Patents Examined by Tareq Alosh
  • Patent number: 10247451
    Abstract: In a cryogenic regenerator including a regenerator tube, a partitioning tube, whose tube wall is perforated by uniformly distributed through-holes, inside of which regenerator packing is provided, and having rib rings wrapped peripherally around its outer wall, is arranged coaxially inside the regenerator tube, with a buffer cavity between the regenerator-tube inner wall and the partitioning-tube outer wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignees: ZHEJIANG UNIVERSITY, SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Limin Qiu, Kai Fang, Xiao Jiang, Zhihua Gan, Zui Ri
  • Patent number: 10240562
    Abstract: A submersible pumping system in a machine system includes a pumping element, and a drive mechanism for actuating the pumping element. The drive mechanism has an electromagnetic element with a superconducting state at or below a critical temperature. A temperature control jacket and cooling mechanism are provided to pump heat from a heat exchange cavity to cool the drive mechanism to or below a critical temperature less than an ambient temperature in a cryogenic environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Progress Rail Locomotive Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Popadiuc
  • Patent number: 10240722
    Abstract: A cryogenic fluid system includes a vessel and a pumping system positioned for submerging within cryogenic fluid within the vessel. The pumping system includes an electric drive structured to move a pumping element within a pumping chamber to pump cryogenic fluid out of the vessel. A cooling jacket forms a heat exchange cavity about the electric drive such that heat is rejected externally of the storage vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Progress Rail Locomotive Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Popadiuc
  • Patent number: 10233913
    Abstract: A liquid supply system includes first and second bellows 41 and 42 arranged in series in an expanding/contracting direction thereof in a vessel 12 and having first end portions respectively, which are close to each other and fixed to an inner wall of the vessel 12, and also having second end portions respectively, which are distant from each other and movable in the expanding/contracting direction. An inner space of the vessel 12 located outside the first bellows 41 serves as a first pump chamber P1. An inner space of the vessel 12 located outside the second bellows 42 serves as a second pump chamber P2. An inner space of the vessel 12 located inside the first and second bellows 41 and 42 serves as a sealed space R1. A shaft 15 to which the respective second end portions of the first and second bellows 41 and 42 are fixed is reciprocally moved to expand/contract the first and second bellows 41 and 42.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: EAGLE INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koichi Mori, Yoshio Osawa, Kiyotaka Furuta
  • Patent number: 10228430
    Abstract: A method for the transmission/reception of RF signals for NMR measurements uses a heat exchanger (1) for cooling heat sources (5), the heat exchanger having a contact element (4.2) for thermal connection between a cryogenic fluid and the heat source, is characterized in that the heat exchanger comprises a container having an interior volume VB into which a first cryogenic fluid F1 that has a liquid component F1L and a gaseous component F1G flows through an inflow conduit (8) and from which a second cryogenic fluid F2 that has liquid component F2L and a gaseous component F2G flows out through an outflow conduit (9). The inflow conduit has a flow cross-section QZ and a circumference UZ from which an associated parameter VZ=4·Q2Z/UZ results, wherein VB>10·VZ, and the outflow conduit has a flow diameter QA wherein QA?QZ. The contact element is in close thermal contact with both the liquid volume component VL of the cryogenic fluid and with the heat source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Bruker BioSpin AG
    Inventors: Marc A. Schnell, Marc Enrique Paredes, Cengiz Cetrefli, Philippe Stauffenegger, Daniel Marek
  • Patent number: 10222121
    Abstract: A system for removing acid gases from a raw gas stream is provided. The system includes a cryogenic distillation tower. The cryogenic distillation tower has a controlled freezing zone that receives a cold liquid spray comprised primarily of methane. The tower receives and then separates the raw gas stream into an overhead methane gas stream and a substantially solid material comprised on carbon dioxide. The system includes a collector tray below the controlled freezing zone. The collector tray receives the substantially solid material as it is precipitated in the controlled freezing zone. The system also has a filter. The filter receives the substantially solid material and then separates it into a solid material comprised primarily of carbon dioxide, and a liquid material comprising methane. The solid material may be warmed as a liquid and sold, while the liquid material is returned to the cryogenic distillation tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: John Tim Cullinane, Paul Scott Northrop
  • Patent number: 10203155
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and device for condensing a first fluid rich in carbon dioxide using a second fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme Pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Michel Lestrade, Fabrice Rivoal
  • Patent number: 10190819
    Abstract: An argon reflux condensation system and method in which a plurality of once-through heat exchangers are connected to an argon column of an air separation plant to condense argon-rich vapor streams for production of reflux to the argon column. Condensation of the argon-rich vapor streams is brought about through indirect heat exchange with crude liquid oxygen streams that partially vaporize and are introduced into a lower pressure column of the plant for further refinement. The flow rate of the crude liquid oxygen streams are sensed and controlled at locations in the plant where the crude liquid oxygen is in a liquid state and in proportion to the size of the once-through heat exchangers. Feed stream flow rate to the argon column is controlled in response to air flow rate to the plant and product flow rate is controlled in response to the feed stream flow rate to the argon column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: PRAXAIR TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Steven R. Falta, Brian S. Powell, Henry E. Howard, Vijayaraghavan S. Chakravarthy, Maulik R. Shelat
  • Patent number: 10166905
    Abstract: A heating and cooling cup holder may include a holder body having an opened upper end and a blast hole formed in a side surface of the holder body into which wind is introduced, a heat exchanging body having a front surface coupled to an outer side surface of the holder body to cover the blast hole and having an inlet formed in one side surface of the heat exchanging body to allow the wind introduced through the inlet to be heat-exchanged, a first peltier element having a front surface coupled to a rear surface of the heat exchanging body, a heat dissipating module coupled to a rear surface of the first peltier element, a second peltier element having an upper surface coupled to a lower surface of the holder body, and a heat pipe heat-exchangeably connecting a lower surface of the second peltier element to the heat dissipating module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Man Ju Oh, Jae Woong Kim, Jae Woo Park, Jae Hoon Kim
  • Patent number: 10151528
    Abstract: A method of liquefying a contaminated hydrocarbon-containing gas stream includes cooling the stream in a first heat exchanger and cooling the cooled stream in an expander to obtain a partially liquefied stream. The method further includes separating the partially liquefied stream in a separator to obtain a gaseous stream and a liquid stream. The liquid stream is expanded to obtain a multiphase stream containing at least a vapour phase, a liquid phase and a solid phase. The multiphase stream is separated in a separator to obtain a gaseous stream and a slurry stream. The slurry stream is separated in a solid/liquid separator to obtain a liquid hydrocarbon stream and a concentrated slurry stream. The gaseous stream is passed through the first heat exchanger to obtain a heated gaseous stream. The heated gaseous stream is compressed and combined with the contaminated hydrocarbon-containing gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: SHELL OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Michiel Gijsbert Van Aken, Mariska Wolters-Den Breejen
  • Patent number: 10145592
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a beverage heating and cooling assembly is provided which includes a collar and beverage retainer assembly for connection to retain the assembly below a mounting substrate. The beverage retainer assembly may include a housing with an active heating or cooling system, such as a thermoelectric engine, which is positioned within or adjacent to the housing and beneath the mounting substrate or similar planar structure. The assembly allows for a clean installation of an active thermal system for beverages in order to keep the beverages cold or warm as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Dometic Sweden AB
    Inventors: William Joseph Liptak, Charlie Alvin Barefoot, Jr., Ronald A. Pabisz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10119756
    Abstract: A method and backup system for backing up a supply oxygen in an air separation plant in which during normal operation, a stream of oxygen-rich liquid is pumped through a main flow path, extending from a surge tank to a heat exchanger, to deliver an oxygen product. The surge tank receives the oxygen-rich liquid from a bottom region of the lower pressure column of the plant. Additionally, during normal operations, a stream of the oxygen-rich liquid is also introduced to a reserve storage tank through a backup flow path. During a transient operation, where the air separation plant has ceased operation, the surge tank is isolated and liquid is pumped from the surge tank through an auxiliary flow path to an auxiliary vaporizer to continue the supply of the oxygen product and the surge tank is replenished with oxygen-rich liquid previously stored in the reserve storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: PRAXAIR TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: David Parsnick, James Meagher, Gerald A. Paolino, John F. Billingham
  • Patent number: 10100979
    Abstract: A method of liquid air energy storage is provided. This method includes liquefying and storing air to form a stored liquid air during a first period of time; during a second period of time, introducing a compressed air stream into a cryogenic system, wherein the cryogenic system comprises at least one cold compressor, and at least one heat exchanger. The method includes producing a first exhaust stream and a second exhaust stream. The method also includes vaporizing at least part of the stored liquid air stream in the heat exchanger, thereby producing a first high pressure compressed air stream, then combining the first high pressure compressed air stream, the first exhaust stream and the second exhaust stream to form a combined exhaust stream, heating the combined exhaust stream, then expanding the heated combined exhaust stream in an expansion turbine to produce power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme Pour L'Etude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Bao Ha, Jean-Renaud Brugerolle
  • Patent number: 10082333
    Abstract: An argon reflux condensation system and method in which a plurality of once-through condensers are connected to an argon column of an air separation plant to condense argon-rich vapor streams for production of reflux to the argon column. Condensation of the argon-rich vapor streams is brought about through indirect heat exchange with crude liquid oxygen streams that partially vaporize and are introduced into a lower pressure column of the plant for further refinement. The flow rate of the crude liquid oxygen streams are sensed and controlled at locations in the air separation plant where the crude liquid oxygen is in a liquid state and in proportion to the size of the once-through heat exchangers. Prior to flowing into the once-through condensers, the partially vaporized crude oxygen stream enters a phase separator which separates the crude oxygen vapor from the crude liquid oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: PRAXAIR TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: James R. Handley, Brian S. Powell, Henry E. Howard, Vijayaraghavan S. Chakravarthy, Maulik R. Shelat, Steven R. Falta
  • Patent number: 10060673
    Abstract: An argon reflux condensation system and method in which a plurality of once-through heat exchangers are connected to an argon column of an air separation plant to condense argon-rich vapor streams for production of reflux to the argon column. Condensation of the argon-rich vapor streams is brought about through indirect heat exchange with crude liquid oxygen streams that partially vaporize and are introduced into a lower pressure column of the plant for further refinement. The flow rate of the crude liquid oxygen streams are sensed and controlled at locations in the plant where the crude liquid oxygen is in a liquid state and in proportion to the size of the once-through heat exchangers. Feed stream flow rate to the argon column is controlled in response to air flow rate to the plant and product flow rate is controlled in response to the feed stream flow rate to the argon column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: PRAXAIR TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Steven R. Falta, Brian S. Powell, Henry E. Howard, Vijayaraghavan S. Chakravarthy
  • Patent number: 10060674
    Abstract: A process is described herein for the production of a selected quantity of ethane as a component of a production inventory of mixed refrigerant for an LNG production plant prior to start-up of the LNG production plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: WOODSIDE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES PTY LTD.
    Inventor: Derek William Hodges
  • Patent number: 10048003
    Abstract: An arrangement of insulation within a container to prevent heat leakage from the ambient to an apparatus located within the container that operates at a cryogenic temperature. The arrangement of insulation includes bulk insulation filling the container and an insulation layer that is located within the container, between the apparatus and the container. The insulation layer as opposed to the bulk insulation has a lower thermal conductivity. An exterior region of the apparatus is situated closer to an opposite container wall region of the container than remaining exterior regions of the apparatus. The insulation layer is sized to only insulate the exterior region of the apparatus from heat leakage from the opposite container wall region. The insulation layer can be formed of an aerogel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: PRAXAIR TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Richard John Jibb, John Henri Royal
  • Patent number: 10048004
    Abstract: A system and method for the concurrent condensation of a nitrogen-rich vapor and vaporization of an oxygen-rich liquid in a distillation column based air separation unit is provided. The disclosed system includes a condenser-reboiler heat exchanger located between a lower pressure column and a higher pressure column and configured to condense a nitrogen-rich vapor from the higher pressure column and partially vaporize an oxygen-rich liquid from the lower pressure column. Within the condenser-reboiler heat exchanger, the nitrogen-rich vapor flows in an upward direction such that any non-condensables present in the nitrogen-rich vapor will accumulate proximate the upper portion or top of the condenser-reboiler modules where they can be easily removed through venting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: PRAXAIR TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Maulik R. Shelat, Vijayaraghavan S. Chakravarthy, Sang Muk Kwark
  • Patent number: 10018411
    Abstract: A method comprising the cooling of the feed natural-gas (15) in a first heat exchanger (16) and the introduction of the cooled feed natural-gas (40) in separator flask (18). The method further comprising dynamic expansion of a turbine input flow (46) in a first expansion turbine (22) and the introduction of the expanded flow (102) into a splitter column (26). This method includes sampling at the head of the splitter column (26) a methane-rich head stream (82) and sampling in the compressed methane-rich head stream (86) a first recirculation stream (88). The method comprises the formation of at least one second recirculation stream (96) obtained from the methane-rich head stream (82) downstream from the splitter column (26) and the formation of a dynamic expansion stream (100) from the second recirculation stream (96).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: TECHNIP FRANCE
    Inventors: Sandra Armelle Thiebault, Vanessa Marie Stéphanie Gahier, Julie Anne Gouriou, Loïc Pierre Roger Barthe
  • Patent number: 10012439
    Abstract: A system and method for the concurrent condensation of a nitrogen-rich vapor and vaporization of an oxygen-rich liquid in a distillation column based air separation unit is provided. The disclosed system includes a condenser-reboiler heat exchanger located between a lower pressure column and a higher pressure column and configured to condense a nitrogen-rich vapor from the higher pressure column and partially vaporize an oxygen-rich liquid from the lower pressure column. Within the condenser-reboiler heat exchanger, the nitrogen-rich vapor flows in an upward direction such that any non-condensables present in the nitrogen-rich vapor will accumulate proximate the upper portion or top of the condenser-reboiler modules where they can be easily removed through venting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: PRAXAIR TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Maulik R. Shelat, Vijayaraghavan S. Chakravarthy, Sang Muk Kwark