Patents by Inventor John P. Crane

John P. Crane has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5944995
    Abstract: A feedwell for use in a clarifier tank is disclosed which provides improved energy dissipation and reduction of fluid velocity in an influent feed stream to reduce turbulence in the clarifier tank as the influent feed enters the clarifier tank for separation. The feedwell generally comprises a walled member having a substantially continuous wall which is structured to provide an area of increasing cross sectional area so that liquid circulating through the feedwell is reduced in velocity as it moves through the feedwell and into the clarifier tank. The feedwell may include additional elements which enhance dissipation of energy, including an angled rim positioned at the lower edge of the walled member to provide a contact surface against which fluid may flow to dissipate energy, and at least one baffle. The feedwell of the present invention improves the settling rate of clarifier tanks and simplifies operation while reducing operating costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Bal K. Sethi, Sherman C. Wu, John P. Crane