Liquid And/or Steam Patents (Class 100/73)
  • Patent number: 12115085
    Abstract: This disclosure details a surgical system and method for changing one or more dimensions of harvested tissue, such an autograft, which is harvested from one location in a patient's body and used for a surgical repair or reconstruction procedure in another location in the patient's body. An example surgical system includes a first press component defining a cavity configured to receive harvested tissue, and a second press component including a projection insertable into the cavity. Further, at least one of the first and second press components are made of a transparent or semi-transparent material such that when harvested tissue is in the cavity and when the projection is inserted into the cavity, the harvested tissue is visible through at least one of the first and second press components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurence Higgins, Andrew Christian Petry, Reinhold Schmieding, Keith Taylor, Peter J. Dreyfuss
  • Patent number: 11534020
    Abstract: A coffee maker and coffee holder cooperate to tamp coffee in the coffee holder. The coffee holder may include a top tamping spring, a bottom tamping spring, or a top or bottom passage allowing entry of a tamper into the coffee holder. The coffee maker includes an actuator above or below the coffee holder, or a fixed tamper attached to a ceiling or platform of the coffee maker. The coffee holder may be inserted between the ceiling and platform, or into a moving drawer of the coffee maker. The actuator may be a solenoid actuator or a hydraulic actuator actuated by water pressure of heated water used for brewing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Inventor: Adrian Rivera
  • Patent number: 10874119
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a forage-based Pill and Paste Carrier for feeding to horses, donkeys, livestock and pets. More particularly, the Pill and Paste Carrier is formed into a hollow cylinder or disk shape, and can accept and hold a pill, a semi-solid or a liquid, or be filled with a paste. Provided is a method for making a Pill and Paste Carrier by formulation of a forage-based mixture, including a binder and a flavor enhancing substance, as well as any additive to promote animal health, then pressing and drying the formed hollow cylinder or disk and optionally filling with a formulated paste. Further provided is a method of administering medications to healthy animals or animals with acute or chronic health issues, who often make this process very difficult.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Standlee Hay Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Nancy L. Pohlman, Timothy J. Pearl, Stephen E. Duren, Jason G. Egbert, Manase M. Ngauamo, Kathleen F. Starr, Brook K. Bacon
  • Patent number: 9462753
    Abstract: A continuous-operation baler assembly is provided which includes a separate and leading surge bin followed by a baler. The surge bin and baler each comprise a separate pick up mechanism for collecting agricultural material. When the baler has collected material and is ready to finish a bale the surge bin receives a signal and begins collecting agricultural material. Once the bale nears finish, the material collected by the surge bin is metered out into the path of or otherwise transferred to the baler during the next bale formation cycle, where it is picked up and formed into a bale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Inventor: Scott D. Oakes
  • Publication number: 20140041535
    Abstract: The present invention is a trash compactor having a housing, with a floor and upper support holding a linear actuator with a plunger and plate to crush trash and garbage in a receptacle supported on the floor of the housing. An electric motor is used to operate the linear actuator, preferably a DC powered electric motor. Hydraulic pumps or pneumatic device may also be used to move the linear actuator. A control panel with PLC capability controls the motor and other devices. An upper door allows for depositing of trash while an opposite lower door allows for the removal and replacement of the trash receptacles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: Nancy A. Shearer, Andrew J. Shearer
  • Patent number: 8567311
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for applying preservative to agricultural crops during baling. More particularly, a baler has a preservative application system and a crop moisture sensor array. The crop moisture sensor array is in communication with the preservative application system so that the application of preservative to the crop can be controlled in response to a moisture content sensed by the crop moisture sensor array that exceeds both a moisture content threshold value and a threshold value relating to the percentage of crop material having a moisture content above the moisture content threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Timothy J. Kraus
  • Publication number: 20130233186
    Abstract: Systems and methods of compressing a bottle is disclosed. An example system includes a housing, gas port, and a movable platen. A compressible bottle may be mounted within the housing such that the bottle opening is in fluid communication with the gas port and such that the bottle is located between the gas port and the movable platen. A flow of a gas is provided through the gas port into the compressible bottle through the bottle opening. The movable platen is driven toward the gas port after beginning a flow of gas into the bottle, causing the compressible bottle to collapse substantially along the bottle length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: Yann Morez
  • Patent number: 8142178
    Abstract: The invention provides a continuous process for removing organic solvents from a marc including the steps of: continuously introducing the marc into a desolventiser; introducing an inert, gaseous stripping medium into the desolventiser; removing the organic solvents from the marc by maintaining a sub-atmospheric pressure inside the desolventiser, thus providing an organic solvent-desolventised material; and continuously extracting the organic solvent-desolventised material from the desolventiser; wherein step (a) and (d) comprise compacting the marc and the organic solvent-desolventised material into a first and second plastic, substantially gas-impermeable mass respectively and extruding the first and second plastic mass through an annular gap, the opening of which is controlled by the rate of supply of the first and second plastic mass. The invention also provides a device for compacting a moist organic material into a first plastic gas-impermeable mass which is useful for implementing this process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: N.V. Desmet Ballestra Engineering S.A.
    Inventor: Joseph Van Damme
  • Patent number: 7954426
    Abstract: A compactor system for compressing a mass including liquid and solids includes: a pressure vessel defining a pressure chamber to hold the mass; a compaction mechanism to compress the mass in the pressure chamber to remove the liquid from the solids; a drain port communicating with the pressure chamber and through which the removed liquid drains out of the pressure chamber; drain piping fluidly connected to the drain port to direct the removed liquid to a collection site; and an influent system configured to inject an influent fluid into the pressure chamber through the drain port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Container Products Corporation
    Inventors: Michael T. Murphy, Gary Ray Hendricks
  • Publication number: 20100330337
    Abstract: One embodiment is a combine having an operator's cab, an engine, a grain harvesting assembly, a grain transfer assembly, a grain bin for receiving grain from the forward section grain transfer assembly, and a transverse crop residue baler disposed at the rear of said combine and moving integrally with said combine. The transverse crop residue baler also can be towed by the combine and is connected to the combine by two widely spaced-apart joints that permit only movement in the pitch axis. The combine can be devoid of an on-board grain bin and comprise a forward unit; the transverse crop residue baler disposed at the rear of and carried by the forward unit; and the combine includes a rearward unit jointedly attached to the forward unit and having, steerable and powered wheel assembly, an on-board grain bin, and a grain off-loading assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Ben N. Dillon
  • Patent number: 7815808
    Abstract: A pressure-filter is disclosed along with its peripheral equipment that permit the automatic controlled operation of the filter for extracting liquids from a fluid liquid/solid slurry and for the formation of a substantially dry filter cake. The efficiency of the filter apparatus is increased by the use of hot gas as a material for treating the cake within the filter for extracting the liquids as filtrate. The hot gas may be hot air, hot inert gas, steam, or combinations thereof in controlled sequences. The filter is adapted to be able to operate under vacuum or elevated pressure and at elevated temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: FLSmidth A/S
    Inventors: Steve C. Benesi, Patrick J. Costelloe
  • Publication number: 20100229636
    Abstract: Apparatus (50) is described for use with a drug on a drug patch (28), the drug patch including a drug side and a back side. An absorbent material (54) is configured to be disposed on a surface (56) and underneath the drug patch. A squeezing device (52) having a squeezing surface is configured to squeeze the drug patch together with the absorbent material. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Galit Levin, Meir Stern
  • Patent number: 7748316
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of adding moisture to a double compressed bale. The method includes the steps of receiving a forage and separating the forage to form a separated forage. The method further includes applying a moisture stream to the separated forage to form a moisten forage. The moisten forage is then compacted to a density of greater than 20 pounds per cubic foot. Furthermore, the moisten forage may be compacted and reduced in volume from about 10:1 to 30:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Cinto A. Abatti, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7743699
    Abstract: An automated system and method are provided for application of inoculant products onto forage material. Real time data measurements are taken for relative humidity and moisture content of the forage material in order to timely adjust the dispense rate of the inoculant applied to the forage material. Data gathering capabilities are provided with this system controller to enable an operator to view, adjust, and record various production records, as well as detailed information as to the amounts of inoculant applied. The components associated with the system of the present invention includes an inoculant bin or container including a dispense auger which dispenses a controlled amount of inoculant which is then conveyed to the intake opening of the baling machine the forage material enters the machine. The control system includes various sensors positioned at the intake opening of the baling machine which measures moisture content, and optionally the mass or volume of the incoming forage material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Lextron, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Freeman, Wes Byers, Michael Van Lith, Dean Nordhues, Chad Greiman
  • Patent number: 7674386
    Abstract: A slurry filtration system and apparatus with peripheral elements for conditioning a slurry prior to entry into a pressure filter (32) and the control of fluid and liquid introductions into the filter (32) to produce a desired filter cake or filtrate. The system includes a controller (16) for controlling the operation of the peripheral treatment for the introduction of coagulants, flocculants and polymers to treat or condition a slurry introduced into the filter (32) and the control of additional peripheral equipment for treatment of the slurry with liquid clearing or cake forming gas, steam, or drying or conditioning gas within the filter chamber (40) for the production of both filtrate and filter cake from the filter (32) to a form desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: FLSmidth A/S
    Inventor: Steve C. Benesi
  • Publication number: 20080257175
    Abstract: Injectors and injection rings for injecting fluid into a screw press are disclosed. More particularly, systems and methods of reliably injecting fluid into an extraction press on a controllable basis are contemplated along with supporting technology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Benjamin Wayne Floan, Lon E. Smallridge
  • Patent number: 7370575
    Abstract: Components of a crop re-hydration system are advantageously carried on free space of a large square baler. Specifically, a direct-fired steam generator is mounted at a rear location on the baler so as not to transfer heat to a hydraulic fluid supply tank located at a forward location on the baler. Further, the combustion chamber of the steam generator is coupled to a forwardly extending main steam conduit having a length sufficient for ensuring that the water injected into the combustion chamber is thoroughly mixed with hot combustion gases and changed to steam prior to reaching a steam distribution manifold located at a forward end of the baler. A combustion air intake filter is positioned in a relatively clean zone at an elevated location at the rear of the baler. Water tanks are mounted closely adjacent ground wheel axles of the baler so that the weight of the water does not unduly load the baler frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Timothy James Kraus, Walter Mark Schlesser
  • Patent number: 7261032
    Abstract: A direct-fired steam generator used for supplying steam for re-hydrating dry crop during baling is controlled so as to produce a desired constant steam temperature output by collecting data from which the heat output of the steam generator can be calculated and using this calculation together with the difference between the actual steam temperature and the desired steam temperature to control the amount of process water sent to the steam generator in order to correct any error in steam temperature. Steam temperature is measured in either one of the steam injection manifolds or in an injection tube coupled to an injection manifold so as to be close to the point of application of the steam to the crop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Walter Mark Schlesser, Eric Ryan Lang
  • Patent number: 6946072
    Abstract: A method for washing a fibre suspension with washing liquid, in which, in accordance with the invention, the fibre suspension is introduced into an annular treatment channel (24) that has an inlet end (72) and an outlet end (73) and is concentric with an axis of rotation (5) to form an inner annular layer (74), washing liquid simultaneously being introduced into the treatment channel form an outer layer (75), which surrounds the inner annular layer. The fibre suspension and washing liquid are caused to rotate in the treatment channel whilst moving from said inlet end to said outlet end, fibres in the fibre suspension being caused to move into the outer layer of washing liquid, under the influence of the centripetal force, so that an accept (29), the liquid phase of which completely or mostly consists of washing liquid, is discharged at the outlet end of the treatment channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Kvaerner Pulping AB
    Inventors: Rolf Ekholm, Peter Wigarthsson
  • Publication number: 20040250701
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an installation for producing growth substrate blocks, particularly for blocks for cuttings for horticultural use, where loose substrate material is compacted in a forming chamber (18) and thus forms useable block bodies. With the present invention a compulsory moistening of the blocks with suitably heated water is performed, after which these are made ready for use almost immediately, so that an actual conditioning no longer is necessary or can be reduced considerably. The blocks can be moistened and heated from the inside to a desired temperature in a both quick and energy saving way. The moistener, which preferably is water, can contain various additives such as nutrients or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Lars Hansen, Ojvind Ellegaard
  • Patent number: 6729230
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a calender roll cleaning apparatus for smoothing a surface of a magnetic layer of a magnetic recording medium passed through a plurality of calender rolls. The cleaning apparatus comprises a wiping cloth feeding apparatus that feeds a calender roll surface wiping cloth at a definite rate and tension. A cleaning liquid supplying apparatus supplies a controlled amount of cleaning liquid such that the cleaning liquid permeates into the wiping cloth fed from the wiping cloth feeding apparatus. A wiping cloth pressing apparatus presses the permeated wiping cloth at a controlled pressing load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Okawa, Kenichi Tanihata
  • Patent number: 6601499
    Abstract: An apparatus for flattening pieces of meat without piercing nor shredding the meat including a first roller set, each roller in the first roller set having non-sharpened outer edges; a second roller set, each roller in the second roller set having non-sharpened outer edges, the first roller set directly opposing and being spaced and fully separated from the second roller set, the first and second roller sets together having a product in-feed end into which meat pieces are drawn and having a product out-feed end at which flattened meat pieces are expelled from between the first and second roller sets; an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the spacing between the first roller set and the second roller set, where meat passing between the first and second roller sets is substantially flattened but not pierced nor shredded; and an in-feed conveyor belt assembly at the in-feed end including an in-feed conveyor belt and a rolling mechanism for rolling the in-feed conveyor belt in a direction to advance meat pieces p
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: Phil Bifulco
  • Publication number: 20030056920
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus for the manufacture of SC-A paper having a high gloss and high smoothness, wherein the paper arriving from the paper machine is supplied on-line to a supercalender (multinip soft calendar), and wherein the paper travels through a plurality of nips for achieving the desired gloss and smoothness properties. The paper web arriving from the paper machine and supplied on-line to a supercalender (multinip soft calendar) is moistened with steam immediately prior to the first nip of the supercalender and is guided through the first nip before the increased moisture of the surface resulting from the application of steam has dropped below a predetermined value in the range of 12% to 25%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Stefan Winheim, Rudolf Mann, Manfred Diebel
  • Patent number: 6500305
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus for the manufacture of SC-A paper having a high gloss and high smoothness, wherein the paper arriving from the paper machine is supplied on-line to a supercalender (multinip soft calendar), and wherein the paper travels through a plurality of nips for achieving the desired gloss and smoothness properties. The paper web arriving from the paper machine and supplied on-line to a supercalender (multinip soft calendar) is moistened with steam immediately prior to the first nip of the supercalender and is guided through the first nip before the increased moisture of the surface resulting from the application of steam has dropped below a predetermined value in the range of 12% to 25%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: V. I. B. Apparatebau GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Winheim, Rudolf Mann, Manfred Diebel
  • Patent number: 6463850
    Abstract: Method and device for forming local compressions (7) in a material (31) wherein moisture (17) is applied locally to the areas being compressed during the compression operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: Ulrika Hagrud
  • Patent number: 6360655
    Abstract: Residues are found to be stored in the compartments of a multiple container, located in homes, restaurants, cafeterias, etc. The residues thus classified are treated by the user himself who places the residues of the same type in the machine object of the invention, which will be another electrical appliance in homes and premises. The process consists of compacting each type of residue, forming briquettes with a spherical, cylindrical, prismatic shape, etc. formed in the compacting chamber of the machine. A binding material, such as a resin or the like and simultaneously a dye that indicates in accordance with a color code, the type of residue of the briquette, are injected on the briquette in a final stage. After polymerization and solidification, the briquettes are diverted automatically to a storage chamber for their subsequent transfer. The machine includes a compacting chamber with a side wall and another top wall movable by means of respective hydraulic cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventor: Jose Francisco Crespo Barrio
  • Patent number: 6318989
    Abstract: A distribution platen, for use in a fiberboard press, having a molding cavity and including a steam injection conduit providing fluid communication into the molding cavity from a remote supply of steam. The distribution platen further includes steam venting conduit which provides fluid communication from the molding cavity to a remote location. The press platen allows for the continuous flow of steam into the molding cavity through the dedicated steam injection conduit, and the continuous flow of steam and moisture from the molding cavity through the dedicated venting conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Bonomo, Pete Walsh, Kelly Seifert, Alex Vergara, Michelle Merrell
  • Patent number: 6264792
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing calendered paper by an on-line manufacturing system comprising at least a paper machine and a multi-nip calender. The method comprises following steps: removing water from a formed paper web by pressing, drying the pressed paper web by at least one dryer, calendering the dried web by the multi-nip calender, measuring a cross-machine moisture profile or a variable relative thereto, and altering the moisture of the web so that the moisture profile of the web in the cross-direction is even when the web enters the first nip of the calender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: Harri Kuosa, Markku Kyytsönen, Juhani Partanen, Kari Sipi, Eero Suomi, Antti Heikkinen, Mikko Tani, Juha Lipponen, Mika Tammenoja, Kari Juppi
  • Patent number: 6228222
    Abstract: A method for the treatment of a material web and a press arrangement with a plurality of press gaps. A roll has a flexible press jacket supported from an inside, and forms a respective press gap with each of at least two further driven rolls. The drive power, or speed of one of the driven rolls, is regulated in accordance with a predetermined desired value, to ensure a common speed of the driven roll. A maximum line force and/or drive power of a front press gap, considered in a web running direction, is controlled and/or regulated, at least within a certain range, in accordance with a maximum line force, or drive power, of a rear press gap, considered in the web running direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Meschenmoser, Karl Steiner, Andreas Zierhut
  • Patent number: 6200424
    Abstract: An arrangement and method for calendering a board web including a calender providing a hot and hard calendering nip formed by two calender rolls and through which the board web passes. At least one of the calender rolls is arranged to be heated to such a temperature that the surface layer of the board web placed at the side of this roll reaches its vitrification temperature in the calendering nip. A film press is arranged directly before the calendering nip in the direction of transfer of the board web and includes a film press nip through which the board web is passed. The film press nip is arranged to transfer a liquid layer onto the face of the board web so as to moisten the board web. The board web is transferred from the film press nip into the calendering nip while the surface layer of the web is at the moisture level determined by the film press in view of producing a controlled moisture gradient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: Juhani Saari, Stefan Kuni
  • Patent number: 6004468
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing a solid-liquid material comprises a housing formed with a series of interconnected chambers defined by chamber walls with at least two drums mounted in series within the chambers. Each chamber receives one of the at least two drums for rotatable movement therein. Each chamber and the associated drum are dimensioned to define a region therebetween to retain the solid-liquid material. The regions of adjacent chambers communicate with each other to define a continuous passage from drum to drum through the apparatus. An inlet in the housing admits the solid-liquid material to the passage, and an outlet permits extraction of a processed solid-liquid material from the passage. Each drum rotates in a direction opposite to the adjacent drum to advance the solid-liquid material through the passage from drum to adjacent drum in a sinuous path such that the curvature of the solid-liquid material changes when passing from drum to adjacent drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventors: Adrian Barbulescu, Joana Barbulescu
  • Patent number: 5938895
    Abstract: A calender is provided for calendering a fibrous web wherein the moisture profile of the web can be controlled. The calender includes a plurality of rolls wherein at least one of the rolls comprises a profiling roll. The profiling roll has a plurality of profiling zones extending in a cross-machine direction to define a profiling nip. The roll is independently expandable in each of the zones, such as by an internal pressurized shoe arrangement, so that the pressure in the profiling nip can be varied in the cross-machine direction. A waterbox is positioned adjacent to the profiling nip and water is carried directly into the profiling nip where at least a portion of the water is transferred to the web such that the moisture profile of the web can be varied in the cross-machine direction by varying the nip pressure in the respective profiling zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventor: Kimmo Ilari Hirvonen
  • Patent number: 5887514
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a press, and a control device for reducing the capillary-bound water content in fiber cells of carbon-containing, finely comminuted solid materials and/or sludges. The method according to the invention includes rapidly raising the movable press plate of a filter press while the pressure chamber remains closed. A steam-coal dust mixture is formed due to the rapid expansion. At the same time, a first discharge lock is opened while the second discharge lock remains closed so that the exhaust steam flows in the direction of the controlled outlet valve. The exhaust steam can then be sent to a heat exchanger and then to another heat exchanger and, finally, may be reused for a subsequent operating cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik J. Dieffenbacher GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Friedrich B. Bielfeldt, Eckhard Kintscher
  • Patent number: 5862746
    Abstract: Apparatus for reducing the water content of water-containing, granular brown coal under the action of thermal energy and pressure on the material (14) distributed flat in bed form using a press (9, 10) in which the brown coal is subjected to a mechanically applied initial surface pressure and which is furnished with orifices (21) for feeding steam (HD) which, supplying thermal energy to the brown coal, heats this, with condensation, and the hot water (HW) contained in the heated brown coal is expressed for use as a waste-heat source, a vessel (30) being provided for collecting the hot water (HW), from which vessel the hot water (HW) is passed to the orifices (21) in the press (9, 10), and which vessel is furnished with an inlet for the steam (HD) for expelling the hot water (HW).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik J. Dieffenbacher GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Friedrich Bielfeldt
  • Patent number: 5845566
    Abstract: A multi-slot closed type powerful garbage compression structure including a housing, an inner cylinder internally provided with guide plates and being inclined forwardly, and a push bar behind the inner cylinder. The housing is provided with four slots at a rear section adapted to receive garbage, and a garbage outlet at a front end, the outlet being provided with a slide plate, and a waste water receiving trough at a bottom side. When garbage is dumped into the housing via the slots, the push bar rotates to push the garbage into the inner cylinder which rotates to compress the garbage. When the garbage inside the inner cylinder is full, the push bar may prevent reverse flow of the garbage. By the use of both the push bar and the guide plates inside the inner cylinder, better compression effects are achievable to reduce garbage storage space and eliminate use of hydraulic cylinders and thrust devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: Ming-Fong Lee
  • Patent number: 5826500
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating oil-bearing material which includes an extruder having an elongated enclosure with an inlet end. The extruder also includes a worm assembly for working and advancing the material through the enclosure from the inlet end to the discharge end. A high pressure region is located adjacent the extruder inlet end. A force feeder provides material to the high pressure region at a specified supply rate. Oil in the material is liberated and drained in the high pressure region to a specified level prior to entry of the material into the extruder inlet end. The apparatus also includes an outlet in the high pressure region for drainage of the released oil, as well as a screen over the outlet to prevent material greater than a specified size from exiting the high pressure region through the outlet. The seed material is mechanically worked via the action of a rotating screw in the extruder. At the same time, steam is injected into the extruder to condition the worked seed material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: The French Oil Mill Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Timothy G. Kemper
  • Patent number: 5799572
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus (10) for compacting harvested crop or fiber (30) such as wool or hay; the method comprising applying a mechanical compacting force to the crop or fiber at the same time as or immediately after subjecting the crop or fiber to an elevated temperature above a base reference temperature and/or an elevated moisture content condition above a base reference moisture content condition whereby the crop or fiber (30) is compressed to a compressed state of predetermined density using less compacting force than would otherwise be the case. The method and apparatus can also be applied to control moisture content and certain other storage characteristics through utilization of compaction apparatus (10) on its own or in conjunction with a pre-processor (35) or post-processor (36) or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Riyate Pty Limited
    Inventors: Kim Antony Campbell, Paul Thomas McCardell
  • Patent number: 5771793
    Abstract: A calender for treating a web of material includes at least two rollers forming a roller nip therebetween. A take-up device is disposed downstream from the at least two rollers. At least one longitudinal cutter is disposed between the at least two rollers and the take-up device. The at least one longitudinal cutter divides the web of material into at least two partial webs. The take-up device has at least two winding stations. Each of the winding stations corresponds to one of the partial webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Finishing GmbH
    Inventor: Franz Kayser
  • Patent number: 5746988
    Abstract: Infectious wastes from hospitals or other sources are sterilized in a chamber which is pivotable between a waste loading orientation, a sterilizing orientation and a waste dumping orientation. The chamber is attached to a framework by first and second pairs of pivot arms which are coupled to the sides of the chamber at spaced apart locations. An actuator swings the first arms upward to bring the chamber to the loading orientation and swings the arms downward to turn the chamber to the dumping orientation. The pivot arm arrangement causes the chamber as a whole to lower as it turns towards the loading orientation and to rise as it turns towards the dumping orientation. This reduces the amount of lifting of materials that is required during loading operations while also providing adequate clearance under the chamber for dumping operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignees: Darlene Hall, Wilburn E. Hall, Vern W. Hall
    Inventor: John L. Hall
  • Patent number: 5727455
    Abstract: An automatic syringe destruction system for sterilizing and destroying a carrier storing plastic syringes. A transfer wheel stores a plurality of carriers requiring sterilization and destruction. A first piston mechanism contacts one of the carriers stored on the transfer wheel and places the carrier into one end of a compression chamber. An induction coil surrounds the compression chamber and supplies heat to the compression chamber. A second piston mechanism enters another end of the compression chamber and compresses the carrier against the first piston mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Arthur J. Yerman
  • Patent number: 5685218
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating oil-bearing material which includes an extruder having an elongated enclosure with an inlet end. The extruder also includes a worm assembly for working and advancing the material through the enclosure from the inlet end to the discharge end. A high pressure region is located adjacent the extruder inlet end. A force feeder provides material to the high pressure region at a specified supply rate. Oil in the material is liberated and drained in the high pressure region to a specified level prior to entry of the material into the extruder inlet end. The apparatus also includes an outlet in the high pressure region for drainage of the released oil, as well as a screen over the outlet to prevent material greater than a specified size from exiting the high pressure region through the outlet. The seed material is mechanically worked via the action of a rotating screw in the extruder. At the same time, steam is injected into the extruder to condition the worked seed material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: The French Oil Mill Machinery Co.
    Inventor: Timothy G. Kemper
  • Patent number: 5666878
    Abstract: A system that sterilizes and compacts medical waste. The system includes a vessel which has a door that provides access to an inner chamber. The inner chamber is coupled to a compressor and a source of heating fluid. The vessel also has a jacket that surrounds the inner chamber. The jacket is coupled to the source of heating fluid and a source of cooling fluid. The operation of the system is controlled by a controller. To sterilize and compact medical waste, the door is initially opened and the waste is placed inside the inner chamber. The door is closed to seal the vessel. A vacuum is pulled within the inner chamber to remove any moisture contained therein. Simultaneous with the creation of the vacuum is the introduction of heating fluid to the jacket to heat the vessel. Heating fluid is then introduced to the inner chamber to sterilize the waste. After the waste is sterilized, a vacuum is pulled to remove the heating fluid from the inner chamber. The waste is then compacted by a piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Dover Corporation
    Inventor: Todd Taricco
  • Patent number: 5638747
    Abstract: A rubbish container with automatic compressing mechanism mainly including a housing, a plurality of rubbish bins positioned inside the housing to collect sorted rubbish, movement control channels provided in the housing to support a transversely extended top board, and an automatic compressing mechanism mounted on the top board. A motor is connected to one end of one of the movement control channels to rotate a threaded rod therein, so that the top board connected to the threaded rod and the compressing mechanism on the top board are brought to translate along the movement control channels to and fro in the housing over the rubbish bins. The compressing mechanism has a motor to drive a compressing member and a compressing plate connected to a lower end of the compressing member to move up and down, compressing rubbish collected in the rubbish bins to a reduced volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventor: Hsin-chih Peng
  • Patent number: 5616357
    Abstract: A process to separate insoluble solid portions from soluble liquid materials of fruits with increased performance and yield using a press (7) wherein water, is first supplied to a mill for crushing the fruit. The soluble materials are then separated from the solid portions as juice in the press (7). The relationship between water feed and fruit feed can be controlled by a of microprocessor (22). An apparatus for carrying out this process is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Bucher-Guyer AG Maschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Eduard Hartmann
  • Patent number: 5565110
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the operation of a vacuum drum filter. A hollow and perforated shower roll is located at the top of a vacuum drum apparatus for drying and cleaning paper pulp. The interior of the shower roll is provided with a liquid distribution pipe having a plurality of spaced openings therealong, the pipe also having a substantially vertically extending dam which extends radially to adjacent the lower interior surface of the shower roll. In operation, rotation of the vacuum drum in a vat of paper pulp to be dewatered results in the continuous formation of layer of pulp on its exterior surface, the layer being compressed by the shower roll at the nip between the vacuum roll and the shower roll. Concurrently, the shower roll discharges or exudes water onto and into the pulp layer at the nip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: International Paper
    Inventors: C. Lamar Brady, Gary E. Keller
  • Patent number: 5358571
    Abstract: Extraction processes for the recovery of sugar from sugar cane can be improved by the incorporation of a fiber depither between one or more of the extraction mills. The cane fiber from an extraction mill is fed to a fiber depither where the cane fibers are macerated to break sugar containing cells. The sugar is removed in a liquid stream and the cane fibers in a solids stream. The cane fibers are preferably fed to a subsequent extraction mill. The liquid stream is preferably flowed countercurrent to the flow of cane fiber to the first extraction mill. From the first extraction mill the liquid stream is sent to sugar recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Inventors: Eduardo J. Villavicencio, Eduardo G. Villavicencio Charpentier
  • Patent number: 5287803
    Abstract: A cylindrical housing includes a piston displaceable therewithin, wherein the piston includes a piston plate mounted to an opposed end of a piston rod, wherein the piston plate is in operative communication and directed through a guide tube having a tube floor to effect crushing of an associated can member directed between the piston plate and the guide tube floor. Feet structure is arranged to intersect the guide tube between the piston plate and the guide tube floor to properly position a can member to effect crushing thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Inventor: Joseph L. Cole
  • Patent number: 5245920
    Abstract: The calendering occurs in a press nip of a calender with application of pressure, moisture and heat. To achieve a desired surface quality, the surface of the paper or cardboard web which is to be calendered is brought in the press nip to a condition above the glass transition curve of the materials. Prior to expiration of 20 to 60 milliseconds, the surface of the paper web departing from the press nip is subjected to a transition step by virtue of a cooling device first in combination with a change in moisture content to a condition beneath the glass transition point of the material. The cooling can occur during contact of the surface to be cooled with a cooled surface or by direct contact with a cooling, preferably inert gas. After calendering there thus arises a diminished increase in the roughness of the paper web, so that the surface quality obtained in the press nip is predominantly retained. There have been illustrated suitable apparatuses for carrying out the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Sulzer Escher Wyss GmbH
    Inventor: Harald Hess
  • Patent number: 5195428
    Abstract: A press for the production of pressed board with injection of steam utilizes press platens to which the steam is fed to the steam-feed channels from opposite sides in a collision flow, the channels communicating with steam-nozzle bores opening at the pressing surface and such that the cross section of each channel is equal to at least 60% of the total flow cross sections of the boards communicating with that channel. Before the pressing commences, the channels are through-flushed with steam to flush air from the channels and bores and to evacuate air from the pressed mat by a venturi effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: G. Siempelkamp GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Werner Gawlitta, Karl Walter, Stephan Schulz
  • Patent number: 5184548
    Abstract: An apparatus to include a top plate and base plate, with a press plate reciprocatably mounted between the top plate and base plate to crush and deform various containers for disposal and recycling. The use of pivotal link members operative through an actuator rod directed medially of the link members at junctions thereof is directed for rotation to effect reciprocation of the press plate. The invention is arranged to further include drain apertures directed through the base plate. A modified aspect of the invention includes a capture plate positioned between the press plate and base plate and spring biased toward the top plate to secure cans therebetween. An underlying drawer is arranged to receive fluid from the cans, with a pesticide delivery and dispensing container arranged and mounted to the drawer for dispensing a pesticide and fungicide fluid into the drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Inventor: Scott R. Figi