With Gas Maintenance Or Application Patents (Class 137/209)
  • Patent number: 6390340
    Abstract: A liquid soap dispenser for dispensing liquid soap. The liquid soap dispenser includes a housing with a soap reservoir and a pressurized gas reservoir disposed in the housing. The pressurized gas reservoir is in fluid communication with the soap reservoir. A dispensing valve is provided between the pressurized gas reservoir and the soap reservoir for selectively opening and closing passage of gas from the pressurized gas reservoir to the soap reservoir. The dispensing valve has an actuator extending from the housing. An elongate flexible dispensing tube in fluid communication with the soap reservoir outwardly extends from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Daniel Lynch, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6378546
    Abstract: A fresh water storage apparatus for providing an emergency supply of fresh water. The fresh water storage apparatus includes one or more tanks having a first end and,a second end; and also includes support members upon which the one or more tanks are mounted; and further includes a water inlet assembly being mounted to and extending into the one or more tanks; and also includes a water outlet assembly being mounted to and extending into said at least one tank; and further includes a vent assembly being mounted upon and extending into the one or more tanks through a top thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Neil A. Hansen
  • Patent number: 6347641
    Abstract: A system for providing gas to a container includes a source of gas under pressure, a container, and a pressure regulating device. The pressure-regulating device includes an inlet intended to be connected to a source of the gas under pressure, an outlet, connected by a duct to the inlet and intended to be placed in communication with the container, a first valve for limiting the pressure at the outlet to a predetermined maximum value Ps, which valve is a delivery valve placed in a first passage which connects the duct to an orifice for discharging inert gas. The device also includes a second valve for keeping the pressure at the outlet above a predetermined minimum value Pi, which valve is an intake valve placed in a second passage which connects the duct to an orifice that lets fluid into this duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Georges Guarneri
  • Publication number: 20020014275
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Applicant: Arch Specialty Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher S. Blatt, Richard H. Pearce, Graham Williams, Edward H. Wentworth
  • Patent number: 6341628
    Abstract: A battery filling system for use in efficiently adding water to, for example, those lead-acid batteries which are located in inconvenient or hard-to-reach places. The battery filling system includes a first flexible tube for use in transferring distilled water from the interior of a water-filled vessel to the hard-to-reach cell of a lead-acid battery. A second flexible tube transfers pressurized air from an external pressurized air source (typically human lungs) to the interior of the vessel in a quantity sufficient to cause the water to advance into and fill the first tube. A cap is used to snugly attach both tubes to the vessel. A means is also provided to minimize loss of air pressure from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Inventor: William C. Burson
  • Patent number: 6328058
    Abstract: A hose clearing device has a valve assembly at one end thereof, preferably a compressed air receiving valve; and, at the opposing end thereof, an attaching means for attaching the valve assembly to an elongated tube, the elongated tube requiring the substantial evacuation of undesired fluid therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Mathew R. P. Perrone, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20010048908
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the safe filling and emptying of a pressurized vessel charged with flammable and/or aggressive gas. The apparatus features an upper flap combination, an intermediate lock vessel having a flushing apparatus, and a lower flap combination. The present invention also relates to a pressurized reactor which is charged with flammable and/or aggressive gas and is equipped with a filling lock apparatus and an emptying lock apparatus for the simultaneous preparation of tetrachlorosilane, trichlorosilane and hydrogen. In addition, the present invention relates to a special process for filling and emptying such a reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: LOTHAR ZEHE, MIECZYSLAW KUZMA, HARTWIG RAUDLER
  • Patent number: 6321773
    Abstract: An overall valving system is situated generally between a source of water and a habitable structure; a main valve is selectively openable and closable to permit and terminate flow from such source of water to the habitable structure; a conduit is provided for supplying pressurized air to an area downstream of the main valve when the main valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Michael L. Ramsby
  • Patent number: 6302148
    Abstract: There is provided a plug 2 provided with a valve hole (main flow passage) and sub flow passages 17 and a socket 1, which is provided with a valve hole (main flow passage) and sub flow passages 46, and which is able to be fitted together with the plug 2 at an arbitrary angle of torsion, and which forms an annular flow passage 60 with the plug 2 when fitted together with the plug 2. When the plug 2 and socket 1 are fitted together, these valve holes communicate with each other, and the sub flow passages 17 and the sub flow passages 46 communicate with each other via the annular flow passage 60. Namely, an improvement in work efficiency is achieved by the easy coupling of different types of liquid flow passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Imai
  • Publication number: 20010027809
    Abstract: To obtain rapid transfer by means of a compact plant, the latter comprises a pressurized-gas circuit (2) which includes a device (21, 22) for injecting gas in the gaseous or liquid state and emerging in a liquid circuit which includes, downstream of the injection device,
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Philippe Guillaume, Jose Buil
  • Patent number: 6296026
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: John N. Gregg, Craig M. Noah, Robert M. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6296025
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: John N. Gregg, Craig M. Noah, Robert M. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6283141
    Abstract: A liquid metering device for a compressed air tool including a sealable liquid tank whose lower part is connected to the compressed air inlet on the tool downstream from a throttle valve, via a through-flow impeding filter element that is in contact with the liquid in the tank. The filter element communicates directly with an upper tank space disposed in the tank above the intended maximum liquid level of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Berema AB
    Inventors: Lars Saxback, Sune Kauppi
  • Patent number: 6267132
    Abstract: The liquid to be delivered leaves a container (3A, 3B) maintained at a first overpressure P1, from where it is transferred to an intermediate storage tank (11) maintained at a predetermined intermediate pressure P2>P1. Several small-volume delivery containers (12A, 12B), each of which may be pressurized either to a delivery pressure P3>P2 or to a filling pressure P4<P2, are connected in parallel downstream of this tank. The invention has applicability to the delivery of ultrapure chemicals intended for the microelectronics industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Georges Guarneri
  • Publication number: 20010008146
    Abstract: This pressure-regulating device (12) for supplying a gas to a container (4) comprises an inlet (14) intended to be connected to a source (7) of the said gas under pressure, an outlet (16), connected by a duct (31) to the said inlet (14) and intended to be placed in communication with the container (4), a first valve (36) for limiting the pressure at the said outlet (16) to a predetermined maximum value Ps, which valve (36) is a delivery valve placed in a first passage (34) which connects the said duct (31) to an orifice (27) for discharging inert gas. The device (12) also comprises a second valve (39) for keeping the pressure at the said outlet (16) above a predetermined minimum value Pi, which valve (39) is an intake valve placed in a second passage (35) which connects the said duct (31) to an orifice (27) that lets fluid into this duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventor: Georges Guarneri
  • Patent number: 6237620
    Abstract: Novel combination conduit and reservoir connector adapted for connecting to and/introducing compressed air to purge water from a plumbing system and to then introduce antifreeze into said plumbing system in a simple and expeditious manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Patrick B. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 6209568
    Abstract: A system for providing gas to a container includes a source of gas under pressure, a container, and a pressure regulating device. The pressure-regulating device includes an inlet intended to be connected to a source of the gas under pressure, an outlet, connected by a duct to the inlet and intended to be placed in communication with the container, a first valve for limiting the pressure at the outlet to a predetermined maximum value Ps, which valve is a delivery valve placed in a first passage which connects the duct to an orifice for discharging inert gas. The device also includes a second valve for keeping the pressure at the outlet above a predetermined minimum value Pi, which valve is an intake valve placed in a second passage which connects the duct to an orifice that lets fluid into this duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Georges Guarneri
  • Patent number: 6199599
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Advanced Delivery & Chemical Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: John N. Gregg, Craig M. Noah, Robert M. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6176252
    Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a liquid in a semiconductor manufacturing process includes a container storing the liquid therein, and having a gas inlet for introducing a gas and a liquid outlet for discharging the liquid pressurized by the gas, and a first filter connected to the liquid outlet of the container for removing an impurity of the liquid. The container is slopingly positioned so that the liquid outlet of the container is inclined downwardly to allow the liquid to be totally discharged therefrom. The first filter includes a plurality of plates extending outwardly form an inner surface of the first filter for allowing the liquid to be agitated therein, an outlet arranged at the bottom of the first filter for discharging a precipitated impurity, and a plurality of exhaust valves respectively arranged adjacent to the plates for allowing a gaseous impurity to be released therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Winbond Electronics Corp.
    Inventor: Jui-Hung Peng
  • Patent number: 6170512
    Abstract: A supply apparatus comprises a storage tank, a chemical flow pipe to route a chemical solution into a semiconductor processing room, a pressurizing apparatus to supply gas to the storage tank to make the chemical solution flow into the processing room, and an electro-Pneumatic regulator valve to adjust the pressure of the input gas. The flow control device comprises a flow sensor, a set-up apparatus, and a processor for generating a control signal to the pressurizing apparatus depending on a difference between a target value and a measurement value to adjust the flow of the chemical solution in the chemical flow pipe. The flow sensor comprises a hollow cylinder, a choking magnetic core movably positioned inside the hollow cylinder, and a first and second conductive coil wrapped around the outer wall of the hollow cylinder which uses alternating current to generate a magnetic flux and sense a change in the magnetic flux to measure the flow of chemical solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Kuei-Hsi Lai, Kuo-Feng Huang, Ming-Che Yang, Hung-Lung Mar
  • Patent number: 6148846
    Abstract: The waste liquid collection and transfer system includes at least one waste liquid transfer vessel that has a liquid input valve and a liquid output valve for controlling the flow of waste liquid therethrough. A pressurized gas liquid transfer system including at least one control valve is utilized to provide pressurized gas to said vessel to control the flow of liquid therefrom. A liquid drain line is engaged from the vessel to a liquid collection tank, and a liquid level alarm device is engaged to the tank to provide an alarm if the level in the tank becomes too high. An electronic system controller is engaged to the alarm device and to the various valves to control the flow of liquid throughout the system. When an alarm signal is received by the system controller the vessels are first emptied and thereafter allowed to become full, acting in this instance as additional waste liquid storage containers. When the vessels are full, the system controller shuts down the flow of liquid to the vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Chemand Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel Schell
  • Patent number: 6148847
    Abstract: A system and method for distributing a low vapor pressure gas to one or more points of use in which a recirculation path and a recirculation device are provided. The recirculation path includes a distribution conduit in communication with the point(s) of use to allow the low vapor pressure gas to continually circulate to and from the point(s) of use. The recirculation device is positioned within the recirculation path to circulate said low vapor pressure gas continually through said recirculation path. In such manner, the low vapor pressure gas may be circulated at low pressure to prevent condensation. Further, the low vapor pressure gas may be circulated as a saturated gas mixture with a carrier gas. This may be effectuated by sparging the carrier gas through a vessel containing a liquid phase of a substance making up the low vapor pressure gas. Further the temperature of such liquid phase may be controlled to prevent condensation of the low vapor pressure gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Lewis J. Mostowy, Jr., Yi-Lang Tsai
  • Patent number: 6145695
    Abstract: A drinking system having a pneumatically charged container, a flow regulating manifold cap, a pull-valve, and nozzle. The flow regulating cap allows the pressurized container to deliver liquid with essentially constant flow as the air expands to fill the volume of the container. The nozzle may be mounted on the handlebars of a bicycle, and when the pull-valve is actuated, directs a liquid stream toward the cyclists mouth when on rough terrain, the nozzle may extend from its normal position and be placed between the cyclists teeth or directed at the cyclists mouth using a helmet mounted extension arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Garrigues
  • Patent number: 6142169
    Abstract: A gas supply system connected to vent a tank of a product filling system is set forth. The gas supply system comprises a high pressure/low pressure gas supply having a common outlet. The high pressure/low pressure gas supply is operable in a first mode of operation in which high pressure gas is supplied at the common outlet and a second mode of operation in which low pressure gas is supplied at the common outlet. A sterile filter having an inlet and an outlet is also provided. A steam supply system is disposed in-line between the common outlet of the high pressure/low pressure gas supply and the sterile filter. A tank valve system is provided having an inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the sterile filter. The tank valve system also has first and second outlets and is operable in a first mode of operation in which the inlet is placed in fluid communication with the first outlet and a second mode of operation in which the inlet is placed in fluid communication with the second outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, SA
    Inventors: John N. Lees, Jonathan P. Buesing
  • Patent number: 6098649
    Abstract: A waste processing apparatus which can easily and efficiently process waste, a waste recovery system using this apparatus and a liquid container ideal for use with the waste processing apparatus and waste recovery system. The waste processing apparatus comprises a processing part for processing supplied waste (for example foam polystyrene) with a processing liquid (for example limonene) and a storing part for storing produced liquid (for example limonene containing dissolved foam polystyrene) produced in this processing part and provided with a removable liquid container constructed to both supply processing liquid to the processing part and receive produced liquid produced by the waste processing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tsutomu Noguchi, Minoru Matsushima, Hiraku Sugiki, Yasuhiro Hirafune
  • Patent number: 6098650
    Abstract: A pressure sensing apparatus for regulating the transportation of a liquid which includes a container for containing a gas and a liquid. The container has at least four ports: the first port, used for receiving the liquid; the second port, used for exporting the liquid; the third port, used for releasing the gas; and the fourth port, the fourth opening, used for detecting and measuring internal pressure. Furthermore, the container also includes a vent hole used for venting extra gas out of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventor: Chung-Chien Lu
  • Patent number: 6082390
    Abstract: A gas blanket controller, comprising a housing defining a chamber sealed with a diaphragm on a first side of the chamber, and a fitting for a tank outlet on another side of the chamber; a rod secured to the diaphragm for movement with the diaphragm; a rod guide secured to the housing, the rod being guided by the rod guide; weights secured to the rod providing a force resisting movement of the rod; a control linkage secured to the rod; a microswitch mounted on the housing, the microswitch having a toggle that is actuated by the control linkage; a gas blanket supply line; a gas blanket motor control valve on the gas blanket supply line; a communication link between the microswitch and the gas blanket motor control valve; and the rod having a range of motion such that the toggle is operable by contact with the control linkage, whereby the microswitch opens and closes the gas blanket control valve upon operation of the toggle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Robert C. Rajewski
  • Patent number: 6076541
    Abstract: A system and method for dispensing an aqueous solution to one or more points of use is provided with one or more pressure vessels that are adapted to be charged with pressurized gas to drive the aqueous solution on to the point or points of use. A humidifier is also employed to humidify the pressurized gas to at least inhibit the pressurized gas from evaporating the moisture from the aqueous solution. In such manner, changes to the make up of the aqueous solution are avoided. Such changes can produce caking and/or changes in chemical properties found in pressure vessels used in dispensing slurries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventors: Peter M. Pozniak, Duy Khanh Trang, Benjamin R. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6047744
    Abstract: This invention concerns a manifold for use in refill of canister containing chemicals. The manifold may comprise a vacuum supply valve; a vacuum generator; a pressure vent valve; a gas inlet valve; a bypass valve; an isolation valve; a control valve; a canister inlet valve; a canister outlet valve; a canister inlet coupler, and a canister outlet coupler. In the manifold the vacuum supply valve may be connected to the vacuum generator; the vacuum generator may be connected to the pressure vent valve and the control valve; the gas inlet valve may be connected to pressure vent valve and bypass valve; the bypass valve may be further connected to the isolation valve and the canister inlet valve; the isolation valve may also be connected to the canister outlet valve. In addition, the canister inlet valve may be connected to control valve, the canister inlet coupler, and the canister outlet valve; and the canister outlet valve may be further connected to the canister inlet coupler and the canister outlet coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Advanced Delivery & Chemical Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert M. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6041802
    Abstract: A bulk storage and distribution system for cooking oils. The system includes an apparatus and method to store and distribute cooling oil in an aseptic environment. The system includes a bulk storage tank, an oil inlet structure, an inert gas supply and an oil distribution structure having a dispensing nozzle. An inventory monitoring system and oil removal system are incorporated into the cooking oil storage and distribution system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Richard J. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6024113
    Abstract: A closed tank method for preventing contamination in multiple tank systems. Water and air being the preferred liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventors: Keinosuke Komiya, Ken Komiya
  • Patent number: 6021921
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a liquid dispensing system and a method for dispensing liquid that includes two hermetically sealed tanks each having a liquid container with a conduit pipe connecting the two containers. A differential pressure exists between the two tanks such that a process liquid can be fed from the second container into a dispensing nozzle under the differential pressure and the gravity of the liquid without the need of a pumping system. The problems of gel formation normally observed in conventional dispensing systems can be eliminated. A high viscosity, short shelf life liquid can be most suitably dispensed by the present invention novel dispensing system and method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ho-Ku Lan, Chen-Cheng Kuo, Hung-Chih Chen, Shih-Shiung Chen
  • Patent number: 6019114
    Abstract: A bubbler container assembly particularly adapted for use in vapor generating systems comprising a main outer vessel, an inner bubbler vessel, a carrier gas inlet and a vapor outlet such that the inner bubbler vessel is contained within the main outer vessel and the bubbler container assembly is constructed so as to self-meter an incoming supply of vaporizable liquid during the introduction of a carrier gas and extraction of resulting vapor. Preferably, the system further provides for magnetic induced centering and positioning of the inner buoyant bubbler vessel, fluid temperature sensing and control, connection of a fluid makeup supply, carrier gas inlet supply, and vapor extraction outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Icon Dynaamics, LLC
    Inventor: Donald B. Rodgers
  • Patent number: 6014995
    Abstract: An onsite petrochemical storage and transport system comprising a land based facility, which provides storage at a well site for hydrocarbon reservoir products which include gas, oil and water at a high pressure. The pressurized mixture is transferred, by means of pressure equalization, into a truck with multiple pressure containing vessels and transported to a plant suitable for processing the raw hydrocarbon mixture. The well site facility and transport truck are configured to allow for separation of gas and liquids to selectively transfer the gas or liquids as desired. Remote well sites may be periodically serviced by transport trucks while maintaining continuous production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: A. Patrick Agnew
  • Patent number: 6012481
    Abstract: A constant level of fluid (8 or 106) in vessel (1 or 104) is maintained using a reservoir (5 or 102) and a tank (4 or 101). Float valves (9 or 107) which raise and lower with the level of fluid in the reservoir are used to selectively close off fluid passages (13 or 109) from the tank into the reservoir. Until the desired level of fluid is reached in the reservoir, the reservoir continuously provides fluid to the vessel. Once fluid flow into the reservoir is stopped, flow from the reservoir into the vessel also stops. The vessel can be positioned adjacent to or remote from the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Inventor: John J. Lenart
  • Patent number: 6009892
    Abstract: A device for disposal of liquid media such as coolant and lubricant fluids, containing production residues, such as chips from industrial processes in which these media are conveyed from at least one accumulation site through gutters and/or pipes to a recycling container. The media are conveyed from the recycling container through a pipe connected thereto close to the bottom to at least one collecting tank. The device is also intended to convey foamed media from the recycling container to the collecting tank at limited equipment cost. The recycling container is divided by a pressure-tight partition containing an operable valve into an upper supply chamber and a lower delivery chamber. A compressed air line with a switchable compressed air inlet valve and a vent line with a switchable vent valve are connected to the upper area of the delivery chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: F + F Filter- Und Foerdertechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Martinitz
  • Patent number: 6000418
    Abstract: A fluid mixing system and a method of using same for maintaining uniform concentrations of fluid chemical additives in a dilutant, in which the system includes a multi-port aspirator device including a venturi having a venturi inlet for receiving dilutant and a venturi outlet of reduced diameter for discharging said dilutant, a dilutant injector source fluidly coupled to said multi-port aspirator device for delivering a dilutant at a dilutant pressure thereto, and a plurality of injectate sources fluidly connected to the aspirator device at or immediately downstream said venturi outlet, wherein each said injectate source is capable of independently varying pressure at said a multi-port venturi injector with respect to said dilutant pressure. The use of the inventive fluid mixing system also provides a facile and accurate means of injecting required volumes of wet chemicals into a flowing stream of a carrier fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick W. Kern, Jr., William A. Syverson
  • Patent number: 6000230
    Abstract: A method for dividing and charging of a non-azeotropic mixed refrigerant filled in at least one refrigerant tank, comprising:a step of successively dividing and charging the non-azeotropic mixed refrigerant filled in the refrigerant tank into a plurality of receivers while maintaining a vapor phase or a liquid phase of the refrigerant in the refrigerant tank in communication with a vapor phase of an adjustor refrigerant in at least one adjustor refrigerant container filled with the adjustor refrigerant having a composition substantially equivalent to that of the non-azeotropic mixed refrigerant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.
    Inventors: Kiyomitsu Kanno, Toshio Haga
  • Patent number: 5964254
    Abstract: This invention concerns a manifold for use in refill of canister containing chemicals. The manifold may comprise a vacuum supply valve; a vacuum generator; a pressure vent valve; a gas inlet valve; a bypass valve; an isolation valve; a control valve; a canister inlet valve; a canister outlet valve; a canister inlet coupler; and a canister outlet coupler. In the manifold the vacuum supply valve may be connected to the vacuum generator; the vacuum generator may be connected to the pressure vent valve and the control valve; the gas inlet valve may be connected to pressure vent valve and bypass valve; the bypass valve may be further connected to the isolation valve and the canister inlet valve; the isolation valve may also be connected to the canister outlet valve. In addition, the canister inlet valve may be connected to control valve, the canister inlet coupler, and the canister outlet valve; and the canister outlet valve may be further connected to the canister inlet coupler and the canister outlet coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Advanced Delivery & Chemical Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert M. Jackson
  • Patent number: 5960810
    Abstract: A system of three tanks and associated fluid communication lines and valves added to a conventional septage pumper/hauler truck to carry a supply of lime slurry and inject it into the septage hauling tank 1 in measured doses. Air vacuum or pressure is used for moving the fluids between tanks without fluid pumps. The three tanks of the invention include a lime slurry carrying tank 3, a lime slurry dosing tank 7, and a water tank 5 for flushing the system. Compressed air 37 is applied to each of these tanks as needed to push the fluid contents through the connecting pipes. An air vacuum that is normally provided to the main tank 1 for loading septage is also employed in the invention to load tank 3 with lime slurry. By manipulating the valves in an appropriate sequence, the dosing tank is filled from the lime slurry carrying tank, then the slurry in the dosing tank is injected into the septage carrying tank simultaneously with septage for mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Matthew W. Douglas
  • Patent number: 5950662
    Abstract: A supplemental water system for a building structure includes a tank for storage of supplemental water and a conduit from the tank to at least one user outlet device within the building structure. The outlet conduit and user outlet device are separate from the conventional tap water system within the building structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Eleven Hundred Springs, Inc.
    Inventor: Jim C. Scott
  • Patent number: 5901734
    Abstract: A water supply system which includes an adjustable bury pressure tank having an adjustable float pump control assembly. The water supply system may be adapted for use in a wide variety of climatic conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: K & M Industries
    Inventor: William Dale Kucera
  • Patent number: 5896881
    Abstract: The process and device according to the invention make it possible to reduce the pressure build-up in the head space as a function of the quantity of inflow medium. It also makes it possible to maintain or create defined flow conditions in the head space gas. This is accomplished by measuring the quantity of gaseous and/or liquid inflow medium and then venting the head space gas as a function of the quantity of inflow medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Messer Griesheim GmbH
    Inventors: Friedhelm Herzog, Franz Lurken
  • Patent number: 5894955
    Abstract: A drinking system having a pneumatically charged container, a flow regulating manifold cap, a pull-valve, and nozzle. The flow regulating cap allows the pressurized container to deliver liquid with essentially constant flow as the air expands to fill the volume of the container. The nozzle may be mounted on the handlebars of a bicycle, and when the pull-valve is actuated, directs a liquid stream toward the cyclist's mouth. When on rough terrain, the nozzle may extend from its normal position and be placed between the cyclist's teeth or directed at the cyclist's mouth using a helmet mounted extension arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Garrigues
  • Patent number: 5893385
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a liquid discharging device for discharging liquid stored on a bottom wall of an interior of a compressed natural gas tank of a vehicle, comprising a liquid discharging pipe for discharging the liquid from the compressed natural gas tank to an outside of the compressed natural gas tank. The liquid discharging pipe has an open end which is open into the interior of the compressed natural gas tank at a position adjacent to an inner face of the bottom wall of the compressed natural gas tank. Further, the liquid discharging device comprises a liquid discharging control valve arranged in the liquid discharging pipe to discharge the liquid due to the pressure of the natural gas when the liquid discharging control valve is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kouhei Igarashi
  • Patent number: 5884655
    Abstract: The blanketing valve has a diagnostic port to aid in analyzing the valve's operation. A pressure gauge is connectable or permanently connected to the diagnostic port. The diagnostic port measures the pressure above a main valve in a passageway connecting a pilot inlet chamber and a main valve piston chamber. This pressure controls the main valve and is an indicator of pilot valve action. Comparing this pressure to inlet pressure indicates pilot response and is a valuable aid in determining what problems may exist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Appalachian Controls Environmental
    Inventor: Paul R. Ostand
  • Patent number: 5871028
    Abstract: A photoresist storage and supply device. The device includes a control unit for generating a number of on/off signals. A number of gas supply valves are open to let gas pass according to the on/off signals. A number of photoresist solution storage vessels store photoresist solution and receive the gas from a corresponding gas supply valve. A buffer vessel receives the photoresist solution, under pressure of the gas, from a selected photoresist solution storage vessel. A liquid level sensor mounted on the buffer vessel detects the solution level in the buffer vessel and generates a control signal when the photoresist solution level in the buffer vessel is below a certain threshold. A gas exhaust valve is coupled to the control unit, and expels gas from inside the buffer vessel according to an on/off signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corporation
    Inventor: Eric Liu
  • Patent number: 5868280
    Abstract: Minimalized energy use and operational cost are provided by the method and apparatus of this invention for liquid distribution system in which pumped liquid is charged to a pneumatically pressurized storage tank, filling it to an optimum level for subsequent distribution of incremental quantities of liquid drawn from the tank, as typical for well water systems of rural residiences. A pneumatic pressure-head of nominally constant mass is maintained in a liquid storage tank during intermittent operations of filling and of discharging liquid from the storage tank, thereby neccesitating minimal venting or charging of air for mainting constancy of pneumatic mass in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: David H. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 5868278
    Abstract: Defects, associated with the presence of microbubbles in the photoresist developer solution, have been largely eliminated by providing an apparatus and method whereby the photoresist developer solution, while on standby status in a buffer tank, is maintained at a negative pressure (about minus 0.5 kg/cm.sup.2). This allows any microbubbles, that were introduced into the solution during the course of conveying it to the buffer, to escape. The negative pressure in the buffer during its refill and standby stages is generated by adding a venturi valve to the existing equipment. This keeps the impact on the control software to a minimum and has little or no effect on the cost of the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yung-Dar Chen
  • Patent number: 5857480
    Abstract: A water purging system is disclosed. The system includes a primary water line having a first end with threads for the receipt of a faucet constituting a source of water and a second end with threads for coupling to a supplemental water line adapted to be purged of water after usage. An air tank is provided for the receipt of compressed air and for expelling the compressed air into the primary line and supplemental line after use of the system. The secondary line has a first end coupled with the air tank and a second end coupled to a central extent of the primary line. The secondary line also has a one-way check valve therein for the flow of air from the air tank to the primary and supplemental lines. Further included is a turbine having a first end operatively coupled to the air tank and having a second end operatively coupled to the primary line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Inventor: Jerry Klein