Closed Circulating System Patents (Class 137/563)
  • Patent number: 12018871
    Abstract: An energy efficient heat pump for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a vapor compression circuit, a heat exchanger of the vapor compression circuit configured to place a working fluid in a heat exchange relationship with an air flow directed across the heat exchanger, and a valve system of the vapor compression circuit. The valve system is adjustable between a first configuration and a second configuration, the heat pump is configured to operate in a cooling mode with the valve system in the first configuration and in a heating mode with the valve system in the second configuration, and the valve system is configured to direct the working fluid into the heat exchanger to place the working fluid in a counterflow heat transfer arrangement with the air flow in the first configuration and in the second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GMBH
    Inventor: Rong Yu
  • Patent number: 12006001
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a pipe tee with an inlet proximate a first valve, an outlet proximate a second valve, and an inlet-outlet. The inlet receives slush ice when the first valve is open and the second valve is closed. The outlet transmits fluid when the second valve is open and the first valve is closed. The inlet-outlet receives fluid when the second valve is open and the first valve is closed and transmits slush ice when the first valve is open and the second valve is closed. A second pipe tee has an inlet coupled to the outlet of the pipe tee that receives fluid when the second valve is open and the first valve is closed, a first outlet that transmits water, separated from the fluid, when the second valve is open and the first valve is closed, and a second outlet that transmits air, separated from the fluid, when the second valve is open and the first valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: Circle Seafoods, Inc.
    Inventor: Gene Patrick Glaab
  • Patent number: 11933214
    Abstract: Provided is a multi-chamber reservoir assembly. The assembly comprises a substantially torus-shaped housing defining an interior volume. The interior volume is subdivided with at least two sets of interior walls to define a plurality of fluid chambers. The plurality of fluid chambers are independent and separately operable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: ABC TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventor: Richard Allan
  • Patent number: 11525247
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a circulation system comprising a cooling device with an input port and an output port for cooling water. The invention also relates to a circulation system for implementing said method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: LTZ—ZENTRUM FÜR LUFT—UND TRINKWASSERHYGIENE GMBH
    Inventors: Roberto Bawey, Patric Opitz, Olaf Heinecke
  • Patent number: 11226051
    Abstract: A valve for a drinking water installation for larger volume flow of cold water, depending on an adjustable or non-adjustable water temperature, having a valve housing with connections to a pipeline and a regulating piston which is movable in the valve housing, coupled to a spindle exposed on the outer side of the valve housing, with a thermal expansion element exposed in the flow path through the valve housing and resting under the pretension of a spring element against the regulating piston, the regulating piston being movable relative to a bore due to the expansion of the expansion element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: GEBR. KEMPER GMBH + CO., KG METALLWERKE
    Inventors: Stefan Fries, Roland Blumenthal, Alexander Vogt
  • Patent number: 11162866
    Abstract: A system for generating a pressure signal in a pipeline system containing a pressurised fluid is disclosed The system includes a discharge valve in fluid communication with the pressurised fluid of the pipeline system to allow fluid from the pipeline system to discharge and an electronic controller to dynamically control a degree of opening of the discharge valve to selectively vary the discharge valve between a plurality of valve opening states to generate the pressure signal in the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE
    Inventors: Jinzhe Gong, Martin F. Lambert, Angus R. Simpson, Aaron C. Zecchin
  • Patent number: 10821740
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for printing a surface (2) with a fluid which contains an organic semiconductor material. The fluid is transported from a storage container (7) through a supply line (5) to a printing head (3), which can be moved over the surface (2), and printed onto the surface (2) by the printing head (3). At least one part of the fluid which is transported through the supply line (5) to the printing head (3) is returned to the storage container (7) via a return line (6), wherein a fluid circuit is formed, and the fluid in the fluid circuit flows through a cleaning device (12) with which the fluid is cleaned. The fluid returned to the storage container (7) flows around and surrounds the fluid being transported in the supply line (5) to the printing head (3) at least in some regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Merck Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Guenter Hauke, Edgar Boehm, Volker Hilarius
  • Patent number: 10696360
    Abstract: A water-borne carrier for transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied nitrogen (LIN). A plurality of dual-purpose cryogenic storage tanks are arranged along a length of the ship. The plurality of dual-purpose cryogenic storage tanks may contain LNG or LIN. A LNG-only cryogenic storage tank may be arranged along the length of the ship. The LNG-only cryogenic storage tank contains only LNG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Sathish Balasubramanian, Austin Blackert
  • Patent number: 10681876
    Abstract: The invention relates mainly to an above-ground farming module which includes an element for supporting plants defining a root chamber for the aerial portion of the plants, and which includes means for forming a mist of nutritional solution (9) and means (25, 26) for circulating said mist of nutritional solution (30) located in the root chamber (4). The means for forming the mist of nutritional solution (9) advantageously include an ultrasound mister (10) located in the bottom of a misting cell (9) on which at least one opening for propagating the nutritional mist (20) in the root chamber (4) is arranged, and the means (25, 26) for circulating the mist of nutritional solution (30) are located next to said opening (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Inventor: Gérard Varesano
  • Patent number: 10400681
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for supplying fuel for a motor of a vehicle by a fuel supply system comprising: a first tank for containing a first fuel; supply means for supplying fuel to the motor; a supply line, for allowing said first fuel to pass from said first tank to said supply means; a return line, for allowing fuel to pass from said supply means to said first tank; a recirculating line, connected with said supply line and said return line, for allowing fuel to pass from said return line to said supply line; and valve means, configured to selectively direct fuel from said return line to said supply line by said recirculating line, or to said first tank; wherein said method comprises the steps of controlling the speed vehicle; controlling the vehicle motor load; defining a first threshold value of the vehicle speed; defining a second threshold value for the vehicle motor load; letting said first fuel passing from said first tank to said supply means through said supply line, and from said s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: ICOMET S.R.L.
    Inventor: Luciano Cippitani
  • Patent number: 10395787
    Abstract: Provided is a nuclear reactor system and method therefor, for increasing the speed of conversion of a radionuclide to a stable nuclide to reduce radionuclide concentration using thermal neutrons produced by reducing the velocity of fast neutrons, while simultaneously subjecting fast-neutron-induced thermal energy of a primary cooling material to heat exchange with a secondary cooling material in a heat exchanger (7), and feeding the energy to a turbine system to generate power, the system having a nuclear reactor container (1) comprising a first container (11), and a second container (12), a plurality of metal fuel assemblies (22) and a liquid metal, which is the primary cooling material, being disposed in the first container, and the second cooling material capable of dual use as a neutron moderator and a MA radioactivity-extinguishing assembly or FP-extinguishing assembly (24) being loaded in the second container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Clear Inc.
    Inventors: Osao Sumita, Isao Ueno, Takehiko Yokomine
  • Patent number: 10349588
    Abstract: A hydroponic apparatus includes: a cultivation tank that encloses an underground space with a ground surface portion that separates the underground space and an aboveground space; a light applying unit that is controlled to go into either of a light period in which light is applied to the plant and a dark period in which light is not applied to the plant; an aboveground temperature detection unit that detects a temperature of the aboveground space; an aboveground temperature adjustment unit that adjusts the temperature of the aboveground space and a control unit that controls the aboveground temperature adjustment unit based on information on the temperature of the aboveground space detected by the aboveground temperature detection unit. The control unit controls the aboveground temperature adjustment unit such that the temperature of the aboveground space in the dark period is lower than the temperature of the aboveground space in the light period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yano, WooHyeun Jeong
  • Patent number: 10314743
    Abstract: An intraocular shunt can be manufactured using a system that includes a liquid bath and a wire, which is moved through the bath. The wire can be moved through a first liquid bath to produce a first tubular layer of drug-infused gelatin. Further, the wire can be moved through a second liquid bath to produce a second tubular layer of drug-free gelatin. The first and second tubular layers can be dried on the wire in a humidity-controlled space, thereby manufacturing a drug-loaded gelatin shunt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: AQUESYS, INC.
    Inventors: Laszlo O. Romoda, Brian Hamstrom, Partha Chandrakant, Christopher Horvath
  • Patent number: 10288071
    Abstract: An improved bearing and shaft assembly includes a bearing assembly having an outer bearing member and an inner bearing member, and a shaft assembly having a shaft member, a shaft protection member, and a locking mechanism. The outer bearing member has a cavity for receiving the inner bearing member, and fits within a cavity of an impeller. The shaft assembly is secured within a housing of a jet assembly. The shaft protection member has a cavity for receiving the shaft member. The shaft protection member fits within the cavity of the inner bearing member. Also, a jet assembly, which includes the improved bearing and shaft assembly, may be coupled to a motor assembly. The jet assembly further includes the housing that includes at least one inlet aperture and at least one outlet aperture, and an impeller positioned within a cavity of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Luraco, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Le, Thanh Le
  • Patent number: 10215178
    Abstract: An improved bearing and shaft assembly includes a bearing assembly having an outer bearing member and an inner bearing member, and a shaft assembly having a shaft member, a shaft protection member, and a locking mechanism. The outer bearing member has a cavity for receiving the inner bearing member, and fits within a cavity of an impeller. The shaft assembly is secured within a housing of a jet assembly. The shaft protection member has a cavity for receiving the shaft member. The shaft protection member fits within the cavity of the inner bearing member. Also, a jet assembly, which includes the improved bearing and shaft assembly, may be coupled to a motor assembly. The jet assembly further includes the housing that includes at least one inlet aperture and at least one outlet aperture, and an impeller positioned within a cavity of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Luraco, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Le, Thanh Le
  • Patent number: 10195471
    Abstract: A tank on a firefighting aircraft initially is loaded with water. A polymer gel emulsion vessel is provided on the aircraft, but is not activated and mixed with tank water until such polymer gel preparation is initiated by an operator. When initiated, a pump pulls water from the tank and doses it with gel emulsion. Double elbows and/or the pump impeller fully activates the polymer gel. The activated polymer gel is mixed within the tank by one of a variety of systems including mixing paddles or sparging with gas. In one embodiment, a hollow tower of telescoping form has a float to keep an upper end near a surface in the tank and a sparging gas entry is a controlled distance below the surface, such that gas of limited pressure, such as from a ram air inlet can sparge and mix the water and activated polymer gel emulsion effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Inventor: Leonard E. Doten
  • Patent number: 10123491
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a greenhouse or single container for plant growth coupled to the Internet of Things and including a microfluidic die for water or nutrient distribution. The microfluidic die is controllable automatically or with instructions from a remote user, based on sensors included within a growth environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Marco De Fazio, Simon Dodd
  • Patent number: 10051799
    Abstract: The hydroponic growing system may include a gutter assembly configured to manage flow of a liquid solution to one or more components of the hydroponic growing system. Further, the hydroponic growing system may include at least one growing trough movably engaged to the gutter assembly and configured to hold one or more plants. Moreover, the hydroponic growing system may include an automation assembly movably engaged with the at least one growing trough and configured to move the at least one trough from a first position on the gutter assembly to a second position on the gutter assembly via one or more engagement devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventor: Johannes Cornelious Van Wingerden
  • Patent number: 10012305
    Abstract: A power transmission gearbox provided with at least one lubrication system including a lubrication pump. The lubrication pump is in fluid flow communication with a fluid flow circuit leading to at least one spray means. The gearbox includes an emergency tank suitable for containing a lubrication fluid, the emergency tank being in fluid flow communication with the fluid flow circuit, the emergency tank being connected by at least one pipe to the fluid flow circuit upstream from each spray means, the lubrication fluid being moved in the fluid flow circuit to each spray means by a gas that is set into motion by the lubrication pump in the event of a leak of the lubrication liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
    Inventor: Charles Louis
  • Patent number: 9992940
    Abstract: A hydroponic cultivating device includes a first spraying portion configured to supply a plant with water utilizing electric power; a second spraying portion configured to supply the plant with the water utilizing water-line pressure; a detecting portion configured to detect a state of electric power supply necessary for supplying the plant with the water by the first spraying portion; and a controlling portion configured to control the second spraying portion, wherein the controlling portion switches a city-water switching valve and a discharge switching valve from a closed state to an open state, and thereby, supplies the plant with the water by the second spraying portion, in a case where it is determined that the electric power supply is stopped, based on the state of the electric power supply detected by the detecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yano, Ayumi Sakai, Sayaka Kato
  • Patent number: 9939298
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method and system for detecting activation of a pressure relief device connected to a storage tank containing a pressurized gas. The method includes calculating a pressure relief device release rate based on a set of inputs, wherein the set of inputs includes at least one of a storage tank volume, a pressure relief set point, an orifice size of the pressure relief device, a gas density, and a reseat point for the pressure relief device. The method further includes monitoring the pressure within the storage tank and calculating a differential pressure reading over time, comparing the differential pressure reading over time to the pressure relief device release rate, and detecting a pressure relief device activation based on the comparison result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Nuvera Fuel Cells, LLC
    Inventor: Bryan Gordon
  • Patent number: 9784150
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system includes a lubricated component and a lubricant pump that selectively provides lubricant to the lubricated component. The system also includes a lubricant source in lubricant providing communication with the lubricant pump. Additionally, the system includes a lubricant flow regulation device in lubricant receiving communication with the lubricated component and lubricant providing communication with the lubricant source. The lubricant flow regulation device is configured to drain lubricant from the lubricated component to the lubricant source based on when the lubricant pump provides lubricant to the lubricated component, and to prevent drainage of lubricant from the lubricated component to the lubricant source based on when the lubricant pump stops providing lubricant to the lubricated component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Cummins IP, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Marthaler
  • Patent number: 9656108
    Abstract: A tank on a firefighting aircraft initially is loaded with water. A polymer gel emulsion vessel is provided but gel emulsion is not activated and mixed with water in the tank until such polymer gel preparation is initiated by an operator. When initiated, a pump pulls water from the tank and returns water back to the tank with a dose of gel emulsion supplied therein. Double elbows and/or the pump impeller fully activates the polymer gel. The activated polymer gel is mixed within the tank by one of a variety of systems including sparging with air, routing of return water from the pump through nozzles and providing a baffle for generating circulatory mixing flow within the tank, or utilizing a mixer element which moves dynamically within the tank. Hydrodynamic forces associated with the aircraft passing over a body of water can power dosing of the water with polymer gel emulsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Inventor: Leonard E. Doten
  • Patent number: 9597491
    Abstract: A device for the sealing connection of a pressure hose with a grip element of a surgical instrument. The device comprising at least one sealing element that, in an assembled state, is interposed between the grip element and the pressure hose in a connecting region to create a seal. A support element is provided and arranged in the connecting region in the interior of the pressure hose such that the sealing element is clamped, or can be clamped, between the support element and the pressure hose on one side and the grip element on the other side. In addition, a handle for a surgical device, in particular a cryogenic surgical instrument, comprising a grip element for holding the surgical instrument and comprising at least one pressure hose that is connected, or can be connected, with the grip element via the device for the sealing connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH
    Inventors: Hansjoerg Besch, Markus Amann, Christian Sick
  • Patent number: 9592154
    Abstract: An intraocular shunt can be manufactured using a system that includes a liquid bath and a wire, which is moved through the bath. When moved through the bath, the wire is coated with a material, such as gelatin. For example, the liquid bath can have a top layer, including water, and a bottom layer, including gelatin. The coated wire passes through an aperture formed in a plate component of the system. The gelatin can be dried on the wire in a humidity-controlled space, thereby forming the shunt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: AqueSys, Inc.
    Inventors: Laszlo O. Romoda, Brian Hamstrom, Partha Chandrakant, Christopher Horvath
  • Patent number: 9486761
    Abstract: A slurry dispensing system (10) is disclosed. A peristaltic pump (28) may direct a flow of slurry out of a horizontal mixer (20) to a slurry dispenser (140). This slurry dispenser (140) may be operated on a programmed manner by a controller (260) to dispense slurry into a container (36). Both a bypass valve (172) and a dispensing valve (204) of the slurry dispenser may be opened/closed on a programmed basis by the controller (260) to deliver slurry to a container (36), such as a glass column. Slurry may be intermittently directed into a metering chamber (194) of the slurry dispenser (140), while the remainder of the slurry being directed into the slurry dispenser (140) may be recirculated back to the horizontal mixer (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: MALLINCKRODT NUCLEAR MEDICINE LLC
    Inventors: Mark D. Worley, Michael R. Mahoney
  • Patent number: 9423068
    Abstract: A device and method for supplying ozonated liquid is disclosed. Liquid in a reservoir is pumped from the reservoir to a separate ozone generator and is thereby ozonated. The ozonated liquid is retained to the reservoir so that the liquid is circulated in a loop. As the liquid is circulated through the ozone generator, the concentration of ozone increases. Once the liquid has been sufficiently ozonated, the generator is disconnected and the reservoir moved to where ozonated water is required and ozonated water is dispensed from the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventor: Joseph J. Hesketh
  • Patent number: 9409232
    Abstract: The invention relates to systems for transferring molten metal from one structure to another. Aspects of the invention include a transfer chamber constructed inside of or next to a vessel used to retain molten metal. The transfer chamber is in fluid communication with the vessel so molten metal from the vessel can enter the transfer chamber. A powered device, which may be inside of the transfer chamber, moves molten metal upward and out of the transfer chamber and preferably into a structure outside of the vessel, such as another vessel or a launder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Molten Metal Equipment Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Paul V. Cooper, Vincent D. Fontana
  • Patent number: 9295610
    Abstract: A novel fitting for air blowers in air baths that is to be used in conjunction with the blower plumbing system between the blower and the mandated water backflow prevention safety device. The fitting has an internal structure that acts through a dual push/pull effect in order to divert a portion of the air through an ozone generator. The influent side acts as an air ram, like a pitot tube while the effluent side acts as a venturi. The design is symmetrical in that the fitting can be installed in either direction, i.e., the fitting is reversible in relation to the blower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Jason Hillyard
  • Patent number: 9254221
    Abstract: A heart-type circulation device comprises a power system, a cover plate (16), an elastic plate (5), a pressing contact ring (6), a water inlet (13), a check valve A (9), a self-pressing liquid storage tank (12), a check valve B (10), a water outlet (11), and a pipeline (17). The elastic plate (5) is disposed above the power system, the pressing contact ring (6) is disposed on the periphery of a bottom surface of the elastic plate (5), and the pressing contact ring (6), the elastic plate (5), and the cover plate (16) are fixedly connected in sequence from bottom to top. The water inlet (13) and the water outlet (11) are in communication with each other between the cover plate (16) and the elastic plate (5) via the cover plate (16) respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Henglai Zhao
  • Patent number: 9113994
    Abstract: An intraocular shunt can be manufactured using a system that includes a liquid bath and a wire, which is moved through the bath. When moved through the bath, the wire is coated with a material, such as gelatin. For example, the liquid bath can have a top layer, including water, and a bottom layer, including gelatin. The coated wire passes through an aperture formed in a plate component of the system. The gelatin can be dried on the wire in a humidity-controlled space, thereby forming the shunt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: AqueSys, Inc.
    Inventors: Laszlo O. Romoda, Brian Hamstrom, Partha Chandrakant, Christopher Horvath
  • Publication number: 20150144206
    Abstract: A recirculating bath includes a reservoir for receiving a working liquid, a recirculating pump, and at least one thermal element. The recirculating pump and thermal element are located externally to the reservoir so that the reservoir has an unobstructed working space. The thermal element may be thermally coupled to the working liquid through an interior surface of the reservoir, or the working liquid may be circulated over the thermal element by the recirculating pump in a chamber external to the reservoir. The recirculating bath may also include a lid that provides access to the reservoir by pivoting on a latching hinge. When open, the lid may provide a working surface adjacent to the reservoir. The lid may also include a selector that unlatches the hinge so that the lid can be removed. The recirculating pump may be fluidically coupled to the reservoir via a manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Randall D. Dickinson, Mark J. Estrella, Nathan Norman Lang
  • Patent number: 9038657
    Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a fuel supply system having a recirculation loop is provided. The fuel supply system comprises a fuel tank; a return line coupled fluidly to the fuel tank; a fuel manifold; and a recirculation loop, wherein the return line is coupled fluidly to the recirculation loop at a first node to return fuel from the recirculation loop to the fuel tank, and the recirculation loop comprises a heat exchanger positioned downstream of the fuel manifold and upstream of the first node. The recirculation loop may comprise an orifice positioned upstream of the heat exchanger and downstream of the fuel manifold. Additionally, the fuel supply system may further comprise a supply line coupled fluidly to the fuel tank and further coupled fluidly to the recirculation loop at a second node positioned upstream of the fuel manifold and downstream of the first node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Galen B. Wilkinson, Robert J. Fry, Charles Klose
  • Patent number: 9032994
    Abstract: An arrangement for testing a fire suppression sprinkler system includes a supply conduit for supplying a fire suppression fluid to a plurality of sprinklers. A sensor senses a flow of fire suppression fluid through the supply conduit. A drain conduit drains fire suppression fluid when the fire suppression system is tested. A drain valve controls the flow of the fire suppression fluid so that when the fire suppression system is tested the fire suppression fluid is controlled to enter the drain conduit. A fire suppression fluid collection tank collects the fire suppression fluid which has entered the drain conduit for reintroducing the collected fire suppression fluid to the supply conduit. A circulation valve controls the flow of the fire suppression fluid so that when the fire suppression system is tested the fire suppression fluid enters the fire suppression fluid collection tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: AGF MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: James P. McHugh, George McHugh, IV
  • Patent number: 9032995
    Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid supply system wherein liquid, such as for example, a supply of warm water, circulates. Said system consists of thick outer tubes, the inner chamber of said thick outer tubes allowing a liquid to flow through, a thin inner tube is respectively placed inside the outer tube in which the liquid can flow in the direction counter to that in the inner chamber. In the path of at least one outer tube, a first tube branch is introduced enabling the first inner tube to be withdrawn, and in said first branch, at least one functional component, such as a shut-off valve, is introduced into the inner tube and guided to a second tube branch in the path of an outer tube and extends further through said tube branch and then into the inner chamber of the latter outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Herbert Spiegel
  • Patent number: 9027595
    Abstract: A method for channeling hot/warm working fluid includes coupling a first fluid supply path in flow communication with an inlet of a first transparent fluid reservoir to a fluid inlet valve, coupling an outlet of the first transparent fluid reservoir in flow communication to a fluid outlet supply path, coupling a second fluid reservoir in flow communication with the first transparent fluid reservoir, and coupling a second fluid supply path in flow communication with an outlet of the second fluid reservoir to a fluid outlet valve. The method also includes directing working fluid of a temperature that is above a minimum threshold temperature from the fluid inlet valve to the fluid outlet supply path through the first transparent fluid reservoir, and directing working fluid of a temperature that is below the minimum threshold temperature from the first transparent fluid reservoir to the fluid outlet valve through the second fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventors: Avinash Girish Bhardwaj, Glrish Krishnan
  • Publication number: 20150122902
    Abstract: A hydraulic manifold for a hydraulic heating and/or cooling system includes a feed conduit (212) and a return conduit (216). The feed conduit (212) includes at least one feed connection (258), and the return conduit (216) includes at least one return connection (260), for the connection of a load circuit (228). A load module (204), in which a section of the feed conduit (212) with the feed connection (258), and a section of the return conduit (216) with the return section (260) are formed, includes at least one mixing device with a pump (232) and with a regulating valve (230), to admix fluid from the return connection (260) to a fluid flow from the feed conduit (212) to the feed connection (258). The section of the feed conduit (212) and the return conduit (216) in each case include an additional contact for connection with a further load module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Søren Emil SØRENSEN
  • Publication number: 20150114494
    Abstract: A recirculation block includes a top face and a bottom face that are connected by a right side face, a left side face, a front face, and a rear face. The recirculation block further includes a pair of junction block entry ports and a pair of side block entry ports. Both of the junction block entry ports are positioned on the bottom face. The first side block entry port is positioned on the right side face and the second side block entry port is positioned on the left side face. The recirculation block further includes a pair of exit ports. The first exit port is in fluid communication with both the first junction block entry port and the first side block entry port. The second exit port is in fluid communication with both the second junction block entry port and the second side block entry port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Robert G. Crawford
  • Patent number: 9010281
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hot water supply system provided with a tank which holds a high-temperature liquid, and a heating means for generating the high-temperature liquid which is stored in the aforementioned tank. In the lower portion of the aforementioned tank is provided a water-heating heat exchanger which heats the water to be supplied to a hot water terminal by means of the liquid present in the lower portion of the aforementioned tank. Further, a hot water supply circuit is provided which conducts water to the aforementioned hot water supply terminal. The aforementioned hot water supply circuit splits into a water-heating path passing through the aforementioned water-heating heat exchanger, and a bypass path bypassing the aforementioned water-heating heat exchanger, and is provided with a hot water supply circuit control mechanism which controls the circulation state of the water in the aforementioned water-heating path and the aforementioned bypass path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi Appliances, Inc.
    Inventors: Takayuki Fushiki, Hidekatsu Fujita
  • Publication number: 20150101691
    Abstract: A submersible, water circulation system for enclosed tanks such as used by municipalities, fire districts, and industries. The system includes a driving unit having a shell extending along an axis with a pump supported within the shell. The shell has at least one inlet and at least one outlet and is positionable on the floor of the tank with the outlet facing upwardly. The upwardly facing outlet is preferably a thin, upwardly facing, elongated slot and creates a thin, substantially planar discharge of water therethrough that is directed upwardly toward the surface of the body of water. The substantially planar discharge presents a very large surface area for its volume and induces water adjacent the outside of the shell of the driving unit to move upwardly with it toward the surface of the body of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Medora Environmental, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas P. Walter, Joel J. Bleth, Willard R. Tormaschy, Corey M. Simnioniw, Jonathan L. Zent
  • Patent number: 8991422
    Abstract: A diffuser assembly for a hydraulic reservoir is disclosed. The diffuser assembly includes an inlet tube for connection to the inlet to the reservoir. A middle portion of the middle tube is connected to a plurality of diffusers. The diffusers are disposed at an angle with respect to an axis of the inlet tube and the axis of the inlet to the reservoir so that fluid flowing into the reservoir must change flow directions for entering and exiting the diffusers. The disclosed diffuser assembly is less prone to damaged cause by fluid flow spikes and is particularly useful for high flow/high pressure applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Bruno Lawrence Risatti
  • Publication number: 20150079255
    Abstract: A device for distributing wine uniformly over a wine cap includes a T-joint member, an impeller and a shaft. The T-joint member has a top opening, a bottom opening, a side opening, a through-opening extending from the top opening to the bottom opening and a side-through-opening extending from the side opening to the through-opening. The impeller includes a one-piece conical shaped body that has a circular base, a cylindrical center, a conical-shaped outer surface, a central-through-opening extending through the cylindrical center, and a plurality of curved blades extending from the top of the cylindrical center along the inclined outer surface. The T-joint member is configured to allow wine to be pumped into the through-opening through the side opening and to exit through the bottom opening and then to flow onto the impeller. The impeller is configured to allow the wine to flow uniformly around and down the conical-shaped outer surface of the impeller and through the impeller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: ALEXANDER MITCHELL, EVAN SCHNEIDER
  • Publication number: 20150068606
    Abstract: A subsea system is for uptake and supply of a liquid. The system comprises a storage tank having at least one outlet, a valve assembly, a pump having a high-pressure side and a low-pressure side, and a feed line. The outlet is in fluid communication with a lower internal volume of the tank, and the valve assembly. The low-pressure side of the pump and the feed line are in fluid communication with the outlet, and the valve assembly is arranged on the feed line, and the feed line is bypassing the pump, such that said pump may withdraw liquid from the tank when the valve assembly on the feed line is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: OBS TECHNOLOGY AS
    Inventor: Nils Terje Ottestad
  • Patent number: 8959920
    Abstract: An assembly or system is provided for selectively regulating journal bearing lubrication between at least first and second levels in an aircraft engine. A high pressure pump includes movable portions at least in part supported by a journal bearing. A selector valve is configured to selectively supply lubrication flow to the journal bearing. In addition, a relief valve is configured to receive a signal from the selector valve defining a pressure level at which the relief valve should relieve pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Martin A. Clements
  • Patent number: 8951019
    Abstract: A fuel forwarding skid for delivering fuel from a storage area to a plurality of turbines includes at least two pumps for delivering fuel to a skid outlet line. A flow control device is connected to the pumps to control an output of the pumps. A recirculation line is in communication with the skid outlet line and is adapted to return a portion of the fuel in the skid outlet line to the storage area. A flow meter is in communication with the recirculation line to measure a rate of flow in the recirculation line, and the flow control device controls the output of at least one of the pumps in accordance with the rate of flow in the recirculation line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Victor Hains, Gary Cletus Mobley, Abhijit Gupta
  • Publication number: 20150034175
    Abstract: In at least some implementations, a fuel tank includes a tank body defining a chamber adapted to receive liquid fuel therein, a reinforcement for the tank body to permit the pressure within the chamber to exceed the vapor pressure of a fuel to be received within the chamber, and an inlet to the tank body through which fuel is added to the chamber. The inlet is configured to mate with a refueling nozzle through which fuel is added to the chamber to permit refueling the tank and maintaining the pressure in the chamber above atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Albert J. Boecker, Alex Ehler, Patrick Gmuend, Peter Grauer, Walter B. Hersel, Gerrit A. Michaelis, Matthias B. Olbrich
  • Publication number: 20150027552
    Abstract: A fluid supply system includes a pressure tank configured to contain a pressurized gas and a fluid, a delivery point configured to be connected to a point of use, a recirculation piping connecting the pressure tank to the delivery point, and a return pump connected to the recirculation piping. The recirculation piping defines a circulation path for the fluid from the pressure tank through the delivery point and back to the pressure tank. The return pump is downstream of the delivery point and upstream of the pressure tank in the circulation path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Taiwna Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ching-Jung HSU, Yung-Ti HUNG, Chun-Feng HSU, Nan-Peng CHENG
  • Publication number: 20150027570
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure supply system may supply low hydraulic pressure generated at a low-pressure hydraulic pump to a low pressure portion through a low-pressure regulator valve, may supply a portion of the low hydraulic pressure to a high-pressure hydraulic pump, and may supply high hydraulic pressure generated at the high-pressure hydraulic pump to a high pressure portion through a high-pressure regulator valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Taehwan Wi, Jin Young Hwang, Se Hwan Jo
  • Publication number: 20150017332
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying virgin sealer and reclaim sealer to a sealer applicator. A closed loop path including a first fluid flow path is coupled between a source of virgin sealer and the applicator and includes a recirculation path from the applicator back to the source of virgin material. A reclaim sealer supply is coupled to the first fluid flow path. Valves open and close the virgin sealer supply and the reclaim sealer supply to alternately supply virgin sealer or reclaim sealer to the applicator. Whenever the first fluid flow path contains reclaim sealer, a valve blocks flow to the recirculation path to prevent reclaim sealer from being recirculated into the source of virgin sealer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Frank Zolli, Matt Neal Jantzi, Michael Haller, Grant Daniel Balfoort
  • Publication number: 20150007892
    Abstract: A recirculation system for a crude oil cargo tank barge having at least one tank includes a pump in fluid communication with at least one tank and recirculation piping in fluid communication with the pump and at least one tank. The pump pumps fluid from at least one tank to the recirculation piping. The recirculation piping then returns the pumped fluid to at least one tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Poindexter, Dave Cooley, Raymond Aubrey