Combining By Aspiration Patents (Class 137/888)
  • Patent number: 12036520
    Abstract: In one example, a liquid mixture nozzle for flowing a liquid mixture therethrough includes a body having a flow inlet and a flow outlet. The flow inlet is configured to couple to a first piece of piping and the flow outlet is configured to couple to a second piece of piping. The liquid mixture nozzle also includes a converging section having a decreasing diameter positioned adjacent the flow inlet, an orifice positioned at a narrow end of the converging section, an intermediate section having a constant diameter positioned adjacent the orifice, a diverging section having an increasing diameter positioned adjacent the intermediate section and the flow outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: ALFA LAVAL CORPORATE AB
    Inventor: Ashok Vellaiah Retnaswamy
  • Patent number: 11931735
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for manufacturing a microfluidic arrangement are disclosed. In one arrangement, a continuous body of a first liquid is provided in direct contact with a first substrate. A second liquid covers the first liquid. A separation fluid, immiscible with the first liquid, is propelled through at least the first liquid and into contact with the first substrate along all of a selected path on the surface of the first substrate. First liquid that was initially in contact with all of the selected path is displaced away from the selected path. The first liquid is divided to form sub-bodies of first liquid that are separated from each other. For each of one or more of the sub-bodies, a sub-body footprint represents an area of contact between the sub-body and the first substrate, and all of a boundary of the sub-body footprint is in contact with a closed loop of the selected path surrounding the sub-body footprint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Oxford University Innovation Limited
    Inventors: Edmond Walsh, Alexander Feuerborn, Peter Richard Cook, Cristian Soitu
  • Patent number: 11365814
    Abstract: A control valve for a fluid treatment apparatus is provided, including a valve body having a control portion and a treatment portion, the portions being separated from each other so that fluid in the control portion is isolated from fluid in the treatment portion. The treatment portion includes a plurality of piston valves reciprocating in corresponding openings defined in a corresponding number of cylinders for controlling water to be treated in the apparatus. Each of the cylinders has a plurality of peripherally spaced, vertically-extending guide ribs configured for facilitating engagement of the piston valves with the openings and for reducing unwanted cavitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: CULLIGAN INTERNATIONAL COMPANY
    Inventors: Eugene Boglio, Doug Anderson, Adam Sloma, Lonnie Webb, Harkirat Sahni, Bill Lathouris
  • Patent number: 10724550
    Abstract: A Venturi device has a body defining a motive section and a discharge section converging toward and spaced a distance apart to define a Venturi gap, defining a first suction port and a second suction port each in fluid communication with the Venturi gap, and defining a chamber having an outlet end of the motive section and an inlet end of the discharge section dividing the chamber into a first portion and a second portion in fluid communication with one another above and below the inlet and outlet ends and through the Venturi gap. The first and second portions both have a plurality of spaced apart fingers protruding radially and axially from an inner wall thereof. A suction housing is sealingly connected to the chamber and collectively defines a check valve with the body, and a cap is sealing connected to close another end of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Dayco IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: David E. Fletcher, Brian M. Graichen, James H. Miller, Keith Hampton
  • Patent number: 10610836
    Abstract: A high-flow liquid dispenser comprises a diluent inlet connectable to a pressurized liquid source and a backflow preventer and eductor system in fluid communication with the diluent inlet and defining a dispenser outlet for dispensing the effluent mixture. The backflow preventer and eductor system comprises at least two air gap or safe gap eductors in simultaneous fluid communication with the diluent inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Inventors: John Boticki, Jim Bournoville, Paul Larson, Dave Horvath
  • Patent number: 10501348
    Abstract: As an example embodiment, a system may detect water flow in a well water system and may responsively trigger a pump to inject a chlorinating substance into untreated water from the well. Further, the system may include a contact reservoir that allows the water and the chlorinating substance to combine. In this way, the chlorinating substance is drawn only when needed, but is given the opportunity to achieve time in solution with the untreated water. As a result, bacteria in untreated water may be dispatched, while other organic substances in the untreated water are given the opportunity to settle to the bottom of the contact reservoir. A static mixer may be used to mix the chlorinating substance and the untreated water prior to entering the contact reservoir and/or while in the contact reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Angel Water, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew J. Wilson
  • Patent number: 10232333
    Abstract: An apparatus for membrane emulsification. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a membrane defining a plurality of apertures connecting a first phase on a first side of the membrane to a second phase on a second, different side of the membrane, such that egression of the first phase into the second phase via the plurality of apertures creates an emulsion, and wherein the membrane is an oscillating cylindrical membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: MICROPORE TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventors: Bruce Williams, Richard Holdich, Iain Cumming, Pedro Silva, David Hayward
  • Patent number: 9919689
    Abstract: Venturi devices are disclosed that have a housing defining a conduit having a Venturi gap. Downstream of and bypassing the Venturi gap is a bypass check valve that defines an internal cavity having a first seat, a second seat, an inlet port, at least two outlet ports, and a seal member seated therein that is translatable between a closed position against the first seat and an open position against the second seat. The two outlet ports of the bypass check valve enter the conduit at opposing positions disposed a distance from a top of the conduit, which is located at a midsagittal plane of the housing. Further, a transition from a tapering section downstream of the Venturi gap and upstream of each of the two outlet ports to a discharge section downstream of the two outlet ports forms a gradually, continuously tapering interior surface of the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Dayco IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: David E. Fletcher, Brian M. Graichen, Keith Hampton
  • Patent number: 9879699
    Abstract: Venturi devices and systems incorporating the Venturi devices are disclosed. The Venturi devices have a body defining a passageway that has a motive section and a discharge section spaced a distance apart from one another to define a Venturi gap. Both the motive section and the discharge section converge toward the Venturi gap. Also, the body defines a first suction port and a second suction port generally opposite one another that are each in fluid communication with the Venturi gap. The Venturi gap is generally wider proximate both the first suction port and the second suction port than at a generally central point therebetween. In a system, the Venturi device has its motive section fluidly connected to a source of motive pressure and one or both of the first and second suction ports in fluid communication with a device requiring vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Dayco IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: David E. Fletcher, Brian M. Graichen, James H. Miller, Keith Hampton
  • Patent number: 9827963
    Abstract: Aspirators are disclosed herein that include a body defining a Venturi gap between an outlet end of a converging motive section and an inlet end of a diverging discharge section and have a suction port in fluid communication with the Venturi gap. The converging motive section defines a circular-shaped motive inlet and defines an elliptical- or polygonal-shaped motive outlet, and the diverging discharge section defines an elliptical- or polygonal-shaped discharge inlet. In one embodiment, the converging motive section defines an inner passageway that transitions as a hyperbolic function from the circular-shaped motive inlet to the elliptical- or polygonal-shaped motive outlet and the elliptical- or polygonal-shaped motive outlet has an area that is less than the area of the circular-shaped motive inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Dayco IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Dave Fletcher, Brian Graichen, Keith Hampton, Matt Gilmer, Andrew Niedert
  • Patent number: 9732461
    Abstract: A liquid detergent mixer includes a main body, a detergent inlet pipe, a wash water inlet pipe, and a wash water dispersing unit. The main body defines a mixing space in which wash water and liquid detergent are mixed. The detergent inlet pipe allows liquid detergent to flow into the mixing space. The wash water inlet pipe has one end protruding from the other side surface of the main body to the mixing space to allow wash water to flow into the mixing space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Dongsoo Lee, Jaehyuk Jang, Youngho Kim
  • Patent number: 9605625
    Abstract: A venturi valve assembly, having a flow tube, an upper port integrally formed with flow tube, a flow cavity disposed within the flow tube, an inlet formed as part of the flow tube such that the inlet forms a part of the flow cavity, an outlet formed as part of the flow tube such that the outlet forms a part of the flow cavity, and a venturi nozzle disposed in the flow tube. Pressurized air flows into the flow cavity from the inlet such that the pressurized air flows around the venturi nozzle. Purge vapor flows into the flow cavity from the upper port, and the flow rate of the pressurized air is increased after flowing around the venturi nozzle, increasing the flow of the purge vapor after the purge vapor is mixed with the pressurized air in the flow tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David William Balsdon, Binjamin Dominick Manton Williams, David Rene Forgeron
  • Patent number: 9534704
    Abstract: Check valve units having one or more sound attenuating members are disclosed. A check valve unit includes a housing defining an inlet port, an outlet port, and a chamber in fluid communication therewith thereby defining a flow path from the inlet port through the chamber to the outlet port. The chamber includes first and second valve seats and has a sealing member disposed therein that is moveable from a position seated on the first valve seat to a position seated on the second valve seat. A sound attenuating member is disposed in the flow path downstream of the chamber, within the chamber, or both. In another embodiment, the check valve unit includes a Venturi portion in fluid communication with the chamber. The Venturi portion has a fluid junction with the flow path downstream of the chamber or forms the discharge section of the Venturi portion thereby defining the outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: DAYCO IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Keith Hampton, David E. Fletcher, Brian M. Graichen, Rex Bravo, Matt Gilmer, Andrew Niedert
  • Patent number: 9504961
    Abstract: An exhaust purifying system includes a selective reduction catalyst provided on an exhaust passage of an engine, a fluid supply device for supplying a urea fluid to a section of the exhaust passage that is upstream of the selective reduction catalyst, a gas separator for separating source gas into oxygen-enriched gas and nitrogen-enriched gas, an ozone generator that includes an ozone producing space, to which the oxygen-enriched gas is introduced, and produces ozone from the introduced oxygen-enriched gas, an ozone supplier for supplying ozone to a section of the exhaust passage that is upstream of the selective reduction catalyst, a vortex tube for separating the nitrogen-enriched gas into cool air and warm air and discharging the cool air and the warm air, and a cooling device for cooling the ozone producing space by applying the cool air discharged from the vortex tube to the ozone generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: HINO MOTORS, LTD.
    Inventors: Ichiro Tsumagari, Yoshihiro Kawada
  • Patent number: 9291177
    Abstract: A duct in which a fluid can be conducted is bound by duct walls, wherein the duct walls have an inlet opening and an outlet opening through which the fluid can enter the duct and exit the duct. The fluid has a flow velocity which is smaller along the duct walls than at the duct middle, so that a zone of higher flow velocity and a zone of lower flow velocity can be formed in the duct. A flow guide surface is arranged in the duct by means of which a portion of the fluid can be taken from the zone of higher flow velocity and can be mixed into the zone of lower flow velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: ESG mbH
    Inventors: Dieter Wurz, Stefan Hartig
  • Patent number: 9138706
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for adding an alkali metal promoter into steam and contacting the solution with a dehydrogenation catalyst during a dehydrogenation reaction is disclosed. The apparatus has a first conduit capable of transporting an alkali metal salt solution and a second conduit in fluid communication with the first conduit, the second conduit capable of transporting steam so that the alkali metal salt is dissipated into the steam prior to entry into a dehydrogenation reaction zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: FINA TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: James R. Butler, Joseph E. Pelati
  • Patent number: 9127635
    Abstract: A method of generating a spray by a fluid injection valve is provided. The fluid injection valve includes a valve seat (10), a valve body (8), and an orifice plate (11) having a plurality of orifices (12). The flows in the orifices and the flows directly below the orifices are configured to be substantially liquid film flows. The directions of jet flows (30), (31) from the respective orifices (12) are not necessarily matched to the central axis directions of the orifices and are not necessarily intersected with each other at a downstream position thereof. The sprays are caused to converge by the Coanda effect acting on a plurality of sprays after jet flows from the orifices (12) become sprays at a downstream position farther than a break-up length (a). The convergence of the sprays is continued until the Coanda effect is substantially lost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Mamoru Sumida, Tatsuya Nakayama, Norihisa Fukutomi, Keisuke Ito
  • Patent number: 9022073
    Abstract: Provided is a device for use in a shower system and a related method. The device may include an appliance for adding a medium to shower water. The appliance may be designed such that it works according to the principle of a water jet pump. Advantageously, the medium added to the shower water may contain one or more fragrance media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: Urs Strauli
  • Patent number: 8991419
    Abstract: A venturi valve pressure compensator apparatus and method include a venturi valve with an inlet and an outlet and with a small diameter opening at the inlet and a large diameter opening at the outlet and with an air intake opening. An insert, with a front and a back, is provided such that the front of the insert faces the small diameter opening of the venturi valve. At least one hole is provided in the insert that extends through the insert from front to back. A pressure seal is located at the back of the insert, the pressure seal conformed to seal leaks around the insert and force fluid to flow through the at least one hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: John L. Brice
  • Publication number: 20150034163
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for creating droplets. In one aspect, a plurality of droplets (27) is introduced into a continuous fluid stream (21) to cause the continuous fluid stream to form discrete droplets. In some cases, the droplets that are formed from the continuous fluid stream may be substantially monodisperse. The continuous fluid stream may, in some cases, be a jetting fluid stream flowing at a relatively high linear flow rate, and in certain embodiments, high rates of droplet formation from the jetting fluid may thereby be achieved. Additionally, certain aspects of the invention are generally directed to devices, such as microfluidic devices, able to form such droplets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Adam R. Abate, David A. Weitz
  • Publication number: 20140360607
    Abstract: Aspirators are disclosed herein that include a body defining a Venturi gap between an outlet end of a converging motive section and an inlet end of a diverging discharge section and have a suction port in fluid communication with the Venturi gap. The converging motive section defines a circular-shaped motive inlet and defines an elliptical- or polygonal-shaped motive outlet, and the diverging discharge section defines an elliptical- or polygonal-shaped discharge inlet. In one embodiment, the converging motive section defines an inner passageway that transitions as a hyperbolic function from the circular-shaped motive inlet to the elliptical- or polygonal-shaped motive outlet and the elliptical- or polygonal-shaped motive outlet has an area that is less than the area of the circular-shaped motive inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: Dayco IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Dave Fletcher, Brian Graichen, Keith Hampton, Matt Gilmer, Andrew Niedert
  • Patent number: 8845178
    Abstract: An in-line-type fluid mixer is provided, which includes a first channel-forming part defining a first inlet channel from a first inlet portion to a first passage portion; a second channel-forming part defining a second inlet channel from a second inlet portion to a second passage portion; a third channel-forming part defining an outlet channel having a sectional area that increases from a narrower portion through a flaring portion to an outlet portion, and being communicated with the first inlet channel and the second inlet channel, respectively, at an end of the narrow portion; and a whirling stream-generating part for generating a whirling stream in at least one of the first inlet channel and the second inlet channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Asahi Organic Chemicals Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Hanada, Shengli Li
  • Patent number: 8813769
    Abstract: A device for putting in solution a powdery concentrate includes a liquid supply pipe (10), an extraction pipe (30) with a valve (31), and a transfer pipe (40) connected to a junction point, the transfer pipe being for connecting to a receptacle (50) containing the concentrate. The junction point is in the constriction of a venturi tube (20), the supply pipe (10) being connected to the convergent chamber (21) and the extraction pipe (30) to the divergent chamber (22). If the valve (31) is closed, the liquid leaves the venturi tube through the vacuum tapping to enter the receptacle. When the valve (31) is opened, the liquid leaves the venturi tube through the divergence chamber, causing a pressure drop in the vacuum tapping. The saturated liquid contained in the receptacle is then sucked and entrained by the liquid passing through the venturi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Gastauer, Philippe Laffay, Benoit Luaire
  • Patent number: 8746594
    Abstract: An air inductor comprises an inner sleeve having a water inlet (1) and a water outlet (2). The inner sleeve is arranged to form a venturi and has a side air inlet (3). An outer sleeve has first and second different attachment means (9, 11) at opposite ends for attachment to different plumbing fixtures. The inner sleeve can be inserted into either end of the outer sleeve so as to selectably locate the first and second attachment means (9, 11) at the water inlet (1) and water outlet (2) respectively and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: A L Challis Limited
    Inventor: Russell Johnson Challis
  • Publication number: 20140154142
    Abstract: A diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) injector assembly is provided for use in an engine exhaust after-treatment system. The DEF injector assembly includes an injector body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet that delivers the DEF to an engine exhaust stream. The DEF injector assembly may also include a valve that opens and closes the fluid outlet of the injector body. An exemplary DEF injector assembly further includes an impact structure with an inclined impact surface that disperses and distributes the injected DEF into the engine exhaust stream. Another exemplary DEF injector assembly further includes a shroud that insulates the injector body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Claude M. Johnson, Mark Yragui, Herman Van Niekerk, Farzan Roshdieh
  • Patent number: 8702018
    Abstract: An apparatus providing improved dispensing of liquid-additives such as soap, shampoo, or bodywash, into an existing waterline outlet in bathroom or kitchen, while optionally featuring a unique Bubblizer™-chamber enabling user to observe an eye-catching dynamic fluidic-admixture display via a 2-inch diameter preview-window, prior to emergence of the bubblized-admixture via a conventional showerhead. The SudsMix™ shower-unit version readily suspends from an existing wall-extending gooseneck-pipe where it fluidicly couples into the water-line without aid of tools. Introduction of the liquid-soap additive is initiated remotely via a pushbutton valve conveniently located at waist-level, while concealed conduit-lines feed selected additive upward from the reservoir-section to the Bubblizer™-chamber integrated into the upper portion of the wall-hugging housing. Other adaptations of the Bubblizer™-chamber are a hand-held wand-like bathing back-scrubber, and similar kitchen-sink dish-scrubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: Santiago Rivera
  • Publication number: 20130306181
    Abstract: A multistaged lean prevaporizing premixing fuel injector apparatus is provided. The fuel injector may be utilized with a turbogenerator. Preheated combustion air from the turbogenerator's recuperator may be utilized by the fuel injector to prevaporize liquid fuel. The injector may provide for premixing of multiple fuel streams and include multiple stages with a flow distributor plate separating adjacent stages. The injector may include multiple stages, with a pilot tube located in a final stage splitting the fuel stream into a premixed pilot stream and a premixed final fuel and air mixture stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: CAPSTONE TURBINE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark G. Mitchell, Junhua Chen
  • Patent number: 8517056
    Abstract: A fluid regulator (1) for use as a shower water saving device, wherein an initial volume of water of a water stream at an undesired cold temperature is collected in a chamber and is reintroduced into the water stream when the stream has reached the desired temperature. Reintroduction of the initial volume of cold water is at a controlled rate such that the temperature change upon reintroduction is not significant. The fluid regulator (1) comprises a body (2), a flow passage (3) having an inlet (20) and outlet (21) for the water stream, a water collection chamber (4) in fluid communication with the flow passage (3), and a flow diverter (5) associated with the flow passage (3) and moveable between a closed position in which the water stream is directed to the collection chamber (4), and an open position in which the water stream may flow to the outlet (21) and the water in the collection chamber (4) may be drained from the collection chamber (4) to the outlet (21) by way of the flow passage (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Cullin Innovation Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Peter Cullin
  • Publication number: 20130213510
    Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein provide a check valve aspirator including a venturi pipe having a converging section with a converging inlet and a converging outlet, and a diverging section with a diverging inlet and a diverging outlet. The converging outlet is in fluid communication with the diverging inlet. An outlet channel is in fluid communication with the venturi pipe and has an outlet port. A ratio of a diameter of the converging section outlet to a diameter of the outlet port is less than 0.4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Nyloncraft Incorporated
    Inventors: Matthew Burnham, Andy Smith, Amy Backhus
  • Patent number: 8454567
    Abstract: Multi-conduit connector apparatuses for use in negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) apparatuses to wound dressing, and methods for installing multi-conduit connector apparatuses in NPWT apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Alexander Long, Aidan Marcus Tout, Larry Tab Randolph, Christopher Brian Locke
  • Patent number: 8316885
    Abstract: A fluid supply system is provided, especially for delivering liquid hydrocarbon to a fuel-operated vehicle heater or to a reformer. The system includes a fluid reservoir (12), a first fluid line (28) from the fluid reservoir (12) to an on-off valve (30), a second fluid line (32) from the on-off valve (30) to a first system area (14) to be fed with fluid, and a third fluid line (34) from the on-off valve (30) to the reservoir (12). The on-off valve (30) establishes a connection between the first fluid line (28) and the second fluid line (32) in a first valve position and establishes a connection between the second fluid line (32) and the third fluid line (34) in a second valve position. A first fluid delivery arrangement (26) is provided for delivering fluid from the reservoir (12) into the second fluid line (12). A second fluid delivery arrangement (20, 24) is provided for delivering fluid from the third fluid line (34) into the reservoir (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: J. Eberspächer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Thomas Bauer
  • Patent number: 8033714
    Abstract: A cylinder-shaped flow passage in which a first fluid flows includes an internal cylinder which is smaller in diameter than the flow passage. A swirl-generating stator having four vanes is radially fixed in the internal cylinder. A header space for supplying a second fluid is provided to the outer circumference of a wall surface of the internal cylinder in contact with flow separation areas which are formed along downstream surfaces of the swirl-generating stator as the first fluid runs into the swirl-generating stator. The wall surface of the internal cylinder is formed with openings through which the flow separation areas communicate with the header space. The second fluid supplied into the header space flows through the openings into the flow separation areas, and is diffused along the vanes of the swirl-generating stator to be swirled and mixed into the first fluid applied with swirling force by the swirl-generating stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignees: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation, Babcock-Hitachi K.K.
    Inventors: Akira Nishioka, Kiyoshi Amou, Yoshihiro Sukegawa, Takehiko Kowatari, Yasunaga Hamada, Ikuhisa Hamada, Toshifumi Mukai, Yoshinori Taguchi, Hiroshi Yokota
  • Patent number: 7993051
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for suction of a secondary fluid into a primary fluid through one or multiple gaps in contact with a venturi. The venturi imparts a high velocity on the primary fluid to flow across a gap in contact with the venturi and draw in the secondary fluid. The apparatus employs a linear venturi with the flow area, or opening, in the form of a narrow ring or narrow rectangle to increase the length of the gap in contact with the venturi. One gap is provided and positioned in contact with one side of the narrow venturi opening, or two gaps are provided having one positioned in contact each side of the narrow venturi opening. The linear venturi is housed in assemblies referred to as “eductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Hydrotreat, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnny Arnaud
  • Publication number: 20110139284
    Abstract: Herein is disclosed a diluted-fluid dispensing device that operates on the venturi principle to mix a concentrate with a diluent. A pressure-compensating passive valve is provided in a fluid passage of the device through which diluent flows, in order to enhance the precision of the dilution over a range of pressure and/or flowrate at which diluent may be supplied to the device. The passive valve may be placed in proximity to the diluent inlet of the device. The passive valve may be a self-actuating valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: John J. Dyer
  • Patent number: 7954507
    Abstract: An eductor for mixing two liquids wherein the eductor includes a closed or non-air gap back flow prevention member. The vacuum profile of the eductor is altered by changing an opening in a passage portion to controllably divert water flow around the venturi tube or diverting the water without the opening. This affords the changing of the vacuum profile without redesigning the entire eductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Boticki, James L. Bournoville, James H. Lohr
  • Patent number: 7926502
    Abstract: An eductor with a jet ring assembly for generating a low pressure region for detaching and removing residual drilling fluid solids from the internal walls of the eductor is disclosed. The eductor can include: induction ports, liquid induction ports, a mixing chamber, a diffuser, and a jet ring adaptor that can generate the low pressure region. Also disclosed is a method for removing residual drilling fluid solids (wall cake) from internal walls of the eductor. The method can include: stopping the flow of a first pressurized fluid to the eductor, stopping discharge from a diffuser of the eductor, and pressurizing a jet ring assembly using a second pressurized fluid to detach and remove the wall cake from the internal walls of the eductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Vortex Systems (International) CI
    Inventor: William Gerald Lott
  • Patent number: 7878141
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an airbag system that a user can deploy to reduce the chances of being buried in an avalanche or if buried, likely being buried near the surface, thereby improving the user's chances of surviving the experience. In one embodiment, the airbag system is comprised of an inflatable balloon, a pressure gas cylinder for holding a pressurized gas that is used in inflating the balloon, a valve that can be placed in a closed state to retain a pressurized gas in the pressure gas cylinder or an open state in which pressurized gas is released from the pressure gas cylinder. The system further comprises an ejector that operates to use pressurized gas received from the pressure gas cylinder and ambient air to inflate the balloon. Also part of the system is a flow restrictor that is located to receive pressurized gas from the pressure gas cylinder before the ejector receives the gas. A harness supports the noted elements of the system adjacent to an individual's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Backcountry Access, Inc.
    Inventors: Dwayne Ralph Paynton, Jason Howard Cloyd, Bruce Jencks Edgerty, Eric Steven Moore
  • Patent number: 7814933
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for stabilizing the concentration of a previously generated aerosol, which includes: an aerosol inlet channel; an aerosol pressure adjustment unit accelerating the aerosol; a buffer connected to the aerosol pressure adjustment unit via an aerosol transport channel and having a much larger sectional area than the aerosol inlet channel and the aerosol transport channel, wherein the aerosol accelerated by the aerosol pressure adjustment unit reaches the buffer via the aerosol transport channel and is mixed in the buffer; a feedback channel connecting between the buffer and the preceding channel to the buffer to feedback a portion of the aerosol present in the buffer to the preceding channel to the buffer; and an aerosol outlet channel releasing the aerosol uniformly mixed in the buffer. Provided is also a method for stabilizing the concentration of an aerosol according to the same principle as in the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoon-ho Khang, Joo-hyun Lee
  • Patent number: 7784999
    Abstract: An eductor apparatus has an inlet nozzle section with a primary inlet and a nozzle, a mixing chamber connected to the inlet nozzle section and in fluid communication with a narrow diameter opening of the nozzle, and a diffuser section connected to the mixing chamber opposite the inlet nozzle section. The diffuser section has throat formed therein. The throat has a plurality of lobes formed thereon. The plurality of lobes extend longitudinally along the throat. The lobes are generally equally circumferentially spaced from each other around the throat. The narrow diameter opening of the nozzle has another plurality of lobes formed therearound and extending in longitudinally alignment with the plurality of lobes of the throat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Vortex Systems (International) CI
    Inventor: Gerald Lott
  • Patent number: 7776213
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for suction of a secondary fluid into a primary fluid through one or multiple gaps in contact with a venturi. The venturi imparts a high velocity on the primary fluid to flow across a gap in contact with the venturi and draw in the secondary fluid. The apparatus employs a linear venturi with the flow area, or opening, in the form of a narrow ring or narrow rectangle to increase the length of the gap in contact with the venturi. One gap is provided and positioned in contact with one side of the narrow venturi opening, or two gaps are provided having one positioned in contact each side of the narrow venturi opening. The linear venturi is housed in assemblies referred to as “eductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Hydrotreat, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnny Arnaud
  • Publication number: 20100139798
    Abstract: An in-flow liquid dispensing system has a connection point in a pipe between a water source and an outlet to which a liquid canister may be attached. At the connection point the pipe has parallel water paths, one path bypassing the liquid canister and the other including the liquid canister to inject the liquid from the canister into the water flow. One or more valves control the water flow through the respective paths to adjust the ratio of water to liquid from the canister, which may be either one path or the other or a combination of water flow through both paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Arthur Raymond Schooley, JR.
  • Patent number: 7686233
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dispensing an anti-traction, mobility denial material on a target surface. In various exemplary embodiments, a method of dispensing an anti-traction material on a target surface includes providing a polymer particle powder to a first section of a dispensing nozzle, providing a water stream to a second section of a dispensing nozzle, and mixing the polymer particle powder with the water stream upon exit of the streams out of the first and second sections of the dispensing nozzle to form the anti-traction material on the target surface, the formed anti-traction material being a gel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Cliff J. Scribner, Geronimo I Elias, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090283146
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device (10) for detecting the frothing ability of a fluid, said device including: an inlet (11) for receiving a portion of said fluid; means (12) for entraining air into said fluid portion; a mixing chamber (13) for receiving said air entrained fluid portion, said mixing chamber (13) being adapted for mixing said fluid portion and said air; and a detector (15) for detecting the amount of froth (18) generated in said mixing chamber (13). The invention also provides a method for detecting the frothing ability of a fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: NEWCASTLE INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventor: Noel William Alexander Lambert
  • Publication number: 20090090415
    Abstract: An expandable chemical delivery system sharing a common bulk fluid inlet and bulk fluid flow path to direct a bulk fluid through one or more selected chemical eductors. Each chemical eductor is slidably insertable into an eductor port on the manifold body such that rotation of the chemical eductor is not required for installation. After installation, the orientation of the chemical eductor can be rotatably adjusted so as to avoid interference with adjacent chemical eductors. Delivery of a bulk fluid to each chemical eductor is controlled via a corresponding valve assembly that selectively allows or blocks flow of the bulk fluid form the bulk fluid flow path to the corresponding chemical eductor. The manifold body can include a plurality of individual manifold bodies approximated with a coupling system to define the bulk fluid flow path. Alternatively, the manifold body can comprise a single fabricated body for high pressure operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Jaime L. Harris, Gary A. Brown, David G. Kensinger, Karl J. Fritze
  • Publication number: 20090056957
    Abstract: The instant invention relates to an apparatus and method for fire extinguishment and retardation. The method comprises of a means for introducing polymeric material to a flow of water from an outside source before the flow of water enters a pumping unit within a mobile fire fighting apparatus, thereby forming a mixture of water and polymeric material. An eductor assemblage provides a means of introducing the polymeric material to the flow of water. The eductor assemblage comprises of a hopper and an eductor member. The hopper contains an amount of polymeric material, specifically super absorbent polymers. The eductor member comprises of an inlet connectable to the outside source of water, an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet and connected to the intake on a mobile fire fighting apparatus, and an additive inlet positioned between the inlet and outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Peter Cordani
  • Publication number: 20080223448
    Abstract: An eductor for mixing two liquids wherein the eductor includes a closed or non-air gap back flow prevention member. The vacuum profile of the eductor is altered by changing an opening in a passage portion to controllably divert water flow around the venturi tube or diverting the water without the opening. This affords the changing of the vacuum profile without redesigning the entire eductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: JOHNSONDIVERSEY, INC.
    Inventors: James H. Lohr, John A. Boticki, James L. Bournoville
  • Publication number: 20080190504
    Abstract: A method for dispersing an additive from an additive cartridge disposed in a housing of an oil filter is provided herein, the method includes using stagnation pressure to disperse the additive from the additive cartridge; and regulating a flow rate of the additive from the additive cartridge by restricting an inlet opening of an outlet tube of the additive cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Gerard W. Bilski, Zafar Hussain
  • Patent number: 7383856
    Abstract: A fuel tank contains a system for the removal of air, which includes an air removal line to connect the interior of the tank with the outside ambient atmosphere, whereby this line forms a siphon, and at the deepest location of the air removal line a connection section is provided with a suction opening connected to a suction source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Alfmeier Prazision AG Baugruppen und Systemlosungen
    Inventors: Josip Marti{hacek over (s)}, Jan Kürbis
  • Patent number: 7383861
    Abstract: A fuel conversion device comprises a restriction in a carburetion system configured to draw a gaseous fuel and air into the carburetion system. The fuel conversion device comprises an air inlet and a fuel air outlet coupled within the restriction. The fuel conversion device includes a throat and a fuel supply passage near the throat. The fuel supply passage is located between an air inlet first end and a fuel air outlet second end from about 40 to about 55 percent of a venturi length measured from the fuel air outlet second end. A ratio between a restriction diameter and the venturi length comprises at most about 1.38 to 1. The air inlet has a radius with the fuel supply passage formed as slots, or a radius with the fuel supply passage formed as bores, or a taper with the fuel supply passage formed as slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Inventor: Steven Brown
  • Patent number: RE49098
    Abstract: As an example embodiment, a system may detect water flow in a well water system and may responsively trigger a pump to inject a chlorinating substance into untreated water from the well. Further, the system may include a contact reservoir that allows the water and the chlorinating substance to combine. In this way, the chlorinating substance is drawn only when needed, but is given the opportunity to achieve time in solution with the untreated water. As a result, bacteria in untreated water may be dispatched, while other organic substances in the untreated water are given the opportunity to settle to the bottom of the contact reservoir. A static mixer may be used to mix the chlorinating substance and the untreated water prior to entering the contact reservoir and/or while in the contact reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Angel Water, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew J. Wilson