Flow Facilitating Patents (Class 138/39)
  • Publication number: 20100224275
    Abstract: An apparatus for straightening fluid flow in a conduit or pipeline, such as an irrigation pipeline, resides in an integral assembly of a conical fluid flow displacement member effective to substantially lineralize the velocity profile of fluid flowing through the pipeline and a plurality of circumferentially spaced vanes extending longitudinally and radially of the conical member and effective to mitigate swirl and eccentric velocity profiles in the flowing fluid. The conical member consists simply of a single cone that is centered in the pipeline by the vanes. A bolt extending through the wall of the pipe and threaded into a nut on a vane secures the straightener in the line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: Mc Crometer , Inc.
    Inventor: Robert N. Pinkerton
  • Patent number: 7779868
    Abstract: A duct structure, includes: a vessel forming therein a chamber, the vessel including: an inlet port, an outlet port, wherein the vessel is configured such that a fluid flows into the chamber through the inlet port and flows out of the chamber through the outlet port, and a swirling flow suppressing member disposed in a position inside the chamber adjacent to the outlet port, wherein the swirling flow suppressing member is configured to suppress a swirling flow from occurring to or adjacent to the outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Tigers Polymer Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuya Higashino, Kenichi Sakai, Tatsuya Fujikawa, Satoshi Muramatsu, Hiroshi Imaizumi, Michio Kijima
  • Publication number: 20100198337
    Abstract: A helical formation within a conduit and a method of determining the helix angle of the helical formation are disclosed. The method includes specifying the internal dimensions of the conduit and an intended fluid mass flow through the conduit. The helix angle is determined from the pressure drop and the turbulent kinetic energy for a conduit having the specified internal dimensions and intended fluid mass flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: TAYSIDE FLOW TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventors: John Graeme Houston, Robert Gordon Hood, Peter Arno Stonebridge, Allan Thomson
  • Publication number: 20100180972
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lifting pipe which is used in a manganese nodule mining system including a collection device for collecting deep-sea manganese nodules and a lifting pump and which has a structure in which dimples are formed on the surface of the lifting pipe so as to reduce drag so that the lifting pipe is less influenced by flows of ocean current. The dimpled lifting pipe includes dimples that are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the dimpled lifting pipe, so that turbulent flows are generated, thereby reducing drag caused by ocean currents of a deep sea.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: Korea Institute of Geoscience And Mineral Resources
    Inventors: Chi-Ho YOON, Jong-Myung PARK, Yong-Chan PARK
  • Patent number: 7753080
    Abstract: A diverter for arrangement in a pipe, a barrel or a tower, and including an even number (?4) of conical cavities arranged annularly, all of the conical cavities converging at the center of the diverter. The intersection point of the axial lines of the odd numbered conical cavities and the intersection point of the axial lines of the even numbered conical cavities are located at both sides of and symmetrical about the center of the diverter. As fluid flows through the diverter, the fluid material in the central fluid and edge zones interchange position and produce three-dimensionally intersecting flow. The diverter can efficiently improve the effects of heat and mass transfer, and can be widely used in static mixers, heat exchangers for fluid with high viscosity, temperature homogenizers of the exit of the screw extruder, high efficiency pipe reactors, and in the occasions of fluid-fluid extraction, solid-fluid extraction, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventors: Zhaoyan Liu, Jingyun Shi
  • Publication number: 20100154911
    Abstract: An air turning vane and rail assembly for promoting laminar air flow in an angled duct work section, including a pair of rails in parallel spaced apart relation, each of the rails having an elongated body part and a plurality of tabs spaced apart from each other punched from and bent to extend generally perpendicular to the body part in a height distance H, and a plurality of air turning vanes in parallel and spaced apart relation to each other and situated between and perpendicular to the rails in a ladder-like assembly, each of the turning vanes including a single sheet of metal that is folded in a U-bend to form elongated generally rectangular upper and lower walls, each wall having opposite end edges, the vane defining a lengthwise axis extending between the opposite ends, the upper wall in end view defining an arc of first radius of curvature, and the lower wall in end view defining an arc of second radius of curvature greater than the first radius of curvature, with a crescent shaped space defined betwe
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: David Yoskowitz
  • Patent number: 7735522
    Abstract: A flow control device that is uniquely capable of providing uniform flow under changing environmental conditions of temperature and pressure. The device achieves flow rate stabilization by taking advantage of the properties of the moving fluid in a channel with eddy currents that are generated as fluid moves past obstacles located in the fluid flow path. The shape and magnitude of such eddies depend on the viscosity of the fluid. Additionally, the device can also simultaneously stabilize the fluid flow rate under varying pressure by using a strategically positioned, yieldably deformable elastomeric membrane. Therefore, the invention uniquely combines two devices into one novel fluidic device that can stabilize a flow rate under simultaneously changing temperatures and pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: BioQuiddity, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald B. Bivin, Joshua W. Kriesel
  • Patent number: 7730907
    Abstract: A device for use in a pipeline including a fluid conduit section constructed of a flexible material. The fluid conduit section has a first end, which includes a first mounting arrangement, and a second end, which includes a second mounting arrangement. The fluid conduit section also has a length defined between the first and second ends, an internal diameter, and a fluid passage therethrough to allow fluid to flow from the first to the second end. The device also includes a plurality of longitudinally extending vanes positioned within the fluid conduit section, wherein radially inner edges of the vanes are in direct contact with the radially inner edges of adjacent vanes, and radially outer edges of the vanes contact one of the first and second ends, but are separated from the internal diameter of a remainder of the fluid conduit section, such that a space is defined therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: The Metraflex Company
    Inventor: James R. Richter
  • Patent number: 7721767
    Abstract: A Method of Determining the Helix Angle of a Helical Formation for a Conduit. A method of determining the helix angle of a helical formation (4) within a conduit (1). The method includes specifying the internal dimensions of the conduit (1) and an intended fluid mass flow through the conduit (1). The helix angle is determined from the pressure drop and the turbulent kinetic energy for a conduit (1) having the specified internal dimensions and intended fluid mass flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Tayside Flow Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: John Graeme Houston, Robert Gordon Hood, Peter Arno Stonebridge, Allan Thomson
  • Publication number: 20100101525
    Abstract: A method, device, and system for controlling a flow of a fluid moving through a pipe are presented. The device includes a truncated cone having a first diameter at an inlet and a second diameter at an outlet and a bracket attached to the truncated cone. The first diameter of the truncated cone is larger than the second diameter. The bracket is a curved sheet positioned around at least a part of the truncated cone and having an adjustable bracket diameter. The bracket diameter is measured from a center axis extending through a center of the truncated cone. Attaching the device to a fluid flow pipe reduces turbulence in the flow through the pipe, allowing a more streamlined fluid exit from the pipe. When used with an air intake pipe for an internal combustion engine, the device allows more horsepower and mileage to be extracted from the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Leo Now
  • Publication number: 20100084034
    Abstract: Flow straightener for a flowmeter, in particular an ultrasonic metering device, which can be fitted into a flow pipe which is upstream of or in the flowmeter and through which the fluid to be measured flows with a main direction of flow (H), comprising a number of vanes (11, 12, 16, 17), which each have surfaces (13) that are parallel to one another and, in the fitted position, run parallel to the main direction of flow (H) of the fluid to be measured, the vanes (11, 12, 16, 17) being arranged in such a way that, in the fitted position, the flow cross section (Q) of the fluid-carrying flow pipe is subdivided into a number of partial cross sections (TQ1,2,3,4,5), at least some of the partial cross sections (TQ1,2,3,4,5) being of different sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: HYDROMETER GMBH
    Inventor: Hans-Michael SONNENBERG
  • Patent number: 7691331
    Abstract: A microfluidic flow device includes at least one flow channel flowing into a branch point, to which at least two branched channels are connected, and at least one linking channel interconnecting the two branched channels. The linking channel flows into each branched channel at a short-circuit point which is preferably located at less than half of the length of each branched channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Rhodia Chimie
    Inventors: Armand Ajdari, Galder Cristobal, Mathieu Joanicot
  • Patent number: 7686590
    Abstract: A vacuum control system allows the degree of vacuum in a vacuum vessel to be kept constant while removing vaporized components degassed into the vacuum vessel through a gas permeation diaphragm by stably introducing a very small amount of air into a vacuum exhaust path of the vacuum vessel. The vacuum control system controls the rotary power of a DC brushless motor, continuously controls displacement of a vacuum pump, and thus keeps the degree of vacuum in a vacuum vessel constant, by decompressing the inside of the vacuum vessel using an exhaust vacuum pump which operates with the DC brushless motor, monitoring the inside pressure of the vacuum vessel using a pressure sensor, and controlling a voltage applied to the DC brushless motor on the basis of an output signal resulting from measurement of the inside pressure of the vacuum vessel by the pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: ERC, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshio Ishii, Koji Tanemura, Toshihiko Matsumoto, Kozo Shirato
  • Publication number: 20100071793
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for reducing pressure and velocity of a particulate-laden, supersonic vent gas stream from a pressure vessel such as an autoclave. The apparatus includes a diverging duct in which the vent gas expands, and a perforated plate located inside the diverging duct. The perforated plate provides an area reduction that increases back pressure and forces an upstream normal shock in the diverging duct, thereby bringing about a desired reduction in pressure and velocity. The perforated plate is comprised of a material, such as a ceramic, that is resistant to erosion by the abrasive particulate entrained in the high velocity vent gas. The perforated plate has a central portion provided with holes and an imperforate peripheral portion which is resiliently received between connection flanges of the duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: Hatch Ltd.
    Inventors: David Warnica, Albert J. Koning, Michael Franceschini, Jennifer Woloshyn
  • Publication number: 20100044522
    Abstract: The invention relates to an air inlet for a vehicle comprising an opening with an opening contour in an outer skin of the vehicle; at least one bottom element; one or several walls between the opening contour and the bottom element; and an air guide channel with a longitudinal axis, wherein the bottom element extends from the outer skin of the vehicle to an interior region of the vehicle underneath a border edge of the opening, and the air guide channel adjoins from between the bottom element and the border edge, wherein at least one transition region between the opening contour and the walls at least in some regions comprises an essentially convex-shaped profile that essentially extends parallel to the air guide channel. The air inlet according to the invention is in a position to remove air from a flow boundary layer and to provide said air to air-consuming systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Siercke, Ulrich Heise, Joakim Holmgren, Adeline Gommet
  • Patent number: 7665442
    Abstract: A throttle plate for use with internal combustion engines comprised of a relatively thin piece of material so that installation of the throttle plate between the carburetor or throttle body and intake manifold of a vehicle does not require additional brackets or components to correct throttle cable linkage length or geometry. The throttle plate comprises a plate having apertures to accommodate pre-existing connectors and a perimeter that corresponds to connections between, and the geometry of, the carburetor or throttle body and intake manifold. The plate fits between the carburetor or throttle body and intake manifold and defines at least one airflow hole corresponding to the airflow path in the carburetor or throttle body. If there are multiple airflow paths between the carburetor or throttle body and intake manifold, then there will be multiple airflow holes. One or more vanes integral with the plate extend radially from the perimeter of each airflow hole toward its center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Everaid Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: John Levitz, Sam Enloe
  • Patent number: 7658589
    Abstract: Turbine system including a turbine and a tubular arrangement having an exit opening. The tubular arrangement is arranged on a downstream side of the turbine. At least one flow controlling device at least partially prevents a fluid flow through the tubular arrangement from becoming detached from the tubular arrangement. The at least one flow controlling device is positioned within the fluid flow and in an area of the exit opening. The turbine system is configured to operate efficiently in an environment wherein at least an upper edge of the exit opening is arranged above a downstream liquid level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: VA Tech Hydro GmbH
    Inventor: Alois Nichtawitz
  • Publication number: 20100024910
    Abstract: A filling nozzle is provided which has a high flow straightening effect and is capable of forming a stable liquid flow of a circular cross section. In a filling nozzle in which a flow straightening member for straightening the flow of liquid is arranged in a hollow nozzle body, a flow straightening plate with a multitude of fine holes formed therethrough so as to pass the liquid therethrough is used a the flow straightening member, and a divergent chamfered portion, which act as a guide means for guiding fine streams of liquid flowing out from adjacent individual fine holes in a direction to bring them into contact with one another, is formed on an opening edge of an outlet of each fine hole on an outlet side surface of the flow straightening plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keita Nakamori, Yoshiyuki Morita
  • Patent number: 7644733
    Abstract: A duct (10) for transporting a two phase mixture has a length portion of circular cross-section (12) leading, via a transition zone (14) in which the duct cross-section changes from circular to lobed, to a zone in which its cross-section exhibits at least one lobe (16) extending helically around and along the duct. The duct has a cross-sectional area which is substantially constant, or which progressively increases, over the transition zone. The transition from circular to lobed cross-section is alternatively smooth and continuous, and the transition zone occupies a duct length in which the or each lobe becomes relocated by at least one position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: The University of Nottingham
    Inventors: Trevor Frank Jones, Jeyakumar Ganeshalingham, Benjamin Raylor
  • Publication number: 20090269139
    Abstract: A fluid diversion conduit is described for diverting the flow of fluid, and particularly for diverting water from a stream to a discharge location. The discharge end of the duct has a segment of gradually enlarging cross sectional area, forming a hydraulic flow diffuser. Water flow through this segment is thereby slowed as the flow area increases, and most of the dynamic head of the water flow is recovered, improving flow capacity of the conduit. The rate of flow through the conduit may be monitored and controlled to achieve streamline flow in the diffuser section, and to prevent air from entering the diffuser section. Air entering the conduit may be expelled or otherwise displaced from the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: Todd McBride
  • Publication number: 20090266436
    Abstract: A method and system for stabilizing flow includes introducing a flow into a channel with a minimum cross-sectional dimension of less than three millimeters and triggering a release of one or more bubbles in the flow at one or more locations in the channel. The one or more locations are spaced in from an inlet and an outlet to the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: Satish G. Kandlikar
  • Publication number: 20090260702
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a solid body having a superhydrophobic surface structure formed by using a surface treatment of a metal body, a replication process, and a polymer sticking phenomenon to increase efficiency of fluid transfer and prevent foreign materials from being accumulated in the tube, and a superhydrophobic fluid transfer tube using the method. The superhydrophobic fluid transfer tube includes a fluid guider and a solid body provided on a fluid contact surface of the fluid guider and has micrometer-scaled unevenness and nanometer-scaled protrusions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: POSTECH ACADEMY-INDUSTRY FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Dong-Hyun Kim, Sang-Min Lee, Il-Sin Bae, Dong-Seob Kim, Duk-Hyun Choi, Chang-Woo Lee, Ji-Hoon Jeon, Seong-Ho Son, Tae-Chul Moon, Woon-Bong Hwang, Joon-Won Kim, Hyun-Chul Park, Kun-Hong Lee
  • Publication number: 20090250132
    Abstract: A flow control device that is uniquely capable of providing uniform flow under changing environmental conditions of temperature and pressure. The device achieves flow rate stabilization by taking advantage of the properties of the moving fluid in a channel with eddy currents that are generated as fluid moves past obstacles located in the fluid flow path. The shape and magnitude of such eddies depend on the viscosity of the fluid. Additionally, the device can also simultaneously stabilize the fluid flow rate under varying pressure by using a strategically positioned, yieldably deformable elastomeric membrane. Therefore, the invention uniquely combines two devices into one novel fluidic device that can stabilize a flow rate under simultaneously changing temperatures and pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Donald B. Bivin, Joshua W. Kriesel
  • Patent number: 7594518
    Abstract: A vane system is provided for use in a corner of a HVAC duct system. The vane system utilizes a plurality of unitary vanes each including ribs and each including interlocking runners that improve the structural integrity of the vane system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Issagholian-Havai
  • Publication number: 20090218000
    Abstract: An apparatus for redirecting a medium flowing in a pipeline. The apparatus includes a plurality of individual tubes and at least a first perforated plate and a second perforated plate having a plurality of perforations, wherein the first perforated plate is provided in the region of the inlet and wherein the second perforated plate is provided in the region of the outlet for the purpose of holding and guiding the individual tubes. The number of perforations in the two perforated plates corresponds to the number of individual tubes, wherein the individual tubes each bend in a central region by a predetermined bending angle, wherein the bending angle of each individual tube is so selected, that the individual tubes form a bundle having an essentially circular cross section. The individual tubes extend in the bundle essentially parallel to one another, and wherein the inlet region and the outlet region of each individual tube are straight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: ENDRESS + HAUSER FLOWTEC AG
    Inventor: Axel Pfau
  • Publication number: 20090217981
    Abstract: A fluid handling device with an anisotropic wetting surface including a substrate with a multiplicity of asymmetric substantially uniformly shaped asperities thereon. Each asperity has a first asperity rise angle and a second asperity rise angle relative to the substrate. The asperities are structured to present a desired retentive force ratio (f1/f2) greater or less than unity caused by asymmetry between the first asperity rise angle and the second asperity rise angle according to the formula: f3/f2=sin(?3+½??0)/sin(?2+½??0).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: ENTEGRIS, INC.
    Inventors: Charles W. Extrand, Michael Wright
  • Patent number: 7581619
    Abstract: A sound-baffling arrangement for use in conjunction with an air-handling unit. One or more sound baffle columns are mounted for rolling or sliding movement within the interior of the air handling unit housing. Each baffle column may be selectively moved between a use position proximate to the fan assemblies, and a non-use position more distal from the fan assemblies. The movable sound baffles permit the air-handling unit to be fabricated to fit within a smaller housing, and thus to have a smaller, more economical footprint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Energy Labs, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Storm
  • Publication number: 20090199657
    Abstract: To provide a fluid flow rectifying device wherein the fluid flow rectifying device can be secured easily in the inlet of a flow path and wherein the flow path structure can be simplified and the fastening operation can be made more efficient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: Yamatake Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Inagaki, Koichiro Nikawa, Tomohiko Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20090201761
    Abstract: There are provided a fluid injection nozzle, a fluid mixer, a microbubble generating apparatus, a vapor phase generating apparatus, a method of producing swirling flow, and a swirling flow producing apparatus that can be applied to any kind of fluid and can efficiently generate a swirling flow at high speed. The swirling flow producing apparatus includes a housing and a cylindrical member. The housing includes a cylindrical portion of which at least one end is opened, and a fluid introducing passage that is opened on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical member is provided in the cylindrical portion of the housing. The cylindrical member includes a cylindrical portion of which at least one end in a direction corresponding to an opening direction of the cylindrical portion is opened, and holes formed in a peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: NAKATA COATING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takemi Matsuno, Akio Nakata
  • Publication number: 20090152308
    Abstract: An impact well configured to reduce the turbulence in a flowing fluid. The impact well has the shape of a frustum and includes an upper portion, an intermediate portion and a base portion. The base portion includes a domed portion that extends upwards into the intermediate portion. The upper portion, the intermediate portion and the base portion each included stepped areas configured to assist in the alignment of the portions and the assembly of the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: Harrison Steel Castings Co.
    Inventor: Stefan Drambarean
  • Publication number: 20090126366
    Abstract: An exhaust duct for directing a stream of exhaust gases in a gas turbine engine is provided. The exhaust duct comprises an inlet for receiving the stream of exhaust gases from a turbine section of the gas turbine engine; an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet; and a transition portion defining a passage between the inlet and the outlet. The passage comprises an annular region having a first side portion and a second side portion that are separated by a flow splitter. At least one bypass channel interconnects the first side portion and the second side portion of the annular region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Steven FARBER
  • Publication number: 20090114300
    Abstract: A fire hose comprises a flexible tube; an inner liner installed to an inner wall of the flexible tube; a surface of the inner liner having a plurality of flow guide textures which are formed along an axial direction of the hose; the flow guide textures protruding or recessed from the surface of the inner liner with a high between 0.5 to 2 mm; and at least one indication texture being formed on the outer surface of the fire hose. Preferably, there are two indication textures which are arranged at two edges at the fire hose is flat as a sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Shyuan-Han Shyu
  • Publication number: 20090095368
    Abstract: A tubular body for flowing fluid includes an inside diameter surface of the tubular body; and a surface treatment of the inside diameter surface sufficient to cause a viscous interaction with a fluid flowing therethrough and method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Michael H. Johnson, Edward J. O'Malley, Bennett M. Richard
  • Patent number: 7516761
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mass tube (1) for an air measuring sensor (3) comprising a metal grid (4) acting as a flow rectifier arranged perpendicular to the air flow (2). At least two fixing elements (5) are arranged on the measuring tube (1), said elements extending inwards in a radial manner, whereon the metal grid (4) is fixed by pre-tensioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Stephen Setescak
  • Publication number: 20090090424
    Abstract: An object is to prevent thermal fatigue, resulting from variations in temperature interfaces, of piping having a fluid-mixing region where fluids of different temperatures are mixed. Piping 1 having a fluid-mixing region M includes a reducer 5 including an end portion 5e disposed substantially on a central axis of a main pipe 2. Low-temperature water flows through the reducer 5 at a lower velocity than high-temperature water flowing outside the end portion 5e. The low-temperature water and the high-temperature water have different temperatures. The low-temperature water and the high-temperature water are mixed in the fluid-mixing region M downstream of the reducer 5. The reducer 5 has a weld line 5f formed to connect the end portion 5e and an elbow portion 5d together. The distance between the weld line 5f and a downstream end 5a is equal to or larger than the inner diameter D of the main pipe 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Kondo, Koichi Tanimoto, Shigeki Suzuki, Yoshikazu Nitta, Toshikatsu Hasunuma
  • Publication number: 20090090423
    Abstract: The invention relates to hydroaeromechanics, heat and mass exchange and power engineering, medical instrument engineering, and other branches of economy, in which the motion of a continuous medium (gases, liquids, and mixtures thereof) defines the functional and technical-and-economical efficiency. It relates to the method of forming the currents of a new type whose flow has the embedded tornado-like jets connected with the boundary layer on the streamlined surfaces, sucking this layer out and transferring the sucked mass into the main stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Gennady Iraklievich Kiknadze, Ivan Alexandrovich Gachechiladze
  • Patent number: 7513273
    Abstract: A flow control device having no moving parts that controls fluid flow along a fluid pathway in such a way that flow rate remains constant irregardless of environmental changes. The device achieves a constant flow rate by taking advantage of the properties of the fluid moving along the fluid pathway and maintains the constant flow rate irregardless of changes in viscosity due to changes in temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: BioQuiddity, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald B. Bivin
  • Patent number: 7509979
    Abstract: A device for slowing down and disintegrating a plug of liquid plunging forward in a duct includes a container having a bottom and an opposite inlet, which is connectable to the duct and through which the plug of liquid can be directed into a central, axial trajectory in the container. Inside the container is an inner tube, open towards the bottom, which separates an inner hollow space from an outer, cross-section-wise ring-shaped hollow space, a distributor body being arranged in the trajectory of the entering plug of liquid for splitting and disintegrating the plug of liquid as well as throwing out the disintegrated constituent parts of liquid in the direction outwards from the center. The bottom includes a concavely curved guide surface for diverting the liquid from one of the hollow spaces to the other to reverse the direction of motion of the liquid. A corresponding method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Vattenfall AB (PUBL)
    Inventors: Mats Henriksson, Anders Byström
  • Publication number: 20090071561
    Abstract: A method for smoothing the gas flow profile in a duct or pipe in a system wherein the average gas velocity is greater than ten feet per second, comprising positioning within the duct or pipe and across the gas flow, a perforated plate wherein the openings thereof are hexagonal in shape, enabling the use of smaller holes than would otherwise be achievable with the use of round holes for the same pressure drop across the plate, which results in a higher degree of gas velocity profile smoothing for a given pressure drop across the plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Dennis Dalrymple, Jonas Klingspor
  • Patent number: 7487800
    Abstract: Flow restriction to be fitted in a fluid line, consisting of a conduit part that has been produced from plastic by injection moulding and has been provided with a baffle closing the flow cross-section, wherein one or more openings have been made with the aid of a laser treatment. Each of these openings has a diameter of between 1 and 50 ?m. It has been found that, when a large number of openings are used, if one of the openings becomes blocked for whatever reason this has hardly any effect on the total flow cross-sectional surface area. It is consequently possible to determine the flow conditions in the restriction very accurately and very reproducibly and consequently to establish the flow characteristics accurately. Such a flow restriction can be used, for example, in applications for dosing medication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Solvist B.V.
    Inventor: Leonardus Hubertus Maria Lammers
  • Patent number: 7487799
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a flow channel for liquids or also gases, which is of such a design that the lowest possible losses occur in the flow, in particular low frictional losses. A further aim of the invention is to provide a flow channel for liquids, in which different flow regions are set. A flow channel for liquids characterized in that at least one wall defining the flow channel is of such a configuration that when a liquid flows therethrough at least one flow region is produced which has an axial and simultaneous tangential flow component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Inventor: Aloys Wobben
  • Publication number: 20090026761
    Abstract: A pipe elbow for conditioning the flow of fluid through the elbow so that separate flow conditioners or a flow straightener need not be inserted between the elbow and a flow measurement device, comprising, a fluid carrying conduit elbow having first and second ends of circular cross section for connection to straight piping and having a bend intermediate the ends, wherein a lateral cross section of the conduit at the bend is elliptical in shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: David T. McMillan
  • Patent number: 7481244
    Abstract: A flow control device of the character having a fluid pathway for permitting fluid flow therealong under conditions of varying temperature and pressure for achieving substantially constant output flow rate from the fluid pathway. One or more flexibly deformable vanes, which extend into the fluid pathway, are constructed and arranged to flexibly deform in a manner to further occlude the fluid pathway when the pressure within said fluid path way increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: BioQuiddity, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald B. Bivin
  • Patent number: 7469720
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for use within a production pipeline or other flowbore to reduce fluid pressure and regulate fluid flow while minimizing erosion effects caused by particulate matter in the fluid, wherein varying geometries with respect to multiple components within a choke valve are utilized to effectuate multiple changes in fluid flow direction, causing a fluid pressure drop at each directional change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Wood Group Pressure Control Limited
    Inventors: Stephen McCulloch, Jimmy Brinkley
  • Patent number: 7467645
    Abstract: An electrically conductive confined space ventilation conduit formed of a substantially rigid non-metallic conductive material, such as plastic, and a related process for ventilating an enclosure accessed by a manhole or other port. In one embodiment, the conduit has a pair of outer cylindrical sections and a central section having a cross-sectional shape of a crescent or a segment of a circle where it passes through a port to provide a minimum of obstruction for men and equipment passing through the port. Intermediate sections of varying cross-section connect the central section to the cylindrical outer sections so that the outer sections are offset from the axis of the manhole. The central section is preferably configured to obstruct no more than about 10 percent of a standard manhole opening, while causing either no air flow rate reduction, or a reduction of no more than about 10 percent as compared to the flow rate through a cylindrical conduit similar to said outer sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Air Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David Frank Angelico
  • Publication number: 20080289714
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for redirecting fluid flow in a plenum provides flow performance (quality), structural, and economic advantages by using an array of flat blades that is mounted at an angle with respect to the inlet (upstream) fluid flow, such that the blades are tilted with respect to that flow and correspondingly redirect the flow in a desired direction. The apparatus, also referred to as a “GSG” or “graduated straightening grid,” has a range of applications, and offers a number of performance, structural, and economic advantages in large-scale applications. As a particular, but non-limiting example, one or more embodiments of the flow-redirecting apparatus taught herein are configured for use in Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems where catalytic reactors are used for scrubbing industrial flue gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: FLOWTACK LLC
    Inventors: Jason Tan, Stewart Andrew Bible, Caleb Douglas Triece
  • Publication number: 20080290224
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (100) for carrying cooling water away from the narrow sides (210) of a slab (200) passed essentially vertically through a secondary cooling device after casting in a continuous casting installation. In order to prevent partial overcooling of the slab at its edges, the apparatus (100) according to the invention comprises a plurality of water drainage devices (110-n), which are arranged such that they are distributed in a vertical direction over the length of the narrow side of the slab. This plurality of water drainage devices (110-n) is carried by a vertically arranged collecting downpipe (120). The collecting downpipe additionally serves for collecting the cooling water that is drained by the plurality of water drainage devices (110-n) and carrying it away in a decentralized manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Wolfgang Schmitz, Axel Stavenow
  • Publication number: 20080277009
    Abstract: A baffle includes a body member having a first surface, a second opposed surface, and an outer peripheral edge. An aperture may be formed through the body member so as to define an inner peripheral edge. The inner peripheral edge is distorted so as to be non-planar. An apparatus includes a first conduit having a first end, a second end, and a first channel extending therebetween. At least one baffle is disposed in the first channel and includes a body member having a first surface, a second opposed surface, and an outer peripheral edge. At least one aperture may be formed through the body member to define an inner peripheral edge. The inner peripheral edge is distorted so as to be non-planar. A second conduit may be disposed inside the first conduit and extend through the aperture in the baffle. The apparatus may, for example, be configured as an ultraviolet light reactor, a heat exchanger, or a static mixer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: FLUID-QUIP, INC.
    Inventor: Allison Sprague
  • Publication number: 20080272241
    Abstract: The device reduces the drag or head loss due to the relative motions of a body and a fluid or of a fluid in a body. Within the surface of the body in contact with the fluid or on top of this surface, the device has elements (2) serving to control the direction of rotation of the fluid eddies along the surface of the body, thus reducing the frictional forces between the fluid and the body, and hence the drag, the constraints to which the body is subjected, or the head loss of the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicants: DRS Drag Reduction Systens SA, Magising PTE LTD.
    Inventor: Yvan Brulhart
  • Publication number: 20080217920
    Abstract: Turbine system including a turbine and a tubular arrangement having an exit opening. The tubular arrangement is arranged on a downstream side of the turbine. At least one flow controlling device at least partially prevents a fluid flow through the tubular arrangement from becoming detached from the tubular arrangement. The at least one flow controlling device is positioned within the fluid flow and in an area of the exit opening. The turbine system is configured to operate efficiently in an environment wherein at least an upper edge of the exit opening is arranged above a downstream liquid level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: VA TECH HYDRO GMBH & CO
    Inventor: Alois Nichtawitz