Liquids Added To Make Pulp Or Suspension Patents (Class 241/21)
  • Publication number: 20020179752
    Abstract: A system for recovering paper fiber from paper furnish material including at least one conveyor, a debaler, a weighbelt conveyor, a pulper and a double drum screen washer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Applicant: Fiber Recycling Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark W. Spencer
  • Publication number: 20020179753
    Abstract: Methods of forming niobium powders and other metal powders are described. The method involves milling the metal powders at elevated temperatures and in the presence of at least one liquid solvent. The methods of the present invention have the ability to reduce DC leakage and/or increase capacitance capabilities of metal powders when formed into capacitor anodes. The present invention further has the ability to significantly reduce the milling time necessary to form high surface area metal powders and leads to reducing the amount of contaminants in the metal powders. Metal powders such as niobium powders having reduced amount of contaminants and/or having DC leakage or capacitance capabilities are also described. A process is further described for forming a flaked metal by wet-milling a metal powder into a flaked metal wherein at least one liquid fluorinated fluid is present during the wet-milling process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Kurt A. Habecker, James A. Fife
  • Patent number: 6481649
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for the structural agglomeration of aerogel particles. The method comprises the steps of feeding aerogel particles to a mixing apparatus. A binder also is added to the mixing apparatus. After thorough mixing agglomerates from the mixing apparatus optionally are separated according to their size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Cabot Corporation
    Inventor: Marc Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6478243
    Abstract: A method and a device in which food waste is conveyed to a storage tank from an inlet using a difference in air pressure between the inlet and the storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Exy Concept Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shintaro Fujiwara
  • Publication number: 20020121564
    Abstract: There is a method for which a sewage sludge is permitted to flow from a first connecting region 21 to a treatment device, which works with rotation and stresses the sewage sludge with severing parts, and from the treatment device to a second connecting region 1. It is desirable to improve the continuity to the operation and to attain a decisive increase in the disintegration. This is achieved by using a rapidly rotating pipe-head formation, which has a head 6 with radial openings 10 and radial wings 4, for the mechanical disintegration of biogenic sewage sludge. The edges of the openings exert a shear effect, while the wings exert an impact effect and the combination of these two actions, in conjunction with the rapid rotation, brings about the improvement in the disintegration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Jochen Knauer, Jens Schmitt, Jorg Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20020119200
    Abstract: There is provided a process for reducing particle size of a drug, the process comprising (a) a step of dispersing about 10 g or less of the drug in a suitable volume of a liquid dispersion medium to form a suspension; (b) a step of bringing together in a vessel grinding media, magnetically activatable means for stirring and the suspension; (c) a step of magnetically activating the means for stirring to effect milling of the suspension to a weight average particle size not greater than about 1 &mgr;m; and (d) a step of separating the resulting milled suspension from the grinding media and the magnetically activatable means for stirring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Royal J. Haskell
  • Publication number: 20020104907
    Abstract: The present invention provides a food waste disposer having an upper food conveying section, a motor section, a central grinding section and a controller. The upper food conveying section includes a housing forming an inlet to receive food waste. The motor section includes a switched reluctance machine having a rotor and a stator. The rotor imparts rotational movement to a rotatable shaft. The central grinding section is disposed between the food conveying section and the motor section. The food conveying section conveys food waste to the grinding section. The grinding section includes a grinding mechanism where a portion of the grinding mechanism is mounted to the rotatable shaft. The controller is electrically connected to the stator to control the switched reluctance machine. The controller is capable of directing rotational movement to the rotatable shaft and the portion of the grinding mechanism mounted to the rotatable shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: William A. Strutz, Thomas R. Berger, Scott W. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20020104908
    Abstract: A baffle for a food waste disposer to reduce noise is disclosed. The baffle has a diaphragm that allows solid and liquid waste to pass through the diaphragm, and accordingly does not substantially affect the normal operation of the disposer. However, because the baffle covers the central opening in the conventional mounting gasket of the prior art, a direct path from the grinding mechanism in the disposer to the sink is blocked, thus muffling the noise coming from the grinding mechanism. Additionally, the disclosed baffles are preferably, but not necessarily, designed so as to create a water dam on their surface by impeding the flow of water from the sink faucet in a way to create a pool of water. The disclosed baffles may be installed in the drain opening of a sink above the conventional mounting gasket, although other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas R. Berger, Cynthia Jara-Almonte
  • Patent number: 6428733
    Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved method of using a volatile liquid color system to prepare colorant-coated polymeric resin powders for use in rotational molding. The method according to the present invention includes simultaneously feeding polymeric resin pellets or granules and a volatile liquid color system into a grinding mill to produce a colorant-coated polymeric resin powder for use in rotational molding. During grinding, the volatile liquid color system coats the surface of the freshly ground polymeric resin powder and dries, leaving no residues that will volatilize during rotational molding or exude from the surface of rotationally molded parts during molding. The method of the present invention eliminates the need for additional processing steps after resin grinding, such as distributive mixing and drying. Rotational molded articles produced according to the present invention exhibit excellent color uniformity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Ferro Corporation
    Inventor: Gerrit Zwart
  • Patent number: 6427933
    Abstract: The main theme of the invention is to provide a method for manufacturing industrially, by mechanically comminuting silk yarn, crystalline silk fibroin powder below 3 &mgr;m in an average particle diameter, which can be used for various applications. A silk substance such as cocoon filament, silk yarn, or raw silk is brought into an alkali aqueous solution under a pressure of 1 through 5 atmospheric pressure at temperatures from 100° C. through 150° C. to reduce the tensile strength of the silk substance to around 0.02 g/d or less. Thereafter, the resultant silk substance is subjected to dealkalization and drying. Subsequently, the resultant dried silk substance is comminuted into powder below 3 &mgr;m in an average particle diameter. Thus, the crystalline silk fibroin powder below 3 &mgr;m in an average particle diameter is manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignees: Japan as represented by Director General of National Institute of Sericultural and Entomological Science Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences
    Inventor: Kozo Tsubouchi
  • Patent number: 6426136
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reducing particle size by the use of a supercritical fluid, generally carbon dioxide. The material is swollen by the supercritical carbon dioxide at a high pressure. After the material has been allowed to swell under a high pressure, the pressure is rapidly dropped. When the external pressure is rapidly dropped, the material explodes as the supercritical gas absorbed into the material rapidly expands outward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: R & D Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Rouse, Victor M. Deeb
  • Patent number: 6422393
    Abstract: A process for the recovery of minerals from the fine particle size fraction of froth flotation feed (slimes), which is conventionally discarded to waste because slimes interfere with efficient flotation. In the disclosed process, the slimes, which also may be termed fines, are scrubbed to clean the slimes, and are then subjected to conventional froth flotation. The scrubbing is done in the presence of an attrition media, in addition to chemical reagents for cleaning and dispersing fine particles. Thus an inert attrition media, of larger particle size than the slimes, is introduced into a scrubber. The process accordingly recovers a fine fraction of the flotation feed that is normally lost. The recovery process may be incorporated into an existing plant design, or as part of a new plant designed to recover material previously discarded in waste disposal areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffrey Van Jahnke
  • Patent number: 6422492
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating ion-exchange resin includes a disk mill having a plurality of disks including corundum for comminuting the ion-exchange resin. Reliable temporary storage or final storage even of coarse-grained ion-exchange resin from a nuclear plant is made possible by reduction of the swelling capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Johann Lisson, Karl-Heinz Kleinschroth, Robert Grigat, Klaus Blinn
  • Patent number: 6415996
    Abstract: Chemically aided milling of ceramic powders is disclosed. Carrier suspension, usually aqueous, of the ceramic powder may have added to it a dispersing agent and a passivating agent, followed by milling the aqueous suspension while continuously monitoring the pH, and as necessary, adding acid or a base to keep the pH within a desired range during milling. Real time monitoring allows milling with lower energy consumption, and enhances the desirable particle surfaces of the ceramic powder. The passivating agent can also be real time monitored and adjusted as necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventors: James H. Adair, Thomas R. Shrout, Gary L. Messing, Tarah M. Pecora, Michael M. Mandanas
  • Patent number: 6413364
    Abstract: The invention provides a process and apparatus for the treatment and recovery of fiberboard and particle board waste. Waste fiberboard and particle board is fed into a steam chamber and steam treated with steam under pressure from a steam generator. When the steam treatment is completed any effluent and excess steam are evacuated from the chamber and the steam treated waste is passed through a rotating trommel. Woodfibers and woodchips pass through the screens of the trommel and are collected for drying and further processing. Waste material, such as melamine coatings, passes through the trommel for collection and disposal. The collected woodfiber and woodchips can be processed for reuse in paper, cardboard or particle board manufacture or as mulch and other ground cover material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Malcolm Sandison
  • Patent number: 6412714
    Abstract: An apparatus for mixing, grinding, dispersing or emulsifying including a rotatable drive, a rotor body connected for rotation with the drive and having at least one aperture for fluid flow through the rotor body and a flow divider plate structure extending within the rotor body for preventing conglomeration of particulates contained within the fluid in the rotor body. Preferably, a stator body is secured outside of the rotor body and each of the rotor and stator bodies include respective apertures for allowing fluid flow therethrough. The flow divider plate structure prevents the usual swirling action of liquid and solid particulates within the rotor body such that the mixture has a more desirable flow pattern and so that particulates do not conglomerate to form a mass that clogs the rotor body. Further aspects and embodiments of the invention provide advantageous seal structure and structure for increasing productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventors: Anthony Witsken, A. C. Knox
  • Patent number: 6402064
    Abstract: Granular substances with pollutants adhered, such as contaminated soils and incinerated ashes, are finely granulated to separate the pollutants from the granular substances efficiently and to enable the granular substances, from which pollutants have been separated, to be recycled. After fine granulation of the granular substances by a coarse disintegrating treatment through a first fine granulation machine, the granular substances, which have been finely granulated by the first fine granulation machine, are subjected to, by a second fine granulation machine, mutual polishing among the granular substances by mutual rubbing forces of the substances themselves and thus the pollutants, such as heavy metals and dioxin class substances adhering strongly to the surfaces of the granular substances, are separated, and also the granular substances not containing the pollutants are classified from the granular substances which have already been finely granulated by a vibrational screen and a classification device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignees: Shinroku Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Youyu Shigen Kabushiki Kaisha, Kabushiki Kaisha Kamagaigumi
    Inventors: Takao Tango, Yo Ito, Hirohiko Shibata, Kenji Kawaguchi, Yutaka Shida
  • Patent number: 6402065
    Abstract: Apparatus and system to mechanically lyse microbial cells and disintegrate particulate in liquid and recycling the lysed cells, cytoplasm and particulates to the aeration system of a wastewater treatment plant. The method of lysis is cavitation and impingement in a mill, which preferably has a plurality of stages, each with a rotor/stator set. A corresponding plurality of dividers within the mill channel the fluid sequentially through each of the plurality of stages. Orifice plates may be utilized to maximize cavitation by controlling flow into the rotors, which preferably have tapering slots to maximize cavitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Kady International
    Inventor: John A. Higgins
  • Patent number: 6402066
    Abstract: Methods of forming niobium powders and other metal powders are described. The method involves milling the metal powders at elevated temperatures and in the presence of at least one liquid solvent. The methods of the present invention have the ability to reduce DC leakage and/or increase capacitance capabilities of metal powders when formed into capacitor anodes. The present invention further has the ability to significantly reduce the milling time necessary to form high surface area metal powders and leads to reducing the amount of contaminants in the metal powders. Metal powders such as niobium powders having reduced amount of contaminants and/or having DC leakage or capacitance capabilities are also described. A process is further described for forming a flaked metal by wet-milling a metal powder into a flaked metal wherein at least one liquid fluorinated fluid is present during the wet-milling process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Cabot Corporation
    Inventors: Kurt A. Habecker, James A. Fife
  • Publication number: 20020066811
    Abstract: A sewage cleaning and comminuting system is provided with a transverse semi-circular concave filtering screen that extends across an influent channel which intercepts all solids too large to pass therethrough. A combined screen cleaning and comminuting grinder unit is mounted in front of the screen in close relationship, having a concave surface for reciprocating motion therebetween along the full extent of the screen, so as to clean and remove large solids intercepted by the screen surface, and to subsequently comminute such larger solids as they are recirculated back into incoming flow of sewage, wherein the large solids can be ground into smaller solids by the grinder so that they can pass through the screen. A semi-circular screen in combination with a grinder is a preferred embodiment of the system. The system includes a single or multiple drive means whereby the comminuting grinder is actuated and provided with the reciprocating motion along the surface of the screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: William B. Galanty, Alexander Vilensky
  • Patent number: 6397492
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for separating and processing solid waste, often but not necessarily from municipalities (and so will be generically referred to herein as municipal solid waste or “MSW”), into useful products, and for reducing biohazards and putrid odors derived from MSW. The MSW is loaded into an elongated, generally cylindrically shaped rotating pressure vessel and is subjected to heat and pressure by the application of steam in specified amounts to break down the organic portion of the MSW into a cellulose feedstock, or a de-manufactured paper product, of uniform particle size and density. This product is then easily separable from other constituents of MSW, such as glass, aluminum and other metals, and plastics. The recyclables are recovered and sold in the market. The waste water from the process is reduced by processing through a water vamping apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: MSW Patents, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Malley
  • Publication number: 20020063178
    Abstract: The present invention provides a food waste disposer having an upper food conveying section, a motor section, a central grinding section and a controller. The upper food conveying section includes a housing forming an inlet to receive food waste. The motor section includes a switched reluctance machine having a rotor and a stator. The rotor imparts rotational movement to a rotatable shaft. The central grinding section is disposed between the food conveying section and the motor section. The food conveying section conveys food waste to the grinding section. The grinding section includes a grinding mechanism where a portion of the grinding mechanism is mounted to the rotatable shaft. The controller is electrically connected to the stator to control the switched reluctance machine. The controller is capable of directing rotational movement to the rotatable shaft and the portion of the grinding mechanism mounted to the rotatable shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Applicant: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: William A. Strutz, Thomas R. Berger, Scott W. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6390395
    Abstract: The subject invention pertains to the use of non-toxic heavy liquids and slurries in the separation of components of ores, concentrates, residues, soils, and scrap. Specifically exemplified herein is the use of cesium and/or rubidium salts in separation processes. These salts are particularly advantageous because of their high specific gravity and solubility in water and, their low solution viscosities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Versitech, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom L. Young, Kathy Bauer, Michael G. Greene, Sharon K. Young
  • Patent number: 6386468
    Abstract: A method of mechano-chemical fluorination is described that has a significantly improved yield over prior art methods of synthesis. The present invention illustrates this improved mechano-chemical Fluorination by describing the improved synthesis of Fullerene Fluorides (FF). This method overcomes reduced product yield that results from vibromill material corrosion. This method also overcomes the prior fluorination and FF synthesis problems of the prior art by utilizing different fluorinating materials, adding catalysts and diluting agents to the process, varying milling times, and heating in the presence of inert gasses to improve the fluorination process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: CeramOptec Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Neuberger, Victor Kalinin, Andrei Alikhanyn
  • Patent number: 6384145
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preparing a blended thermoplastic resin composition that includes combining a ground crosslinked rubber with a thermoplastic material and a compatibilizer, and the products formed thereby. The ground crosslinked rubber has an average particle size of about 80 mesh or smaller. The thermoplastic material can be a polyolefinic resin or a polyolefinic elastomer or olefinic vulcanizate elastomer. The ground crosslinked rubber is included in amounts of up to 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the blended thermoplastic composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Cooper Technology Services LLC
    Inventors: Elaine A. Mertzel, Ronald G. Weber, Louis Citarel, James P. Sheets, Annette K. Hollister, Laurel A. Rodak
  • Patent number: 6382537
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reductive dehalogenation of halogen-organic substances which can be used in solid or liquid mixtures of substances. When the parameters of the inventive method are correspondingly adapted, liquids and halogen-organic contaminated soils can be mechanically treated and consequently reductively dehalogenated by applying mechanical energy and adding elementary alkali metal, earth-alkaline metal, aluminum or iron as a reducing agent and at least one reactant with slightly activated hydrogen as a hydrogen source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Volker Birke
  • Patent number: 6379489
    Abstract: A process for the reclamation of base materials from carpet is disclosed. The process includes contacting the carpet with a composition which contains a chemical softening agent for the binder material in the carpet and separating the carpet pile from the carpet backing(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventors: Roger Joseph Goulet, Peter Michael Ramsden, Jerauld Lee Dickerson, Susan Ramilo Williams
  • Publication number: 20020047057
    Abstract: A pest control insulation building material from recycled waste paper including one or more chemical additives. The base material is fiberized, and the chemical additives may include: pesticides, disease immune additives (medicines), ammonia dust inhibitors, fire retardants, stabilizers or other additives, depending on the characteristics desired of the final product. At least one of the additives is applied as a liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventors: John D. Elliot, William N. Turk
  • Patent number: 6364224
    Abstract: An apparatus and a process for drying a suspension of a finely divided particulate solid material to produce the solid material in a substantially dry and unagglomerated form. The apparatus consists of a grinding chamber containing a particulate grinding medium such as silica having a diameter of 1-5 mm, a conduit for introducing the suspension into the grinding chamber and an impeller which rotates in the grinding chamber. The grinding chamber has a perforated base through which a heated gas is introduced to provide an upward flow of gas through the grinding chamber and through the grinding medium. As the particulate material is dried, fine particles of the dried material are carried upwards in the upflow of gas through the grinding chamber. A filter such as one or more cyclones and/or a bag filter assembly is located downstream of the grinding chamber in order to separate the particles of dried material from the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: ECC International Limited
    Inventor: David Anthony Pearce
  • Publication number: 20020036244
    Abstract: Method of shaping solid, particulate materials, which comprises forming a raw slurry of the starting material, in a liquid which is a partial solvent of said material, and submitting the slurry to treatment by ultrasound generators to produce therein ultrasonic vibrations which shape and grind the starting, particulate material to produce a shaped slurry of ground and shaped particles. The shaped particles may be separated from their slurry by removing the partial solvent by decantation and/or filtration. The partial solvent may be a liquid in which the material to be shaped has a solubility comprised between 1 and 10, wherein the solubility is expressed as grams of material that are dissolved in 100 ml of the liquid at a temperature of 20° C. The partial solvent can be chosen from among acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and mixtures of said solvents with one another or other solvents and/or a minor amount of water, and may also be an organic solvent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Tamar Kaully, Benjamin Keren, Tamar Kimmel, Orly Dekel
  • Patent number: 6360974
    Abstract: A powder slurry coating composition is prepared by adding individual particulate materials including at least one resin powder to an aqueous medium and then milling the dispersed particulate materials to produce a median particle size of up to about 15 microns. The powder slurry coating composition is used to prepare a coating on a substrate. The coating is equivalent to coatings obtained from powder slurry coating compositions in which the powder is produced by melt mixing in an extruder and grinding the extrudate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence Sacharski, Michael A. Gessner
  • Patent number: 6357678
    Abstract: Particulate synthetic zeolite is micronized in a liquid organic medium to form a micronized zeolite product having an average (mean) particle size of about 2 microns or less and containing at least 90% by weight, based on the dry weight of the zeolite product, if isolated, of particles no larger than about 5 microns. Preferably, the micronized zeolite product has a mean particle size of 1 micron or less, and at least 90% by weight of the zeolite product, based on the dry weight of the zeolite product, if isolated, has a particle size of 2 microns or less. The liquid organic medium used is (a) inert or substantially inert, (b) devoid or substantially devoid of water, and (c) devoid of a dispersant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Albermarle Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick C. Hu, Conrad J. Langlois, Jr., Ronald L. Camp
  • Patent number: 6358367
    Abstract: A paper machine includes a traveling belt for carrying a fiber web, and a cutting device disposed below the belt for cutting the fiber web into smaller pieces. The cutting device has an inlet and an outlet. A guiding device guides the fiber web from the belt to the inlet of the cutting device. A pulper is connected with the outlet of the cutting device for receiving the smaller pieces of fiber web from the cutting device. The traveling belt may be in the form of, e.g., a wire, felt or water impervious belt. The cutting device may be in the form of, e.g., a shredder, fluffer, water jet cutter, laser cutter and/or roll cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Paper Technology North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Klaus Doelle, Werner Witek, Robert J. Matz
  • Patent number: 6354523
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming superfine particles of rubber powder suitable for recycling, as by incorporation into new rubber production, is shown. Coarsely ground rubber particles, formed in a conventional manner, are mixed in a soaking vessel with a reagent which causes the rubber particles to swell. The swollen, reagent-impregnated rubber is less elastic and more easily ground. The reagent-impregnated particles are then transported to a grinder which reduces the size of the particles to 200 &mgr;m or less. The ground particles are then heated to drive off the reagent which is recovered in a reagent recovery system. The dried particles are then sorted according to size. The process is conveniently automated and provides the ability to economically recycle rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Yangsheng Liu
  • Patent number: 6345777
    Abstract: Fibers to be introduced into a mixture are initially pelletized or granulated at a compacting station. The pellets or granules are then transported to a user station where they are stored, and then re-fiberized as required ready for use and introduced into a mixer where they are mixed with other ingredients to provide a mixture with the required properties which is then ready for delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Excel Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Roger Leaver
  • Patent number: 6343752
    Abstract: A self-contained, indoor wastewater disposal system for collecting, grinding, and pumping wastewater is readily installed within a building such as in the basement thereof by connecting to a wastewater feed pipe, to a wastewater discharge pipe, and to an electrical power supply such as a standard 120 volt or 220 volt electrical outlet. The system generally includes a tank, a grinder pump, and an alarm unit for indicating a problem with the operation of the system. The alarm unit is desirably operable to indicate loss of electrical power to the grinder pump, indicate an overflow water level in the tank, and/or indicate adegradation of performance of the grinder pump. The tank may be configured for receiving the wastewater feed pipe from the building at either of two orientations which are disposed ninety-degrees from each other so that the system may be easily and closely positioned adjacent to a wall of the building and so that the connection of the wastewater feed pipe to the tank is obscured from view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Environment One Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew P. Sleasman, Paul Zalewski, Eric R. Hess
  • Publication number: 20020003179
    Abstract: This invention describes a process for preparing a dispersion of solid particles of a milled substrate in a fluid carrier comprising the steps of (a) providing a plurality of large size milling media to the milling chamber of a media mill and forming a depth filter therefrom on an exit screen or separator in the milling chamber; (b) adding to said milling chamber a plurality of small size milling media optionally containing additional large size milling media, a conglomerate of a solid substance comprising a substrate to be milled and optionally one or more than one surface active substance, and a fluid carrier; (c) milling said conglomerate in said milling chamber to produce very small milled substrate product particles; and (d) separating said milled substrate particles suspended in said fluid carrier from the media through said depth filter; wherein the exit screen comprises openings of size S0; the large size media have a size distribution S1 of which all are larger than S0; the small size media have a si
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventors: Frank H. Verhoff, Robert A. Snow, Gary W. Pace
  • Publication number: 20010052557
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for predispersing additives used in a compounding process, as well as to predispersed particles. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods for predispersing, particularly ground elastomers which are used as compounding ingredients for many applications, especially for the production of rubber or plastic materials such as tires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: R & D Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Rouse, Victor M. Deeb
  • Patent number: 6315222
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing paste containing flaky aluminum powder, which is the main ingredient of the topcoat paint for automobiles. The present invention is intended to provide a production method, which is more economical than the conventional method of using the gas-atomozied powders. In particular, a vessel is charged with by-product scraps from the production process of aluminum foil, balls, mineral spirits, and an unsaturated fatty acid, such as oleic acid. Under such conditions, the ball-milling is carried out to yield an intermediate paste containing flaky aluminum powder, which is then made into aluminum paste by adjusting the amount of a solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials
    Inventors: Byoung-Kee Kim, Seong-Hyeon Hong, Dong-Won Lee
  • Patent number: 6311905
    Abstract: A sewage cleaning and comminuting system is provided with a transverse semi-circular concave filtering screen that extends across an influent channel which intercepts all solids too large to pass therethrough. A combined screen cleaning and comminuting grinder unit is mounted in front of the screen in close relationship. It has a concave surface for reciprocating motion therebetween along the full extent of the screen, so as to clean and remove large solids intercepted by the screen surface, and to subsequently comminute such larger solids. As they are recirculated back into incoming flow of sewage, larger solids are ground into smaller solids by the grinder so that they can pass through the screen. A semi-circular screen in combination with a grinder is a preferred embodiment of the system. The system includes a single or multiple drive means whereby the comminuting grinder is actuated and provided with the reciprocating motion along the surface of the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Franklin Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Galanty, Alexander Vilensky
  • Patent number: 6302342
    Abstract: A pulper has a circular rotor that carries a set of peripheral blades that rotate within a stator having a set of peripheral lobes that interact with the peripheral blades as they rotate to reduce and defiber materials, e.g., to produce pulp slurries for paper-making. A cone assembly is mounted over the center of the rotor on a base plate. The cone assembly includes a blade that extends across the common axis of rotation of the base plate and the rotor and projects into a tank beyond the height of the peripheral blades and the stator lobes. A support structure, preferably in the form of a “cone”, supports the blade. The cone preferably has a pyramidal structure and in one form extends sufficiently far up the blade so that, typically, no more than 2 to 3 inches of the blade project above the outer surface of the cone. The blade has a triangular structure terminating in a central apex for use in reducing slabs of large sheet materials such as reel broke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Bolton-Emerson Americas, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald W. Danforth, Glen I. Urquhart
  • Patent number: 6290152
    Abstract: An asphalt based material recycling system and method is used to recycle asphalt materials, such as asphalt shingles and tar paper that include granules, fibers or other particles. The asphalt material is simultaneously heated and milled in a heated milling apparatus, such as a heated ball mill, to reduce the asphalt material including granules to a fine mesh in suspension in liquid asphalt. Excess moisture is removed from the asphalt material being recycled by continuously venting the heated milling apparatus. The heated milling apparatus preferably includes a rotatable milling vessel rotated at an acute angle with respect to the horizontal plane and having an opening that provides continuous venting. The shape of the milling vessel allows the liquid level inside the milling vessel to have a liquid head above the outlet region of the milling vessel, for facilitating milling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Environmental Reprocessing, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Zickell
  • Publication number: 20010015389
    Abstract: Process and device for dispersing a fibrous paper web which comprises a substantially consistent fibrous paper material. The device includes an inlet for fibrous paper material, a stationary stator, and at least one rotatable rotor. The stator and the at least one rotor form a pulverizing zone including a pulverizing element located near the inlet for the fibrous paper material, the pulverizing element including least one of scrapers and knives for pulverizing the fibrous material into a fine, friable material; a vapor chamber forming a ring about the pulverizing zone, the vapor chamber being for calefying the fine, friable material formed by the pulverizing element; and a dispersing zone including at least one row of teeth on the stator and at least one row of teeth on the at least one rotor which can be moved relative to the at least one row of teeth of the stator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Applicant: VOITH SULZER PAPIERTECHNIK PATENT
    Inventors: Almut Kriebel, Volker Niggl, Josef Schneid, Hans Schnell, Wolfgang Mannes
  • Patent number: 6276619
    Abstract: A method and system for producing an animal bedding material from recycled waste paper, and including one or more chemical additives. The base material is fiberized, and the chemical additives may include: pesticides, disease immune additives (medicines), ammonia inhibitors, fire retardants, or other additives, depending on the characteristics desired of the final product. At least one of the additives is applied as a liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Cellulose Technologies Group, Inc.
    Inventors: William N. Turk, Marvin Johnson
  • Publication number: 20010011688
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for mixing two or more drilling fluid components to form a drilling fluid composition. In one embodiment, a method is provided which comprises (a) combining the components in a substantially sealed mixing tank to form a mixture, at least one of the drilling fluid components being dispensed under substantially sealed and externally dust-free conditions from at least one bulk bag into the tank, (b) agitating the mixture within the mixing tank, and (c) circulating at least a portion of the mixture from the mixing tank through grinding means for breaking apart agglomerates within the mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: Blake Whitlatch, Larry J. Smith
  • Patent number: 6267309
    Abstract: A method of processing waste is disclosed wherein the municipal solid waste is segregated and processed to recover reusable rubber, metal, plastic, glass and the remaining organic portion of the waste stream is used to make ethanol and other chemicals. One process utilizes a pretreatment step with dilute sulfuric acid to reduce the heavy metal content of the cellulosic component of the municipal solid waste which can inhibit the fermentation of the sugars obtained from such waste. In another, the heavy metal content of the cellulosic component of municipal solid waste is removed via an ionic exchange process, after hydrolysis with sulfuric acid. A process for an economical, energy efficient production of ethanol from municipal solid waste is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Controlled Environmental Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Rodger Chieffalo, George R. Lightsey
  • Patent number: 6257510
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of particle treatment providing a stream of particles in liquid applying said stream to an ultrasonic probe wherein said stream has an orifice surrounded by a plate that is generally parallel to the emitting surface of said probe and wherein said plate is adjustable to vary its distance from said emitting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Raymond C. Schuck
  • Patent number: 6227467
    Abstract: A system for producing a suitable fuel from waste material including a dispersion tank in which a rotating impeller is positioned in the bottom of such tank in close spaced relationship above a stationary plate and the facing surfaces of the impeller and the plate include shear blocks which intermesh to grind solid materials in the tank and disperse the solid materials in a blend stock making a suitable fuel. A cylinder is connected to raise and lower the impeller to control the spacing between the impeller and the plate and thus control the spacing between the shear blocks to control the fineness of the grinding of the waste material. Means is provided for discharging metal from the dispersion tank and means is provided for circulating liquid from the dispersion tank to an accumulation tank and for recirculating the liquid from the accumulation tank to the dispersion tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Ricky W. Davenport
  • Patent number: 6224003
    Abstract: A process for reducing the particle size of porous organic polymers by subjecting an aqueous slurry of the porous organic polymers to a cutting action and recovering particles of reduced mean particle size. The particles produced by the process can be used as additives for lead acid batteries and as a starting material for the production of additives having functional release agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Ensci Inc
    Inventor: Thomas J. Clough
  • Patent number: 6220534
    Abstract: A system for handling erose materials including a tank for holding a liquid, and a tumbler mounted in the tank with at least an upper portion extending above the liquid level. The tumbler has a perforated or screen wall to allow materials of a selected size to pass through and fall toward the bottom of the tank. As the remaining materials pass along the tumbler, some will be broken down to the desired screen size by the tumbling action, and these too will pass through the tumbler wall and fall toward the tank bottom. The unselected materials will continue to be treated by tumbling until they pass out of the tumbler. A first conveyor mounted in the tank collects and conveys screened materials out of the tank. A second conveyor mounted in the tank collects and conveys unscreened materials that pass through the output end of the tumbler out of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: William L. Kratochwill