Movable Surface Patents (Class 100/116)
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Patent number: 6745682Abstract: A device for draining liquid from canned goods includes a compression lever pivotally connected to a base lever. The base lever includes a support surface extending between opposed ends for tabletop use. The base lever includes an end wall perpendicular to the support surface. The compression lever is pivotally coupled to the end wall. A handle is attached to the base lever at its free end, a can receiving section being defined between the handle and end wall. The device includes a piston having a perforated disk and connected to the compression lever in a ball joint/socket relationship. Therefore, a can may be positioned on the can receiving section and the compression lever and piston operated to drain liquid from the can. Multiple socket positions and pivot point configuration provide for a maximum leverage ratio while the support surface configuration allows for stable, one-handed operation of the device.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Inventor: Thomas A. Tranberg
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Publication number: 20040069021Abstract: A piston press in which hydraulic lines (32) of a hydraulic cylinder (19) move a ram plate (21) up and down with relatively large diameters, and in which use is made of a hydraulic pump (33) with a continuously adjustable delivery flow, in particular with constant output regulation, making it possible to move the ram plate (21) more quickly in the unloaded or less loaded state, by which means the operating time is shortened considerably as compared with known piston presses (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2003Publication date: April 15, 2004Inventors: Wilhelm Bringewatt, Engelbert Heinz
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Patent number: 6684764Abstract: An apparatus for removing liquid from a composite mixture of liquid and solids comprises a hopper mounted atop a compactor ram assembly. A snout section and an extruder section are mounted axial to the compactor ram assembly. A hydraulically-operated ram compresses wet material into the snout and extruder sections. Under pressure from the ram, liquid in the waste material escapes from drainage holes in the snout section top, bottom, and sides, and the extruder section top, bottom, and sides. A platen, pivotally mounted to the extruder top plate near the exit of the device and biased with a constant pressure, controls the back pressure in the extruder and snout sections. The apparatus has an extruder section and snout section of the same constant cross section and coaxial with each other. In a second embodiment of the apparatus, certain of the walls may diverge to further facilitate access to the first platen through the exit opening.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2001Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Sebright Products, Inc.Inventors: Brent H. Sebright, Stuart L. Sebright
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Patent number: 6672204Abstract: A press for removing grease from cooked ground meat includes a main body provided with an upwardly opening cavity for receiving the cooked meat and a front spout, and a lid pivotally connected to the body and provided with a center pressing plate sized to fit into the cavity against the meat. The body and lid are further provided with complimentary left and right handles sized to be squeezed together with the user's left and right hands. Excess grease is pressed out of and removed from the meat by simultaneously squeezing the handles together and pouring the grease from the spout.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2003Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Inventor: Mark A. Fiorello
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Publication number: 20030230202Abstract: The flexible press fits onto the rim of standard sized cans for the purpose of compressing the contents of canned food and forcibly evacuating liquids from the solid food. The device comprises; a flexible center section, an oblique band molded such that it is held in place by a friction fit on the outer edge of the can; and an opening radially-located on the flexible center section of the device, designed so that when the device is affixed onto a can and the center section is then depressed against the can's severed lid, the liquid is forced out of the can in a controlled manner and discriminately directed thru the opening in the device without contact to the user's body or clothing. As the press is removed, the compressed suction cup draws the severed lid away from the solid food and removes it from the can.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2002Publication date: December 18, 2003Inventors: Mark Arnost Costahaude, Patricia Marie Costahaude, Dalton Winfield Costahaude
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Patent number: 6662714Abstract: The flexible press fits onto: the rim of standard sized cans for the purpose of compressing the contents of canned food and forcibly evacuating liquids from the solid food. The device comprises; a flexible center section, an oblique band molded such that it is held in place by a friction fit on the outer edge of the can; and an opening radially-located on the flexible center section of the device, designed so that when the device is affixed onto a can and the center section is then depressed against the can's severed lid, the liquid is forced out of the can in a controlled manner and discriminately directed thru the opening in the device without contact to the user's body or clothing. As the press is removed, the compressed suction cup draws the severed lid away from the solid food and removes it from the can.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2002Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Inventors: Mark Arnost Costahaude, Patricia Marie Costahaude, Dalton Winfield Costahaude
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Patent number: 6561084Abstract: An apparatus for draining a fluid from a can of food includes a first and second member that are pivotally attached about a common pivot axis. The first member includes a cylinder having a closed bottom and open top that is disposed proximate the pivot axis. The first member extends away from the pivot axis and includes a first handle that is distally disposed from the pivot axis. The second member includes an arcuate portion disposed above the cylinder and a third member that is pivotally attached at one end to the center of the arcuate portion. A grate is attached to the remaining end of the third member. The second member continues to extend from the arcuate portion and includes a second handle at a distal end thereof. When an opened can of food is placed in the cylinder and the first and second handles are urged together, the grate bears upon the food in the can forcing the food to the bottom of the can and displacing the fluid therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2001Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Inventor: Richard Kenneth Lane
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Patent number: 6543344Abstract: There is provided a culinary press 1 including first and second handle members 2, 4, between which is provided a food pressing lever 14 pivotably connected at one end to the second handle member 4, an actuator 16 connected to the first handle member 2 acting on the other end of the lever 14.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2000Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Maxpat Trading & Marketing (Far East) LimitedInventor: Ignaz Settele
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Patent number: 6536601Abstract: The invention relates to a silo for sludge, especially sewage sludge, comprising a sludge-receiving part (12), a feeding part (16), said feeding part being located above the sludge-receiving part (12) and communicating with said sludge-receiving part (12) via a inlet (14), and a sludge-discharge device. Said sludge-discharge device is located in the lower area of the sludge-receiving part, and can preferably be connected to a pipeline system. According to the invention, a separator device (18) for removing foreign bodies is located in the area of the feeding part (16) so that the sludge which is temporarily stored in the silo can easily be used later on. Said separating device for removing foreign bodies (18) has a sieve grate (20) covering the inlet (14) and at least one counter-surface (22) positioned above said sieve-grate (20). Said sieve-grate and said counter-surface are able to move in relation to each other as sludge pushes through the sieve openings of said sieve-grate.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1999Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Putzmeister AktiengesellschaftInventors: Wolfgang Zey, Alexander Schmid
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Patent number: 6530315Abstract: In a diaphragm (3) of a diaphragm press for separating liquid and solid materials by action of a pressure medium on the materials (7) via the diaphragm (3), the functions of sealing and retention are separated. This is accomplished by a dual embodiment of the diaphragm (3) in the form of a substantially sealing diaphragm seal (14) and a substantially retaining diaphragm carrier (13). A force transmission from drainage elements (6) in the press chamber (4) of a pressing vessel (1) of the diaphragm press to the diaphragm (3) can be accomplished by the diaphragm carrier (13) in a manner that treats the material gently. This substantially improves the service life of the diaphragm (3).Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2000Date of Patent: March 11, 2003Assignee: Bucher-Guyer AGInventor: Eduard Hartmann
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Patent number: 6422138Abstract: A canned food pressing device including a cylindrical member having an upper end, a lower end, and a cylindrical side wall therebetween. The cylindrical member has an external diameter slightly less than the internal diameter of a can of tuna fish. The lower end is positionable on the separable lid once separated from the can to facilitate an inward pushing of the lid against the tuna fish. A cylindrical flange member is secured to the cylindrical side wall of the cylindrical member intermediate the upper and lower ends thereof. The cylindrical flange member extends outwardly beyond the external diameter of the cylindrical member to provide a shield for the water and oil drained from the tuna fish.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Inventor: Timothy Ballard
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Patent number: 6258262Abstract: A screw press type filter which comprises an alternately superposed arrangement of annular fixed plates (10) and annular movable plates (11), a filter cylinder (2) defining a fixed cylindrical space (12) by a row of openings of the fixed plates with both end portions of a screw (5) passed through this cylindrical space extending to inlet and outlet chambers (1, 3), and mechanisms (15, 16) for turning the movable plates in accordance with the rotation of the screw also provided, wherein the volumes of the spaces between adjacent ridges of the screws in the filter cylinder are reduced gradually from an inlet toward an outlet so that such a volume decrease corresponds to a gradual decrease in the water content of an object material being processed.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Terra Separator Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toyokazu Katabe
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Patent number: 6247397Abstract: An apparatus for separating liquid and solid substances, particularly for extracting juice from fruit and the like, such as grapes.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1999Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Assignee: Siprem International SrlInventor: Franco Diotalevi
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Patent number: 6241900Abstract: According to a waste water treatment method and apparatus of the present invention, a permeable sheet 3 is fed into a treatment tank 2 in which a stream is formed. The waste water, which flows downstream, is caused to pass through the permeable sheet 3, while the permeable sheet 3 travels in the treatment tank 2 so as to traverse the surface of the waste water on a downstream side in the flowing direction of the waste water. Therefore, not only the sludge in the waste water but also the oily substances floating in the waste water can be collected and removed because they cling to the permeable sheet 3 and are gathered by it. As a result, a waste water treatment tank 2 and the like can be maintained in a usable state for a long time. In addition, there can be obtained a treated water to which microbial treatment can be applied.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1999Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: Omega Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinichi Nakamura, Kunihiko Fukuzuka
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Patent number: 6234074Abstract: The packaged food fluid extractor has a container lever attached to a compression lever at a pivot point such that when the two are squeezed together compression of food in a food container extracts fluids from the foods. The compression lever has a piston attached with a perforated disk attached at the bottom end located to allow insertion in the top of an open food container. When such food container is placed in the recess of the container lever and the perforated disk is located on top of the food contents, the squeezing of the two levers together, similar to pliers, compresses the food and fluids are extracted.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1999Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Inventor: Steven Mangum
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Patent number: 6135293Abstract: A water/sludge filter press used with a filter bag for filtering water and collecting sludge in the bag. When the filter press is actuated, the filter bag is compressed therein for dewatering the sludge in the bag for ease in removing the sludge and reusing the bag or replacing the bag. The filter press includes a horizontal stand with an upright vertical press frame. A hydraulic cylinder with piston is mounted on the vertical press frame. Attached to the vertical press frame is an open-top housing adapted for receiving the filter bag therein. The sides and bottom of the housing are lined with screens for passing filtered water therethrough. The housing includes a first vertical side, a second vertical side, a stationary vertical press plate, a vertical movable press plate and a foldable bottom. The foldable bottom includes a pair of pivot arms attached to the piston of the hydraulic cylinder. The foldable bottom is also attached to a lower end of a pair of coil springs.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1998Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Inventors: Lori B. Herbst, Robert Herbst
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Patent number: 6112650Abstract: A can draining device 10 for separating the solid and liquid contents of a can 100 by applying a downward force on the severed lid 101 of the can 100 wherein the device 10 includes an upper lever unit 11" pivotally secured to a lower lever unit 11' wherein both lever units are provided with lever arm members 20, 30 provided on one end with rearwardly projecting handle members 24, 34 and further provided on their other ends with pivoted jaw members 40; wherein the jaw members 40 allow the captively engaged can 100 and severed lid 101 to be pivoted relative to the handle members 24, 34 to facilitate the draining of liquid from within the can 100.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1999Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Inventor: Jeffrey A. Mazzaccaro
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Patent number: 6110388Abstract: The sludge filtration device comprises: a filter (1) placed over an approximately horizontal box (4), this filter (1) constituting, in its filtration position, the bottom of a filter chamber (8) of essentially vertical axis; a piston (10) suitable for closing the filter chamber in the top part; means (3, 11) for causing relative movement between the box (4) provided with the filter (1) and the piston (10) so that a liquid filtrate flows downwards through the filter (1) and so that a cake of solid matter remains on the filter (1) at the end of the operation; and a scraper device (31) provided for removing this cake. The piston is made in the form of a filter piston (10) so that a liquid effluent passes through the filter piston (10) as the volume of the filter chamber (8) is being decreased, and a suction pumping means (P) is provided for removing the effluent above the filter piston (10).Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1997Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: Elf Atochem S.A.Inventors: Marcel Norais, Bernard Neveu
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Patent number: 6092460Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for removing liquid from solid canned goods such as tuna. More specifically, the present invention is a hand held strainer device which operates in scissor-like fashion and includes opposing, hinged members with one having a can support and the other having a free floating strainer. The device further includes a quick-release, thumb activated ratchet-locking and engaging mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1999Date of Patent: July 25, 2000Inventor: Jeffrey Engelhardt
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Patent number: 6068870Abstract: An apparatus for separating a liquid from a material in a container includes a plate configured to substantially match an inner contour of the container, the plate having an obverse surface and a reverse surface, a plurality of apertures formed by the plate, and a press element and a pull element on the obverse surface of the plate. A method of separating a liquid from a material in a container includes the steps of removing a lid from the container, inserting the apparatus into an open end of the container, manually compressing the material with the apparatus, and tilting the container to drain the liquid.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1997Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Inventor: Matthew P. Strauss
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Patent number: 6042735Abstract: Process and device for draining a fibrous pulp suspension. The process may include positioning two surfaces to converge in a downstream direction, feeding the fibrous pulp suspension between the two converging surfaces, driving at least one of the two converging surfaces to move the suspension with a relative translational velocity, and draining the fibrous pulp suspension through each of the two surfaces. The device may include two arcuate surfaces positioned to form converging surfaces. One of the two arcuate surfaces may include a drivable, pivotable, and rotatable cylinder having an outer sleeve with openings, the other of the two arcuate surfaces may include a screen positioned to be guided around at least a portion of the outer sleeve. The screen and the openings may form drains for draining the fluid pulp suspension.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1997Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Assignee: Voith Sulzer Stoffaufbereitung GmbHInventors: Axel Gommel, Herbert Holik, Josef Schneid
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Patent number: 6036029Abstract: A device to drain a fibrous pulp suspension including an arched surface that is impermeable. The arched surface, moreover, is surrounded by a permeable belt. The belt and the arched surface are able to be moved such that there exists a relative velocity between the belt and the arched surface. The arched surface includes recesses that are able to take up quantities of fluid.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1997Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: Voith Sulzer Stoffaufbereitung GmbHInventors: Axel Gommel, Josef Schneid
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Patent number: 5985159Abstract: A method for concentrating a suspension comprises the steps of providing a first surface; providing a second surface; introducing a suspension; moving the second surface relative to the first surface; and applying suction to the second surface. The first surface is relatively liquid-tight and includes a feature for increasing friction. The second surface is relatively liquid-pervious, faces the first surface, and is moveable relative to the first surface. Introduction of the suspension between the first and second surfaces forms a suspension web. Moving the second surface relative to the first surface and applying suction through the second surface causes dewatering of the suspension web and increased friction between the suspension web and the second surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1997Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Inventors: Kent Strid, Rolf Oswaldsson, Lars Horlyk
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Patent number: 5979304Abstract: An apparatus and a method using the apparatus are described for the separation by filtration of a solid phase and a liquid phase from a sludge. A pressure is exerted on the sludge with the aid of a piston in a filtration chamber having a filter. The filter is extracted from the chamber and the surface of the filter is swept using a scraper device. The invention can be used for the treatment of liquid manure.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1995Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: Elf Atochem S.A.Inventor: Marcel Norais
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Patent number: 5927187Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making juice from grapes, fruit or like material to be pressed, in which the fruit, etc., is repeatedly pressed in unmixed charges at time intervals. The invention also relates to a juice press (1), especially a wine or fruit press, with a drum or similar container (2) having slots, holes or similar flow openings in its longitudinal sides and a feed plate or similar component (4) longitudinally movable inside the container, in which the container (2) has at least one rape or discharge opening in the advancing direction in front of the feed component and there is at least one expandable press hose or similar expanding body inside the container between the feed component (4) and the discharge opening. The characteristic of the juice press of the invention is that the feed plate or the like (4) has slots, holes or like flow openings (3) at least in its region contacting the fruit, etc.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1997Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Inventor: Bernhard Bosch
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Patent number: 5902481Abstract: A strainer device for assisting in draining packing liquid from opened tuna fish cans, as well as from opened cans of produce such as vegetables, fruit, and beans, the device including a molded plastic short hollow cylinder open at the top end and closed at the bottom end with a perforated bottom wall, the strainer body sized to be slidably fit into an opened tuna fish can. A pair of flange ears at the top enable the bottom each to be pushed into the tuna to force the liquid out through the bottom wall perforations as well as a series of slots around the perimeter. The bottom wall bulges down to be convexly shaped, aiding in moving the liquid out through the slots and also allows an inverted open can of produce to drain through the perforations as the strainer is resting on a supporting surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1996Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Inventor: Clinton L. Schwietert
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Patent number: 5887516Abstract: An apparatus for removing liquid from a composite mixture of liquid and solids comprising a hopper 16 mounted atop a compactor ram assembly 10, having a snout section 12 and an extruder section 14 mounted in a generally axial direction to the compactor ram assembly 10. Wet waste material is loaded into the hopper 16 and falls onto a loading floor 158. A hydraulically operated ram 208 compresses the wet material into the snout and extruder sections 12, 14. Under pressure from the ram 208, liquid in the waste material escapes from numerous drainage slots 25 in the loading floor, the snout section top, bottom and sides 24, 22, 20, and the extruder section top, bottom and sides 30, 28, 26. A platen 80, pivotally mounted to the extruder top plate 30 near the exit of the device and biased with a constant pressure, controls the back pressure in the extruder and snout sections 14, 12.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1997Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: Sebright Products, Inc.Inventors: Brent H. Sebright, Stuart L. Sebright
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Patent number: 5875707Abstract: A press for removing water from masses containing materials of organic origin. The press has a compression chamber (2) with a perforated mantle. The discharge end of the compression chamber contains a piston part (3), which is reciprocable in relation to the compression chamber and movable in and out and through which (6) the mass discharges from the compression chamber. The invention is suitable for use, for example, for drying sludges resulting from sewage treatment.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1997Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Oy SNE Environment Engineering Ltd.Inventor: Hannes Rajala
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Patent number: 5863429Abstract: In a method and apparatus for removing water from sludge the sludge is introduced into an intermediate chamber from which it is fed into at least one sludge chamber having a filter surface. A hydrostatic pressure is built up in the sludge chamber to remove the water. The sludge chamber is then opened and the filter surface moved out of the sludge chamber to remove the filter cake. The hydrostatic pressure is generated by the sludge being transferred out of the intermediate container, after the continuous feed of sludge thereto has been cut off, by positive displacement of the volume of sludge from the intermediate container into the sludge chamber. The feed of sludge into the sludge chamber may occur simultaneously at a plurality of points from a corresponding number of intermediate containers.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 1995Date of Patent: January 26, 1999Inventor: Albert Bahr
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Patent number: 5858235Abstract: A sludge dehydrating press includes an outer screen case in which sludge to be treated is filled, the outer screen case having a screen surface in at least a part thereof, press means for pressing sludge filled in the outer screen case, one or more inner screen cases disposed slidably in the outer screen case including a screen surface extending in a directon crossing the direction of pressing by the press means and having continuous slits and the inner screen cases having also a space into which water extracted from the sludge flows, and positioning means for positioning the inner screen cases to a predetermined position after completion of pressing by the press means. The screen surface of the outer screen case preferably is made of a wedge wire screen having a flat inside surface. The press may further include an extracted water removing screen tube coaxially with the outer screen case.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1996Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: Nagaoka International Corp.Inventor: Tadayoshi Nagaoka
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Patent number: 5851391Abstract: The sludge dewatering treatment apparatus of the present invention is provided with a cylinder that has a large number of pipe members arranged in the axial direction and secured around its inner surface, that is divided axially into two halves so as to allow opening and closing, and that is vertically installed in a frame. A rotating pipe shaft that is capable of both rotating and moving up and down is provided in an axial direction at the center of this cylinder. The rotating pipe shaft can receive sludge at an opening in its upper end from the outlet of a sludge holding hopper installed on the frame, and discharges the received sludge into a filter from sludge outflow ports. A cylindrical filter is provided that surrounds the rotating pipe shaft, the upper end of the filter being attached to the rotating pipe shaft and the lower end of the filter being attached to an opening in the base plate of the frame. The cylindrical filter takes in the sludge from the outflow ports.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 1998Date of Patent: December 22, 1998Assignee: Cosmic Round CompanyInventor: Keiichi Ozawa
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Patent number: 5752434Abstract: The present invention relates to a form system for tofu production, comprising: a bottom plate; a frame, surrounding the bottom plane; a form grid, further comprising: a border, having a plurality of holes, surrounding an area, which is relatively wide at the top side and relatively narrow at the bottom side, a plurality of V-shaped longitudinal ridges, having two ends connected with the border and open to the bottom side, and a plurality of V-shaped transverse ridges, having two ends connected with the border and open to the bottom side, such that the form grid is divided into a plurality of fields, which are relatively wide at the top side and relatively narrow at the bottom side; a gauze cloth; and a top plate; wherein, for producing tofu, the frame is placed on the bottom plate, the bottom side of the form grid is placed on the bottom plate, the gauze cloth is laid from the top side on the form grid, covering the fields, tofu raw material is poured into the fields, the top plate is laid on the tofu raw maType: GrantFiled: June 25, 1997Date of Patent: May 19, 1998Inventor: Feng-Shian Kuan
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Patent number: 5730047Abstract: A portable refuse compacting container including a container for receiving a flexible refuse collection bag of the type typically known as garbage bags or leaf bags. Bulky refuse such as leaves, grass clippings and the like may be placed in the refuse collection bag where these materials are compressed by a compacting plate which is loosely received inside the container. The compacting plate is used to compress the refuse by an attached plunger arm which is affixed to the compacting plate and which is pivotally attached to a compaction lever. The compaction lever is pivotally attached to the edge of the top of the container. The compaction lever may be latched in place on the container. The container is provided with wheels for ease in moving either the full or the empty container from place to place. When the compaction lever is latched to the container, the handle of the compaction lever also serves as a handle for moving the container about on its wheels.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1996Date of Patent: March 24, 1998Inventor: H. Wayne Lindsey
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Patent number: 5706721Abstract: A food can drainer for a can containing a solid foodstuff and packing fluid is a foraminous sheet sized to fit an end of the can when the can is open at that end, with holes in the sheet sized to retain the foodstuff in the can, yet allow flow of the packing fluid when the can is tipped to decant the fluid. For typical cylindrical cans such as tuna or salmon, the drainer is a perforated disc sized to fit snugly in the can so that, when the can is inverted, packing fluid flows out of the holes in the disc and manual pressure can be exerted to squeeze out excess fluid. The holes are positioned so that the packing fluid forms a stream in the approximate center of the drainer. The drainer can be installed in the can during or after canning.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1996Date of Patent: January 13, 1998Inventor: Hamilton E. Homes
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Patent number: 5701810Abstract: The apparatus of the invention comprises three stages. The first stage extracts soy milk from soybean go, and comprises a cylindrical pot, a cylindrical filter for receiving go held within the pot, there being an annular gap between the filter and the pot, a wire cloth disk movable within the filter, the disk having a circumferential seal for sealing between the edges of the disk and the sides of the filter, and a press assembly for urging the disk downwardly within the filter, whereby soy milk is extracted from the go, passes through the filter and into the annular gap. The soy milk is cooked in the pot. A solidifier is added while a second stage of the apparatus of the invention creates a gentle turbulence within the soy milk. After the soybean curds are formed, the third stage of the invention compresses the curds into tofu. The third stage comprises a form having openings for escape of whey which fits within the pot.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1995Date of Patent: December 30, 1997Inventor: Gary T. Nakai
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Patent number: 5678478Abstract: An apparatus for crushing spent oil filters for recovery of spent oil therefrom, which includes a frame which carries an oil filter crushing chamber, and located therebeneath the frame also carries a hydraulic actuation assembly, a vertical hydraulic ram assembly, a latch mechanism, and a safety control circuit.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1996Date of Patent: October 21, 1997Assignee: Goyal Industries, Inc.Inventors: Prakash R. Goyal, Jon W. Kline
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Patent number: 5651307Abstract: A compression device adaptor for compacting discarded oil filters having a compacting member (10) which is connected to various types of compression devices, such as a hydraulic press, by way of a compactor connector (12). Formed within compacting member (10) is an interior drain channel (30) providing escape of waste oil held within an oil filter (28) upon pressure being applied by operation of a compression device. An oil filter platform (20) accommodates oil filter (28) as well as containing excess oil and providing drainage of same through a drain port (22).Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1995Date of Patent: July 29, 1997Inventor: Kenneth N. Reny
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Patent number: 5643458Abstract: A sludge dehydrating press device includes an outer screen case in which sludge to be treated is filled, the outer screen case having a screen surface in at least a part thereof, a press for pressing sludge filled in the outer screen case, one or more inner screen cases disposed slidably in the outer screen case including a screen surface extending in a direction crossing the direction of pressing by the press and having continuous slits and the inner screen cases having also a space into which water extracted from the sludge flows, and a positioning device for positioning the inner screen cases to a predetermined position after completion of pressing by the press. The screen surface of the outer screen case preferably is made of a wedge wire screen having a flat inside surface. The press device may further include an extracted water removing screen tube coaxially with the outer screen case.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1994Date of Patent: July 1, 1997Assignee: Nagaoka International CorporationInventor: Tadayoshi Nagaoka
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Patent number: 5624549Abstract: Apparatus for partial dewatering of raw sludge, includes at least two filter units each defining a filter chamber which receives raw sludge and has an outer wall surface formed as filter for discharge of filtrate from raw sludge. Accommodated within the filter chamber is a double-acting plunger which extends across the entire cross section for dividing the filter chamber in two working chambers, and reciprocates in the filter chamber along the inside wall surface for movement between a first end position and a second end position, with each working chamber having an inlet for receiving raw sludge from a suitable conveying unit and an outlet for discharge of partially dewatered raw sludge.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1995Date of Patent: April 29, 1997Assignee: Muller Umwelttechnik GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Dirk Herzog, Wolfgang Muller
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Patent number: 5590590Abstract: An implement for separating the liquid medium from the solid contents of canned foodstuffs, e.g., canned tunafish, having two arms pivotally connected by a hinge, e.g., a pivot pin, one arm ending in a compression plate and the other arm ending in a can receptacle, one or both arms being bent to allow substantial alignment of the compression plate and can receptacle, is described. The opposite ends of both arms are handles; and the compression plate is sized so as to fit into the can containing foodstuffs and allow liquid to escape therefrom when the contents are compressed. The thickness of the compression plate is also sized so that a portion protrudes from the top of the can after the contents thereof have been compressed, so that it can be used to strike a solid surface, generating a further compressive force.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1996Date of Patent: January 7, 1997Assignee: Edward ZammitInventor: Edward Zammit
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Patent number: 5501144Abstract: A hand held press used to remove the liquid packing fluids in a can of food by biasing the lid of the can against the contents of the can. The press includes an upper pressing element and a lower pressing element. The upper pressing element has a perforated region that acts as a strainer. The perforated region is advanced against the lid and into the can, wherein displaced packing fluids are collected within a receiving area defined within the perforated region. A pour spout then allows the collected fluids to be removed in a controlled manner. The lower pressing element retains the can in a predetermined orientation as the can is being pressed. Accordingly, the angle at which the displaced fluids will pour is controlled by the manipulation of the press and the can of food held firmly within the press.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1994Date of Patent: March 26, 1996Inventor: Keith Bryson
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Patent number: 5489381Abstract: A novel apparatus for isolating solids, slurries or wetcakes from fluids is disclosed. Said apparatus comprises an extruder having a dynamic seal and a barrel comprising a slip joint and a floating auger which allows for solid recovery under pressure in the absence of substantial solvent volatilization.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1994Date of Patent: February 6, 1996Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: James Day, Ganesh Kailasam, Godavarthi S. Varadarajan
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Patent number: 5480541Abstract: A novel apparatus for isolating solids, slurries or wetcakes from fluids is disclosed. Said novel apparatus comprises an extruder having a dynamic seal and a barrel comprising an auger and a movable cap which allows for solid recovery under pressure in the absence of substantial solvent volatilization.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1994Date of Patent: January 2, 1996Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: James Day, Ganesh Kailasam, Godavarthi S. Varadarajan
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Patent number: 5466370Abstract: A novel apparatus for isolating solids or wetcakes from fluids is disclosed. Said apparatus is closed to the atmosphere and comprises a torque sensor and movable cap which allows for solid recovery under pressure without requiring substantial solvent volatilization.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1994Date of Patent: November 14, 1995Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: James Day, Ganesh Kailasam, Godavarthi S. Varadarajan
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Patent number: 5462425Abstract: An apparatus for mechanically separating water from coal includes a vibrating hopper, two contra-rotating cylinders, a solid collector, and a fluid collector. The hopper feeds hydrated coal or coal slurry to wells which are arranged along the surface of a first rotating cylinder. A second rotating cylinder has protrusions on its surface which are precisely placed such that when the first and second cylinders are brought in contact and rotated in contra-rotating directions, each of the wells of the first cylinder and a corresponding protrusion of the second cylinder form mating female and male dies. Coal in the female dies is pressed, and the moisture in the coal is squeezed out. The coal remaining in the dies is then delivered to the solid collector via a pusher. The distance between the cylinders may be varied through adjustable cylinder bearings or pillow blocks. Both the male and female dies may be removed and replaced.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 1994Date of Patent: October 31, 1995Inventors: Thomas Kuss, Donald L. Horn
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Patent number: 5451415Abstract: A method for dejuicing grapes uses a dejuicer comprises a closed tank provided with a dejuicer grid and an inflatable membrane in the tank which is pressurized to force juice out of the harvested grapes through the grid. A conveyor in the tank remove the dejuicer grapes from the tank. Harvested grapes are placed in said tank and the juice is allowed to flow naturally. The inflatable membrane mounted in the tank is then pressurized to force out further juice through the grid and the juice is collected from the tank. The membrane is then depressurized and the tank is emptied by actuating the conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1994Date of Patent: September 19, 1995Assignee: SomaviInventors: Didier Pera, Jean Pera
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Patent number: 5448945Abstract: A combination material compacting and moving apparatus comprising a compactor and a cart. The compactor having a ram reciprocatingly mounted therein for compacting material onto the cart. The cart includes a lifting and dumping mechanism so the compacted materials may be transported, lifted and dumped at a remote location without the operator coming in contact with the compacted material or its container.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1995Date of Patent: September 12, 1995Assignee: LiftPak, L.C.Inventors: Richard E. Taylor, James D. Blanton
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Patent number: 5431096Abstract: A male pot for presses for pressing cacao and oil seed has a body provided, on the opposite surfaces thereof facing the press pots, with a disc-shaped element rigid with the body and defining channels for draining therefrom the liquid portion separated by the pressed seed mass, a fine filtering cloth to be mounted on the edge of the press being associated with the disc-shaped element.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 1994Date of Patent: July 11, 1995Inventor: Antonio Vitali
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Patent number: 5396838Abstract: A can liquid extractor for removing liquid from a pre-opened cylindrical can containing solids packed in a liquid medium, comprising a can support base having engaging elements which retain the can and lid in place, an inverting apparatus which allows a can to be inverted while retaining the can and its lid in place, and a compression apparatus comprising a handle, pivotable compression arm, and ram assembly for exerting force upon the lid and can held in static relation, whereby water is expelled from the can interior around the edge of the lid.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 1994Date of Patent: March 14, 1995Inventor: Joseph A. Casapulla
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Patent number: 5391069Abstract: A metal shavings and chips compactor for extruding oil from metal chips and shavings and compacting the metal into easily transportable pellets. A compactor cylinder contains a piston and has an opening through which an auger feeds metal chips and shavings. A gate closes an end of the cylinder. A first hydraulic drive drives the piston under low pressure to close the opening and apply a first compacting pressure on the metal to form a loosely compacted pellet in the cylinder. High pressure then operates the piston to form a compact metal pellet substantially void of interstices. A second hydraulic drive opens the gate; the piston is operated at low pressure to discharge the compact metal pellet from the chamber and oil is collected below the cylinder. The compacting pressures are achieved through mechanical advantages provided by the size of the piston to that of the first hydraulic drive.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1993Date of Patent: February 21, 1995Inventor: Ervin J. Bendzick