Water Or Aqueous Solution Patents (Class 209/173)
  • Patent number: 11149210
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the physical separation of solids and asphaltenes with a conversion degree higher than or equal to 90%, present in refinery purge streams. Said method provides for heating a refinery purge stream to a temperature higher than or equal to 185° C. and not exceeding 220° C. and, subsequently, subjecting said heated purge to sedimentation by progressively lowering the temperature in a controlled manner to a minimum temperature of 100° C., without stirring the purge, so as to form a light phase and a heavy phase defined in relation to the density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: ENI S.P.A.
    Inventors: Alberto Landoni, Stefania Guidetti, Giuseppe Belmonte
  • Patent number: 11052405
    Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for producing beneficial re-use sand from foundry sand. Foundry sand can be collected from a mold making operation, and/or from the casting removal and cleaning process. The collected sand product can be cleaned and separated into a clay and carbon mixture, and a beneficial re-use sand. The collected sand product can be cleaned by mixing with water, and subjecting the resulting mix to a hydrocyclone at appropriate flow rates. The hydrocyclone can separate the mix into a carbon, clay and water mix for re-use, and a wet sand mix. Water can be separated from the wet sand and reused, and the resulting sand can be used as beneficial re-use sand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: KB Foundry Services, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Pine
  • Patent number: 10638781
    Abstract: Described is a method for the preparation of instant stir-fried potato strings having a refrigerated shelf life before stir-frying, comprising the steps of providing potatoes, cutting the potatoes in strings having a cross-sectional area of 25 mm2 or less, heating the potato strings, blast chilling the heated potato strings and packaging and storing the potato strings at a refrigerated temperature, the method being free of contacting the potato strings with oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: HZPC HOLLAND B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Elisabert Van Doorn
  • Patent number: 9981884
    Abstract: A process for preserving the initial fermentable potential of an organic substrate over time is presented. The method comprises a) determining the moisture content (HM) of the organic substrate, b) comparing the determined moisture content (HM) to a predefined moisture level (HD), c) storing only the organic substrate of which the moisture content (HM) determined in step a) corresponds to the predefined moisture content (HD), d) when a fermentable potential cannot be determined based on the moisture content (HM) alone during steps a) and c), taking measurements of the methanogenic potential of the biomass, e) comparing the measurements of the methanogenic potential of the biomass obtained during step c) to that of step a), and f) adapting the storage conditions to keep the moisture content (HM) of the organic substrate collected at a value that of the predefined moisture content (HD).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: AFYREN
    Inventors: Régis Nouaille, Jérémy Pessiot
  • Patent number: 9775363
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing minced meat includes ensuring the continuous shaping of the said minced meat into the form of a flattened strip; placing the flattened strip of meat between two sheets of controlled permeability film; evening out the thickness and spreading the minced meat placed between the two sheets; continuously unrolling the meat strip in a bath of a dehydration-salting solution; continuously unrolling the meat strip in a bath of a pasteurization solution; continuously unrolling the meat strip in a rinsing tank; removing the sheets after removal from the rinsing tank; and transporting the meat strip to an output conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: ADIV DEVELOPPEMENT
    Inventors: Olivier Rispal, Alain Peyron
  • Patent number: 9412050
    Abstract: A produce recognition method which uses hierarchical Bayesian learning and kernel combination, and which offers classification-oriented synergistic data integration from diverse sources. An example method includes providing a classifier having a plurality of inputs, each input being adapted to receive produce data of a different modality; mapping the produce data to the respective input of the classifier by a computer; for each input, independently operating on the data relating to that input to create a feature set by the computer; comparing each feature in the feature set to respective pre-trained data for that feature to produce a similarity description set; combining all similarity description sets using a dedicated weighting function to produce a composite similarity description by the computer; and deriving a plurality of class values from the composite similarity description to create a recognition result for the produce item by the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Chao He, Gary Ross
  • Patent number: 9067214
    Abstract: A materials-separation process includes a sorting operation in which plastics materials including at least first and second plastics materials are sorted from paper and metal materials so that the first plastics material may be separated from the second plastics material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Berry Plastics Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Flores
  • Publication number: 20150090642
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for separating and removing aflatoxin-contaminated corn from batches of corn by a floating process, thus producing a distinguishable floating mat of contaminated corn and a separate submerged bed of uncontaminated and less contaminated corn. The methods of this disclosure include removing the floating contaminated corn mat by a vacuum mechanism or by liquid flow. The methods reduce the aflatoxin level in the submerged corn bed as much as 80% from the initial aflatoxin level, while removing no more than 15% from the batch of corn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Nicholas Wayne BETHKE, Chad Allen CONARD, Marie Khagik COSTANIAN, Lawrence E. FOSDICK, Eugene Joseph FOX, Donald GRUNIG, Steven W. KIRKVOLD, Abhay R. LADHE, Jacob A. LELAND, Joseph Michael LEWIS, Eugene Max PETERS, Anthony John SCHANILEC, Riley Neil SMITH, Eric SUMNER, Ping YANG, Hadi Nayef YEHIA, Jill Louise ZULLO
  • Patent number: 8968580
    Abstract: A pumpbox apparatus includes a reservoir volume having a first inlet for receiving a feedstock stream and a second inlet for receiving a water stream, the reservoir volume being in communication with a discharge outlet disposed to discharge accumulated liquid from the reservoir volume. The reservoir volume is operable to accumulate the feedstock stream and the water stream in the reservoir volume while withdrawing a discharge stream through the discharge outlet to cause a flow of liquid through the pumpbox. The first inlet defines a first flow velocity region between the first inlet and the second inlet and a second flow velocity region between the second inlet and the discharge outlet. The first flow velocity is lower than the second flow velocity to facilitate flotation of a low specific gravity portion of the feedstock through the first region toward an upper surface of the liquid accumulated in the reservoir volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Suncor Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Charles Hann, William Nicholas Garner
  • Patent number: 8919569
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for separating and removing aflatoxin-contaminated corn from batches of corn by a floating process, thus producing a distinguishable floating mat of contaminated corn and a separate submerged bed of uncontaminated and less contaminated corn. The methods of this disclosure include removing the floating contaminated corn mat by a vacuum mechanism or by liquid flow. The methods reduce the aflatoxin level in the submerged corn bed as much as 80% from the initial aflatoxin level, while removing no more than 15% from the batch of corn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Nicholas Wayne Bethke, Chad Allen Conard, Lawrence E. Fosdick, Eugene Joseph Fox, Donald Grunig, Steven W. Kirkvold, Abhay R. Ladhe, Jacob A. Leland, Joseph Michael Lewis, Eugene Max Peters, Jr., Anthony John Schanilec, Riley Neil Smith, Eric Sumner, Ping Yang, Jill Louise Zullo
  • Patent number: 8881911
    Abstract: A method of operating a flotation cell wherein a feed stream containing particles is provided to the flotation cell wherein a proportion of the particles rise in the cell and exit the cell in a concentrate stream and a proportion of the particles sink in the cell, wherein at least a portion of the particles that sink in the cell are subject to a classification process to produce classified particles and at least a portion of the classified particles are recycled to the flotation cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Xstrata Technology Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Francis Young, Le Vi Huynh, Brenton Burford
  • Patent number: 8871666
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing a rheology product from a pseudomlaminar silicate comprising microfiber bundles. The inventive method comprises the following steps consisting in: grinding the pseudolaminar silicate mineral which is selected from sepiolite mineral, attapulgite mineral and combinations of same, with a pseudolaminar silicate concentration of at least 50%, moisture of less than 40% and a particle size of less than 1 mm; mixing the ground pseudolaminar silicate mineral with an aqueous solution of a dispersing component comprising at least one dispersing agent, in order to obtain a first mixture comprising between 35% and 85% water and between 0.1% and 7% dispersant in relation to the weight of the pseudolaminar silicate mineral; and intensively mixing the first mixture obtained in the second step until the dispersion of the pseudolaminar silicate microfibre bundles in order to obtain the rheology product in a dispersion homogeneously mixed with the dispersant and the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Tolsa, S.A.
    Inventors: Julio Santarén Romé, Eduardo Aguilar Díez, Antonio Álvarez Berenguer, Juan José Aragón Martínez
  • Patent number: 8777016
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a vehicle for separating a mixed debris stream. The vehicle may include an elongate vehicle frame; a separating structure mounted on the vehicle frame and configured to contact the mixed debris stream with a fluid stream to separate the mixed debris stream into at least a first debris stream and a second debris stream; a feed structure for transporting the mixed debris stream to the separating structure at a delivery location; a first conveyor configured to receive the first debris stream at a receiving location; and a second conveyor configured to receive the second debris stream. At least one of the delivery location of the mixed debris stream, the receiving location of the first debris stream, and/or an ejection angle of the fluid stream may be adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Construction Equipment Company
    Inventors: Roger G. Smith, Jason D. Gerard
  • Publication number: 20140102950
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for separating and removing aflatoxin-contaminated corn from batches of corn by a floating process, thus producing a distinguishable floating mat of contaminated corn and a separate submerged bed of uncontaminated and less contaminated corn. The methods of this disclosure include removing the floating contaminated corn mat by a vacuum mechanism or by liquid flow. The methods reduce the aflatoxin level in the submerged corn bed as much as 80% from the initial aflatoxin level, while removing no more than 15% from the batch of corn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Nicholas Wayne Bethke, Chad Allen Conard, Lawrence E. Fosdick, Eugene Joseph Fox, Donald Grunig, Steven W. Kirkvold, Abhay R. Ladhe, Jacob A. Leland, Joseph Michael Lewis, Eugene Max Peters, JR., Anthony John Schanilec, Riley Neil Smith, Eric Sumner, Ping Yang, Jill Louise Zullo
  • Patent number: 8689980
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of separating a particle fraction from a particle stream making use of gravitational force and which is performed in a fluid. This provides particle fractions that are collected in respective collecting means. According to the invention the fluid and the collecting means are moved in relation to each other defining a relative direction of movement. There are means provided to limit the movement of the particles to be separated with respect to the fluid in the relative direction of movement. The invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Technische Universiteit Delft
    Inventors: Peter Carlo Rem, Laurens Anton Van Kooy
  • Patent number: 8657120
    Abstract: Trapping structures are provided for particle separation devices that make use of traveling wave fluid flow. These trapping structures are operative to capture and collect separated particles and present them for extraction. The extraction can be accomplished in conventional manners, such as through the use of suitable sized pipettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Meng H. Lean, Jeonggi Seo
  • Patent number: 8584864
    Abstract: The present disclosure involves a system and methods for eliminating rinse and dewatering rescreens while cooling coarse aggregates, including in one embodiment a perforated wet belt conveyance system. According to another embodiment disclosed herein, a system and method for cooling cement is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Coldcrete, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Lee, Jarrett Andrew Grindlay, Deborah M. Aleksa
  • Patent number: 8540082
    Abstract: A centrifugal assembly is provided that can be used in common laboratory fixed angle or swinging bucket centrifuges for the separation of material, such as parasitic ova, based on particle density. The centrifugal assembly allows the fluid level to be gently adjusted to form a meniscus without disruption of the buoyant matter, such as ova. The centrifugal assembly also enables a user to easily and hygienically collect and transfer a measured amount of a sample, such as fecal material, and to break apart and mix the sample with a floatation fluid contained in a centrifuge tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Iris International, Inc.
    Inventors: James Kelland, Henry Petithory, Kevin Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20130180895
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of using a flotation machine that is used in metallurgical processes and to a flotation machine. The flotation machine foams hydrophobic particles from an aqueous slurry that contains these particles. The flotation machine includes a flotation cell (1), and a rotor (2) that is inside the flotation cell. The rotor (2) is rotated at a mixing power, which maintains the suspension in the slurry and mixing of air with the slurry to form the foam, and the mixing power is controlled by adjusting the rotation speed of the rotor. The amount of solid matter S accumulated on the bottom of the cell (1) is determined, and the rotation speed of the rotor (2) is adjusted on the basis of the determined amount of solid matter. The flotation machine includes a measuring device (5) for determining the amount of solid matter accumulated on the bottom of the cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: OUTOTEC OYJ
    Inventors: Antti Rinne, Kari Loheimo
  • Patent number: 8479923
    Abstract: Process for the selective separation, and for the simultaneous increase in purity, of two spent, fragmented, synthetic organic materials having different densities, mixed together or mixed with various contaminating materials to be eliminated, by means of dense aqueous media, each aqueous medium of which has a chosen density “ds” as threshold for separating said organic materials and contaminants, characterized in that the process comprises: a) a step of separating the mixture into two streams, a supernatant stream (a1) and a settled stream (a2); b) a step of separating the components of the supernatant stream (a1), by eliminating the supernatant fraction and collecting the settled fraction formed from the fragments of the first recyclable spent synthetic organic material; c) a step of separating the components of the settled stream (a2) by collecting the supernatant fraction and eliminating the settled fraction; and d) a step of separating the components of the supernatant stream by eliminating the supernata
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventors: Henri Seinera, Hughes De Feraudy
  • Patent number: 8443981
    Abstract: Apparatus for removing heavy material from ore in a water environment includes an upstanding tube, a reservoir, and a pulsator connected between the upstanding tube and the reservoir. The pulsator cyclically causes the upstanding tube to move downward, and fluid pressure within reservoir causes it to move back upward. This vertical pulsation of the upstanding tube effects the separation of heavy material from lighter material contained within the ore. The pulsator includes a member and diaphragm which are cyclically forced downward into the reservoir by a cam-driven rocker arm. A given downward movement of the member and diaphragm results in an amplified upward movement of the ore and the water within the upstanding tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Clinton Brent Eldridge
  • Patent number: 8408396
    Abstract: The invention is a process for the beneficiation and utilization of various kinds of coal and shale oil as a solid fuel for thermoelectric power stations. The beneficiation process is performed underground, near to the place of beneficiation waste stowing, using aqueous salt solution with a density between those of the target component and waste rock. The regeneration of heavy liquid from final beneficiation tailings is performed by washing with non-aqueous volatile liquid, with subsequent drying by the subsurface heat after placing these tailings in the worked-out space. The resulting vapors are compressed and condensed; thus regenerated non-aqueous liquid is returned for washing the beneficiation tailings, while effluents produced by washing are separated into aqueous and non-aqueous components by heat released at the liquefaction of the non-aqueous liquid vapors. The enriched solid fuel remaining in the floatable state is delivered by its flow to the thermo-electric power plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventors: Chuluun Enkhbold, Brodt Alexsander
  • Patent number: 8225937
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for separating differently additivated polymers based on polystyrene, the copolymers and/or blends thereof. This method is used in particular when recycling flame-retardant plastic materials, in particular from old electrical appliances. The method is characterised by a density separation with at least one liquid or gaseous separation medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der angewandten Forschung, e.V.
    Inventors: Martin Schlummer, Andreas Mäurer
  • Patent number: 8215490
    Abstract: A classification device includes: a classification channel for classifying particles; a particle dispersion delivery channel as defined herein; a conveying fluid feed channel as defined herein; and at least one collection channel as defined herein, and the particle dispersion delivery channel satisfying relationship (1): A<B wherein A is a width of the particle dispersion inlet port as measured perpendicular to the flow in the classification channel on a cross-section taken parallel to the flow in the classification channel; and B is a width of the junction between the particle dispersion delivery channel and the classification channel as measured perpendicular to the flow in the classification channel on a cross-section taken parallel to the flow in the classification channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuya Hongo, Tetsuo Ohta, Hiroshi Kojima, Seiichi Takagi
  • Patent number: 8157099
    Abstract: A material separator for separating at least two different materials of differing densities and/or sizes of particles. The material separator generally includes a tank containing a flocculent, a circulation system for circulating flocculent within the tank and a pair of conveyors for moving two different materials out of the tank. The tank may include an upper chamber and a lower chamber. At least a portion of each of the conveyors is located in the upper chamber to catch materials fed into the flocculent. Each of the conveyors may include a mesh belt that permits the flocculent to flow through the conveyor. The tank may include a clean out valve that permits fines and other debris accumulated within the upper chamber to pass into the lower chamber. The flocculent circulation assembly may include a nozzle that can be constructed in various configurations to create flows of flocculent of various velocities and trajectories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Flo-Cait, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Cullom, Gordon J. Van Wylen, William J. Van Bronkhorst, Thomas D. Graham
  • Patent number: 8151993
    Abstract: A vehicle for separating a mixed debris stream is disclosed. The vehicle may include an elongate vehicle frame; a separating structure mounted on the vehicle frame and configured to contact the mixed debris stream with a fluid stream to separate the mixed debris stream into at least a first debris stream and a second debris stream; a first conveyor; a second conveyor; and a fluid collection structure configured to receive fluid from at least one of the separating structure, the first conveyor, and the second conveyor, the fluid collection structure including an upper tank, a lower tank, and one or more conduits fluidly connecting the upper and lower tanks, wherein the one or more conduits are free from a valve configured to regulate flow from the upper tank toward the lower tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Construction Equipment Company
    Inventors: Roger G. Smith, Jason D. Gerard
  • Patent number: 8113354
    Abstract: A problem of the invention is to provide a method which targets on polyethylene terephthalate-made bottle scraps composed mainly of polyethylene and/or polypropylene, polystyrene and a polyester and which is able to treat continuously a large amount of the polyester component with a high purity and sort and recover it in a high recovery. The problem of the invention can be solved by a separation method of waste plastics, which is characterized by forming previously a crushed plastic into a water slurry, feeding the water slurry in a fixed rate range such that a swirling flow is generated within a cylindrical tank and that water rises in a fixed rate range and recovering a polyester with a high specific gravity as a precipitated component within the cylindrical tank and a plastic with a low specific gravity as an overflow component from the top of the cylindrical tank, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Teijin Fibers Limited
    Inventors: Kozo Toida, Kazumasa Mizuno, Minoru Nakashima, Hitoshi Nagasawa
  • Patent number: 8083067
    Abstract: Enhanced methods for separating of overlapping density porous materials are provided. The methods of the invention exploit the differences in the porosity of porous feed materials compared to that of the solid plastics. In the first stage, air is forced out of the pores of a porous feed material. In the second stage, a solution, having the appropriate density, is forced into the pores. This increases the density of the porous material relative to the density of the solid plastics. As a result, the porous material can be made to sink, while the solid plastics continue to float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: UChicago Argonne, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph A. Pomykala, Jr., Bassam J. Jody, Edward J. Daniels, Jeffrey S. Spangenberger, Scott T. Lockwood
  • Patent number: 7992717
    Abstract: A housing adapted to receive a flow of slurry has a central section, an upper section, and a lower section. A clean water introduction assembly has a horizontal manifold, a plurality of horizontal apertured pipes and a plurality of vertical water lines. A valve assembly has an upper valve and a lower valve. The upper valve is normally open. The lower valve is normally closed to feed clean water from the manifold through the water lines and out of the apertured pipes into the housing. In this manner water entering the housing will cause a hindered settling. The valve assembly is also operable in a back flow mode with the upper valve being closed and the lower valve being opened. In this manner water from the housing will flow from the apertured pipes. In this manner clogs in the holes of the apertured pipe are cleared. A coupling assembly is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Jay T. Hazen
  • Publication number: 20110155652
    Abstract: The invention relates to mining of fossil energy minerals and can be applied to the beneficiation and utilization of various kinds of coal and shale oil as a solid fuel for thermoelectric power stations. The object of the invention is to reduce the energy consumption of mining energy generation, to eliminate solid fuel loss, to reduce water consumption and to protect the environment. To this end, the beneficiation process is performed underground, in the immediate proximity to the place of beneficiation waste stowing, using aqueous salt solution with a density intermediate between those of the target component and waste rock. The regeneration of heavy liquid from final beneficiation tailings is performed by washing with non-aqueous volatile liquid, with subsequent drying by the subsurface heat after placing these tailings in the worked-out space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Chuluun Enkhbold, Brodt Alexsander
  • Publication number: 20110114541
    Abstract: The device described in the present invention can separate fine solid particles in suspension in a viscous liquid, withdrawing a clear liquid from the top of the device, and a dense liquid charged with solid particles is withdrawn from the bottom. The invention also concerns the application of this device to the separation of catalyst particles in a liquid phase Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: ENI S.P.A.
    Inventors: Jean Christophe Viguie, Willi Nastoll, Francois Hugues, Elsa Mignone, Giuseppe Belmonte
  • Patent number: 7905356
    Abstract: A method for separation of heterogeneous products included in household waste (HW) comprises separating the products in a fractionation vessel containing a liquid. The waste includes components, of which at least some are capable of floating in the liquid. The components are exposed to a first essentially horizontal force (P1) in a first direction (D1) enforced by a flow of the liquid in the fractionation vessel and to a second essentially horizontal force (P2) in a second direction (D2), which is substantially different from the first direction (D1). The combined impact of the forces (P1; P2) on the components spreads the components and leads them to at least two collection areas. Products of varying buoyancy may thus be treated separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Holm Christensen Biosystemer APS
    Inventors: Borge H. Christensen, Lena H. Christensen
  • Patent number: 7802686
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for classifying fine particles, the method comprising: introducing a fine particle dispersion in which fine particles are dispersed in a liquid medium into an inlet of a microchannel having the inlet and a recovery portion; and delivering the fine particle dispersion, which has been introduced through the inlet, to the recovery portion in laminar flow, wherein delivering the fine particle dispersion includes classifying the fine particles using the difference in sedimentation speed or floatation speed among the fine particles in the fine particle dispersion. The present invention also provides a device used in the method for classifying fine particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiichi Takagi, Kazuki Imani, Tetsuo Ohta
  • Patent number: 7775371
    Abstract: A device for the separation of waste materials in accordance with their densities is provided and includes a vat which is fillable with a fluid for the separation of detritus by means of floatation and decantation. Conveyer belts are provided for the removal of the supernatant and decanted materials. A vibrating sieve is provided for the pre-separation of debris prior to introduction into the vat. The vibrating sieve extracts large materials and small materials which tend to produce silt in the vat. Means are provided for the removal of the decanted sludge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Jesús Sánchez Torres
  • Patent number: 7775372
    Abstract: A material separator for separating at least two different materials of differing densities and/or sizes of particles. The material separator generally includes a tank containing a flocculent, a circulation system for circulating flocculent within the tank and a pair of conveyors for moving two different materials out of the tank. The tank may include an upper chamber and a lower chamber. At least a portion of each of the conveyors is located in the upper chamber to catch materials fed into the flocculent. Each of the conveyors may include a mesh belt that permits the flocculent to flow through the conveyor. The tank may include a clean out valve that permits fines and other debris accumulated within the upper chamber to pass into the lower chamber. The flocculent circulation assembly may include a nozzle that can be constructed in various configurations to create flows of flocculent of various velocities and trajectories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Flo-Cait, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Cullom, Gordon J. Van Wylen, William J. Van Bronkhorst, Thomas D. Graham
  • Patent number: 7732725
    Abstract: A method of classifying fine particles includes: introducing a fine particle dispersion containing the fine particles to a micro flow channel having an inlet part and a collection part from the inlet part; moving the fine particles to an inner upper side of the micro flow channel by an electric field applied in a gravitational direction; and delivering the fine particle dispersion in a laminar flow state to the collection part. The delivering step includes classifying the fine particles according to differences in settling velocity among the fine particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiichi Takagi, Okimasa Okada, Tetsuo Ohta
  • Publication number: 20100044279
    Abstract: A separation apparatus (A) separates particulates such as sand from a slurry of water/sand/manure. Particularly, passage (20) receives the slurry and injectors (40) assist the slurry over ramp (42) and aid in separating the sand and organic material from the slurry. The sand proceeds through a discharge (44) and preferably a counter flow of sanitizer from sterilizing passage (60) proceeds through the sand. Cleaned and sanitized sand is temporarily stored in a collector (62).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: Randall L. Tucker
  • Publication number: 20090255855
    Abstract: A material separator for separating at least two different materials of differing densities and/or sizes of particles. The material separator generally includes a tank containing a flocculent, a circulation system for circulating flocculent within the tank and a pair of conveyors for moving two different materials out of the tank. The tank may include an upper chamber and a lower chamber. At least a portion of each of the conveyors is located in the upper chamber to catch materials fed into the flocculent. Each of the conveyors may include a mesh belt that permits the flocculent to flow through the conveyor. The tank may include a clean out valve that permits fines and other debris accumulated within the upper chamber to pass into the lower chamber. The flocculent circulation assembly may include a nozzle that can be constructed in various configurations to create flows of flocculent of various velocities and trajectories.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: FLO-CAIT, INC.
    Inventors: James P. Cullom, Gordon J. Van Wylen, William J. Van Bronkhorst, Thomas D. Graham
  • Publication number: 20090200213
    Abstract: A process for the separation of production fluids is provided. The production fluids comprise an oil/water emulsion stabilized with fine solids. The emulsion may further comprise asphaltenes and naphthenic acids and resins. The process includes subjecting the emulsion to a flocculating agent to flocculate solids within the emulsion, and separating water and solids from crude oil in a first separator. The process further includes subjecting the separated crude oil to a demulsifier after subjecting the emulsion to a flocculating agent, and further separating water from the crude oil in a second separator. A process for producing fluids from a hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir is also provided, using the separation processes herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Ramesh Varadaraj, Lee A. Littlejohn
  • Patent number: 7565981
    Abstract: A material separator for separating at least two different materials of differing densities and/or sizes of particles. The material separator generally includes a tank containing a flocculent, a circulation system for circulating flocculent within the tank and a pair of conveyors for moving two different materials out of the tank. The tank may include an upper chamber and a lower chamber. At least a portion of each of the conveyors is located in the upper chamber to catch materials fed into the flocculent. Each of the conveyors may include a mesh belt that permits the flocculent to flow through the conveyor. The tank may include a clean out valve that permits fines and other debris accumulated within the upper chamber to pass into the lower chamber. The flocculent circulation assembly may include a nozzle that can be constructed in various configurations to create flows of flocculent of various velocities and trajectories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Flo-Cait, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Cullom, Gordan J. Van Wylen, William J. Van Bronkhorst, Thomas D. Graham
  • Patent number: 7514011
    Abstract: A system for separating solids from a fluid stream. The system includes a first separator device mounted to a container. The container includes a settling compartment and baffle plate module, with the initial settling compartment receiving the fluid from the first separator device. The fluid stream proceeds through the baffle plate module. The solids within the fluid stream will descend to the bottom of the container. A spiral blade is positioned at the bottom of the container, with the spiral blade adapted to convey solids to a first pump member. The speed of rotation of the spiral blade may be varied. The first pump member discharges the slurry to a second separator device. The second separator device will discharge the separated fluid stream into the baffle plate module. In one embodiment, the first separator device is a linear shaker and the second separator device is a cyclone separator and linear shaker mounted in tandem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Del Corporation
    Inventor: Robert M. Kulbeth
  • Publication number: 20090065404
    Abstract: A process for the separation of a multiple domain solid feedstock such as that derived from ASR, WSR, and/or ESR is disclosed which comprises granulating the feedstock to produce particles each of substantially a single domain, with each type of particle having a different density. The particles are introduced into a suitable aqueous salt solution. Aqueous salt solutions containing cations comprising sodium, calcium and ammonium, and anions comprising nitrate, bromide, and chloride are useful. A dispersion mixer having a high shear and/or turbulent zone is utilized to disperse agglomerated particles and a quiescent hydrogravity tank is utilized to effect binary separation of the mixture of particles into a stream with a higher average specific gravity, and a stream with a lower average specific gravity. A higher degree of product purity can be obtained by subjecting either of the product streams from the first hydrogravity stage to additional stages of hydrogravity separation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: PASPEK CONSULTING LLC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Paspek, JR., Joseph E. Bork, Alan Schroeder
  • Patent number: 7500566
    Abstract: A vehicle for separating a mixed debris stream is disclosed. The vehicle includes an elongate vehicle frame; a separating structure mounted on the vehicle frame and configured to contact the mixed debris stream with a fluid stream at a contact region to separate the mixed debris stream into at least a first debris stream and a second debris stream, wherein the second debris stream includes at least some material of a higher density than material from the first debris stream; a first conveyor; and a second conveyor, wherein the contact region is spaced from the feed end portion of the first conveyor, and wherein the separating structure is further configured to selectively direct the fluid stream to move the contact region among a plurality of locations relative to the feed end portion of the first conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Construction Equipment Company
    Inventors: Roger G. Smith, Jason D. Gerard
  • Patent number: 7500565
    Abstract: A vehicle for separating a mixed debris stream is disclosed. The vehicle includes an elongate vehicle frame; a separating assembly mounted on the vehicle frame and configured to contact the mixed debris stream with a fluid stream to separate the mixed debris stream into at least a first debris stream and a second debris stream, wherein the second debris stream includes at least some material of a higher density than material from the first debris stream, and at least one of the first debris stream and the second debris stream includes fluid from the fluid stream; a first conveyor; and a second conveyor, wherein at least one of the first conveyor and the second conveyor includes a non-mesh conveyor belt configured to drain at least some fluid from at least one of the first debris stream and the second debris stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Construction Equipment Company
    Inventors: Roger G. Smith, Jason D. Gerard
  • Patent number: 7314140
    Abstract: A material separator for separating at least two different materials of differing densities and/or sizes of particles. The material separator generally includes a tank containing a flocculent, a circulation system for circulating flocculent within the tank and a pair of conveyors for moving two different materials out of the tank. The tank may include an upper chamber and a lower chamber. At least a portion of each of the conveyors is located in the upper chamber to catch materials fed into the flocculent. Each of the conveyors may include a mesh belt that permits the flocculent to flow through the conveyor. The tank may include a clean out valve that permits fines and other debris accumulated within the upper chamber to pass into the lower chamber. The flocculent circulation assembly may include a nozzle that can be constructed in various configurations to create flows of flocculent of various velocities and trajectories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Flo-Cait, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Cullom, Gordon J. Van Wylen, William J. Van Bronkhorst, Thomas D. Graham
  • Patent number: 7169263
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coarse dirt collector (7) for removing coarse material from a pulper (1). The coarse dirt collector (7) comprises a support arm (8) with a collecting basket (9). The collecting basket (9) consists of a frame (11) on which tines (Z) are fixed by means of a grid. The coarse dirt collector can be pivoted into and out of the pulper, to which end it moves about an axis of rotation (A) positioned at an angle to the plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (P) of the pulper. Said angle is between 20° and 40°. The advantage of said device is that the coarse dirt collector (7) has to carry out only one movement between its collecting and unloading position and unloading can take place automatically without need for a special scraping device. Because of the position of the tines (Z) there is no risk of undesirable loss of coarse material prior to unloading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Fea Gesellschaft F. Recycling V.E.U.A.M.
    Inventors: Harry Wiljan, Roland Carra
  • Patent number: 7152742
    Abstract: Comminuted carpet pieces are fed to a first stirred tank together with an aqueous solution containing separating salt, to form a first suspension, which is fed to a first mechanical separating stage. A first high-solids phase, a second high-solids phase containing polymer fiber material, and a liquid phase are obtained therefrom. The second high-solids phase is mixed with a water-containing separation solution in a stirred tank, to give a second suspension, which is fed to a second mechanical separating stage. A third high-solids phase, a polymer fiber material-rich phase and a liquid phase are withdrawn therefrom. An acid which is stronger than H2CO3 is introduced into the stirred tank together with the water-containing separation solution, and the pH of the liquid in the stirred tank is adjusted to 2–6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Zimmer AG
    Inventors: Roland Donaj, Wolfgang Dilly-Louis, Rudolf Kämpf, Norman Schnittker, Reinhard Wolf
  • Patent number: 7111738
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and media for use in separating mixtures. A slurry including a separation liquid and one or more particulate media materials is provided. A classification separation is performed on the slurry to produce a classified media having a controlled particle size distribution of the particulate media materials. The classified media is combined with a mixture to be separated to generate a separation mixture. A density separation is performed on the separation mixture. The particle size distribution can be controlled based in part on characteristics of components of a separation system to be used in subsequent density separations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: MBA Polymers, Inc.
    Inventor: Laurence E. Allen, III
  • Patent number: 7017753
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of separating heavy materials in garbage from light ones is taking advantage of water as a means for carrying floated garbage and submerged garbage and sinking the heavy materials in garbage by considering specific weight, buoyancy, and flow rate of water so as to remove the light materials in garbage and the heavy materials in garbage from the water container at different elevations and then to classify the heavy materials in garbage prior to collection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Steven Tse
  • Patent number: 7007806
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for abrading the membrane portion of waste egg shells from the hard mineral portion thereof, is provided. The linking structure between the membrane and shell is initially abraded such that the membrane particles and shell particles can be passively dissociated thereafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventor: Joseph H. MacNeil