Cleaning Or Steam Sterilizing Patents (Class 137/238)
  • Publication number: 20140182705
    Abstract: A drainage system for a drain is provided. The drainage system includes a fluid flow path between the inlet and the outlet; a flushing system disposed with the fluid flow path; and a reservoir. The reservoir is configured for holding a stored amount of fluid originating from the drain. The flushing system is configured to use at least a portion of the stored amount of fluid. Other system and methods to flush a drain system are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Plexaire LLC
    Inventors: Stewart Kaiser, William G. Williams
  • Publication number: 20140182699
    Abstract: A flushing tool for a perforated tubing in a production tubing string is described. The flushing tool includes a chamber that is sealed at a pressure at or below atmospheric pressure when the flushing tool is in its sealed configuration, the chamber arranged to receive wellbore fluids when the flushing tool is in its activated configuration. A port allows ingress of wellbore fluids into the chamber when the flushing tool is in its activated configuration. A sealing means has a first position when the flushing tool is in its sealed configuration and a second position when the flushing tool is in its activated configuration. An actuator releases the flushing tool from its sealed configuration to its activated configuration by releasing the sealing means to move from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: PEAK WELL SYSTEMS PTY LTD
    Inventor: David J. Manson
  • Publication number: 20140174559
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for commissioning steam turbine generator power plants to advance the cleanliness of the complete steam cycle by the conditioned discharge of steam to the plant surface condenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher J. Bloch
  • Publication number: 20140158219
    Abstract: A pipe treatment system for a supply unit is provided. The pipe treatment system comprises a fresh water inlet pipe, a tap for fresh water, a controllable tap valve, and a control device for the pipe treatment control system. The controllable tap valve is arranged between the fresh water inlet pipe and the tap for fresh water. The control device for the pipe treatment control system is connected to the controllable tap valve so as to place the controllable tap valve in a pipe treatment state when there is a pipe treatment signal at the control device, so as to provide a more reliable pipe treatment system, for example for disinfection or descaling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Matthias Reiss, Ole Becker
  • Publication number: 20140150894
    Abstract: A flow path switching valve is disclosed that can be operated remotely simply by turning flow on and off. A mid portion of the body has at least one passage therein leading from a central axial bore to one or more external ports each having a tractor nozzle. The valve outlet connects the axial bore to a cleaning nozzle. A poppet member is received in the central axial bore. In a first position, the poppet member directs fluid flow through the outlet to the cleaning nozzle connected to the outlet. The poppet member, when in a second position, closes the central axial bore through the outlet end of the valve body and permits fluid flow through the tractor nozzles. Selection of the different flow paths is made by simply reducing flow through the valve below a predetermined fluid flow threshold and then increasing the flow rate above the threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: STONEAGE, INC.
    Inventor: Gerald P. Zink
  • Publication number: 20140130891
    Abstract: A flush system for a dispenser nozzle may include a flush diverter and a carrier. The flush diverter may include a dispense position and a flush position. The carrier maneuvers the flush diverter to either the dispense position or the flush position with respect to the beverage dispenser nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
    Inventors: Ashraf Farid Abdelmoteleb, Fernando Peixoto Dias, Michael Isaac Joffe, Sean Pickett, Edwin Petrus Elisabeth van Opstal, Arthur G. Rudick, Mark Andrew Wilcock, Paul A. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20140096838
    Abstract: A valve comprising sealing members configured to allow the valve to achieve an open position, a closed position, lower seat clean position and an upper seat clean position is described. A method including opening a valve, closing a valve, moving the valve to a lower seat clean position, and moving the valve to an upper seat clean position is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Keith BURNS, Drew Van Norman
  • Patent number: 8678645
    Abstract: Reliably and quickly acting device that can be cheaply employed for monitoring the flow of water vapor, having a water vapor line extending between a switching valve and a cross-section connection, in particular a nozzle, and a temperature sensor monitoring the temperature in the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Josef Hausladen, Hannelore Sollner, Bettina Huber
  • Publication number: 20140026973
    Abstract: A one-way valve is connectable in fluid communication with a fluid-receiving chamber, such as a dilution chamber or a mixing chamber for diluting or mixing a perishable food product, such as a milk product or chocolate product, and forming a substantially fluid-tight seal therebetween. The valve comprises a relatively rigid valve seat, and a relatively flexible valve member overlying the valve seat and forming an axially-elongated, normally-closed valve opening therebetween defining an inlet at one end of the valve seat, an outlet at an opposite end of the valve seat, and an axially-extending seal therebetween that forms a fluid-tight seal between the inlet and outlet of the normally-closed valve opening. An axially-extending valve body is radially spaced relative to the valve member and forms a space therebetween allowing fluid-flow therethrough for cleaning the valve and the fluid-receiving chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: ALPS LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Publication number: 20140020716
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a hose handling system having a hose guide plumbed via a wash line to a fluid delivery device. The hose guide includes a pulley installed on a frame member, and a spray nozzle adapted to dispense a wash mixture. The hose guide is adapted to guide a hose as the hose is inserted into or withdrawn from a manhole, with the hose traversing the pulley. The wash mixture can be delivered through a wash line to the hose guide, which sprays the wash mixture on the hose in order to reduce or eliminate gross contamination or microbial contamination on the hose. The wash mixture typically, but not necessarily, has a freezing point below 32 F and includes: a quaternary ammonium compound, an alcohol or glycol, an alcohol ethoxylate, and a fragrance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas P. Suiter
  • Publication number: 20130333768
    Abstract: A point-of-use valve (POU valve) manifold is provided that allows for multiple precursors to be delivered to a semiconductor processing chamber through a common outlet. The manifold may have a plurality of precursor inlets and a purge gas inlet. The manifold may be configured such that there are zero dead legs in the manifold when the purge gas is routed through the manifold, and may provide mounting location for the POU valves that alternate sides. One or more internal flow path volumes may include elbow features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Ramesh Chandrasekharan, Chunguang Xia, Karl F. Leeser, Damien Slevin, Thomas G. Jewell
  • Patent number: 8602050
    Abstract: A self-cleaning varnish supply machine and method of using the same. The machine has a plurality of at least two cylindrical storage containers, a supply line, a return line, a pump, a compressed air supply source, a plurality of at least two outlet valves, a plurality of two inlet valves, and a compressed air supply source valve. The machine can be operated in three different modes. In the first mode, the machine can be used to supply varnish to a varnish application device. Next, the machine can be operated in an automated self-cleaning mode. Finally, the machine can be operated in a manual self-cleaning mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Chuanbin Jiang
  • Publication number: 20130312832
    Abstract: A valve having a flow control assembly with a bore having particle-deflecting features is provided. In one embodiment, the bore of a flow control assembly of a valve includes a contour shaped to deflect particles in a fluid stream through the valve toward the center of the fluid stream and away from a sealing surface of the flow control assembly. The bore may also, in some embodiments, create a Venturi effect that cleans sealing surfaces by drawing particles away from the sealing surfaces. Additional valve systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christophe Avdjian, Michael Dempster
  • Publication number: 20130199625
    Abstract: A device for flushing a hydrant includes a stem connected to a valve of the hydrant; and an actuation system including a biased translational system coupled to the stem. An actuation system for flushing a hydrant includes a fluid; a piston assembly movable by the fluid; and a biasing element at least indirectly biasing the piston assembly towards a stop position. A method of flushing a hydrant includes operating an actuation system coupled to the hydrant, the actuation system including a stored energy device, a piston assembly coupled to a stem of the hydrant; and a biasing element coupled to the stem, the stem connected to a valve of the hydrant; and opening the valve of the hydrant by releasing energy from the stored energy device against a piston plate of the piston assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventor: Mueller International, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130139901
    Abstract: A rinsing line for discharging a rinsing fluid out of a medical technical functional device having been rinsed by means of the rinsing fluid is described, in which the rinsing line is, on the one side, connected, provided or intended for being connected with a section of the medical technical functional device and in which the rinsing line is, on the other side, connected with, provided or intended for being connected with a fluid supplying device for supplying a medical fluid into the medical technical functional device. A medical technical functional device, a medical technical treatment apparatus, a method and a control unit are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Haecker, Soeren Gronau
  • Patent number: 8413672
    Abstract: Some embodiments of a valve flushing kit used in temporarily flushing a globe valve can include a flushing bonnet assembly that includes a circular disk adapted to be received in the upper opening of an internal valve cavity of a valve when a closure bonnet and a closure member of the valve are removed and a plurality of bonnet clamps each having at least one opening therethrough, wherein the opening can be adapted to be received on one of the threaded studs protruding from the upper exterior surface of a body of the valve and the bonnet clamps can be held in place by the threaded nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Talmage Tirrell
  • Patent number: 8393345
    Abstract: An oil pressure control device includes a plurality of solenoid valves, and a foreign matter discharge unit which carries out foreign matter discharge treatment for a treatment period composed of a first period T1 in which a current smaller than a predetermined value is supplied to one of the solenoid valves and a second period T2 in which a current equal to or larger than the predetermined value is supplied to the one of the solenoid valves, and makes timings for varying the current values different from one another so as to start supplying a current equal to or larger than the predetermined current value to another one of the solenoid valves at the beginning of the first period T1, and to start supplying a current smaller than the predetermined value to the another one of the solenoid valves at the beginning of the second period T2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushika Kaisha
    Inventors: Yusuke Ogata, Yoshinobu Soga
  • Patent number: 8372338
    Abstract: The apparatus and method for sterilising caps/stoppers for pharmaceutical purposes comprises a vessel, pump, heater, circulation line. The sterilising liquid (hot water, steam) is heated and pumped to the vessel where a fluidised bed of caps etc. is generated. After leaving the vessel the liquid is circulated/heated. Optionally an additive (siliconisation in case rubber parts) or cooling liquid is added. Further, the vessel is disconnectably attached to the supply lines for transportation to a production facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Getinge Sterilization AB
    Inventor: Lars Joakim Larsson
  • Publication number: 20120325333
    Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning an internal water line of a household appliance, in particular of a refrigerating device, includes a chamber which contains a cleaning substance or can be filled with the cleaning substance. An inlet connection is in communication with the chamber and configured identical to an inlet connection of the internal water line, and an outlet connection is in communication with the chamber and configured to complement the inlet connection of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERÄTE GMBH
    Inventor: Athanasios Athanasiou
  • Publication number: 20120298210
    Abstract: A system is disclosed. The system is provided with an oilfield material reservoir, a fluid nozzle, and a fluid supplier. The oilfield material reservoir is provided with an opening for receiving an oilfield material and an orifice for discharging the oilfield material. The fluid nozzle is positioned adjacent to the orifice to direct a fluid flow through the orifice, and the fluid supplier is connected to the fluid nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Hau Nguyen-Phuc Pham, Miguel Lopez, Laurent Coquilleau
  • Publication number: 20120279579
    Abstract: Self-cleaning apparatus and methods are disclosed for handling viscous fluids, such as thick solid-liquid slurries of lignocellulosic biomass and its components, under high pressure, using an array of retractable valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: RENMATIX, INC.
    Inventors: Michel Adam Simard, Scott William Sommer
  • Publication number: 20120251373
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas flow separator dividing the flow into a primary and a secondary stream, especially for a dual rotor axial turbomachine. The separator comprises a splitter nose of the turbomachine and includes a generally wedge-shaped leading edge in the gas flow to be split. The flow separator also comprises a metal blade having a longitudinal section in the form of an “S” and located in the nose in contact with the back of the leading edge and extending from the leading edge to a rear end of the separator at some distance from the leading edge, so as to be in contact with a heat source, such as a heat exchanger, located at some distance from the leading edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: TECHSPACE AERO S.A.
    Inventors: Denis Bajusz, Yves Culot, Marc Strengnart, Antoine Stephany, David Depaepe, Albert Cornet, Nicolas Raimarckers, Georges Broers
  • Publication number: 20120227832
    Abstract: A device for inoculating fluid conducted through pipes includes a reservoir configured to hold an inoculant. The reservoir includes an outlet through which the inoculant is feedable to at least one of the pipes and an inlet configured to route compressed air into an interior of the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: ROTHENBERGER AG
    Inventor: Olaf Bode
  • Publication number: 20120211092
    Abstract: A cleaning arrangement (15, 26) for cleaning the drain area (13, 14) of a valve (1) with a cleaning media, where the cleaning arrangement includes at least one cleaning device (15, 26), which is preferably arranged in a mix proof valve (1) comprising at least a valve body (2), one or more valve seats (4, 7), a first valve plug (5) with a first stem (6) and a second valve plug (8) with a second stem (9), the second valve plug (8) having a central hollow part (10) for guiding the first stem (6), where the at least one cleaning device (15, 26) is rotationally arranged inside the valve housing (2), where the at least one cleaning device (15, 26) is rotated by the pressurized cleaning media and where the at least one cleaning device (15, 26) is provided with a screen arrangement (18) creating a spray of cleaning media for cleaning the drain area (13, 14) of the valve (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: ALFA LAVAL CORPORATE AB
    Inventors: Jesper Bak Nielsen, Bo Boye Busk Jensen, Henrik Falster-Hansen
  • Patent number: 8215328
    Abstract: An adapter for use in association with upstream and downstream portions of a piping system is disclosed. The adapter includes a first chamber having an inlet adapted to receive fluid therethrough, an outlet adapted to expel fluid therefrom, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining a first chamber interior. The adapter also includes a second chamber having an inlet adapted to receive forced fluid therethrough, an outlet adapted to expel the forced fluid therefrom, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining a second chamber interior. The first chamber interior is isolated from the second chamber interior. The first chamber is adapted to receive forced fluid therethrough from an upstream portion of a piping system, and the second chamber is adapted to provide forced fluid therethrough to a downstream portion of the piping system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Brad L. Noll, William M. Orr, Frank Kock
  • Patent number: 8210197
    Abstract: A cleaning system for cleaning a valve seat, where the valve seat is formed of at least one gasket for sealing between a housing and a stem, preferably for a double seat valve and where at least one guide band is centering the stem in the housing, where the stem has a cut out, allowing a cleaning liquid to flush the seat, when the stem is in a cleaning position, and where the guide band is still centering the stem while in the cleaning position. By putting the stem into a cleaning position, the cut out in the stem is positioned in the area of the gasket and thereby allowing the cleaning liquid to pass the gasket and the guide band via a small gap between the guide band and the stem itself. This way the seat is flushed with cleaning liquid and is thereby cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignees: Alfa Laval Kolding A/S, Alfa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventors: Karl-Aage Lindholm Jensen, Per Schneidereit, James Louis Larsen, Christian Karl Thommen, III, Roger James Ashton
  • Publication number: 20120118403
    Abstract: A kit for cleaning clogged conduits and thruhole fitting valves in water intake systems of pleasure boats, fishing boats, yacht and small marine craft includes a hollow, substantially cylindrical male hose coupler connected to a nipple or elbow joined with the valve, and at least one of a cap and plug having a central orifice to receive a shaft of larger diameter able to be force-fitted through the orifice, the coupler and the valve when opened, and of a strength sufficient to force-free any matter clogging the input hose to the valve from acceptable performance usage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Edward J. Del Rosso
  • Publication number: 20120073675
    Abstract: A storage tank system stores liquid containing debris. The sidewalls of the tank have a curved lower portion for receiving debris settling out of the liquid and for directing at least some of the debris to a base of the tank. The tank is also provided with a plurality of nozzles spaced longitudinally along the curved lower portion the sidewalls for directing flush liquid downwardly against the curved lower portion for flushing any residual debris remaining thereon towards the bottom of the tank. The tank has a skid equipped with rollers for improved manoeuvrability in a berm environment and manifolds for improved interconnectability with other tanks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: STRAD ENERGY SERVICES LTD.
    Inventors: Darcy DUPUIS, Philip David STASIEWICH, James STASIEWICH, Kenneth GRAD
  • Publication number: 20110290334
    Abstract: A cleanout assembly for removal of debris from a debris chamber in a wellbore cleaning tool. The cleanout assembly includes a mandrel, a boot radially surrounding the mandrel and a debris chamber defined radially between the mandrel and the boot. The boot has one or more windows therein to permit debris to be cleaned out of the debris chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Gregory Lee Hern
  • Publication number: 20110155257
    Abstract: A method for draining the tank space (20) of a supply tank or feed chute in a pneumatic material conveying system, such as a waste conveying system, of material, such as waste material, in which method the tank space (20) is drained to a conveyor pipe (3) by opening an outlet valve (4), so that the underpressure prevailing in the conveyor pipe, together with the ambient pressure prevailing in the supply tank transfers material from the supply tank to the conveyor pipe (3). In the method, in the supply tank, a wall element (6) positioned at a distance from the outlet aperture (8) of the supply tank and/or from the outlet valve (4), which wall element (6) is arranged to move between at least two positions, i.e.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: MARICAP OY
    Inventor: Göran Sundholm
  • Publication number: 20110114198
    Abstract: The invention relates to a piping system for process plants of the food and beverage industry, that connects a tank and/or a process assembly to a pipe system via double seat valves formed mix-proof in the seat area, wherein a valve distributor tree opens directly into the lower tank bottom of a respectively assigned tank of the process plant and/or the valve distributor tree is connected via an assigned pipe connection to an assigned process assembly or tank of the process plant, and the pipe connection opens into the tank-side end or process assembly-side end of the valve distributor tree, in which according to the invention the second closing member is designed as a hollow rod that has at its end facing the first closing member a second seat seal that acts together with a second seat abutting at a cylindrical first seat; that the first closing member, designed as a valve piston, has a radially acting first seat seal that in the closed position of the valve is sealingly received in the first seat, forming t
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: GEA TUCHENHAGEN GMBH
    Inventors: Jens Burmester, Matthias Suedel
  • Patent number: 7858028
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a product having a low content of microorganisms by using steam. A method according to the invention can be used to pasteurize or sterilize a product, while retaining the activity of one or more active substances that may be present in the product, and relates to a method wherein a product is dried with air. Furthermore, the invention relates to a product obtainable according to a method according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Nutricia N.V.
    Inventor: Thomas Ferdinand A. Pijls
  • Publication number: 20100243073
    Abstract: A double-seat valve having a seat-cleaning function, wherein the double-seat valve opens downward, and the two closing elements can be moved independently of each other by a partial lift in each case gap-wide into a seat cleaning position for the purpose of cleaning their seat such that the dependently driven second closing element is pushed into its respective seat cleaning position by a second partial lift in the same direction of the opening movement, and the independently driven first closing element is pushed into its respective seat cleaning position by a first partial lift in the direction counter to the opening lift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: GEA TUCHENHAGEN GMBH
    Inventors: Bastian Tolle, Gundar Scholz, Jens Burmester
  • Publication number: 20100224266
    Abstract: A connecting unit for a sanitary fitting is proposed, said connecting unit having, on one side thereof, plug-in sockets for connection to plug-in nipples of the sanitary fitting. On the opposite side, the connecting unit contains connections for the domestic installation pipes. The sanitary fitting and the connecting unit are connected by plugging in a direction parallel to the wall surface. The connecting unit may contain a flushing pipe which is designed as a continuous bore. When the connecting unit is not yet connected to the sanitary fitting, said flushing pipe can be used to flush out the pipes. Said flushing pipe is stopped from functioning when the connection between the sanitary fitting and the connecting unit is produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventor: Werner Lorch
  • Publication number: 20100212751
    Abstract: An adapter for use in association with upstream and downstream portions of a piping system is disclosed. The adapter includes a first chamber having an inlet adapted to receive fluid therethrough, an outlet adapted to expel fluid therefrom, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining a first chamber interior. The adapter also includes a second chamber having an inlet adapted to receive forced fluid therethrough, an outlet adapted to expel the forced fluid therefrom, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining a second chamber interior. The first chamber interior is isolated from the second chamber interior. The first chamber is adapted to receive forced fluid therethrough from an upstream portion of a piping system, and the second chamber is adapted to provide forced fluid therethrough to a downstream portion of the piping system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: ZURN INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Brad L. Noll, William M. Orr, Frank Kock
  • Publication number: 20100193044
    Abstract: An adapter for the purging of lines is described that comprises a plate and an attachment mechanism. The plate includes a first side and an opposed second side that are connected by at least one edge. The plate has a first interface defined on the second side that is adapted to connect to a portion of a cap of a filter assembly in a close fitting relation. The first interface is also adapted to define an interior space between the portion of the cap and the plate. The interior space is in fluid communication with a first line that is connected to the filter assembly. The attachment mechanism secures the plate and the portion of the cap in the close fitting relation. The plate includes a second interface that is adapted to connect to an external source of pressure. The second interface is in fluid communication with the interior space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Gregory Wulffen
  • Publication number: 20100186643
    Abstract: A device for increasing service life of a combustion installation is disclosed. The combustion installation has a gas-conducting component and a conducted gas has dirt particles. The gas-conducting component has a layer which is partially detached together with the dirt particles of the gas when the layer is impinged with the gas and when a dirt particle is deposited on the layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Frank Hannemann, Berthold Köstlin, Rainer Nies
  • Publication number: 20100180958
    Abstract: The invention relates to a double seat which is capable of cleaning the seat and which is improved compared to that of the prior art, whereby a delivery as free from turbulence as possible of the seat cleaning flow into and out of the leakage cavity is ensured, and a pressure-increasing direct action upon the seat areas is reliably prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: GEA TUCHENHAGEN GMBH
    Inventors: Jens Burmester, Matthias Suedel
  • Publication number: 20100051115
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a cleaning system for cleaning a valve seat, where said valve seat consists of at least one gasket for sealing between a housing and a stem, preferably for a double seat valve and where at least one guide band is centring said stem in said housing, where said stem has a cut out, allowing a cleaning liquid to flush the seat, when the stem is in a cleaning position, and where the guide band is still centring the stem while in the cleaning position. By putting the stem into a cleaning position the cut out in the stem is positioned in the area of the gasket and thereby allowing the cleaning liquid to pass the gasket and the guide band via a small gap between the guide band and the stem itself. This way the seat is flushed with cleaning liquid and is thereby cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicants: Alfa Laval Kolding A/S, Alfa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventors: Karl-Aage Lindholm JENSEN, Per SCHNEIDEREIT, James Louis LARSEN, Christian Karl THOMMEN, III, Roger James ASHTON
  • Publication number: 20090277206
    Abstract: An air conditioning drain device essentially comprising a tubular pipe assembly, a flapper assembly, and a service port assembly. The device automatically engages a flapper valve that prevents the reverse flow of condensate water from entering a dwelling unit that shares a common drain line with multiple units, while at the same time allowing for quick and easy flushing of blockages in the drain line without causing water damage to the interior of the dwelling unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Bryce Laufenberg, Gary H. Laufenberg
  • Patent number: 7597514
    Abstract: A method of clearing debris from an air valve of an air driven tool including the steps of contacting a portion of a first valve with a portion of a second valve; sealing the first valve to the second valve; and opening the first valve prior to the sealing step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Bryan Machine Services
    Inventor: Steve M. Bryan
  • Patent number: 7552742
    Abstract: A device for hot tapping is disclosed. The device includes a tube having a bore with an opening in the tube in fluid communication with the bore. The tube is connected to a valve which is connected to a saddle connection mounted on a pipe element in a piping network. A boring tool is inserted through the tube and the valve and bores a hole in the pipe element. Fluid under pressure flows from the pipe element through the tube and out through the opening. Swarf generated by the boring is entrained in the fluid and is flushed out through the opening. The device also includes a saddle connection having projections which bite into the pipe element and prevent motion. A hot tapping kit including tubes of different diameters is also encompassed by the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventor: Douglas R. Dole
  • Patent number: 7509948
    Abstract: A spacer for use with, and to prevent or reduce the occurrence of stiction in, a fluid device such as a pump. The spacer has a generally ring-shaped body, which has first and second facing surfaces separated by a thickness. The spacer is positioned between a movable member of the pump and a stationary member of the pump such that the first facing surface of the spacer is contactable with the movable member and the second facing surface is contactable with the stationary member. The spacer has at least a fluid receiving groove formed in at least one of the first and second facing surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. DePayva, Daniel R. Puckett, Gregory William Hefler, Todd A Johnson
  • Patent number: 7360976
    Abstract: A machining center including a machining head, a tool changer, an air driven tool and an air valve system. The air driven tool is connectable to the machine head by action of the tool changer. The air valve system has a first portion associated with the machining head and a second portion associated with the air driven tool. The first portion and the second portion include a connection therebetween having an airflow across the connection before the connection seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Steve M. Bryan
  • Patent number: 7337800
    Abstract: An automatic flushing system for a potable water station includes a conduit having a first end connected to a potable water supply source and a second end having a nozzle coupling. It also includes an air gap assembly having a coupling operable for coupling with the nozzle coupling to releasably connect the conduit to the air gap assembly in a stored position. Further, the system includes a control system operable for automatically flushing potable water through the conduit and the air gap assembly after exceeding a predetermined time in which a predetermined minimum threshold temperature is exceeded and a predetermined time during which the potable water station has remained idle. A method for automatically flushing a potable water station includes the step of providing the potable water station with a conduit having a first end connected to a potable water supply source and having a second end remote therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Semler Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Palm, Loren H. Semler
  • Publication number: 20070277904
    Abstract: A system (10) and method for substantially automatically aseptically or non-aseptically filling a container with a fluid. The transfer of fluid occurs via a movable nozzle mechanism (20) substantially automatically inserted into a side opening (32) in a connector (12) attached to the container. More specifically, the side opening (32) in the connector (12) is exposed, the nozzle mechanism (20) is moved into the side opening (32), the fluid is transferred into the container via the nozzle mechanism (20) and the connector (12), the nozzle mechanism (20) is removed from the side opening (32) in the connector (12), and the side opening (32) in the connector (12) is closed. The aseptic transfer of fluid includes a substantially automatic sterilization procedure accomplished by both spray and contact components (54,56).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Carl Martin
  • Patent number: 7293675
    Abstract: Concentrated beverages are supplied from corresponding collapsible bags-in-boxes to a fountain dispenser having multiple dispensing valves and through corresponding beverage supply lines each having an air operated pump. A coupler connects each supply line to a spout on the corresponding beverage bag, and each spout and coupler has a normally closed spring-biased valve. Each beverage supply line is cleaned by a cleaning solution confined within a bag-in-a-box and having a spout connected by another coupler to one end portion of a cleaning solution line having a second end portion with an adapter connected to the coupler on the beverage supply line. A manifold has an inlet connected to the first end portion of the cleaning solution line and multiple outlets with shut-off valves connected to second end portions of corresponding cleaning solution lines so that multiple beverage supply lines to a dispenser may be cleaned simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: VeryFresh Juice Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Noel G. Luhn
  • Patent number: 7128084
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for a self-cleaning valve assembly. The valve is adapted to cycle and thereby clean the valve assembly in response to one or more predefined parameters which are programmed into a programmable controller. The valve is additionally configured to cycle according to one or more of several different methods which have been shown to efficiently clean the valve assembly. In this manner, the valve assembly is automatically cleaned improving the efficiency thereof and eliminating stuck valve warranty returns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Phillip F. Mc Cauley, Scott E. Mundy
  • Patent number: 7013916
    Abstract: An apparatus for containing and delivering hazardous gases at sub-atmospheric pressure from a pressurized container is provided which includes a valve body in sealed communication with an outlet orifice of the pressurized container. The outlet orifice of the pressurized container is open to an interior chamber of the pressurized container. A fluid discharge path is located in the valve body, between the outlet orifice of the pressurized container and an outlet orifice of the valve body. A pressure regulator having a pressure sensing means capable of responding to sub-atomospheric pressure, is integral to the valve body, in-line in the fluid discharge path with the pressure regulator pre-set to a pressure below atmospheric pressure to allow the gas to be delivered through the regulator from the interior chamber only when the pressure regulator senses a downstream pressure at or below the pre-set pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Martin Pearlstein, John Giles Langan, Dao-Hong Zheng, John Irven, Benjamin Lee Hertzler
  • Patent number: 6960321
    Abstract: New and in-use fire sprinkler systems can be sterilized by employing antimicrobial gases. The gases include steam, oxygen, and chlorine. Water added to the system after sterilization can be sterilized to prevent the reoccurrence of microbiological contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Inventor: Jerome H. Ludwig