With Gas Maintenance Or Application Patents (Class 137/209)
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Patent number: 7509968Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 28, 2004Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventor: Eric Surawski
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Publication number: 20090078323Abstract: My inventive property is a tool to expel residual liquid from larger diameter hose, pipe or any other defined tubular conduit such as Fire Hose or Lay Flat PVC Hose, therefore dramatically reducing the weight of said conduit prior to retrieval and defined storage. All prior art fails to solve problems with reducing the time and labor required to remove residual liquid from said conduit without lifting the entire length to a point above the end (“Walking Out”) so gravity can remove residual liquid or by using a roller on the entire length of said conduit. My inventive property is comprised of five essential parts; a Gas Containment Vessel, a Safety Relief Valve, a Gas Fill Valve, a Gas Outlet Control Valve and a Final Stage Outlet Conduit Connection Adaptor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Inventor: Billy Joe Davis
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Patent number: 7506659Abstract: A system operating in an environment under a vacuum draw in which liquid accumulates utilizes the weight of the liquid to discharge the liquid from the system. The system includes a first holding tank and a second holding tank interconnected by a liquid passageway and a pressure equalization passageway. A number of valves are provided for controlling flow into and out of the second holding tank. The valves are operated in a sequence to use gravity to bring accumulating liquid from the first holding tank to the second holding tank in the vacuum environment, and then to discharge the liquid from the second holding tank to the environment outside of the system.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2005Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Tamko Roofing Products, Inc.Inventors: Steven L. Russell, Matthew J. Burinskas
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Patent number: 7493906Abstract: An apparatus for promoting the efficient use of gases dissolved in a liquid by limiting the amount of off-gassing or evaporation from the liquid. The apparatus is a distribution/retention plate, may be utilized in a portable food washing system. The food washing system is a portable unit having a treatment chamber with an access door for the placement of food products on a loading plate. A food product is placed in the chamber and sprayed with ozonated water containing diffuse concentrations of ozone which reacts with and destroys organic contaminants on the food product. The distribution/retention plate is located at the bottom of the treatment chamber, and divides the treatment chamber from a reservoir and controls the rate of ozone off-gassing from the reservoir, thereby increasing ozone concentration in the water in the reservoir. In an alternative embodiment, the distribution/retention plate is utilized in an automatic dishwashing system.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2005Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Sanist TechnologiesInventor: Terrance Mulgrew
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Patent number: 7481237Abstract: The gas monitoring system may include a gas line, an oxygen sensor, a filter, a pump, a indicator, and a controller. The gas line is configured to convey gas from a space configured to receive inert gas to a location remote from the space. The oxygen sensor is fluidly coupled to the gas line at the location. The oxygen sensor is configured to determine a partial pressure of oxygen present in the gas. The filter is fluidly coupled to the gas line between the space and the location. The filter is configured to remove combustible contaminants from the gas before it reaches the oxygen sensor. The controller is electrically coupled to the oxygen sensor and to the indicator. The controller is configured to activate the indicator when the partial pressure of oxygen exceeds a predetermined level.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2006Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Parker-Hannifin CorporationInventors: Philip E. Jones, Michael J. O'Hara, Brian P. Greenawalt
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Patent number: 7438080Abstract: A system and method for dewatering an area in which a catch basin is situated within the area to collect water and conduit conveys the collected water to an elongated discharge chamber having a muzzle at a distal end in communication with a desired outfall body and a substantially closed proximal end. Compressed air released into the proximal end of the discharge chamber forcibly discharges water out of the discharge chamber via the muzzle and into the outfall body to dewater the area. A vent permits escape of air as the discharge chamber fills. Backflow prevention valves maintain discharge out of the muzzle and prevent any water from the outfall body from flowing back into the discharge chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2007Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Inventor: Garrett Johnson
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Publication number: 20080197147Abstract: The method of regulating pressure in a vessel comprises the steps of feeding the vessel with gas at a given feed rate and of modulating the exhaust rate by means of a valve member placing facing an exhaust orifice and associated with a control member.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2008Publication date: August 21, 2008Inventor: Bertrand Gruson
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Publication number: 20080128029Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method that relates to ensuring backup generator fuel availability. The method includes, receiving natural gas at a local backup power generation site via pipeline, compressing the natural gas and then containing the natural gas in compressed form until needed pursuant to power outage. The method further includes regulating the compressed natural gas to a pressure appropriate for a backup generator subsequent to a power outage.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2006Publication date: June 5, 2008Applicant: WALTER T. GORMAN LLCInventor: Walter T. Gorman
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Patent number: 7334595Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and process for storing and delivering a low vapor pressure process chemical to a process tool for semiconductor fabrication, comprising: a) a bulk container for storing the process chemical; b) a process container for delivering the process chemical to the process tool; c) a first manifold for delivering process chemical from the bulk container to the process container; d) a solvent container containing a quantity of solvent, e) a second manifold for delivering the process chemical from the process container to a process tool; f) a solvent recovery container for containing used solvent and removed process chemical, and, g) a solvent evaporator to differentially remove solvent from process chemical in the solvent recovery container by entrainment in a carrier gas, vacuum removal, heating or combinations thereof. The containers can be baffled on their inert gas inlets. The cabinet can be heated.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2005Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Charles Michael Birtcher, Martin Castaneda Martinez, Thomas Andrew Steidl, Gil Vivanco, David James Silva
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Patent number: 7296586Abstract: A gas-regulating unit for regulating an internal gas pressure in a gas-tight liquid-storage tank is mounted on the gas-tight tank in which stored liquid is sealed from outside atmosphere by covering a top surface of the stored liquid with an isolating-gas. The gas-regulating unit includes a main gas-exhausting unit and an isolating-gas regulator. The main gas-exhausting unit includes an exhaust valve for opening and exhausting gases from the gas-tight tank when an internal gas pressure in the gas-tight tank increases to more than a specified level. The isolating-gas regulator supplies the isolating-gas when an isolating-gas pressure decreases to less than a specified level. The main gas-exhausting unit and the isolating-gas regulator are integrally coupled with each other.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Kaneko Sangyo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hideto Hosoda
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Patent number: 7287543Abstract: A hydraulic device is provided herein. The hydraulic device mainly contains a reservoir having an airbag inside. The reservoir is provided with an inlet pipe and a plurality of outlet pipes, both extended from a top side of the reservoir. The inlet pipe receives water from a pumper and fills the reservoir via a back-pressure valve. The airbag expands by the air driven by an air compressor to force water from the reservoir into the outlet pipes. When the water level of the inlet pipe is higher than that of the outlet pipes, due to the siphon principle, water will continuously flows from the inlet pipe, through the vacuumed reservoir, into and then out of the outlet pipes. The water poured out of the outlet pipes can be utilized for hydroelectricity or irrigation.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2006Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Inventor: Ching-Chuan Wu
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Patent number: 7278438Abstract: In order to evaporate a liquid substance (3) and convey it to a user, a bubbler (1) is provided, into which a carrier gas (7) is conveyed. When a minimum level (4) has been reached, an exact quantity of the substance (3) is refilled from a reservoir tank (15). For this purpose, an intermediate tank (25) is provided, which is filled with an inert gas up to a pressure P1. An inert gas (21) is applied to the reservoir tank (15) at a pressure P2, higher than P1. The intermediate tank (25) is connected with the reservoir tank (15), as a result of which a specific quantity of the substance (3) flows into the intermediate tank (25) and is conveyed via a connection line (17) to the bubbler (1), with inert gas (32) first having been applied to the connection line (17) at a pressure P3, lower than P2.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2005Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: CS Clean Systems AGInventor: Christoph Scholz
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Patent number: 7264327Abstract: Pressure regulation in a liquid reservoir such as an ink of a jet printing head, is obtained by transferring a calibrated gas volume through an auxiliary reservoir, said regulation is being applied to installations manufacturing intelligent portable objects and more particularly to graphic customization stations.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2002Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: GemplusInventor: Jean Michel Fouet
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Patent number: 7234484Abstract: A pressure tank apparatus for use with a plumbing system of the like. The pressure tank apparatus includes a liquid storage vessel having a first end and a second end along with a curved side wall that extends between the first and second ends. The pressure tank apparatus also includes an inlet conduit connected to the liquid storage vessel along with an outlet conduit connected to the liquid storage vessel. The pressure tank apparatus also includes a valve cap connected to the liquid storage vessel and a first cut-off valve connected to the inlet conduit along with a second cut-off valve connected to the outlet conduit.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2004Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Inventors: Ruth Laws, George E. Hitchens
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Patent number: 7198056Abstract: A high purity chemical delivery system is provided that connects a high purity chemical container to a high purity chemical utilization point and that comprises three manifolds, each of the manifolds having a plurality of diaphragm valves. The inventive system enables rapid clean out and purge after the container is replaced by means of a plurality of vacuum and purge cycles, which remove residual chemical and entrapped impurities while reduced manufacturing downtimes compared with systems in the prior art.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2005Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Inventor: David James Silva
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Patent number: 7168442Abstract: A liquid handling system transfers liquid (e.g. water, bearing marine animals) between two tanks each having a respective liner which is movable between a lining position (when filled with liquid) and an inverted position (when its respective tank is emptied). In an initial state, liquid is held in a first tank. By supplying air to a space between the first tank and its liner, its liner is progressively lifted and liquid passes along a channel onto the initially inverted second liner (which acts as a baffle to slow the liquid flow). Air in a space between the second liner and the second tank is vented so transferred liquid sinks the second liner to fill the second tank. A ballast liquid may be used in the spaces. Initially held in the second tank, the ballast liquid flows via a passage into the first tank as transfer of liquid progresses.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2000Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Inventor: Ian McRobert
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Patent number: 7044404Abstract: A fluid delivery device for supplying fluids, particularly automotive fluids supplied to fluid reservoirs. To attain this, a vessel configured to hold a liquid includes a pressurized gas inlet configured to receive gas into the vessel through a passageway in an integral handle upon actuation of a handle-mounted trigger. Liquid is displaced from the vessel by the gas. In an embodiment, the trigger includes a stem having a solid portion and a hollow portion, and actuation of the trigger aligns the hollow portion with the passageway such that gas may flow. Liquid flows through a hose extending from the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2004Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Inventor: Michael A. Kricheldorf
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Patent number: 7013905Abstract: The gas monitoring system may include a gas line, an oxygen sensor, a filter, a pump, a indicator, and a controller. The gas line is configured to convey gas from a space configured to receive inert gas to a location remote from the space. The oxygen sensor is fluidly coupled to the gas line at the location. The oxygen sensor is configured to determine a partial pressure of oxygen present in the gas. The filter is fluidly coupled to the gas line between the space and the location. The filter is configured to remove combustible contaminants from the gas before it reaches the oxygen sensor. The controller is electrically coupled to the oxygen sensor and to the indicator. The controller is configured to activate the indicator when the partial pressure of oxygen exceeds a predetermined level.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2004Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Shaw Aero Devices, Inc.Inventors: Philip E. Jones, Michael J. O'Hara, Brian P. Greenawalt
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Patent number: 7004185Abstract: An improved method for loading propellants into separate tanks on a reusable launch vehicle (RLV) uses three innovative methods. The liquid loading provides three liquid transfer methods, integrated and coordinated to provide less complicated loading and unloading operations, transfers, and cools and controls the liquids to provide a safe, cost effective solution to reusable vehicle tanking and de-tanking under commercial conditions. To insure the density of the propellant is maximized by cooling in a quick liquid loading environment, pre-cooling may be used.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2002Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Kistler Aerospace CorporationInventor: George E. Mueller
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Patent number: 7001466Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for an automatic and continuous supply of coating material to a coating applicator in optical fiber fabrication. The present invention switches from one coating reservoir to another by way of a transitional period in which both coating reservoirs are supplying coating material to the coating applicator. For example, while an in-use reservoir is supplying the coating material to the coating applicator, a standby reservoir is being filled, settled to off gas air bubbles and then slowly pressurized. A sized orifice is used to slowly bleed off pressure from the in-use reservoir at a rate that does not allow the pressure in the in-use reservoir from falling out of a desired pressure range.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2002Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Fitel USA Corp.Inventors: Siu-Ping Hong, Jason W. Shiroishi, James A. Hudson
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Patent number: 6971399Abstract: An emergency utility backup system, for a building normally supplied with culinary water, electric power and natural gas by public utilities, includes at least one water storage reservoir having an upper input coupled to a public water utility main line; an electric generator powered by an internal combustion engine; and an electric air compressor having a compressed air storage tank which provides elevated air pressure to the water storage reservoir(s) in the event that water pressure from the public water utility main line fails. The electric air compressor is operable from power supplied by either a public electric utility or said electric generator. The emergency utility backup system may also include a tank for storing a liquid hydrocarbon fuel that may be utilized for both the electric generator and a heating system for the building.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2003Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Inventor: LeRoy Frank Cowan
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Patent number: 6966348Abstract: A container having two ports; first block valve having two diaphragm valves, each valve having a valve seat side and a diaphragm side, each valve seat side faces the other valve seat side, and connected to the first end of a dispense conduit, one diaphragm side connected to a first port, and another diaphragm side connected to vent and or vacuum; a second valve connected to a push gas conduit and a second port.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2003Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Andrew Steidl, Gildardo Vivanco, Charles Michael Birtcher
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Patent number: 6904930Abstract: An inerting system is provided which is adaptable to inert the fuel tank of a vehicle, such as an aircraft. The fuel inerting system includes an oxygen detector, a source of an inert gas, a detector and a fiberoptic probe. The oxygen detector monitors oxygen partial pressure of vapors in an ullage volume of a tank. The source of an inert gas, such as a liquid nitrogen dewar, pressure swing absorption or hollow fiber membrane technology, is in valved communication with the ullage. The detector senses oxygen content in the ullage and controls the flow of inert gas to the ullage to maintain a volume with a proportion of oxygen that will not support combustion. The specific fiberoptic probe enables monitoring oxygen content within the tank without introducing a source of electrical current.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Inventor: Kenneth Susko
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Patent number: 6899114Abstract: A system and method for the mixing and the application of liquids to various surfaces. The system includes a primary tank having a liquid fill fitting, a gas fitting, and an outlet. A pressurized gas source is in fluid communication with the primary tank by way of the gas fitting and a mixing device is in fluid communication with both the outlet and a concentrate reservoir. The mixing device is arranged and configured to mix the liquid and the concentrate into a liquid mixture. The system is configured such that the pressurized gas source expels the liquid through the outlet and the mixing device, thereby creating the liquid mixture.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2002Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Inventor: Paul A. Wilson
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Patent number: 6843269Abstract: An apparatus and method for inerting the gas present in the ullage region of a storage tank for combustible liquids, e.g., a fuel tank containing a hydrocarbon liquid fuel, utilizes a molecular sieve zone (2, beds 12/14) which either (a) selectively adsorbs oxygen from the ullage gas to provide an oxygen-depleted return ullage gas, or (b) selectively adsorbs nitrogen from the ullage gas, which nitrogen is desorbed and conveyed by a purge gas to provide a nitrogen-enriched gas. The return ullage gas or the nitrogen-enriched gas is flowed to the ullage region (30, 130) in quantity sufficient to render the overall composition of gas in the ullage region (30, 130) non-combustible and non-explosive. The apparatus may include a compressor (22) or a vacuum pump to flow the ullage gas through the system, and a valving arrangement (16, 18) is used to control the flow of gases.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2003Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Inventors: Sandeep Verma, Martin A. Shimko, Deborah Kamlani Moss
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Patent number: 6840252Abstract: A process and apparatus to deliver both process chemical and solvent for cleaning the process chemical in a solvent purge refill system along with an integral solvent sorption module, in a single “assembly” that permits ease of shipping, minimal end-user interaction, sufficient solvent for the solvent purge operation, without residual solvent, requiring disposal. This eliminates customer handling of the solvent, and eliminates the customer's need to find a solvent waste facility, as residual solvent can be returned in the same package in one piece/one step.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2003Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Robert Sam Zorich, David Allen Roberts, George Oleg Voloshin
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Publication number: 20040200526Abstract: A method for the handling of covering gas or inert gas in connection with a tank that conveys crude oil, during successive discharging and loading operations of the tank, is disclosed. The method is characterised by the fact that covering gas/inert gas is re-circulated in an approximate closed circulation by the following steps: that during discharging of the tank, covering gas is produced in a recognised manner known per se from the cargo to fill the gradually increasing void space in the tank, and that when the tank is filled again with crude oil, the gas from the tank is extracted again, and it is compressed and absorbed into the stabilized crude oil. An apparatus is mentioned for accomplishing the method.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2004Publication date: October 14, 2004Inventors: Reidar Trefall, Kristian Utkilen
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Patent number: 6796458Abstract: An air supply apparatus includes a buffer tank for receiving and storing ultra-pure water from an ultra-pure source, a temperature/humidity controller (THC) for conditioning the air using the ultra-pure water from the buffer tank, an ultra-pure water pipe for delivering the ultra-pure water from the ultra-pure source to the buffer tank, and an air pipe for delivering the air from the THC to semiconductor device fabricating equipment. A control mechanism, including at least one valve disposed in the piping of the apparatus, allows the apparatus to be selectively operated in a normal mode in which the ultra-pure water is allowed to flow from the ultra-pure water source to the THC via the buffer tank, and a cleaning mode in which the THC runs using ultra-pure water stored in the buffer tank while the ultra-pure water pipe is being cleaned.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2003Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Dug-Kyu Choi, Yong-Won Seo
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Publication number: 20040134533Abstract: An emergency utility backup system, for a building normally supplied with culinary water, electric power and natural gas by public utilities, includes at least one water storage reservoir having an upper input coupled to a public water utility main line; an electric generator powered by an internal combustion engine; and an electric air compressor having a compressed air storage tank which provides elevated air pressure to the water storage reservoir(s) in the event that water pressure from the public water utility main line fails. The electric air compressor is operable from power supplied by either a public electric utility or said electric generator. The emergency utility backup system may also include a tank for storing a liquid hydrocarbon fuel that may be utilized for both the electric generator and a heating system for the building.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2003Publication date: July 15, 2004Inventor: LeRoy Frank Cowan
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Publication number: 20040094201Abstract: An apparatus and method for inerting the gas present in the ullage region of a storage tank for combustible liquids, e.g., a fuel tank containing a hydrocarbon liquid fuel, utilizes a molecular sieve zone (2, beds 12/14) which either (a) selectively adsorbs oxygen from the ullage gas to provide an oxygen-depleted return ullage gas, or (b) selectively adsorbs nitrogen from the ullage gas, which nitrogen is desorbed and conveyed by a purge gas to provide a nitrogen-enriched gas. The return ullage gas or the nitrogen-enriched gas is flowed to the ullage region (30, 130) in quantity sufficient to render the overall composition of gas in the ullage region (30, 130) non-combustible and non-explosive. The apparatus may include a compressor (22) or a vacuum pump to flow the ullage gas through the system, and a valving arrangement (16, 18) is used to control the flow of gases.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Inventors: Sandeep Verma, Martin A. Shimko, Deborah Kamlani Moss
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Patent number: 6736155Abstract: An apparatus and a method for the filling of pressurized lubricant reservoirs such as is found on air oilers and the like. A storage tank of lubricant capable of being pressurized for the delivery of the lubricant to the individual lubricant reservoirs on one or several pieces of machinery or tools. The storage tank is connected with at least a line and a valve to a source of pressurized air that will be used to overcome a threshold pressure required to move the lubricant from the storage tank to the individual lubricant reservoirs. The storage tank may be connected to a piping manifold with valves to isolate lines leading to individual lubricant reservoirs. Check valves may be used as appropriate to prevent backflow of lubricant from an individual lubricant reservoir to the manifold, other commonly connected individual lubricant reservoirs, the storage tank, or the source of pressurized air, such as an air compressor.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2002Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Keith Johnson, Don Ingles
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Patent number: 6736154Abstract: Apparatus and processes are presented to contact a dry, preferably high purity inert gas with a chemical composition in a pressure vessel, or a wetting composition, to form a wet inert gas, which is then used to pressurize the chemical composition out of the pressure vessel. No additional space is needed for an external humidifier. Since a very small amount of vapor is needed to form a wet inert gas, the composition of chemical composition will not be significantly affected.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2001Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: American Air Liquide, Inc.Inventors: Mindi Xu, Hwa-Chi Wang, Herve E. Dulphy
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Patent number: 6708717Abstract: A flushing system for air conditioning drainage pipes including a pipe assembly, a valve for selectively blocking the pass of the upstream drain line and a connection for a pressurized fluid supply. Each of the pipe assembly ends has a slidable tubular member cooperatively larger in diameter than said pipe assembly and drain line to snugly receive the ends of the pipe assembly. The tubular members are slid partially over the drain line ends and the ends of the pipe assembly. An alternate embodiment uses cooperating threads on the ends of the pipe assembly and one of the ends of the slidable tubular members. To flush the system with a fluid (liquid or gas), a user closes the valve assembly by rotating the ball valve member and applies the pressurized fluid to flush the system. Also, O-rings are used to enhance the sealing engagement in yet another embodiment.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Coogle Technology, L.L.C.Inventor: Gregory Coogle
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Publication number: 20040035461Abstract: An inerting system is provided which is adaptable to inert the fuel tank of a vehicle, such as an aircraft. The fuel inerting system includes an oxygen detector, a source of an inert gas, a detector and a fiberoptic probe. The oxygen detector monitors oxygen partial pressure of vapors in an ullage volume of a tank. The source of an inert gas, such as a liquid nitrogen dewar, pressure swing absorption or hollow fiber membrane technology, is in valved communication with the ullage. The detector senses oxygen content in the ullage and controls the flow of inert gas to the ullage to maintain a volume with a proportion of oxygen that will not support combustion. The specific fiberoptic probe enables monitoring oxygen content within the tank without introducing a source of electrical current.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2003Publication date: February 26, 2004Inventor: Kenneth Susko
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Publication number: 20040011402Abstract: An arrangement in a fire water system, especially for an offshore platform, wherein the system comprises one or more fire water pumps (6) connected through a pipe system (2-5) to a number of deluge valves (812) coupled to associate with pipe stretches leading to respective fire sections. The arrangement comprises a distribution manifold (2) having an upstream side (3) which is in open connection with the fire water pumps (6) and with a buffer tank (7) for water, and having a downstream side (4) connected to the deluge valves (12) which are coupled to said pipe stretches, and there is also provided a gas supply means (10) connected to the buffer tank (7) and having a pressure which is sufficient to see to it that the water pressure at the upstream side of the distribution manifold does not sink below a predetermined level after activation of the deluge valves (12).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2003Publication date: January 22, 2004Inventors: Finn Wichstrom, Nils T Ottestad
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Patent number: 6648034Abstract: A manifold comprising a container having two ports; a conduit connecting the container to a source/dispense of chemical having a first end and a second end and a connector for the ends; first block valve having two diaphragm valves, each valve having a valve seat side and a diaphragm side, each valve seat side faces the other valve seat side, and connected to the first end of the conduit, one diaphragm side connected to a first port, and another diaphragm side connected to vent; a second block valve having two diaphragm valves, having a valve seat side and a diaphragm side, wherein each valve seat side faces the other valve seat side, and each valve seat side connected to the second end of the conduit, the diaphragm side of one valve connected to purge, and the diaphragm side of another valve connected to push gas or chemical outlet.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2002Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Charles Michael Birtcher, Martin Castaneda Martinez, Thomas Andrew Steidl, Gil Vivanco, David James Silva
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Patent number: 6634598Abstract: An inerting system is disclosed that is adaptable to inert the fuel tank of a vehicle, most typically an aircraft, that includes an oxygen detector to monitor the oxygen partial pressure of the vapors in the ullage (i.e., the overfuel) volume of the tank, a source of an inert gas (e.g., nitrogen) in valved communication with the ullage of the tank, and a detector for sensing the oxygen content in the ullage of the tank and controlling the flow of inert gas to the tillage to maintain that volume with a proportion oxygen that will not support combustion in the event of an ignition source or intrusion of another potentially explosive occurrence within said tank. A specific fiberoptic probe which enables monitoring oxygen content within the tank without introducing a source of electrical current within the tank is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventor: Kenneth Susko
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Patent number: 6629627Abstract: A highly reliable digital level sensor assembly is provided to replace optical and capacitance type sensors in high purity chemical delivery systems. The digital level sensor assembly is particularly useful in bulk chemical refill delivery systems for high purity chemicals employing a manifold that ensures contamination free operation and canister change outs with a minimum of valves and tubing.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1998Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.Inventors: Stephen H. Siegele, Craig M. Noah, John N. Gregg
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Patent number: 6604555Abstract: A highly reliable and safe, modular automatic refill (bulk delivery) system for ultra-high purity pyrophoric metalorganic chemicals employing: a manifold that insures contamination-free operation; a liquid-level detection system with fail-safe redundancy; and an evacuation system which leaves the system's manifold and transfer lines relatively free of chemical fire hazards; leaves them free of oxygen contamination; and leaves the composition of the system's carrier gas unaffected, between refills.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2002Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Arch Specialty Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Christopher S. Blatt, Richard H. Pearce, Graham Williams, Edward H. Wentworth, III
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Patent number: 6584995Abstract: Currently, there are no products available which allow a user to treat microbial and bacterial growth inside a HVAC condensate drain line or clear a clogged line without cutting into the drain line. Our valve is an in-line condensate drain line valve that can be installed easily, quickly and economically, either during new construction or onto existing HVAC systems. The HVAC user can add household bleach to the condensate line, which inhibits microbial and bacterial growth without cutting into or disassembling the drain line. The design of our valve allows the user to perform safe routine maintenance to the HVAC drainage system without having to resort to expensive and repetitive service call repairs over the lifetime of the HVAC system. The valve is further designed to prevent undesirable reverse airflows into the HVAC system and home or building, caused by a dry water trap in the condensate drain.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Inventors: Atwood M. Kimbrough, Carl Brian Kimbrough
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Patent number: 6516825Abstract: A method and a valve apparatus for counteracting harmful pressure pulses caused by rapid retardation of a liquid in a hydraulic system comprising a pump for the supply of liquid to a conduit stretch containing a non-liquid-filled volume. The valve apparatus comprises a main valve having an inlet connected to a reservoir for pressurised gas, a first valve chamber connected in use to said volume, and a regulating unit for controlling the supply of pressurised gas to the first chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2001Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignees: Aker Maritime ASA, Ottestad Breathing Systems A/SInventors: Nils T. Ottestad, Finn Wichstrøm
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Patent number: 6510862Abstract: This is a system and procedure that uses either a hand pump system or an electric pump system to drain fresh water or sea water out of a marine engine, and then uses either the hand pump system or the electric pump system to install fresh water or other liquid chemicals into the marine engine, and also uses either the hand pump system or the electric pump system to recover the liquid chemicals from the marine engine.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2001Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Inventor: Carl Prentice
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Patent number: 6494228Abstract: A plant for transferring a gas in the gaseous or liquified state into a liquid. The plant includes a pressurized-gas circuit (2) having a device (21, 22) for injecting gas in the gaseous or liquid state into a liquid, a chamber (13) for mixing the gas with the liquid, the chamber located downstream of the gas injection device and having an outlet connected to the overhead of a buffer tank (14) in order to introduce, into the latter, liquid, in the form of droplets or streams, with which the gas is mixed, and a mechanism (15) for withdrawing the liquid/gas mixture from the tank. The plant may be used for the carbonation of consumable liquids.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2001Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Philippe Guillaume, José Buil
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Patent number: 6474356Abstract: A device for controlling a liquid flow by a gas pressure. The device includes a pressure chamber, in which an overpressure, an underpressure or atmospheric pressure may prevail. The pressure in the pressure chamber can be used for allowing the liquid flow to pass or for stopping the liquid flow. Furthermore the liquid flow can be limited to a predetermined rate of flow. The device may interalia be used in sewage systems, hydraulic engineering works and irrigation works.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2001Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Inventor: Gertjan Roelof Bouwkamp
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Patent number: 6457494Abstract: A chemical delivery system which utilizes multiple techniques to achieve a suitable chemical purge of the chemical delivery system is provided. A purge sequence serves to purge the manifold and canister connection lines of the chemical delivery system prior to removal of an empty chemical supply canister or after a new canister is installed. More particularly, a purge technique which may utilizes a variety of combinations of a medium level vacuum source, a hard vacuum source, and/or a liquid flush system is disclosed. By utilizing a plurality of purge techniques, chemicals such as TaEth, TDEAT, BST, etc. which pose purging difficulties may be efficiently purged from the chemical delivery system. The chemical delivery system may also be provided with an efficient and conveniently located heater system for heating the chemical delivery system cabinet.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2001Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.Inventors: John N. Gregg, Craig M. Noah, Robert M. Jackson
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Patent number: 6450193Abstract: An aircraft fuel tank (101) comprises an inner and an outer chamber (103, 105) which are fluidly interconnected via a plurality of open-ended pipes (109). A non-flammable gas, which is immiscible with the fuel (119), is pumped into the outer chamber (103) on demand to displace the fuel (119) into the less vulnerable inner chamber (105) and thereby forms a protective non-flammable gaseous barrier around the fuel-retaining inner chamber (105). The fuel tank (101) is used primarily for military aircraft and provides the ability to attenuate hydrodynamic ram effects arising in the fuel following penetration of the fuel tank (101) by a projectile. All round protection is achieved because the inner chamber (105) is contained wholly within the outer chamber (103).Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2000Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: BAE Systems plcInventor: Chrisostomos Constantinou
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Patent number: 6448090Abstract: A microfluidic fluid delivery system includes a microfluidic chip having a fluid input. A fluid reservoir is coupled to the fluid input. A gas delivery system has a gas pressure source and a variable amplitude function generator generating an alternating signal. A valve is coupled to the function generator and the gas pressure source. The valve controls the gas pressure pulse in response to said alternating signal. The gas pressure pulse displaces fluid from the fluid reservoir into the fluid input.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1999Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Orchid BioSciences, Inc.Inventor: Sterling Eduard McBride
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Publication number: 20020112758Abstract: Apparatus and processes are presented to contact a dry, preferably high purity inert gas with a chemical composition in a pressure vessel, or a wetting composition, to form a wet inert gas, which is then used to pressurize the chemical composition out of the pressure vessel. No additional space is needed for an external humidifier. Since a very small amount of vapor is needed to form a wet inert gas, the composition of chemical composition will not be significantly affected.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2001Publication date: August 22, 2002Applicant: American Air Liquide, Inc.Inventors: Mindi Xu, Hwa-Chi Wang, Herve E. Dulphy
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Patent number: 6435224Abstract: A highly reliable and safe, modular automatic refill (bulk delivery) system for ultra-high purity pyrophoric metalorganic chemicals employing: a manifold that insures contamination-free operation; a liquid-level detection system with fail-safe redundancy; and an evacuation system which leaves the system's manifold and transfer lines relatively free of chemical fire hazards; leaves them free of oxygen contamination; and leaves the composition of the system's carrier gas unaffected, between refills.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2001Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Arch Specialty Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Christopher S. Blatt, Richard H. Pearce, Graham Williams, Edward H. Wentworth, III
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Patent number: 6412669Abstract: A liquid sucking and dispensing device includes a body having a passage and an air inlet and an air outlet are respectively located one two ends of the body. A first valve is engaged with the passage at a mediate section of the passage and a second valve is engaged with the passage at a second end of the body. An opening is defined radially through the body and communicates with the passage and an interior of a container. When the second valve closes the passage, pressurized air enters the container to push liquid in the container out from the container.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2001Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Inventor: Chia-Chiung Chuang