Automatic Patents (Class 159/44)
  • Patent number: 5772895
    Abstract: A system for controlling the composition of color coupler on a real time basis, the system comprises a mixer for mixing the color coupler with a non-permanent solvent for forming a preliminary solution. A heat exchanger receives the preliminary solution for altering the temperature of the preliminary solution, and a separator receives the preliminary solution from the heat exchanger for separating the preliminary solution into a color coupler solution suitable for use in producing photographic paper and into a residual vapor. An in-line viscometer receives the color coupler solution from the separator for determining the viscosity of the color coupler solution, and a process control system alters the temperature of the heat exchanger in response to a signal received from the viscometer for optimizing the composition of the color coupler solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: James Michael Sanchez, Kevin F. Prinzing, Eric M. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 5772843
    Abstract: An evaporator includes a tank covered by a lightweight lid which is easily lifted to avoid high pressure in the event of an explosion. The bottom of the tank includes a flat portion which slopes downwardly toward an outlet in the sidewall of the tank. The flat section is substantially wider than the outlet to accommodate use of a square-nosed shovel to clean the tank. A fire tube in the bottom of the tank receives hot gases from a burner. A thermometer senses the temperature of the wall of the fire tube to respond to low liquid level in the tank, scale on the fire tube wall, and buildup of solids in the mixture. The open lower end of an upwardly extending standpipe is in liquid in the tank. The upper end of the standpipe is closed by a ball valve and extends above the mixture in the tank. Devices are provided for making the pressure in the standpipe different from atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Laurence Mark Rhodes
  • Patent number: 5770019
    Abstract: When waste liquid is concentrated using a radiant heat section and a heat absorbent section of a heat pump circuit, in the proper place of the heating region of the heat pump circuit, a detector for detecting the pressure and/or temperature of the heat transfer medium is provided, or a detector for detecting the value of an electric current flowing through or the amount of electric power consumed in a system which includes a compressor for the heat pump circuit, is provided, and by the provision of a control system which can halt the concentration operation when the detected value exceeds a set value, both with a liquid in which the concentration of the non-volatile component is low so that a comparatively long time is required for the concentration operation, and, conversely, with a liquid in which the concentration of the non-volatile component is high so that the concentration operation is completed in a comparatively short time, the concentration operation has good efficiency, and can always be halted at
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignees: Konica Corporation, The Tokyo Electric Power Company, Incorporated, Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Kurematsu, Satoshi Yuzawa, Shoichi Kuroda, Souichiro Shibata, Noriyuki Shimamura, Toshiaki Kawada, Yuio Yoshiokaya
  • Patent number: 5730836
    Abstract: A method for concentrating a clay slurry by subjecting the slurry to indirect heat exchange within a heat exchanger to elevate the temperature of the slurry while specifically suppressing boiling of the liquid within the heat exchanger. The heated slurry is subsequently subjected to a rapid pressure reduction which causes flash evaporation of part of the liquid. The rapid pressure reduction can occur in a separation vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Comalco Aluminium Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Roy Greig, Peter James Tait, Peter John Noble
  • Patent number: 5720856
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for the production of a beverage distills aqueous influent into a forerun overhead fraction that is the first result of a distillation operation, a distillate, and a bottom products fraction that is left over from the aqueous influent without being distilled. The forerun overhead fraction is removed, the distillate is sterilized and remineralized into the beverage, and the bottom products fraction is removed so the process can begin again with more aqueous influent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventor: Bruno Pirone
  • Patent number: 5705036
    Abstract: A water distilling apparatus includes a preheat tank having an inlet and an outlet for storing water from a water source via the inlet, a boiling tank formed of a conductive casing connected to a ground potential and having an inlet in connection with the outlet of the preheat tank, a heater located within the boiling tank to boil water thereby generating steam, and an outlet flue extending from the boiling tank through the preheat tank as to condense the steam and preheat the water within the preheat tank, a heat dissipation coil connected with the outlet flue out of the preheat tank, a fan blowing air against the heat dissipation coil, a cool water tank connected with the heat dissipation coil for storing condensed water therefrom, an electrode vertically extending into the boiling tank, electrically isolated from the case of the boiling tank and connected to a positive voltage source, a control circuit electrically connected to each of the electrode, the fan, and the heater for disconnecting the fan and th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventors: Yueh-feng Wu, Mu-huo Chen
  • Patent number: 5643419
    Abstract: In the method of optimizing the control of the mass transfer zone in distillation columns by their characteristic areas which are dependent on pressure and heating steam, the temperature is measured on two different theoretical plates in the mass transfer zone of the column. The measured values are compared with one of the characteristic curves of the characteristic areas, which represent the nominal values for the temperature and the distance between the points where the thermometers are installed in the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Hermann Rathert
  • Patent number: 5637560
    Abstract: A process for the production of wetting-, washing- or cleaning-active anionic surfactant salts by reacting inorganic or organic bases with anionic surfactant intermediates containing hydrophilic negatively charged groups attached to hydrophobic hydrocarbon radicals. The salts are combined in a spray which is introduced into an inert gas phase of superheated steam whereby the spray is at least partly dried. In an embodiment of the process, the anionic surfactant intermediates are neutralized during the spraying step to form the salts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Wilfried Raehse, Johann Fues
  • Patent number: 5628937
    Abstract: A process for producing solid particles by drying a spray of liquid droplets. The droplets are formed by projecting a liquid formulation as a plurality of jets J (FIG. 6) in such a way that each jet breaks up into droplets of narrow size distribution. Prior to the onset of coalescence the droplets are contacted with a gas flow (G) which is arranged to reduce coalescence by disrupting slip streaming of the droplets and/or accelerating the droplets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Imperial Chemical Industries PLC
    Inventors: Raymond Oliver, Anthony R. N. Fairclough, Alejandro M. Antonini, Robert J. Munro, Lynn W. Lipscombe
  • Patent number: 5624530
    Abstract: Spray drying system for drying a liquid feed which is made up of a solution or suspension of particles in a fluid medium. The system enables the spray drying of wet material and converting the material into powder by evaporation of a liquid medium at reduced pressure or at a vacuum. The system includes a heating chamber and an evacuation device, communicating with the interior of the heating chamber. This provision enables creation of reduced pressure within the chamber, accompanied by evaporation of the fluid medium at temperatures lower than needed for evaporation at normal pressure, and evacuation of the moisture vapor generated during evaporation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Ultrasonic Dryer, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akper Sadykhov, Raphael Semiat
  • Patent number: 5620561
    Abstract: A method of evaporating liquid from a liquid and solid solution in a container within a chamber involves moving the container in an orbital motion such that the solution forms a vortex configuration within the container and also involves directing gas into the container. The gas is directed into the container from a point source above the liquid in the container to decrease the partial pressure on the solution thereby increasing the evaporation rate of the liquid from the solution. To further increase evaporation of the liquid, heat may be applied to the container. The temperature within the chamber may be regulated by sensing the temperature within the chamber and controlling the application of heat to the container in response to the temperature sensed within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Labconco Corporation
    Inventors: Lowell L. Kuhn, James F. Ptacek, Gary P. Roepke
  • Patent number: 5601688
    Abstract: The horizontal distance traveled by droplets of starting solution sprayed into a gaseous medium above a catch basin, where the gaseous medium has a horizontal velocity component is controlled by controlling the size of the droplets as a function of the horizontal velocity component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Ormat Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Gad Assaf, Joseph Weinberg
  • Patent number: 5599429
    Abstract: The water distillation system according to the invention recaptures and utilizes the inherent heat of transformation in converting from the vapor to the liquid states. The water distillation system efficiently removes volatile gases and impurities from the distillate and recaptures and reuses the heat from the impurities. A water seal is created to seal the drive shaft aperture of the compression housing and the rotating drive shaft of the compression rotor. In addition, the compression rotor is assembled of ultra-light, strong member in such a manner to significantly reduce the manufacturing and maintenance costs of the compression rotor drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Martinstill Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Martin, Robert C. Martin
  • Patent number: 5582680
    Abstract: A compact, transportable and self-contained apparatus for treating wastewater containing as impurities and pollutants various non-volatile (at water boiling points) fluids such as greases, oils and soaps, having a vessel/evaporator for receiving the wastewater, a heater below the evaporator to heat the wastewater admixture and boil off the water, a collector to draw off the non-volatile fluids from substantially the entire height of the water evaporator, and automatic refill/shutdown control devices for the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Raymond E. Vankouwenberg
    Inventors: Raymond E. Vankouwenberg, Robert D. Gendreau
  • Patent number: 5569357
    Abstract: A vortex evaporator having a holder for holding at least one container presents a chamber wherein liquid is evaporated from a liquid and solid solution in a container. The vortex evaporator also includes a drive mechanism, coupled to the holder, for moving each container in an orbital motion within the chamber to cause the solution in the container to form a vortex configuration. The vortex evaporator further includes a gas supply system for directing gas into the container to increase the evaporation rate of the liquid and a control system for controlling operation of the vortex evaporator. In an alternative embodiment, a vacuum supply system may be utilized instead of the gas supply system. Further, the vortex evaporator will preferably include a heater, at least one liquid level sensor, a heat sensor and a motion dampening assembly all located within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Labconco Corporation
    Inventors: Lowell L. Kuhn, James F. Ptacek, Gary P. Roepke
  • Patent number: 5536431
    Abstract: A process for the production of free-flowing detergent granules or partial granules comprising the steps of:(a) providing an interiorly baffled, rotatable drying apparatus capable of rotating at high speeds;(b) introducing water-containing alkyl or alkenyl oligoglycoside pastes into the rotatable, drying apparatus;(c) introducing into the drying apparatus detergent components selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, detergent builders, and mixtures thereof; and(d) simultaneously drying and granulating the water-containing alkyl or alkenyl oligolycoside pastes and detergent components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Franz-Josef Carduck, Paul Schulz, Rainer Eskuchen
  • Patent number: 5535877
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing water from a solution of water and glycol solution. The apparatus finds application in recycling of glycol wherein a water and glycol solution having as much as a 95% water content when introduced to the apparatus leaves the apparatus with a water content in the order of 40% to 60%. The glycol concentrator has a packing medium made from glass shards that provide a labyrinth through which air is circulated in one direction and thin streams of glycol are circulated in generally the opposite direction. It is believed that mixing of the thin streams of solution and air flow steams in the labyrinth results in a thin film evaporation process. The glycol concentrator apparatus has reduced energy requirements when compared with a distilling process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventors: Peter d. Eastcott, Nicole A. Truman, Peter Truman
  • Patent number: 5536430
    Abstract: Anionic surfactant concentrates in the form of solid free-flowing powders and/or granules which may also be present as compounds in admixture with other auxiliaries and/or useful materials suitable for use in detergents and/or cleaning products and which have apparent densities of at least about 150 g/l are produced by hot drying of the water-containing preparations with superheated steam as the drying gas. Preferred apparent densities are above about 200 g/l and are preferably at least about 350 g/l. In addition, the pourable and free-flowing material is preferably in the form of a substantially dust-free material through the presence of dust-binding auxiliaries and/or useful materials and/or by regulation of the residual water content. In one preferred embodiment, the anionic surfactant concentrate is in the form of porous carrier beads with an absorbent porous inner structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Johann Fues, Wilfried Raehse, Kathleen Paatz, Wolfgang Poly, Bert Gruber, Andreas Syldath, Sven Welper, Herbert Pattberg
  • Patent number: 5487815
    Abstract: A method of optimizing the control of the mass transfer zone in distillation columns. Distillation columns are control optimized by controlling the steam feed, reflux, or pressure by determining the deviation from nominal values of characteristic curves of characteristic areas determined by measuring two different theoretical plates in the mass transfer zone of the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Hermann Rathert
  • Patent number: 5474653
    Abstract: A method for use in an evaporator for selectively controlling the flow of solid particles within the evaporator. The method provides for the separation of solids from a liquid through the use of a separation chamber having a plurality of apertures, each of which has a critical size. In the separation chamber, solid particles which are larger than a critical size are separated from the remainder of the solution. The separated particles exit the separation chamber via a bypass conduit for circulation directly to the sump of the evaporator for recombining with the separated liquid portion which passed through the separation chamber and was subsequently concentrated in the heat exchange tubes. The method prevents solid particles from clogging the system and allows for continuous circulation of the solution and solid particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Ionics, Incorporated
    Inventor: Joseph J. Bostjancic
  • Patent number: 5454939
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment device evaporates water from contaminant containing wastewater, to produce a contaminant concentrated residue. The device includes a transport, such as pump, for transporting wastewater to a wastewater applicator, and a wastewater applicator for applying the wastewater to an evaporating surface of an evaporator drum. A rotatable evaporator drum has a heat conductive evaporating surface, and a heater for heating the evaporating surface to foster the evaporation of water from the wastewater. A motor, chain and drive shaft are provided for rotating the evaporator drum, and a scraper is provided for removing the contaminant concentrated residue from the evaporating surface. A controller is provided for controlling the operation of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Monitrol, Inc.
    Inventor: Howard O. Meuche
  • Patent number: 5431779
    Abstract: An evaporator control method for a salt manufacturing plant includes the steps of: measuring the speed of sound of in a raw solution of salt which additionally includes magnesium chloride and calcium chloride accommodated in an evaporator; calculating the combined concentration of magnesium chloride and calcium chloride according to the speed of sound based on a calibration curve; and controlling a condition of the raw solution in the evaporator according to the combined concentration of magnesium chloride and calcium chloride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Japan Tobacco, Inc.
    Inventor: Norio Kawata
  • Patent number: 5348623
    Abstract: An automatic water heating and distilling apparatus is provided having a hot water reservoir, an evaporator tank, a condenser, a distilled water reservoir and a control mechanism. Water is boiled within the evaporator tank generating steam which is condensed in the condenser to form distilled water. The heat rejected during condensation is transferred into the hot water reservoir. The distilled water reservoir has an input coupled to the condenser, an output for distilled water, and an overflow so that excess distilled water is returned to the evaporator tank. The control mechanism automatically regulates the operation of a heater within the evaporator to maintain the water in the hot water reservoir within a selected operating range. Various alternative embodiments are also described including a hot water heating apparatus utilizing an enclosed heat transfer device partially filled with liquid having a boiling point above the selected temperature for the water to be heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Terrill Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Salmon
  • Patent number: 5334291
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing non-volatile residues and impurities from a used solvent includes a self-scrubbing heating distillation subassembly for separating purified solvent for reuse and a controlled waste collector subassembly for overflowing concentrated residues and impurities stripped from the used solvent into an easy-to-service container. The apparatus may be disposed in a parallel in-line relationship with a circulating solvent flow circuit, such as in a dry cleaning operation, to continuously withdraw and purify aliquot portions of the circulating solvent stream, returning good solvent back to the flow circuit and concentrating non-volatile residues and impurities to a removable, environmentally sound serviceable container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Safety-Kleen Corp.
    Inventors: Gilbert Gavlin, William M. Langdon, deceased, Boris Goltsin, Gunther Erlebacher, Douglas A. Larson
  • Patent number: 5296103
    Abstract: A method for the fractional distillation of a mixture of at least two compounds with different boiling points, a rising flow of vapor is brought into intimate contact with a descending flow of liquid obtained within a column (1) by the partial condensation of the flow of vapor itself by heat exchange with a cooled surface which extends through a filling (37).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: T.I.I. Tecnologie Industriali Innovative S.n.c. di Rosa Corigliano e.C.
    Inventor: Gianclaudio Masetto
  • Patent number: 5282927
    Abstract: The concentrate holding lower portion of a sample and concentrate holding vessel has a jacket for shielding such concentrate holding portion from heat sufficient to volatilize appreciable solvent therefrom when the vessel is subjected to sufficient heat for effecting evaporative concentration of solution in such vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: Mark Weidner
  • Patent number: 5273719
    Abstract: A liquid evaporator includes an air-tight outer container containing liquid therein, the liquid container having support legs adjacent the bottom surface thereof; an inner container mounted on the legs for partitioning the interior space of the outer container, the inner container having a wall made of insulating material; and a heater fixed to an upper portion of the outer container and positioned inside the inner container. The liquid evaporator may be combined with a deodorizing device for forming a urine treating device, wherein the urine treating device includes a deodorizing housing having an upper portion provided with a secondary heater therein, a catalyst surrounding the secondary heater, a blower provided outside the housing, and a diffusion pipe provided at the upper portion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Japanic Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Kishi, Toyohiko Sunaoka
  • Patent number: 5259931
    Abstract: A system for removing volatile constituents (e.g., hydrocarbons) from a liquid (e.g., water) containing the same by which there is a continuous countercurrent contact between the liquid and a forced air flow. Water collected in a reservoir is continuously pumped to the top of a stripping tower where it is dispersed downwardly over packing material. A blower forces air upwardly in the tower so as to remove the volatile constituents that exit the tower with the exit air. Since the water flow is continuous, multiple passes occur through the tower to enhance separation efficiency. Water from the base of the tower returns to the reservoir via overflow from a standpipe. A lower liquid level sensor in the reservoir initiates operation of the water pump to the tower, and an upper liquid level sensor initiates operations of another pump for pressure discharge from the base of the tower to an exterior site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Inventor: James R. Fox
  • Patent number: 5248394
    Abstract: A distillation purifying system including a section which creates a vacuum pressure that is transmitted throughout the system, a distillation/purification zone in which fluids to be distilled/purified are treated, and a collection zone in which the distilled/purified liquids are transferred. The system is effective for use with liquids, solutions, fluids and the like and can be used for water treatment as well as bodily fluid treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: FSR Patented Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Barry Schlesinger, Harold Rapp
  • Patent number: 5240560
    Abstract: A wastewater evaporator system is provided for evaporating wastewater at a rate of about seven gallons per hour. Such system includes a heater, a blower, a plurality of honeycombed plates, a drive element including an electric motor, and a tank. Such system improves the environment and allows safe, reliable, and economical disposal of wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Inventor: Marshall W. Gregory
  • Patent number: 5207869
    Abstract: A liquid waste reduction system uses an evaporator having two packed columns. A reservoir of the evaporator has three level sensor which monitor the fluid level in the reservoir. An input pump delivers waste liquid to the reservoir. When the fluid level has exceeded a low level, a control unit powers an output pump which pumps liquid from the base of the reservoir to an external storage unit. A distributor pump pumps liquid from the reservoir to the top of the packed columns. A blower forces air upward through the packing material to evaporate water from the liquid. When the fluid level has exceeded a high level, the control unit switches on a heating element which heats the air delivered from the blower to the second packed column, thus accelerating the evaporation process. When the fluid level has exceeded the maximum level, the control unit deactivates the input pump to prevent flooding of the evaporator unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Clivus Multrum, Inc.
    Inventors: H. David Harmoning, Guy Marchesseault
  • Patent number: 5160580
    Abstract: An evaporating process that alternate between different modes of operation, according to the characteristics of the product handled; the product is either force fed into the tube nest, or cascaded through it in a free-falling film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Fenco S.p.A.
    Inventor: Carlo Sassi
  • Patent number: 5149399
    Abstract: A liquid evaporator includes an air-tight outer container containing liquid therein, the liquid container having support legs adjacent the bottom surface thereof; an inner container mounted on the legs for partitioning the interior space of the outer container, the inner container having a wall made of insulating material; and a heater fixed to an upper portion of the outer container and positioned inside the inner container. The liquid evaporator may be combined with a deodorizing device for forming a urine treating device, wherein the urine treating device includes a deodorizing housing having an upper portion provided with a secondary heater therein, a catalyst surrounding the secondary heater, a blower provided outside the housing, and a diffusion pipe provided at the upper portion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Japanic/Japanic Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Kishi, Toyohiko Sunaoka
  • Patent number: 5133807
    Abstract: A two-stage crystallization for the continuous production of sugar crystals from syrup comprises crystallizing the syrup in a first stage by subjecting the syrup to a sufficient heat of evaporation to produce a massecuite comprising water and a small content of dry material and having a low supersaturation coefficient, and subjecting the massecuite to flash evaporation of a certain volume of water and a notable increase in the supersaturation, and subsequently effectuating crystallization of the massecuite produced in the first stage by cooling in a second stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: FCB
    Inventor: Jacques De Cremoux
  • Patent number: 5092959
    Abstract: A spray dryer device for spray drying a sample dissolved in an organic solvent is disclosed, comprising a circulation line in which an inert gas is circulated by a blower, a heater for heating the inert gas to a specified temperature, a main drying chamber provided with a spray nozzle through which the sample dissolved in the organic solvent is sprayed into the inert gas, a collector in which the powdered sample produced in the main drying chamber is collected, and a condenser in which the gaseous organic solvent is condensed and recovered. The powdered sample is obtained in this spray dryer device for spray drying organic solvents by spraying the organic solvent through the spray nozzle into the main drying chamber in which the oxygen concentration is held to a low value by the introduction of the inert gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Yamato Scientific Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Orii, Yukio Suzuki, Tamotsu Konishi, Naoki Kumagai, Hiroaki Mori
  • Patent number: 5053111
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically and sequentially distilling batches of water having substantially equal volumes in a plurality of distillation cycles, one batch in each cycle. During each cycle, water is admitted to a boiler tank for a fixed interval of time to form a batch in the tank. The batch of water in the tank is then vigorously boiled while venting the tank through a pipe to the atmosphere. The vigorous boiling is terminated when the temperature within the vent pipe reaches the boiling point of pure water. Upon termination of the vigorous boiling phase, a gentle boiling phase is initiated, the vent pipe is closed, and vapor in the tank is admitted to a condenser. The condenser condenses the vapor to obtain distilled water which is collected in a collection device. The gentle boiling phase continues until the level of water in the tank recedes to the level of a heater in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Inventor: William R. Ellerbe, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4888097
    Abstract: A distillation type of water purification system has a raw water inlet valve for admitting raw water continuously to a boiling tank at a rate greater than the rate at which raw water is converted to treated water. A drain valve located at the bottom of the boiling tank is energized by a raw water level sensing device whenever the raw water level reaches a predetermined level, to discharge water from the boiling tank. Treated water is stored in a storage tank having a pump for discharging treated water to the user upon demand. A single conductivity sensor in the storage tank controls the pump to allow it to operate only if the sensed conductivity is above a first predetermined value but not at or above a second predetermined value greater than the first value. An improved condenser has two sets of tubes, each set is arranged in a pair of planes oriented transverse the flow of cooling air with the tubes parallel. The internal cross-sectional area of one set is about twice that of the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Assignee: Pure Water, Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Palmer, David J. Shannon, Keith L. Vacha
  • Patent number: 4872948
    Abstract: Disclosed is a control system for a centrifugal thin film dryer wherein a slurry including solid matter is fed to a tubular heating surface and the a slurry is heated while blades are rotating inside the heating tube so that the a slurry turns into dry powder, the system comprising a plurality of thermal sensors located on the heating surface, a dry-up point calculator which measures the temperature distribution along the heating surface in accordance with the signals provided by the thermal sensors and calculates the point at which the temperature rise begins to saturate, a flow rate setting device which calculates the quantity of a slurry to be supplied in accordance with the output of the dry-up point calculator, and a flow rate regulator which controls a pump in accordance with the signal provided by the flow rate setting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuo Kinoshita, Tetsuo Ito, Hiroji Mikawa, Koichi Chino
  • Patent number: 4849184
    Abstract: The pH of low level radioactive waste liquid is adjusted to be substantially neutral and the liquid is passed to apparatus comprising an atomizer (11) having a turbine (15), air being heated by an electric heater (16) to the atomizer (11) to provide low level radioactive waste particles which may be encapsulated, e.g. in a resin. The apparatus may be transportable, and is claimed per se.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: Somafer S.A.
    Inventors: Charles Fougeron, Jean J. Fidon, Herve Janiaut
  • Patent number: 4836891
    Abstract: A method for concentrating salt water. Salt water is separated from oil-water mixture which has been produced from a well. Salt water is introduced into a recirculating weir and mixed with more concentrated brine. Brine is recirculated through a thermal syphon apparatus. Recirculation includes passing brine, including some salt water, from weir into boiler vessel. Brine is heated within boiler vessel to a boiling temperature whereby brine, while boiling, generates steam which passes up out of weir. All of foregoing steps are performed at atmospheric pressure. The density of brine is sensed at a location in the lower vicinity of weir. Concentrated brine is released from lower vicinity when density at sensed temperature is at a level corresponding to a brine concentration near the precipitation of salt from solution. Salt water and brine is passed through a magnetic water treating unit. The concentrated brine, as released, is passed into a holding vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: Evaporation, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Files, Donald M. Harrel, John M. Montague, Thomas L. Stansbury Sr., Carlton T. Sikes
  • Patent number: 4780178
    Abstract: Rotation driving apparatus usable with a rotary evaporator for holding a sample vessel in a water bath. The driving apparatus includes a stator supported by an elevating member mounted alongside the water bath, and a rotor mounted on the inside of the stator. A hollow support shaft is mounted within the rotor, and the sample vessel is detachably connected to one end of the support shaft. A concentrator can be connected to the other end of the support shaft, for fluid communication with the sample vessel through the hollow support shaft. The support shaft is affixed to the rotor, so that the sample vessel and concentrator are rotated as the rotor turns. A slitted disk is supported by the rotor, and a photosensor produces signals in response to relative movement of the slits. These signals are used for controlling the rotation of the driving apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Assignee: Yamoto Scientific Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Yoshida, Tatsuhiko Saito, Takao Kawakami
  • Patent number: 4762646
    Abstract: The pH of low level radioactive waste liquid is adjusted to be substantially neutral and the liquid is passed to apparatus comprising an atomizer (11) having a turbine (15), air being heated by an electric heater (16) to the atomizer (11) to provide low level radioactive waste particles which may be encapsulated, e.g. in a resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: Somafer S.A.
    Inventors: Charles Fougeron, Jean J. Fidon, Herve Janiaut
  • Patent number: 4759825
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary evaporator for carrying out a processor-controlled distilling operation. A rotary flask (5), a condenser (8) and a distillate collector receptacle (10) of the rotary evaporator (1) are continually kept under vacuum.According to the invention, the automatically controlled supply of a sample solution to the rotary flask is accomplished by means of a metering receptacle adapted to have the sample solution supplied thereto from a supply container for temporary transitory storage therein prior to transfer of the solution to the vacuum system, or the rotary flask (5), respectively. For discharging the distillate from the distillate collector receptacle (14), an outlet valve associated therewith is operable to connect the collector receptacle to a vacuum conduit (26) for the discharge of the distillate. This provision offers the advantage of permitting substantially discharge of the distillate without requiring the vacuum system to be vented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Inventors: Bela Medvey, Laszlo Rozsnoki
  • Patent number: 4738295
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of controlling a rotating vacuum evaporation system is disclosed. The rotating flask, containing the medium to be evaporated, is buoyantly supported in a liquid bath and the relative elevation between the flask and the liquid level in the bath is measured. The relative elevation is utilized as the control signal to control the addition of fluid medium to the flask, and to shut off the system when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Inventor: Hans G. Genser
  • Patent number: 4734159
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for using a heated waste gas stream to evaporate a volatile component such as water or a solvent from a liquid solution comprises a flue to feed the gas stream from the source of heated gas; a container having an inner chamber to hold the liquid for evaporation of the volatile compound and an outer chamber connected to the flue which forms a gas channel substantially surrounding the inner chamber through which at least a portion of the gas stream flows to supply heat to the inner chamber and evaporate the volatile component of the liquid solution; an inlet to feed the liquid solution into the inner chamber; upper and lower liquid level sensors to control the quantity of liquid solution fed into the inner chamber to establish a liquid level therein; a sparger for agitating the liquid solution in the inner chamber; a sump below the container and connected to the flue to receive any condensate from the gas stream and any liquid leaking from the inner chamber; an outlet to combine, vent and d
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Assignee: TFK Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore F. Korenowski
  • Patent number: 4728397
    Abstract: An apparatus for desalinating sea water, comprising a distillation unit which includes a porous hydrophobic membrane which is pervious to steam but impervious to water, and a condensation surface arranged at a distance from the membrane, the distillation arrangement also including a first unit for heating and conducting the water to be distilled on one side of the membrane, and a second unit arranged to conduct a liquid which is colder than the water, on the side of the condensation surface remote from the membrane, distilled water being collected and drawn-off between the membrane and the condensation surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Svenska Utvecklings AB
    Inventors: Nils Kjellander, Bo Rodesjo
  • Patent number: 4724048
    Abstract: A water distiller apparatus for purifying and degassing domestic water supplies is provided which is constructed for easy cleaning of all parts and in which inflowing water is preheated by condensing steam within a condenser which preheating allows dissolved gases to dissipate through a vent before the inlet water reaches an evaporator portion. The rate of inflowing water is controlled by a temperature responsive valve that is in thermal communication with the condenser to maximize heat transfer and minimize heat and water loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Inventor: Arthur R. Helmich
  • Patent number: 4724044
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for disposing of waste rinse water used in photographic processes in which the waste rinse water is heated in a dissolution tank to be reduced to a slurry which is accumulated and stored in drums for later processing. The apparatus is compact consisting of separate tanks for the different rinse water, a holding tank to collect the contaminated rinse water and a separate dissolution tank. There is no discharge of any liquid waste products into the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Assignee: Sprint Recovery Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Fern Weishaar, Walter Weishaar
  • Patent number: 4687547
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the separation of materials obtained by means of high pressure extraction from an extraction agent, wherein extraction agent loaded with extracted material is passed from below into a separator comprising a head (2), a bottom (3), a runback pipe (4) and a heat exchanger (1) in the form of one or more pipes and extract recycled in a forced circulation via the head (2) and the runback pipe (4) to the bottom (3) and there either discharged and/or returned to the heat exchanger (1), the extraction agent evaporated in the heat exchanger being removed via a filter (11) on the head (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1987
    Assignee: SKW Trostberg Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Herbert Jekat, Erwin Schutz, Kurt Stork
  • Patent number: 4686086
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for controlling liquid levels in different vessels, and the blending of different materials in the separation and purification of polymeric materials in solution, such as polyethylene in cyclohexane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventor: Fred Rowe