby minimizing or eliminating torque on the unit and on the mooring components of the aeration assembly. The present inventions also improve mixing and aeration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Knight
  • Patent number: 11331633
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing nano-bubbles in a volume of liquid is described. The apparatus includes a motor having a rotatable shaft, an axially rotatable permeable member couplable to a gas inlet, and a rotatable tube support coupled to the rotatable shaft of the motor and having an inner cavity that houses the axially rotatable permeable member. When rotated, the axially rotatable permeable member is rotated so that the surface velocity of the rotatable permeable member simulates axial turbulent flow above the turbulent threshold in the liquid that allows the liquid to shear gas from the outer surface of the axially rotatable permeable member, thereby forming nano-bubbles in the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Moleaer, Inc
    Inventors: Bruce Scholten, Prathamesh Manik Shinde
  • Patent number: 11331635
    Abstract: A minute bubble generator includes a flow path member including a flow path allowing a liquid to pass therethrough; and a colliding part provided in the flow path and generating minute bubbles in the liquid passing through the flow path by locally reducing a cross sectional area of the flow path. The colliding part is formed integrally with the flow path member and is provided closer to an upstream end or a downstream end relative to a lengthwise center of the flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Toshiba Lifestyle Products & Services Corporation
    Inventors: Hironori Sasaki, Satoshi Nagai, Yasuhiro Komori, Tomonori Uchiyama, Hiroshi Nishimura
  • Patent number: 11333377
    Abstract: A humidifier includes a base housing having a receiving cavity and an air outlet, a water tank having a vapor outlet, a vaporizing arrangement having a vaporizer and a fan, and a waterproof arrangement. The waterproof arrangement includes a blocking member movably mounted on the base housing to selectively move between an opened position and a closed position, wherein when the water tank is detached from the base housing, the blocking member is driven to block the air outlet so as to prevent water from passing through the air outlet, wherein when the water tank is attached on the base housing, the blocking member is driven to unblock the air outlet so as to allow air created by the fan to flow through the air outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Shenzhen Chenbei Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lin Yang, Hai Yang
  • Patent number: 11324105
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided that are useful in generating a fluid suspension of nanoplasmoid bubbles. Such systems utilize a nanobubble/nanoplasmoid generator in conjunction with mechanisms for applying energy to the fluid in the form of electrolytic events, pressure waves, electrical fields, and/or magnetic fields. The nanobubble/nanoplasmoid generator is of modular construction that is readily adaptable to a wide variety of applications. Various applications of nanoplasmoid bubble suspensions so produced are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Inventor: Charlies Bohdy
  • Patent number: 11320158
    Abstract: A multifunctional storage system includes a storage chamber and a machinery chamber provided on a side of the storage chamber. The system further includes a dehumidification part dehumidifying circulating air flowing in the storage chamber; a circulating air inlet and a circulating air outlet enabling the storage chamber and the machinery chamber to communicate; and a circulation filter unit supplying moisture to circulating air supplied to the storage chamber via the circulating air inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: COWAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong Wook Kim, Chan Jung Park, Sun Dug Kwon, Byung Soo Yun, Dong Hun Lee, In Kyu Back
  • Patent number: 11313328
    Abstract: In at least one implementation, a method of operating a combustion engine, includes determining a temperature equal or related to a temperature of an engine at an engine start and comparing the determined temperature to a temperature threshold, determining if an engine operating condition exceeds an engine threshold within a threshold time after the engine was started, and if the determined temperature is below the threshold temperature and the engine operating condition remains above the engine threshold and the threshold time has not passed, providing an enriched fuel and air mixture to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Walbro LLC
    Inventors: Hiroki Ogasawara, Tsuyoshi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 11300304
    Abstract: Mist based humidification systems are employed in numerous environments. However, such systems are typically small portable units whilst it would be beneficial to employ ultrasonic based mist humidifiers in larger environments. However, these environments introduce additional requirements such as reducing the emission/distribution of condensed water as droplets from the humidifier, allowing independent placement of the mist generator from the mist distribution element(s), and the requirement to “throw” the mist a reasonable distance into the environment rather than relying upon the circulation within the environment to achieve distribution. Embodiments of the invention address these issues whilst also supporting modular humidification systems operating at multiple capacities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: CONDAIR GROUP AG
    Inventors: Shahram Lotfi, Tobias Franciscus Hendrikus Bakker
  • Patent number: 11293380
    Abstract: In at least some implementations, a limiter cap assembly for a carburetor having a cavity in which one or more adjustable valves are received, includes a plug adapted to be received within a cavity of the carburetor and having an opening and a cavity aligned with the opening, a clasp engageable with the plug and having at least one retention feature and an opening aligned with the opening of the plug, and a limiter cap received within the opening of the plug and engaged with the retention feature of the clasp. Removal of the limiter cap from the plug opening is prevented by engagement of the retention feature with the limiter cap and by engagement of the clasp with the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Walbro LLC
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Doyama, Teruhiko Tobinai
  • Patent number: 11285500
    Abstract: The liquid container according to the present disclosure is a liquid container to be detachably attached to the main body portion of an apparatus. The liquid container includes a container main body, a ventilation hole, and a lid. The container main body includes an upper portion, a bottom portion, and side portions connecting the upper portion and the bottom portion. The container main body is capable of storing a liquid. The ventilation hole penetrates the upper portion of the container main body. The lid is disposed on an inner side of the container main body and, when the liquid is stored in the container main body, is capable of closing or opening the ventilation hole according to a change in a surface of the liquid. The lid includes a fulcrum positioned closer to the side portion of the container main body than to the ventilation hole. The lid is pivotable around the fulcrum with respect to the ventilation hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kenichi Kajiyama
  • Patent number: 11285499
    Abstract: An electrostatic atomizing apparatus includes a main body portion, a container, a first air flow path, a second air flow path, an electrostatic atomization unit, and an air flow generation unit. The container is detachable from the main body portion, is capable of storing a liquid, and includes a first ventilation hole and a second ventilation hole. The first air flow path includes a first end that includes an air suction port, and a second end that connects to the first ventilation hole. The second air flow path includes a third end that connects to the second ventilation hole, and a fourth end that includes an air exhaust port. The electrostatic atomization unit is disposed on the second air flow path. The air flow generation unit generates an air flow that causes air to flow through the first air flow path, through the container, and through the second air flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenichi Kajiyama, Takahiro Yamaguchi, Masaru Matsuoka, Yuki Noda