Fluid Suspension Patents (Class 209/132)
  • Patent number: 12090478
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidic particle analysis device comprising an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication via a main channel defining a main flow direction from an inlet end to an outlet end, the main channel being defined by a main channel wall extending from the inlet end to the outlet end and having a first cross-sectional dimension in the range of 20 ?m to 120 ?m and a second cross-sectional dimension of at least 100 ?m, the main channel wall at a vertex having an opening extending along the main flow direction and being open to an analysis section having surfaces at an analytical distance in the range of 5 ?m to 50 ?m and a sensor system for detecting a particle. The present invention also relates to a method of using the microfluidic particle analysis device for detecting particles or monitoring the concentration of particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: SBT INSTRUMENTS A/S
    Inventors: Gustav Erik Skands, Christian Vinther Bertelsen, Frederik Peter Aalund
  • Patent number: 11978269
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include reconfigurable integrated circuits for characterizing particles of a sample in a flow stream. Reconfigurable integrated circuits according to certain embodiments are programmed to calculate parameters of a particle in a flow stream from detected light; compare the calculated parameters of the particle with parameters of one or more particle classifications; classify the particle based on the comparison between the parameters of the particle classifications and the calculated parameters of the particle; and adjust one or more parameters of the particle classifications based on the calculated parameters of the particle. Methods for characterizing particles in a flow stream with the subject integrated circuits are also described. Systems and integrated circuit devices programmed for practicing the subject methods, such as on a flow cytometer, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY
    Inventor: Paul Barclay Purcell
  • Patent number: 11707700
    Abstract: The present invention disclosed a continuous flow and batch process for the separation of metal or metal oxide nanoparticles continuously in a periodic manner at the liquid-liquid interface using a centrifugal separator cum extractor, wherein the nanoparticles are collected at the liquid-liquid interface of the polar and non-polar liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: COUNCIL OF SCIENTIFIC & INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH
    Inventors: Amol Arvind Kulkarni, Jaydeep Bipin Deshpande
  • Patent number: 11628439
    Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods for focusing components in a fluid sample are described herein. The microfluidic devices feature a microfluidic chip having a micro-channel having a constricting portion that narrows in width, and a flow focusing region downstream of the micro-channel. The flow focusing region includes a positively sloping bottom surface that reduces a height of the flow focusing region and sidewalls that taper to reduce a width of the flow focusing region, thereby geometrically constricting the flow focusing region. The devices and methods can be utilized in sex-sorting of sperm cells to improve performance and increase eligibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: ABS GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventors: Zheng Xia, Gopakumar Kamalakshakurup
  • Patent number: 11576666
    Abstract: Surgical constructs, assemblies and methods of tissue fixation are disclosed. A surgical construct includes a spreadable web attached to a plurality of peripheral strands. The spreadable web may be tensionable and may include one or more flexible filaments or strands. At least one of the filaments is coupled to the peripheral strands. The filaments may extend from the peripheral strands in different directions and/or orientations. The spreadable web is expandable and can be adjusted to various widths. The spreadable web may be knotless. The spreadable web may be tensionable. The surgical construct may be attached to one or more knotted or knotless fixation devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: ARTHREX, INC
    Inventor: John W. Schmieding
  • Patent number: 11311911
    Abstract: A separating device for separating different material fractions out of a feed-material mixture having a flow channel, which has a slope, extends in parallel with the direction of gravity in particular in its main longitudinal extension direction and comprises an inner chamber. The separating device has a first end region, a second end region, a material inlet region intended for feeding the feed-material mixture into the inner chamber of the flow channel, an outlet through which an air stream containing a lightweight material can exit the flow channel, at least one conveying means that conveys air through the flow channel, and a cross-flow device that has a separation chamber and an air intake that leads into said chamber and through which the cross-flow device can introduce air into the separation chamber in a flow direction extending at an angle to the main longitudinal extension direction of the flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Kompoferm GmbH
    Inventor: Karlgünter Eggersmann
  • Patent number: 11118150
    Abstract: A layered, microfluidic array is disclosed. The array has a first layer with a culture channels extending in a first longitudinal direction. Each culture channel includes multiple traps that entrap cell or tissue samples. The array also has a second layer with microfluidic channels extending in a second longitudinal direction that is orthogonal the first longitudinal direction. A third layer, disposed between the first layer and the second layer, has pores arranged within the third layer such that each nest is vertically stacked above, and fluidly connected with, a corresponding culture chamber in the first layer. Each nest is fluidly isolated from adjacent nests by a fluid impermeable region of the third layer such that horizontal diffusion of water within the third layer is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignees: Research Foundation of the City University of New York, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
    Inventors: Sihong Wang, A. H. Rezwanuddin Ahmed, Xuejun Jiang, Chun-wei Chi, Chenghai Li
  • Patent number: 10482215
    Abstract: A method for computing patient-specific hemodynamics. The method includes receiving three dimensional imaging data of a patent, extracting anatomical data from the three dimensional imaging data, calculating velocity and pressure fields corresponding to the extracted anatomical data, and calculating displacement and velocity of extracted solid particles corresponding to the anatomical data. The anatomical data comprises an anatomical boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignees: Indiana University Research and Technology Corporation, Kent State University
    Inventors: Huidan Yu, Chen Lin, Ye Zhao
  • Publication number: 20140374324
    Abstract: A method of separating a plurality of particles (14) from a portion of fluid, comprising directing the plurality of particles (14) into a microchannel (12). A first portion (16) of particles (14) is focused into an equilibrium position in the microchannel (12). The focused first portion (16) is directed into a first outlet (18) aligned with the equilibrium position. A portion of the fluid is directed into one or more outlets (20, 22). A microfluidic device (10) for separating a plurality of particles (14) from a portion of fluid, comprising a microchannel (12) having a first aspect ratio and a length L, thereby focusing the particles (14) directed therein into an equilibrium position in the microchannel, wherein at least a first portion (16) of the particles (14) focuses at distance X from a beginning of the microchannel (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Ian Papautsky, Jian Zhou
  • Publication number: 20140224710
    Abstract: A particle sorting system includes an inlet and an inertial focusing microchannel disposed in a substrate and having a downstream expanding region at a distal end, wherein the inlet is connected to an upstream end of the microchannel. A source of different shaped particles is connected to the inlet, wherein the source of different shaped particles are configured for continuous introduction into the inlet. A plurality of outlets is connected to the microchannel at the downstream expanding region. Fluidic resistors are located in the respective outlets. Different resistances may be used in the outlets to capture enriched fractions of particles having particular particle shape(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Dino Di Carlo, Mahdokht Masaeli, Elodie Sollier
  • Publication number: 20140174992
    Abstract: Particles are separated, concentrated, or mixed within a fluid by means of a fluid-containing cell having a longitudinal axis, a cross-sectional area generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and at least one particle motivating force directionally interacting with at least one recurrent circulating fluid flow generally aligned with the longitudinal axis within the fluid containing cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Igor Mezic, Frederic Bottausci, Idan Tuval
  • Publication number: 20140096437
    Abstract: Embodiments herein concern compositions, methods and uses for extracting target compounds from suspension cultures. In certain embodiments, suspension cultures may comprise algal cultures. In some embodiments, compositions and methods include agglomerating ground and dried biomass from a suspension culture prior to extracting target compounds from the culture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventors: Richard Crowell, Mark T. Machacek, Stephen Todd Bunch, Dennis Gertenbach
  • Patent number: 8496889
    Abstract: A microfluidic device for separating emulsion solution into separate particles by passing the emulsion solution through a passive filter. The separated particles can then be sorted into separate chambers through active filtering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Aditya Rajagopal, Michael Woods
  • Patent number: 8382858
    Abstract: Textured heterogeneous surfaces and related articles as can be used in conjunction with methods for selective sensing and/or separation. When used for selective particle separation such a system can comprise a heterogeneous surface comprising a surface member and a plurality of components extending therefrom, such components spaced about and having a surface density, with heterogeneity comprising different interactions of the surface member and of the extended components with a particle exposed thereto. Various surface heterogeneities and different interactions can be utilized. However, in certain embodiments, competing electrostatic interactions, or a combination of electrostatic and non-electrostatic interactions, with a particle can be utilized. Such a system can utilize a surface member having a charge difference with respect to the components extending therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Maria M. Santore, Jung Zhang, Vincent Rotello
  • Patent number: 8356714
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating particles includes a first planar wall and a spaced apart second planar wall parallel to the first planar wall. The first planar wall and the second planar wall define a passage therebetween, which is disposed along a fluid flow axis. A first plurality of spaced apart elongated ridges extends into the passage from the first planar wall. The first plurality of spaced apart elongated ridges is disposed along a diagonal direction relative to the fluid flow axis. When a fluid is moved through the passage in a direction corresponding to the fluid flow axis, particles of a first type will tend to move in a first direction that is diagonally away from the fluid flow axis and particles of a second type, different from the first type, will tend to move in a second direction that is different from the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Todd A. Sulchek, Alexander Alexeev, Gonghao Wang
  • Publication number: 20120315690
    Abstract: A particle analysis system includes an inlet; an inertial focusing microchannel disposed in a substrate and having a downstream expanding region at a distal end, where the inlet is connected to a proximal end of the microchannel; a plurality of outlets connected to the microchannel at the downstream expanding region; a plurality of fluidic resistors, where each fluidic resistor is connected to a respective outlet; and a particle analyzer configured to measure a size and a position of particles in the microchannel. A particle sorting system includes an inlet; an inertial focusing microchannel disposed in a substrate and having a downstream expanding region at a distal end, where the inlet is connected to a proximal end of the microchannel; a plurality of outlets connected to the microchannel at the downstream expanding region; and a plurality of fluidic resistors, where each fluidic resistor is connected to a respective outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Dino Di Carlo, Soojung Hur
  • Publication number: 20120277902
    Abstract: Particle processing systems and methods utilize a sort monitoring system to monitor an operational characteristic for a particle sorting system. The operational characteristic may be related to the performance and operation of a sorter or a group of sorters in the particle sorting system. The operational characteristic may be monitored based on monitoring particles for an output of a sorter or of a group of sorters. Operational characteristics which may be monitored include sort error, sort fraction, yield, purity and recovery percentage. The sort monitoring system may evaluate the monitored operational characteristic, for example, as related to sort performance, and take an action, for example, a corrective action or a notifying action, based on the evaluation of the operational characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: CYTONOME/ST, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Charles Sharpe, Donald F. Perrault, JR., Blair Morad
  • Publication number: 20120067788
    Abstract: A plate type rotational centrifugal separator for separating one or more components of a feed stream includes a rotatable first outer carrier and a rotatable second inner carrier coaxially arranged in the first outer carrier. The first outer carrier supports one or more curved plates which are flexibly connected to the second inner carrier. Feeding means disposed at one end of the separator supply a feed stream to be separated, and discharging means disposed at the opposite end of the separator discharge separated streams. Confined spaces are defined between adjacent curved plates and the first outer and second inner carrier for separating the feed stream under influence of centrifugal forces. The first outer carrier is axially removable from the second inner carrier for removing components collected on the plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: EVODOS B.V.
    Inventor: Hendrik Arie Boele
  • Publication number: 20120067789
    Abstract: The present invention harvests and utilizes fluidized bed drying technology and waste heat streams augmented by other available heat sources to dry feedstock or fuel. This method is useful in many industries, including coal-fired power plants. Coal is dried using the present invention before it goes to coal pulverizers and on to the furnace/boiler arrangement to improve boiler efficiency and reduce emissions. This is all completed in a low-temperature, open-air system. Also included is an apparatus for segregating particulate by density and/or size including a fluidizing bed having a particulate receiving inlet for receiving particulate to be fluidized. This is useful for segregating contaminants like sulfur and mercury from the product stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: GREAT RIVER ENERGY
    Inventors: Charles W. Bullinger, Mark A. Ness, Nenad Sarunac, Edward K. Levy, Richard S. Weinstein, Dennis R. James, Matthew P. Coughlin, John M. Wheeldon
  • Publication number: 20110253600
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for separating particulates from a fluid are provided. The apparatus can include a separation section having at least one wall, a first end, a second end, and an inner metal surface exposed to an internal volume of the separation section. The apparatus can also include a fluid discharge outlet in fluid communication with the internal volume at the first end. The apparatus can also include a particulate discharge outlet in fluid communication with the internal volume at the second end. The apparatus can also include an inlet in fluid communication with the internal volume. The inlet can be disposed intermediate the first end and the second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: KELLOGG BROWN & ROOT LLC
    Inventor: Phillip K. Niccum
  • Publication number: 20110236264
    Abstract: A microfluidic device for separating emulsion solution into separate particles by passing the emulsion solution through a passive filter. The separated particles can then be sorted into separate chambers through active filtering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Aditya RAJAGOPAL, Michael WOODS
  • Publication number: 20110174697
    Abstract: A separator for separating a first component and a second component from within a mixed fluid includes a plurality of discs, a separator chamber, and a disc rotator. The discs are spaced apart along a disc axis The separator chamber encircles the plurality of discs. The disc rotator rotates the plurality of discs about the disc axis relative to the separator chamber. The separator chamber includes a chamber inlet that receives the mixed fluid, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The disc rotator rotates the plurality of discs about the disc axis so that the mixed fluid is spun around the separator chamber about the disc axis to separate the heavier second component from the first component. The first component is directed out of the separator through the first outlet and the second component is directed out of separator through the second outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Keith A. Langenbeck
  • Publication number: 20110163013
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus, in particular for moving particles in a fluid at Reynolds numbers larger than 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: Eppendorf AG
    Inventors: Werner Lurz, Thomas Frischgesell
  • Patent number: 7951217
    Abstract: Impact type gas-particle separation is applied to ultra-fine particles by judiciously altering the aerodynamic drag on the particles with respect to their inertia by operation at sub-atmospheric pressures. An impact separator has a housing having a channel in which particles flow in a fluid such as air, a purified gas or mixtures thereof. A plurality of blades are placed in the channel for affecting the motion of the particles and the fluid with respect to each other. A second channel branches from the first channel to receive particles diverted and separated from the flow of the fluid in the first channel. A flow mechanism creates a sub-atmospheric pressure in the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Thomas R. Blake, Karl Jakus
  • Publication number: 20110096327
    Abstract: A spiral microchannel particle separator includes an inlet for receiving a solution containing particles, at least two outlets, and a microchannel arranged in a plurality of loops. Particles within a solution flowing through the spiral microchannel experience a lift force FL and a Dean drag force FD. The spiral radius of curvature R and the hydraulic diameter Dh of the spiral microchannel are such that for a flow rate U of the solution, the lift force FL and a Dean drag force FD are approximately equal and act in opposite directions for particles of a first size. The particles of the first size are focused in a single stream located at an equilibrium position near an inner wall of the microchannel. In another embodiment, a straight microchannel particle separator separates particles by modulating shear rates via high aspect ratios that focuses particles of a first size along two first walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI
    Inventors: Ian Papautsky, Ali Asgar S. Bhagat
  • Publication number: 20110073531
    Abstract: Particles are separated, concentrated, or mixed within a fluid by means of a fluid-containing cell having a longitudinal axis, a cross-sectional area generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and at least one particle motivating force directionally interacting with at least one recurrent circulating fluid flow generally aligned with the longitudinal axis within the fluid containing cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: The Regents of University of California
    Inventors: Igor Mezic, Frederic Bottausci, Idan Tuval
  • Publication number: 20110042274
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating solid particles of different densities, using a magnetic process fluid. The solid particles are thoroughly mixed in a small partial flow of the process fluid. The small turbulent partial flow is added to a large laminar partial flow of the process fluid, after which the obtained mixture of the respective partial process fluids is conducted over, under, or through the middle of two magnet configurations, wherein the particles are separated into lighter particles at the top of the laminar process fluid and heavier particles at the bottom of the laminar process fluid, each of which are subsequently removed with the aid of a splitter. After that furthermore the particles of low density and the particles of high density are separated from the respective process streams, dried and stored. Finally, the process fluid from which the particles have been removed is returned to the original starting process stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: Technische Universiteit Delft
    Inventors: Peter Carlo Rem, Simon Peter Maria Berkhout
  • Publication number: 20100326891
    Abstract: In embodiments of the invention, bundles of carbon nanotubes are separated from individual nanotubes via interfacial trapping of bundled carbon nanotube bundles at an emulsion interface between suspension-phase and a solution-phase. The separation method comprises dispersing a mixture of individual and bundled carbon nanotubes in a solution comprising surfactant; adding at least one solvent to the surfactant solution to form a two-phase mixture; agitating the two-phase mixture to form an emulsion interface between the solution-phase and a suspension-phase, where nanotube bundles selectively segregate to the emulsion interface. Single-walled carbon nanotube suspensions exhibit strong fluorescence, which can be used to assess the degree of separation and determine if a repeated extraction of any remaining bundled carbon nanotubes remaining in the suspension-phase is desired. In another embodiment of the invention, separation of carbon nanotubes by type is carried out by interfacial trapping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION INC.
    Inventors: Kai-Wei Wang, Ryan David Reeves, Kirk Jeremy Ziegler
  • Publication number: 20100300942
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating particles includes a first planar wall and a spaced apart second planar wall parallel to the first planar wall. The first planar wall and the second planar wall define a passage therebetween, which is disposed along a fluid flow axis. A first plurality of spaced apart elongated ridges extends into the passage from the first planar wall. The first plurality of spaced apart elongated ridges is disposed along a diagonal direction relative to the fluid flow axis. When a fluid is moved through the passage in a direction corresponding to the fluid flow axis, particles of a first type will tend to move in a first direction that is diagonally away from the fluid flow axis and particles of a second type, different from the first type, will tend to move in a second direction that is different from the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: GEORGIA TECH RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Todd A. Sulchek, Alexander Alexeev, Gonghao Wang
  • Publication number: 20100288913
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus (1100) for trapping fluid-borne object(s) (212) using one or more Fresnel zone plates (202) located in proximity to a fluid medium (208). Optical tweezers based on one or more Fresnel zone plates may be integrated with a microfluidic structure (e.g., chambers, channels) (1104) of various geometries so as to form one or more optical traps (215) within a fluid medium contained by the microfluidic structure(s). Three-dimensional trapping of objects can be obtained with stiffness comparable to that of conventional optical tweezers based on a microscope objective. In one example, a single Fresnel zone plate is particularly configured to form multiple optical traps upon irradiation, so as to trap multiple objects simultaneously. Exemplary applications of the methods and apparatus disclosed herein include determination of various fluid medium properties (e.g., velocity, refractive index, viscosity, temperature, pH) and object sorting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Ethan Schonbrun, Charles Rinzler, Kenneth B. Crozier
  • Patent number: 7810646
    Abstract: A separation system includes an air separator that in one embodiment primarily receives Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) containing relatively light MSW recyclable materials such as paper, cardboard, plastic containers, and/or metal containers. The air separator blows the relatively light MSW recyclable materials up though a chamber and onto a first conveyer while the other relatively heavy MSW material drops down a chute onto a second conveyer. A separation screen receives the relatively light MSW recyclable materials from the air separator and separates the relatively flat paper and cardboard from the plastic and metal containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Emerging Acquisitions, LLC
    Inventors: Steve Miller, Roy Miller
  • Patent number: 7807727
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for selectively separating mixed synthetic organic materials such as filled or non-filled polymers and/or copolymers that are wastes, particularly used, for recycling in order to upgrade them. These synthetic organic materials result from the destruction by crushing of automobiles and durable consumer goods that have reached the end of their serviceable lives. Said selective separation method acts by separating these materials with regard to a density threshold selected in a dense medium consisting of separating fluid liquid suspensions composed of powdery particles dispersed in an aqueous phase. These suspensions are stabilized by using a dynamic stabilizing means at a density threshold value selected for causing the selective separation of a determined fraction from the mixture of the used materials to be separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Galloo Plastics
    Inventors: Hugues De Feraudy, Henri Seinera
  • Patent number: 7803848
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for selectively separating synthetic organic materials such as polymers and/or reinforced or non-reinforced copolymers in the form of wastes, in particular domestic wastes recyclable in order to be reused. Said synthetic organic materials are recuperated from broken used cars and obsolete consumer durable products. The inventive method for selective separation consists in separating materials which have an identical density threshold value and are selected from a dense medium comprising separate liquid fluid suspensions which consist of powdery disperses particles in an aqueous phase and are stabilized with respect to the density threshold value selected in such a way that a selective separation of a determined fraction of the mixture of separable used material is initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Galloo Plastics
    Inventors: Hugues De Feraudy, Henri Seinera
  • Patent number: 7690513
    Abstract: A log washer apparatus having two longitudinal shafts. The shaft includes paddles arranged into groups. Some of the groups are aligned about the circumference of the shaft such that each of the paddles in the group extend outward from the shaft at the same circumferential location about the shaft. Some of the groups are offset such that paddles within the offset groups are offset with respect to the adjacent paddles so as to increase fluid flow in the log washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Gator Machinery, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry S. Gustin
  • Publication number: 20100032349
    Abstract: A micro-fluidic chip including a channel through which a liquid containing micro-particles flows, and a gas jetting section configured to jet a gas toward the micro-particle-containing liquid ejected from the channel is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masataka Shinoda
  • Publication number: 20100006479
    Abstract: An apparatus and method disperse particles suspended in a fluid with an obstacle field in the flow path of the fluid. The particles may be dispersed after an interaction with obstacles in the obstacle field. The obstacle-particle interactions may result in an asymmetrical particle shift in which the particles are dispersed in an asymmetrical manner relative to the obstacle and the fluid flow. The obstacle field may have a configuration that causes the particles suspended in the fluid to disperse in a differential manner in a direction perpendicular to the fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Steven H. Reichenbach
  • Publication number: 20090223874
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of apparatus for sorting particles in a fluid stream by size. In one embodiment of an apparatus for sorting such particles, a housing is provided, which defines a channel for a fluid stream containing particles. A suction channel is also provided, which terminates at a suction port. The suction port is positioned adjacent to the fluid stream. The suction channel may be configured to create a low pressure region and thereby redirect particles in the first fluid stream such that they may be sorted by size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: Utah State University
    Inventors: Barton L. Smith, Zachary Earl Humes
  • Patent number: 7584856
    Abstract: A separation system includes an air separator that in one embodiment primarily receives Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) containing relatively light MSW recyclable materials such as paper, cardboard, plastic containers, and/or metal containers. The air separator blows the relatively light MSW recyclable materials up though a chamber and onto a first conveyer while the other relatively heavy MSW material drops down a chute onto a second conveyer. A separation screen receives the relatively light MSW recyclable materials from the air separator and separates the relatively flat paper and cardboard from the plastic and metal containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Emerging Acquisitions, LLC
    Inventors: Steve Miller, Roy Miller
  • Publication number: 20090148937
    Abstract: The invention relates to a micro-fluidic system including a fluid medium channel that holds a fluid medium containing particles in suspension. According to the invention, the fluid medium channel has an expanded section with an enlarged cross-section along part of its length, in order to reduce the flow speed to allow the analysis of the particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: PERKINELMER CELLULAR TECHNOLOGIES,
    Inventors: Thomas Schnelle, Torsten Müller, Annette Pfennig
  • Patent number: 7119298
    Abstract: An electrostatic separation apparatus for conductive particles and insulating particles with reduced separation time and improved separating capability, comprises a substantially flat-plate shaped bottom electrode (26) provided on lower side, a substantially flat-plate shaped mesh electrode (22) provided above the bottom electrode (26) as spaced a predetermined distance apart from the bottom electrode (26) and having a number of openings (24) to allow particles to pass therethrough, a direct current power supply connected to at least one of the mesh electrode (22) and the bottom electrode (24), and a voltage is applied across the bottom electrode (22) and the mesh electrode (24), thereby forming a separation zone (10) between the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Eiji Yoshiyama, Yasunori Shibata, Tetsuhiro Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 7104403
    Abstract: A two-stage static air classifier has a feed duct through which particles of a granular mixture fall. A classifying louver plate having fins forming upwardly inclined classifying channels is fitted into a side opening in the feed duct. Particles of a set size are drawn by air suction through the classifying channels in the first stage. A separator box having an inlet connected to the outlet of the classifying channels collects the separated particles in a second stage as the entrained particles fall by gravity to the bottom of the separator box while the air streams drawing the particles through the classifying channels pass out the top end of the box. Adjustable baffle plates transversely extending through the box permit control of the quantity of fines collected with the particles at the separator box bottom. Size of the collected particles is determined by the speed of a fan at the top outlet of the separator box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: The Unimin Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Stephens, Gerald G. Verret, Richard U. Lalancette
  • Patent number: 7077887
    Abstract: Impact type gas-particle separation is applied to ultra-fine particles by judiciously altering the aerodynamic drag on the particles with respect to their inertia by operation at sub-atmospheric pressures. An impact separator has a housing having a channel in which particles flow in a fluid such as air, a purified gas or mixtures thereof. A plurality of blades are placed in the channel for affecting the motion of the particles and the fluid with respect to each other. A second channel branches from the first channel to receive particles diverted and separated from the flow of the fluid in the first channel. A flow mechanism creates a sub-atmospheric pressure in the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Thomas R. Blake, Karl Jakus
  • Patent number: 7028847
    Abstract: A two-stage dynamic classifier (30, 30?) for classifying a pulverized feed material (34, 34?, 38) entrained in an air flow (31) includes a vertically extending housing having a lower feed material inlet (18), an upper feed material outlet (24), a processing section (47, 47?) disposed between the feed material inlet and the feed material outlet, and a lower tailings discharge (26). A classifier conditioner (32) is disposed in a lower portion of the processing section and a turbine classifier (42, 44) is disposed in an upper portion of the processing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Michael M. Chen, Jianrong Chen
  • Patent number: 6957740
    Abstract: A cyclone separator (1) has a vertically extending housing (2) with an upper housing segment (3). A separator (6) with a separator wheel is located in the upper housing segment along with a carrier gas/product inlet (7), and a carrier gas/fines discharge (8). A lower housing segment (5) is equipped with a coarse grain discharge (14). In order to increase the operating range of the cyclone separator, the lower opening of the central built-in element (10) is located at the level of the conical middle housing segment (4) and that below the lower opening is disposed a conical built-in element (11), which has the shape of a cone expanding in downward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Hosokawa Micron GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 6942103
    Abstract: A two-stage static air classifier has a feed duct through which particles of a granular mixture fall. A classifying louver plate having fins forming upwardly inclined classifying channels is fitted into a side opening in the feed duct. Particles of a set size are drawn by air suction through the classifying channels in the first stage. A separator box having an inlet connected to the outlet of the classifying channels collects the separated particles in a second stage as the entrained particles fall by gravity to the bottom of the separator box while the air streams drawing the particles through the classifying channels pass out the top end of the box. Adjustable baffle plates transversely extending through the box permit control of the quantity of fines collected with the particles at the separator box bottom. Size of the collected particles is determined by the speed of a fan at the top outlet of the separator box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: The Unimin Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Stephens, Gerald G. Verret, Richard U. Lalancette
  • Patent number: 6883668
    Abstract: The invention is an automatic debris separation process for effecting air separation of fragmented materials, such as size-reduced fiber feedstocks derived from textile wastes. The process uses high-velocity air within an elutriation assembly to efficiently remove ferrous and non-ferrous metal debris from recyclable polymer fibers. In particular, the process may employ automatic process control strategies to vary airflow within the elutriation assembly in process-controlled response to measured metal contamination, thereby ensuring that post-separation metal contamination is maintained at or below an upper contamination limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Wellman, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Lindsey, Daniel A. Allen, Jr., Jonathan W. Skelley
  • Patent number: 6883667
    Abstract: The invention is an automatic debris separation system for effecting air separation of fragmented materials, such as size-reduced fiber feedstocks derived from textile wastes. The system uses high-velocity air within an elutriation assembly to efficiently remove ferrous and non-ferrous metal debris from recyclable polymer fibers. In particular, the system may employ automatic process control strategies to vary airflow within the elutriation assembly in process-controlled response to measured metal contamination, thereby ensuring that post-separation metal contamination is maintained at or below an upper contamination limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Wellman, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Lindsey, Daniel A. Allen, Jr., Jonathan W. Skelley
  • Publication number: 20040238415
    Abstract: A two-stage dynamic classifier (30, 30′) for classifying a pulverized feed material (34, 34′, 38) entrained in an air flow (31) includes a vertically extending housing having a lower feed material inlet (18), an upper feed material outlet (24), a processing section (47, 47′) disposed between the feed material inlet and the feed material outlet, and a lower tailings discharge (26). A classifier conditioner (32) is disposed in a lower portion of the processing section and a turbine classifier (42, 44) is disposed in an upper portion of the processing section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: ALSTOM (Switzerland) Ltd
    Inventors: Michael M. Chen, Jianrong Chen
  • Publication number: 20040159587
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating a particle stream into particle groups, comprising a dilution treatment chamber defining an upstanding channel to receive a particle stream, such that the particle stream falls toward a first-particle-group outlet. A transfer casing is adjacent to the dilution treatment chamber and defines a transfer chamber to receive a second particle group. Second-particle-group outlets are laterally positioned with respect to the channel and allow fluid communication therebetween. A distributor in the channel is provided to break down the particle stream and to distribute the particle stream over a surface area of the channel. Fluid flow apertures create a fluid flow between the transfer chamber and the channel so as to entrain a second particle group to the transfer chamber with a first particle group remaining in the channel for exiting through the first-particle-group outlet. The apparatus and method is also used to mix/treat particle streams/fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Michel Couture
  • Patent number: 6749068
    Abstract: A large percentage of solids are removed from a manure slurry when the slurry is run across a sloped screen separator. The sloped screen on the separator has very small openings. Further, the separator controls the air flow through the sloped screen. In addition, the separator can have a water line with spray heads formed across the sloped screen. The spray heads direct water under pressure on the manure slurry on the sloped screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Richard A. Dias