With Gas Maintenance Or Application Patents (Class 137/209)
  • Patent number: 8931503
    Abstract: A fuel inlet valve for a fuel tank includes a flange that is attachable to the fuel tank and a first aperture and a second aperture formed in the flange. The fuel inlet valve also includes a fuel valve associated with the first aperture and a fill pipe nipple associated with the first aperture. The fuel valve and the fill pipe nipple form a fuel path through the first aperture. The fuel inlet valve also has at least one nipple associated with the second aperture and connectable to said at least one nipple is connectable to a purge line, a fuel pump, or a fuel line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Douglas Walkowski
  • Publication number: 20140345700
    Abstract: A pressure monitoring system for a fuel tank includes a supply line fluidly coupling a fluid source with at least one fuel tank for supplying an inert gas to the at least one fuel tank. Also included is a pressure relief valve in communication with the supply line configured to detect a pressure differential between a supply line pressure and an ambient pressure. Further included is a pressure sensor configured to detect the supply line pressure. Yet further included is a controller in operable communication with the pressure sensor and the fluid source, wherein the controller is configured to modify a flow rate of the inert gas in the supply line upon detection of the supply line pressure exceeding a predetermined pressure limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Eric S. Surawski, Scott F. Kaslusky, Jeffrey D. Ernst
  • Patent number: 8840729
    Abstract: An air conditioning drain cleaning system with an automated blow-out cycle to clean out an evaporator pan drain pipe. The system has a pneumatic valve assembly, a controller, a float level switch assembly and a plurality of air lines in a manifold for actuating the pneumatic valve assembly and blowing out the drain pipe. The controller directs the system to initiate or repeat a blow-out cycle until the drain pipe is clear. The pneumatic valve assembly bisects the drain pipe to selectively close the pipe for cleaning with a pair of high pressure air shots, one shot toward each pipe end to dislodge a clog. The float level switch assembly signals the controller if the condensate level in the drain pan drops. If the condensate level does not drop, the controller initiates a further blow-out cycle at increased pressures until the line is clear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Herren, Douglas Comeaux
  • Patent number: 8794257
    Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid storage device relates to the field of semiconductor manufacturing technology comprising: a liquid storage tank, a liquid intake tube, a liquid discharge tube and a gas discharge tube; the liquid intake tube, the liquid discharge tube and the gas discharge tube are all connected with the liquid storage tank; the liquid storage device also comprises a gas compensating tube connected with the liquid storage tank; the gas compensating tube comprises a differential pressure mechanism and a gas storage tank; one end of the differential pressure mechanism is connected with the liquid storage tank, and the other end is connected with the gas storage tank; the differential pressure mechanism is used for controlling the connection or disconnection between the liquid storage tank and the gas storage tank according to the pressure difference therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Beijing Sevenstar Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jinqun He, Likun Pei, Yi Wu, Wei Zan
  • Patent number: 8770439
    Abstract: Method and device for discharging a fixed amount of liquid which enables to dispense a liquid material with a higher accuracy. The device includes: a decompression valve for reducing the pressure of a compressed gas supplied; a discharging valve for controlling the flow rate of the gas decompressed at the decompression valve; a liquid storing container for discharging liquid from a nozzle by the gas supplied via the discharging valve; and a buffer tank between the decompression valve and the discharging valve that has a volume greater than the volume of the liquid storage container. The invention suppresses the pressure reduction that occurs in the flow path for supplying the compressed gas to the liquid storage container during the operation of the decompression valve by making the flow resistance between the buffer tank and the storage container greater than that between the buffer tank and the decompression valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Musashi Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazumasa Ikushima
  • Patent number: 8770219
    Abstract: A device for regulating the gas supply in a gas storage system of a biogas system, wherein the gas storage system has gas stores connected in series in a cascade-like manner with an intermediate chamber between a gas store membrane and a protective cover. The device comprises gas supply mechanisms, intermediate chamber pressure measuring mechanisms and at least one regulating mechanism, each gas store is assigned at least one gas supply mechanism, each gas store is assigned at least one intermediate chamber pressure measuring mechanism with which the gas pressure in the intermediate chamber of the respective gas store can be measured, and the measured values of the intermediate chamber pressure measuring mechanisms are transmitted to at least one regulating mechanism, and the regulating mechanism is designed to regulate the gas pressure in the intermediate chambers of the gas stores by controlling the gas supply mechanisms assigned to gas stores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: MT-ENERGIE GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Martens, Jan C. F. Behrens
  • Publication number: 20140158242
    Abstract: A pressure supply system for a fresh water system is provided. The pressure supply system includes a water reservoir having a bleed air inlet and a water outlet. The pressure supply system also includes a water pump so as to load water, which is loaded with bleed air pressure, with a further pressure downstream until a predetermined nominal operating pressure range is achieved. As a result, the pressure supply system provides an increased redundancy by pressure generator assemblies which are based on different pressure generation principles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Axel SCHREINER, Paolo CAVARERO, Ralf MENSHAUSEN, Markus WIRTH, Michael REMPE, Carlos ROSERO
  • Publication number: 20140091574
    Abstract: A device for storing and delivering fluids, the fluids including a gas and a liquid, the device including: at least one container (1) for storing the fluids, a gas inlet (2) and a gas outlet, an inlet and an outlet for the liquid, at least one facility (8) for injecting gas into the container (1) for storing the fluids; at least one outlet facility (9) connected to the gas outlet for evacuating the compressed gas, liquid discharging elements, and at least one motor group (15) including at least one pump (17) and at least one motor (18) for injecting the pressurized liquid into the container (1) for storing the fluids via the liquid inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: STOREWATT
    Inventor: Claude Favy
  • Patent number: 8667977
    Abstract: Methods and embodiments are described for sampling and measuring oxygen concentrations of flowing samples drawn from the ullage of a chemical or fuel tank and from a source of inerting gas used for purging the tank. The sampled flows are drawn with a venturi pump or a pneumatically driven turbine pump and returned to the ullage of the tank. An optical absorption spectrophotometer is used having a diode laser sensor, and both sensor and the pump can be safely located near to the tank. Control systems and apparatus are disclosed for controlling the oxygen level within the ullage of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Oxigraf, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce W. McCaul, Thomas Mac Winsemius
  • Patent number: 8662098
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for winterizing a plumbing system, the apparatus including a fluid reservoir, an air manifold, and a house inlet line. The house inlet line is coupled to the fluid outlet of the reservoir and the outlet of the air supply. The apparatus includes an air flow valve, a fluid valve and a reservoir air inlet valve. The house inlet line is adapted to provide antifreeze, air, or both to the plumbing system depending on the arrangement of the valves. The method includes blowing the fluid from the hot water lines, introducing antifreeze to the hot water lines, pushing antifreeze through the hot water lines, blowing the fluid from the cold water lines, introducing antifreeze to the cold water lines, and pushing antifreeze through the cold water lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: David S Foster
  • Patent number: 8651130
    Abstract: A fluid supply includes a container (100, 300) containing a bag (102, 302) and a valve (104, 304).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Ender, Craig L. Malik, Norman E. Pawlowski, Benjamin Zoladz
  • Patent number: 8647720
    Abstract: A system for applying coatings and more specifically paint coatings is provided that combines fluid stored in separate reservoir containers prior to expelling the mixture for application. The reservoirs may be comprised of collapsible and disposable bags that eject its fluid upon activation of an actuator or expanding bladder. The fluid components are combined and blended together in a mixer that is positioned between the reservoirs and a nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: The Sherwin-Williams Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Staunton, Gregory A. Brainard, Michael J. Brainard
  • Patent number: 8612063
    Abstract: An environmental control systems (ECS) for an aircraft in which bleed air is cooled with ram air, the ECS may include a ram air controller configured to control a rate of ram air flow responsively to a desired temperature of bleed air at a bleed air outlet and a bleed air controller configured to control a rate of bleed air flow responsively to a temperature lower than the desired temperature of the bleed air at the bleed air outlet. Collectively the two controllers may provide a minimizing of ram air usage for cooling the bleed air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Chor Ying Lau, Xiaomei Li
  • Patent number: 8602049
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling superconductive magnets is disclosed by using gaseous helium to control the flow of liquefied helium from a container to a magnet. By measuring the pressure of the gaseous helium in the container of liquefied helium, it can be determined when to stop the flow of liquefied helium. This can reduce quenches and helium losses which can occur during the transfer of liquid helium from the dewar to the superconductive magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Niels Lose, Rudolf Kawasch, Nicholas Stanier
  • Patent number: 8561631
    Abstract: The present invention discloses apparatuses, systems, and methods for controlling liquid impact pressure in liquid impact systems. The liquid impact systems include at least one gas and a liquid, the gas having a density (PG) and a polytropic index (?) and the liquid having a density (PL). The methods include the step of calculating a liquid impact load of the liquid on the object by determining a parameter ? for the system, wherein ? is defined as (PG/PL) (??1)/?. The systems are also configured to utilize the parameter ?. The parameter ? may be adjusted to increase or reduce the liquid impact load on the system. Automatic, computer-implemented systems and methods may be used or implemented. These methods and systems may be useful in applications such as LNG shipping and loading/off-loading, fuel tank operation, manufacturing processes, vehicles dynamics, and combustion processes, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Tin Woo Yung, Haiping He, Robert E. Sandstrom
  • Patent number: 8534489
    Abstract: A demisable fuel supply system for a satellite includes a pressurized aluminum alloy tank with an aluminum alloy propellant management device therein. The propellant management device (PMD) can have any capillary action surface tension fluid transport features known in the art. Selected inner surfaces of the tank and the PMD are covered with a plasma powder sprayed titanium based coating to guarantee propellant wettability and corrosion resistance of the fuel supply system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Space Systems International, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne H. Tuttle, David Adams, Marcial Alexander Anaya, Jeffry K. Pearson
  • Patent number: 8511504
    Abstract: A demisable fuel supply system for a satellite includes a pressurized aluminum alloy tank with an aluminum alloy propellant management device therein. The propellant management device (PMD) can have any capillary action surface tension fluid transport features known in the art. Selected inner surfaces of the tank and the PMD are covered with a titanium based coating to guarantee propellant wettability and corrosion resistance of the fuel supply system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Wayne H. Tuttle
  • Publication number: 20130199620
    Abstract: A sulfurization facility, where the sulfurizing reaction is conducted in a wet smelting for nickel oxide ore, is improved particularly with the structural modification of its liquid storage vessels so that the consumption of a hydrogen sulfide gas used in a sulfurization step and the consumption of an alkali solution used for processing an exhaust gas can be reduced and the overall cost of operation will thus be minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: SUMITOMO METAL MINING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Mitsui, Osamu Nakai, Moritarou Asatori
  • Patent number: 8501282
    Abstract: A system for applying coatings and more specifically paint coatings is provided that combines fluid stored in separate reservoir containers prior to expelling the mixture for application. The reservoirs may be comprised of collapsible and disposable bags that eject its fluid upon activation of an actuator or expanding bladder. The fluid components are combined and blended together in a mixer that is positioned between the reservoirs and a nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: The Sherwin-Williams Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Staunton, Gregory A. Brainard, Michael J. Brainard
  • Patent number: 8434509
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tank for the containment of a liquid, preferably a molten salt, said tank being associable to an aspiration pump of said liquid, wherein said tank comprises a bottom from which a lateral wall raises and wherein said aspiration pump requires a minimum level of liquid in said tank for operating, characterized in that it comprises at least an element occupying a volume and placeable inside said tank with at least a portion of said volume arranged at a height, with respect to said bottom, which is lower than said minimum level. The improved tanks of the present invention are suitable as storage tanks for liquids at elevated temperature such as molten salts to be used in heat storage systems in connection with solar power plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Eurotecnica Melamine Luxemburg
    Inventors: Alberto De Amicis, Antonio Tognoni, Tommaso Cavallini
  • Patent number: 8408234
    Abstract: A process liquid supply system includes a pure water supply source connected to a process vessel through a supply pipe; a chemical liquid tank that stores a chemical liquid and supplies the chemical liquid stored therein to the supply pipe; and a compressed gas supply source connected to the chemical liquid tank through a compressed gas supply pipe. A pressure adjusting part is disposed on the compressed gas supply pipe at a position between the compressed gas supply source and the chemical liquid tank. The pressure adjusting part is controlled so that the pressure of the compressed gas supplied from the compressed gas supply source to the chemical liquid tank is gradually or stepwise increased after the supply of the chemical liquid from the chemical liquid tank to the supply pipe is started so that the concentration of the processing liquid remains at desired level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Keisuke Sasaki, Kazuyoshi Eshima
  • Patent number: 8365758
    Abstract: A bladder system and apparatus for use with a beverage barrel or container, to reduce undesirable head-space in a wooden container of a beverage, especially a fermented beverage, such as wine. The system continuously protects the beverage contained in a wooden barrel from the harmful effects of oxidation at the air-to-fluid interface in the head-space and compensates for ullage, attributable to evaporation, leakage or sampling losses. The system includes an inflation stem connected to a barrel bladder inflatable by filling with an inflation gas. The inflation stem includes a liquid level sensor and inserts into a bung opening. The fluid level is sensed and a gas valve opens to fill the bladder, reducing head-space within the barrel. The system can combine the control of several barrels and optionally with other sensors, to create a barrel monitoring and control network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Angels' Share Innovations, LLC.
    Inventor: Mark A. Maiocco
  • Patent number: 8322362
    Abstract: A water pressure backup device has a water tank mounted between a water source and interior plumbing lines and containing an air bladder that is inflated by a battery powered compressor when water pressure is lost at the source, bladder inflation within the tank thereby providing auxiliary water pressure to the interior plumbing lines. A control unit detects when water pressure at the source is lost, and monitors air pressure in the bladder and water pressure in the tank. When water pressure is restored at the source, the control unit shuts off the compressor and opens an air pressure relief valve at the bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Ethosystems, LLC
    Inventor: Judson E. Walls
  • Publication number: 20120241016
    Abstract: A pressurized fluid delivery system and method that can be used to interrogate objects, such as the interrogation and detonation of IEDs. The system and method entail pressurizing a liquid within a vessel with a compressed gas source so that the liquid within the vessel is at a pressure above atmospheric pressure. The pressurized liquid, the compressed gas, or a mixture thereof is then selectively delivered to an outlet, and then discharged from the outlet to physically interrogate the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: VANAIR MANUFACTURING INC.
    Inventors: Ralph Kokot, JR., Mark Alan Firnhaber, Daniel Matthew Ramirez, Terry Wayne Vittatoe
  • Publication number: 20120234400
    Abstract: A liquid flow rate control valve is provided in which since a distributor (38) is rotated relative to a sleeve (37) by a first drive source (46) only through a predetermined angle, the total area of overlapping sections of a first opening (37a) of the sleeve (37) and the second opening (38c) of the distributor (38) changes, and a rotor (42) having a third opening (42c 42d) is rotated by a second drive source (47), it is possible to carry out PWM control of the liquid input from an input port (61e) and output it from an output port (61f).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seiichiro Ishikawa, Yuki Shibahata, Yasunari Kimura, Masashi Kato
  • Patent number: 8196904
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for discharging liquid from a tank, having a line section which is formed on a tank-side end region for a fluid connection with the tank and which line section comprises a discharge opening on a discharge-side end region lying opposite the tank-side end region, a feed unit for gas which is provided on the line section and via which gas can be introduced into the line section, a line shut-off valve for shutting off the line section and which is provided on the line section between the tank-side end region and the discharge-side end region, and a residue removal line which branches off at a branch-off from the line section and runs at a run-in back into the line section, whereby the branch-off is arranged between the tank-side end region and the line shut-off valve on the line section, and whereby the run-in is arranged between the line shut-off valve and the discharge-side end region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Bartec Benke GmbH
    Inventor: Alfred Boehm
  • Patent number: 8176930
    Abstract: A water supply apparatus (1) for an automatic ice maker comprises: a water supply tank (10); an air pump (70); an air supply pipe (60); and a water supply channel, disposed between the water supply tank and an ice tray (80), for supplying water to the ice tray by using the air pump which feeds air into the water supply tank and through a pressure of the air sending the water outside of the water supply tank. The water supply channel includes a pressure adjusting chamber (40) for adjusting a pressure in the water supply channel and a water supply pipe (50) for causing the water to flow into the ice tray. The water supply pipe includes first and second water supply pipe parts (51), (52) that are attachable and detachable. The air supply pipe includes first and second air supply pipe parts (61), (62) that are attachable and detachable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinya Takagi, Yoshikazu Inoue
  • Patent number: 8171876
    Abstract: The present invention provides applicators reducing generating bubble. Dispersion liquid is supplied while the pressure of a circulation tank on the delivery side is lower than the atmospheric pressure but higher than the pressure of the space in buffer tanks. The dispersion liquid in the discharge chambers is recovered while the pressure in a circulation tank serving as recovery destination is lower than the atmospheric pressure. Gas dissolution can be reduced because the dispersion liquid does not come into contact with gases at pressures higher than the atmospheric pressure and engulffing gas or deformation of solid microparticles can be avoided because no pump is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Ulvac, Inc.
    Inventors: Takumi Namekawa, Kei Baba, Yuya Inoue, Masao Murata, Koji Hane, Robert D. Taff, Robert R. McKay, Ralph D. Fox
  • Publication number: 20120055953
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser is proposed which includes a soft raw water container and which makes it possible to spontaneously use up drinking water in the container. A water passage tube (12) of a container connecting portion (10) includes a tubular partitioning wall (13) dividing the interior of the water passage tube (12) into a water passage (14) communicating with a water passage hole (14a), and an air passage (15) communicating with the water passage (14) through a small air passage hole (15a). A water passage pipe (16) is connected to the water passage (14). The water passage tube (12) has a base portion (12a) formed with an opening (15b) communicating with the air passage (15). An air passage pipe (17) is connected to the opening (15b) and hangs vertically downwardly into a low-temperature tank (2). An on-off valve (19b) is provided at the free end of the air passage pipe (17) which is adapted to open when the water level in the low-temperature tank (2) lowers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Nana Shiotani, Masaru Shiotani
  • Patent number: 8118052
    Abstract: A method of forming polyurethane foam from a resin component and an isocyanate component includes the use of at least one control valve controlling a flow rate of at least one of the resin component and the isocyanate component. The method includes connecting lines having at least a 1 inch diameter to a housing of the control valve. The method also includes coupling a source of gas pressure to the line. At least one of the resin component and the isocyanate component is pressurized with the source of gas pressure to move the resin and/or isocyanate component through the line and into the flow control device at a flow rate of between 5 and 70 gallons per minute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: John H. Swab, Matthew C. Dunlap, Thomas M. Suggs, Donald E. Weber
  • Publication number: 20120037243
    Abstract: Apparatus for equalizing pressure within a vapor space of a storage vessel. In accordance with various embodiments, a pressure equalization assembly has a base housing member adapted to be mounted to a tank adjacent a tank aperture in fluidic communication with a vapor space of the tank. A canister assembly is adapted for removable engagement with the housing member between a closed position and an open position. The closed position establishes a fluidic seal interface between the housing member and the canister assembly. The open position provides user access to the vapor space through the tank aperture. The canister assembly further has a compound seal assembly with first and second pistons biased against corresponding first and second annular seal members while the canister assembly is in both the closed position and the open position. A third annular seal member is disposed between the canister assembly and the base housing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: TAYLOR INNOVATIONS, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Julian S. Taylor, John Alan Boyd, III
  • Patent number: 8074932
    Abstract: A method for creating ullage in a fuel tank includes the steps of porting NEA into a mixing chamber during descent, exposing the mixing chamber to ambient air and communicating a mixture of NEA and ambient air into the fuel tank. A complementary apparatus to the method includes a mixing chamber for receiving NEA during descent, a port for communicating ambient air with the mixing chamber during descent and a port for communicating a mixture of the NEA and the ambient to the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Eric Surawski
  • Patent number: 8074933
    Abstract: An aircraft (10) having a cabin (14) with a plurality of potable-water-using stations (22) that drain graywater to a transfer tank (24). The graywater ejection system pressurizes the transfer tank (24) at appropriate times and/or places, so that graywater can be ejected through a drainmast (26) without the help of gravity. This graywater ejection system eliminates the need for a discharge line from the transfer tank (24) and frees the aircraft's fuselage (12) from having an inconvenient port associated with such a discharge line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Bryan J. Mackulin, Mark A. Hampson
  • Patent number: 8037894
    Abstract: A pressure gauge may be coupled to a supply line which carries liquid from a bottle to either one or more mixing vessels and/or one or more reactors in a combinatorial processing tool. A control device may monitor the pressure measured by the pressure gauge, and the control device may be configured to change the pressure supplied to the bottle based on a comparison of the measured pressure to a pre-determined pressure value. The control device may adjust the pressure provided to the bottle using a pressure regulator coupled to the pressure source. By changing the pressure provided to the bottle, the control device may maintain a relatively constant flow rate of fluids from the liquid source into one or more mixing vessels and/or the one or more reactors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajesh Kelekar, Gaurav Verma, Kurt Weiner
  • Patent number: 7938959
    Abstract: A system for fryer oil usage has at least one fryer having a vat and a valved drain, a first oil storage container having an oil delivery line connected with the vat, a second oil storage container connected with the valved drain and vat of the fryer, both containers having an inert gas blanket in a vapor space thereof, a first filter connected with the valve of the drain of the fryer, a pump connected with the first filter and the second oil storage container and in valved communication with the vat, a polishing line connected with the pump and with the first filter, and a three-way valve movable to a first position for blocking the flow of oil, a second position for allowing the flow of oil to the second oil storage container, and a third position for allowing the flow of oil to the vat of the fryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Inman Restaurant Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Ronald C. Inman, Joseph N. Judice, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7921869
    Abstract: An on-board inert gas generating system includes a flow control valve modulated according to changes in ambient conditions to minimize changes to oxygen content within a fuel tank. The quality of the nitrogen-enriched air stream that is provided by the air separation module varies in response to flow. Higher flow rates through the air separation module removes less oxygen relative to lower flow rates. The amount of flow through the air separation module that produces the least amount of oxygen within the fuel tank is determined for an ambient pressure and provided by modulating the flow control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Eric Surawski
  • Patent number: 7918242
    Abstract: A processing solution pressurized at a constant pressure is supplied to improve processing accuracy. A controller receives a pressure signal indicating a measured pressure exerted on a processing solution from a pressure sensor, and controls an electropneumatic regulator on the basis of the pressure signal so that pressure on the discharge side of the electropneumatic regulator is constant. The controller decides whether the processing solution contained in a processing solution tank has been depleted on the basis of a difference between a desired pressure and the pressure measured by the pressure sensor, and switches pressurizing shut-off valves accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Junya Minamida, Takahiro Okubo
  • Patent number: 7878214
    Abstract: A system for maintaining pressure in the liquid fuel tank of a high-speed flight vehicle, such as a hypersonic flight, scramjet powered air and space vehicle, manages tank ullage using a pressure regulator coupled to the fuel tank that supplies pressurized gaseous media into the fuel tank ullage based on the internal pressure of the tank. The regulator has an on-board controller that processes tank pressure input to deliver a pulse-width modulated input signal to the coil of the on-board solenoid metering assembly. Energizing the coil drives the metering valve open against spring force. The metering assembly is contained in a removable cartridge that has a floating valve guide that is held stationary by bias of the spring against the metering valve. The metering valve has a separate valve seat that mates with the metering orifice of a flow nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Jansen's Aircraft Systems Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Harvey B. Jansen, John F. Calleja, Rickie P. Western
  • Patent number: 7837764
    Abstract: An oxygen exchange manifold converts oxygenate air into an oxygen depleted air stream for use in inerting an otherwise flammable environment. A system including the oxygen exchange manifold may be utilized to inert fuel tanks of an aircraft or another environment. Methods of inerting such environments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: William C. Sanford
  • Patent number: 7832432
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide ampoule assemblies to contain, store, or dispense chemical precursors. In one embodiment, an ampoule assembly is provided which includes an ampoule containing a first material layer disposed on the outside of the ampoule and a second material layer disposed over the first material layer, wherein the first material layer is thermally more conductive than the second material layer, an inlet line in fluid communication with the ampoule and containing a first manual shut-off valve disposed therein, an outlet line in fluid communication with the ampoule and containing a second manual shut-off valve disposed therein, and a first bypass line connected between the inlet line and the outlet line. In some embodiments, the ampoule assembly may contain disconnect fittings. In other embodiments, the first bypass line has a shut-off valve disposed therein to fluidly couple or decouple the inlet line and the outlet line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman Nakashima, Christophe Marcadal, Seshadri Ganguli, Paul Ma, Schubert S. Chu
  • Publication number: 20100263738
    Abstract: A vapor pressure equalization assembly having an underpressure relief assembly and an overpressure relief assembly in fluidic communication with the vapor space of a liquid storage tank (vessel). The underpressure and overpressure relief assemblies each have movable pistons sealingly engageable with respective sealing members, and biasing members which exert respective biasing forces to maintain the pistons in sealing engagement with the sealing members. A predetermined underpressure or overpressure differential between the vapor space pressure and atmospheric pressure will cause one of the pistons to open fluidic communication of the vapor space to equalize the vapor space pressure with that of the surrounding atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: Taylor Innovations, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Julian S. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7810516
    Abstract: An improved bulk fluid distribution for supplying process fluids to semiconductor process tools. The improved system having an alternating pressure vessel engine substantially eliminates pressure fluctuations in the bulk fluid supply line due to head losses from the changing weight of the fluid in the dispensing vessels. The system also enables flexible control of the flow conditions of the fluid in the fluid supply line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Air Liquide Electronics U.S. LP
    Inventor: David Gerken
  • Patent number: 7766032
    Abstract: A fuel container for a fuel cell, comprises a container body, the container body having a liquid fuel chamber for the storage of liquid fuel and a discharge means accommodating chamber for accommodating means for discharging the liquid fuel, a valve disposed in the container body to discharge or shut off the liquid fuel, and a partition wall member disposed slidably in the interior of the container body, wherein the partition wall member partitions the interior of the container body into the liquid fuel chamber and the discharge means accommodating chamber, the liquid fuel chamber and the discharge means accommodating chamber are in communication with each other through the partition wall member, and at least one of sliding surfaces of the container body and the partition wall member contains a material of a low frictional coefficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Tokai Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuaki Norimatsu, Tomoichi Kamo, Osamu Kubota, Yasuaki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7748400
    Abstract: Embodiments are related to ampoule assemblies containing bypass lines and valves. In one embodiment, ampoule assembly is provided which includes inlet and outlet lines coupled with and in fluid communication to an ampoule body, a bypass line connected between the inlet and outlet lines and containing a bypass valve disposed therein. The ampoule assembly further contains a shut-off valve disposed in the inlet line between the ampoule body and a connection point of the bypass line and the inlet line, a shut-off valve disposed in the outlet line between the ampoule body and a connection point of the bypass line and the outlet line, another shut-off valve disposed in the inlet line between the ampoule body and a disconnect fitting disposed on the inlet line, and another shut-off valve disposed in the outlet line between the ampoule body and a disconnect fitting disposed on the outlet line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman Nakashima, Christophe Marcadal, Seshadri Ganguli, Paul Ma, Schubert S. Chu
  • Patent number: 7641448
    Abstract: There is described a method and a system for cleaning an ink chamber (1) of a printing unit. The system includes a storage tank (10) which via a high-pressure pump (9) is connected with a hydrophore (2). In the hydrophore a high pressure is built up, and the hydrophore is connected with cleaning nozzles (40) via a valve (5). Thus it becomes possible to inject a shot of cleaning liquid into the chamber by switching the valves (5). The cleaning nozzles are preferably designed as a mushroom-shaped plug (40) with a stem (41) which is mounted in the chamber wall and which has a circular domed top (43) of elastic, resilient material. When injecting cleaning liquid, the elastic plug will spray cleaning liquid out into the chamber, and after shutting off the pressure, there will be a self-closing effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Tresu Anlæg A/S
    Inventor: Erik Gydesen
  • Publication number: 20090302163
    Abstract: An oxygen exchange manifold converts oxygenate air into an oxygen depleted air stream for use in inerting an otherwise flammable environment. A system including the oxygen exchange manifold may be utilized to inert fuel tanks of an aircraft or another environment. Methods of inerting such environments are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: William C. Sanford
  • Publication number: 20090217451
    Abstract: An alternative propulsion or motive force for the riders of water features based on generated waves. A wave generator may be used to propel individuals or vessels within a chute for recreation or transportation. In one form, a pool or container having a body of water is configured to support an artificial wave generator which uses compressed gas to discharge water and generate a wave-like motion within a body of water. A source of make-up fluid is configured to mitigate internal low pressure conditions caused by the water discharge to enable effective wave generation with reduced quantities of compressed air. Portions of the waves generated in a pool may be captured in a variety of ways by chutes for stand-alone rides or for portions of chutes in water slides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventor: Garrett T. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090217822
    Abstract: This is a method for regulating pressure inside of a vessel containing a fermenting liquid for the purpose of regulating the amount of dissolved gas in the liquid. This is achieved by replacing the safety relief valve spring on the pressure vessel with a selected spring of known tension to maintain the desired pressure in the vessel. The method will vent excess pressure in the vessel automatically by having the spring compress more under the increased tension from the relief valve, thereby opening the valve and releasing excess gas until the pressure drops to the desired level and closing the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph Kent Cyr
  • Patent number: 7568495
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide ampoule assemblies to contain, store, or dispense chemical precursors. In one embodiment, an ampoule assembly is provided which includes an ampoule containing a first material layer disposed on the outside of the ampoule and a second material layer disposed over the first material layer, wherein the first material layer is thermally more conductive than the second material layer, an inlet line in fluid communication with the ampoule and containing a first manual shut-off valve disposed therein, an outlet line in fluid communication with the ampoule and containing a second manual shut-off valve disposed therein, and a first bypass line connected between the inlet line and the outlet line. In some embodiments, the ampoule assembly may contain disconnect fittings. In other embodiments, the first bypass line has a shut-off valve disposed therein to fluidly couple or decouple the input line and the outlet line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman Nakashima, Christophe Marcadal, Seshadri Ganguli, Paul Ma, Schubert S. Chu
  • Patent number: RE43288
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system includes a flow control device and a Coriolis mass flowmeter in fluid communication with the flow control device. The Coriolis flowmeter has a flow-tube made of a high-purity plastic material, such as PFA, making the delivery system suitable for high purity applications. A controller provides a control output signal to the flow control device, which may comprise a pinch valve, so as to vary the flow control device output in response to a setpoint signal and measurement signals received from the flowmeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Wesley E. Sund, Joseph C. Dille, Michael J. Barger, Gary E. Pawlas