Gas-flow Control Patents (Class 261/102)
-
Patent number: 11518696Abstract: The present application discloses a ozonated water delivery system which includes at least one contacting device in communication with at least one ultrapure water source configured to provide ultrapure water, at least one ultrapure water conduit coupled to the ultrapure water source, at least one solution in communication with the contacting device and the ultrapure water source via the ultrapure water conduit, one or more gas sources containing at least one gas in communication with at least one of the ultrapure water source, the ultrapure water conduit, and the solution conduit, at least one mixed gas conduit in communication with the at gas source and the contacting device and configured to provide at least one mixed gas to the contacting device, and at least one ozonated water output conduit may be in communication with the contacting device.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2019Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: MKS InstrumentsInventors: Heinrich Johannes Seiwert, Christiane Le Tiec, Ulrich Alfred Brammer
-
Patent number: 11079124Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a whole-house humidifier system including one or more evaporative, unpowered, vertical-air humidifiers. Each humidifier includes a plurality of element sleeves suspended by flat support panels above a built-in water reservoir. The bottom tabs of the reservoir are inserted into the floor register opening for location. The system also includes a cover with windows along a top edge that control the direction of air exiting the system. The position of the cover is controlled by its fit to the outside edges of the water reservoir. A dedicated water supply feeds water through a float valve to control the water level in the reservoir. The element sleeves can easily be cleaned but require no external air duct since air flows up through the center of the humidifier.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2021Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Inventor: Raymond D. Mathews
-
Patent number: 10913220Abstract: A system for pultruding a beam, such as a pultruded beam of natural fibers, comprises a pulling mechanism continuously pulling on a preform of yarns including a thermoplastic matrix and fibers, the pulling mechanism being downstream of the system. A sequence is provided in the system and has a pre-heating module to pre-heat the preform. A first die has a tapering channel portion heated such that the preform reaches a desired low viscosity temperature for resin in the thermoplastic matrix to impregnate the fibers. A vacuum module has a vacuum cavity to remove air from the preform exiting the first die. A second die has a tapering channel portion heated such that the preform is at the desired low viscosity temperature for resin in the thermoplastic matrix to further impregnate the fibers. A cooling module to cool the beam before the beam reaches the pulling mechanism. A system for pultruding beams is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2017Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: POLYVALOR, LIMITED PARTNERSHIPInventors: Louis Laberge Lebel, Philippe Monnot, Arnold Oswald, Felix Lapointe
-
Patent number: 10814701Abstract: In a method for operating a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a vehicle, an input of an instruction of a user for the HVAC system is performed by means of a user interface. The HVAC system executes the input instruction. Furthermore, an olfactory signal is generated for the user by means of an olfactory device of the HVAC system as an input confirmation. Furthermore, a corresponding HVAC system for a vehicle is provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2017Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Carsten Starke
-
Patent number: 10562790Abstract: A wastewater evaporative separation system can include an evaporation panel assembly and a wastewater delivery system. The evaporative panel assembly can include at least 10 individual evaporation panels laterally joined together and fluidly coupled to a body of wastewater. The evaporation panel assembly can be configured for receiving wastewater from the body of wastewater and evaporating water therefrom as the wastewater cascades down the evaporation panel assembly and contaminants generally become more concentrated. The wastewater delivery system can be associated with the body of wastewater and can include a fluid directing assembly delivering wastewater from the body of wastewater to an upper portion of the evaporation panel assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2017Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: Ecovap, Inc.Inventor: Michael J. Patey
-
Patent number: 10418651Abstract: A humidifier for transferring water vapor from a first gas stream to a second gas stream in a fuel cell system has a stack of thin plates joined together at their edges by planar sealing surfaces, with water permeable membranes between the plates. Each plate defines a gas flow passage along its top and bottom surfaces, with an inlet and outlet defined along edges of the plate, and a flow field extending between the inlet and outlet openings. Inlet and outlet passages connect the inlet and outlet openings to the flow field, with the planar sealing surfaces including bridging portions extending across these passages. Support structures are provided throughout the flow field to support the membrane and diffusion medium layer(s). Each support structure comprises a porous material which is sufficiently porous to permit gas flow through the flow field.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2017Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: Dana Canada CorporationInventor: Doug Vanderwees
-
Patent number: 10381663Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane cartridge-type humidification module and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The module includes a housing; commonly used hollow fiber membrane cartridges fitted to both ends of a plurality of hollow fiber membrane bundles, which are inserted into the housing along the longitudinal direction of the housing; a delimitating unit provided inside the housing so as to delimit the plurality of hollow fiber membrane bundles; and a potting unit for potting the plurality of commonly used hollow fiber membrane cartridges and the hollow fiber membrane bundles in a batch mode.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2015Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: KOLON INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Kyoung Ju Kim, Young Seok Oh, Jin Hyung Lee
-
Patent number: 10044051Abstract: A humidifier has a stack unit has a plurality of water-vapor-permeable membranes which are arranged placed above one another and spaced apart from one another. Two directly adjacent membranes are connected at a first edge region in a flow-tight manner, and at a second, angularly offset edge region, they are arranged between sealing strips which are placed one above the other and between which flow openings are formed.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2015Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: MANN+HUMMEL GmbHInventor: Michael Fasold
-
Patent number: 9726389Abstract: A portable evaporative cooling apparatus includes a primary passage for delivering a primary air stream to an induction nozzle. A secondary passage that is substantially unobstructed extends from an ambient air inlet to the induction nozzle. A secondary air stream is induced through the secondary passage by the primary air stream and the primary and secondary air streams are ejected from the induction nozzle into the ambient air. An atomizer in the secondary passage, proximate the ambient air inlet, emits a fine spray of water into the secondary air stream. The mixing of the water spray and induced air flow is performed inside the induction nozzle, which also provides a physical and thermal barrier, and makes a completely cooled air stream available immediately outside the user, so the apparatuses may be placed close to the user's face, for example.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2015Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: LEDATRON COMPANY LIMITEDInventor: Ka Yun Chan
-
Patent number: 9431948Abstract: An air-cooled heat exchanger (ACHE) for cooling process fluids used in an industrial process. In one embodiment, the ACHE is configured as a forced-draft ACHE. A support structure supports the forced draft ACHE above grade. A tube bundle is supported by the structure and is configured to receive process fluids used in an industrial process. A plenum is connected to the support structure, positioned beneath the tube bundle and configured to direct air-flow through the tube bundle. A fan is supported by the support structure and positioned beneath the plenum. Rotation of the fan produces an air-flow that is directed through the tube bundle by the plenum. A fan drive system is supported by the support structure, positioned beneath the fan and comprises a permanent magnet motor comprising a motor casing, a stator and a rotatable shaft, the rotatable shaft being connected to the fan.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Prime Datum, Inc.Inventors: Patrick M. Rollins, George Lucas
-
Patent number: 9034528Abstract: Disclosed is a membrane humidifier for a fuel cell, which uniformly humidifies entire hollow fiber membranes from an outer side to a central portion of an interior of the membrane humidifier to improve the distribution of wet air and dry air, thereby improving a humidification performance. The membrane humidifier for the fuel cell includes a hollow upper case including first wet air inlet apertures and first wet air outlet apertures and a membrane module assembly including a plurality of unit membrane modules received lengthwise within the upper case along the flow direction of dry air.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2011Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Hyun Yoo Kim, Hyuck Roul Kwon
-
Patent number: 9028989Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a water vapor transfer unit and a fluid flow distribution feature, the water vapor transfer unit including a first plate having a plurality of first flow channels for receiving a flow of a first fluid therein, and a second plate having a plurality of second flow channels for receiving a flow of a second fluid therein. The fluid flow distribution feature is configured to control at least one of a volume of flow of the first fluid through the first flow channels and a volume of flow of the second fluid through the second flow channels, wherein at least one of a flow distribution of the first fluid across the first plate and a flow distribution of the second fluid across the second plate is varied.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2011Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Yan Zhang, Steven R. Falta, Steven D. Burch, Glenn W. Skala
-
Publication number: 20150123294Abstract: An evaporative HVAC apparatus is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus provides an at least one housing having an inner surface that defines a substantially tubular-shaped air passage extending therethrough. An absorbent wicking layer is formed immediately adjacent to at least a portion of the inner surface of the housing, and a thermal layer is formed immediately adjacent to an inner surface of the wicking layer. The housing also provides an at least one fluid inlet aperture through which a fluid line extends a distance into the housing so as to be in fluid communication with the wicking layer. Thus, a fluid is selectively delivered to the wicking layer through the fluid line which, in turn, permeates the thermal layer and evaporates into the air located immediately adjacent an exposed inner surface of the thermal layer, thereby affecting the temperature of the air moving through the air passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2014Publication date: May 7, 2015Applicant: Nano Evaporative Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Jonathan S. Harms
-
Patent number: 8919746Abstract: A humidifier for a fuel cell system comprises a stack of thin plates having planar sealing surfaces at their edges. A water permeable membrane is provided between each pair of plates. Each plate defines a gas flow passage along its top and bottom surfaces, with an inlet and outlet defined along edges of the plate, and a flow field extending between the inlet and outlet openings. Inlet and outlet passages connect the inlet and outlet openings to the flow field, and the planar sealing surfaces on both sides of the plate include bridging portions which extend across the inlet and outlet passages. Support structures are provided throughout the flow field and the inlet and outlet passages to support the membrane and diffusion medium layer(s). The support structures may optionally be connected together by webs having holes for flow distribution between the top and bottom of each plate.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2011Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Dana Canada CorporationInventors: Doug Vanderwees, Manaf Hasan, Jon Wilson, Jack Kummerow
-
Publication number: 20140319706Abstract: A water vapour transport membrane comprises a nanofibrous layer disposed on a macroporous support layer, the nanofibrous layer coated with a water permeable polymer. A method for making a water vapour transport membrane comprises forming a nanofibrous layer on a macroporous support layer and applying a water permeable polymer to the nanofibrous layer. The water permeable polymer can be applied for so that the nanofibrous layer is substantially or partially filled with the water permeable polymer, or so that the coating forms a substantially continuous layer on one surface of the nanofibrous layer. In some embodiments of the method, the nanofibrous layer is formed by electro-spinning at least one polymer on at least one side of the porous support layer. In some embodiments, the support layer is formable and the method further comprises forming a three-dimensional structure from the water vapour transport membrane, for example, by compression molding, pleating or corrugating.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2012Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: DPOINT TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Ryan Nicholas Huizing, Frank K. Ko
-
Patent number: 8844909Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein can introduce low amounts of gas in a liquid with fast response time and low variation in concentration. In one embodiment, a gas is directed into an inlet on a gas contacting side of a porous element of a contactor and a liquid is directed into an inlet on a liquid contacting side of the porous element of the contactor. The liquid contacting side and the gas contacting side are separated by the porous element and a housing. The gas is removed from an outlet on the gas contacting side of the porous element at a reduced pressure compared to the pressure of the gas flowing into the inlet of the contactor. A liquid containing a portion of the gas transferred into the liquid is removed from an outlet on the liquid contacting side of the porous element, producing a dilute bubble free solution.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2009Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Entegris, Inc.Inventors: Yanan Annie Xia, J. Karl Niermeyer, Rosario Mollica, Gregg T. Conner
-
Patent number: 8794601Abstract: A humidifier is provided and includes a membrane, which is permeable to water of a condensate supply but impermeable to acid of the condensate supply and a housing system to urge airflow across the membrane to humidify air with the water of the condensate supply.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2011Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Daniel J. Dempsey, Michael L. Brown
-
Patent number: 8777189Abstract: Versions of the invention include methods for reducing microbubbles in liquids treated by heat or mass exchange devices. The exchange devices may be conditioned by having gases in crevices and surfaces displaced by a liquid. The methods can be used to prepare liquids with reduced numbers of microbubbles.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2006Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Entegris, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Zahka, Aiwen Wu
-
Patent number: 8678354Abstract: Bubble generator devices to produce a fluid stream of bubbles are described. Apparatuses that include any of the described bubble generator devices to treat waste and/or frac-water are also described.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2010Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Inventor: William B Kerfoot
-
Publication number: 20140065057Abstract: A novel system and method for degassing H2S and H2Sx from liquid sulfur (sulphur) is disclosed. The system includes a degassing vessel with a plurality of cells. The cells include a sparging gas mat with a perforated surface at the bottom of the cell to allow the release of air bubbles (or sparging gas) into the cells. A catalyst may be used during the process. As a result, hydrogen sulfide and hydrogen polysulfide are efficiently and effectively removed from the liquid sulfur.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Inventors: Casey J. Metheral, Leslie L. Lang, Jamsheed P. Irani, Cody J. Wohlers, Sergio A. De Paoli
-
Patent number: 8632058Abstract: A micro-bubble generating device is provided which is capable of mixing or dispersing micro-bubbles into a liquid with high stability and has a simple structure that permits reduction of a cost of manufacture. A first member and a first packing are superposed on each other on one side of a gas-permeable film, while a second member and a second packing are superposed on each other on the other side of the gas-permeable film. A pressurized gas delivered via a gas inlet of the first member flows through a fluid passage of the first packing, permeates through the gas-permeable film, and is ejected as micro-bubbles into a liquid flowing through a fluid passage in the form of a narrow shallow strip-like groove provided in the second packing.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2012Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Nakashima Kogyo CorporationInventors: Yoji Nakashima, Koji Yamada
-
Patent number: 8528883Abstract: Disclosed are a hollow fiber membrane for a humidifier which exhibits superior moisture/heat-resistance and excellent hydrophilicity and can be manufactured at low cost, and a method for manufacturing the same. The hollow fiber membrane includes a tube-type first hydrophilic polymer film having a hollow center, and a second hydrophilic polymer film coated on the inner surface of the tube-type first hydrophilic polymer film. The method includes producing an intermediate hollow fiber membrane from a first hydrophilic polymer material, potting the intermediate hollow fiber membrane in a housing to produce an intermediate hollow fiber membrane module, and coating a second hydrophilic polymer film on the inner surface of the intermediate hollow fiber membrane.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2008Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Kolon Industries, Inc.Inventor: Moo-Seok Lee
-
Publication number: 20130213076Abstract: An evaporative cooler may include an evaporative cooler housing with a duct extending therethrough, a plurality of cooler louvers with respective porous evaporative cooler pads, and a working fluid source conduit. The cooler louvers are arranged within the duct and rotatably connected to the cooler housing along respective louver axes. The source conduit provides an evaporative cooler working fluid to the cooler pads during at least one mode of operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2012Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventor: David W. Gerlach
-
Patent number: 8438969Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for dissolving gases in a beverage, the apparatus including a product conduit that is fluidly communicable with a product supply and a product dispenser, a gas conduit configured to transport gas from a gas supply to the product conduit, the gas conduit including at least one flow control mechanism; and at least one additional gas conduit configured to transport an additional gas from at least one additional gas supply to the product conduit, the gas conduit including an additional flow control mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Dr Pepper/Seven Up, Inc.Inventors: Eric A. Gold, Brian Lottig, Timothy J. Gross, Herbert Daniel Couture, III, Lawrence Michael Lucas
-
Publication number: 20130043605Abstract: The present invention provides a natural evaporation humidifier which is space and energy efficient and maximizes humidification efficiency by enhancing diffusion of the moistened air. It is much easy and convenient for users to use, operate and carry the natural evaporation humidifier. The natural evaporation humidifier comprises a container, a plurality of inner support portions, a plurality of tunnels, a plurality of auxiliary support portions, a plurality of evaporation filters, and a plurality of support legs. The container, having a front and back wall, bottom, and side walls, forms an interior compartment and a water reservoir with the inner support portions. The inner support portions are shaped in curve, vertically attached to the bottom of the container, arranged in parallel along the length direction of the container to form a plurality of tunnels and evaporation filter housing areas. The inner support portions have a plurality of spacers inside each tunnel.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2011Publication date: February 21, 2013Inventor: Haion Won
-
Patent number: 8302421Abstract: A personal air conditioning device cools and moistens environmentally hot and dry blower-forced air using water vaporization occurring on external surface of a hollow fiber micro-porous membrane while water or other liquid coolant is taken from a container by means of internal capillaries of hollow fiber tubes. The device is able to deliver the pre-cooled air flow over any desired body fragment, particularly under a protective vest.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2009Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: EnerFuel, Inc.Inventor: Konstantin Korytnikov
-
Patent number: 8235361Abstract: A structured packing for a reactor is formed from a metal sheet to promote heat and mass transfer near the wall of the reactor. The structured packing causes lateral flow of fluids flowing through the packing such that jet impingement of at least one reactor wall is promoted. The packing may be used in a cylindrical, annular or plate-type reactor, e.g., a catalytic reactor, or a heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2010Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Tribute Creations, LLCInventor: Jonathan Jay Feinstein
-
Publication number: 20120181712Abstract: A humidifier for a fuel cell system comprises a stack of thin plates having planar sealing surfaces at their edges. A water permeable membrane is provided between each pair of plates. Each plate defines a gas flow passage along its top and bottom surfaces, with an inlet and outlet defined along edges of the plate, and a flow field extending between the inlet and outlet openings. Inlet and outlet passages connect the inlet and outlet openings to the flow field, and the planar sealing surfaces on both sides of the plate include bridging portions which extend across the inlet and outlet passages. Support structures are provided throughout the flow field and the inlet and outlet passages to support the membrane and diffusion medium layer(s). The support structures may optionally be connected together by webs having holes for flow distribution between the top and bottom of each plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2011Publication date: July 19, 2012Applicant: Dana Canada CorporationInventors: Doug Vanderwees, Manaf Hasan, Jon Wilson, Jack Kummerow
-
Publication number: 20120152513Abstract: A humidifier is provided and includes a membrane, which is permeable to water of a condensate supply but impermeable to acid of the condensate supply and a housing system to urge airflow across the membrane to humidify air with the water of the condensate supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATIONInventors: Daniel J. Dempsey, Michael L. Brown
-
Publication number: 20120086137Abstract: A method for generating and dissolving nano-bubbles in a liquid comprises the steps of preparing a bamboo filter by partially or entirely removing an enamel layer of a bamboo and using a bamboo fibrous layer therein as a component of a filter; applying a gas to an inside of the bamboo filter with a pressure over atmospheric pressure in a state where the bamboo filter is submerged in water; and making the gas permeate from an inside of the bamboo fibrous layer to an outside thereof, thereby forming nano-bubbles and at the same time dissolving the gas in the liquid. The present invention advantageously allows the generation of nano-sized fine bubbles by a filter member made of naturally occurring material so that the nano-bubbles are dissolved in a liquid, without applying external mechanical force to the water.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Inventor: Sang-Ryul RYU
-
Patent number: 8100385Abstract: In a humidifier including a hollow fiber membrane bundle housed in a case, the hollow fiber membranes exchange water therethrough between the first and second gases flowing inside and outside the hollow fiber membrane to humidify one of the first and second gases having the water content lower than the other, and an annular mesh member throttles a part near the gas outlet of the second gas to provide a space between the part and the gas outlet of the second gas to easily discharge the second gas.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2008Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Nagumo, Toshikatsu Katagiri, Yohei Hidaka
-
Patent number: 8096532Abstract: Hot water is pumped by a suction pump and introduced into a carbon dioxide (CO2) gas dissolver through solution flow rate adjusting means and then poured into a bath. The CO2 is introduced into the CO2 gas dissolver through gas flow rate adjusting means, and the quantity of bubbles in an artificial carbonated spring in a take-out pipe is measured. The solution and gas flow rate adjusting means are controlled via a control device using a relationship expression between a preliminarily set quantity of bubbles and carbon dioxide concentration to obtain a desired concentration of carbon dioxide gas in the carbonated spring. Since the carbon dioxide gas flow control means is provided between the carbon dioxide gas dissolver and a carbon dioxide gas supply source, a high concentration carbonated spring can always be manufactured, even if the pressure of supplied carbon dioxide gas changes or membrane permeation changes.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2008Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroki Sakakibara, Ken Ooyachi, Hiroshi Tasaka
-
Patent number: 8006962Abstract: A humidification system includes a housing mountable into an air duct, that includes a base frame, a cover and at least one open end panel. The base frame is mountable to an opening in the air duct that is shaped and configured to align with the base frame. The cover attaches to the base frame with the open end panel between the base frame and cover. The air outlet is through the open end panel. An evaporative element is positioned between the air inlet and air outlet. Controlling humidity output provides moisture to the evaporative element when needed. The bypass frame includes louvers that are positioned within the air inlet, where the louvers are sized to extend into the air duct. The louvers are graduated in size. After passing through the housing, an air return directs humidified air from the open end panel to a low pressure air duct.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: RPS Products, Inc.Inventor: Donald N. Jursich
-
Publication number: 20110180148Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein can introduce low amounts of gas in a liquid with fast response time and low variation in concentration. In one embodiment, a gas is directed into an inlet on a gas contacting side of a porous element of a contactor and a liquid is directed into an inlet on a liquid contacting side of the porous element of the contactor. The liquid contacting side and the gas contacting side are separated by the porous element and a housing. The gas is removed from an outlet on the gas contacting side of the porous element at a reduced pressure compared to the pressure of the gas flowing into the inlet of the contactor. A liquid containing a portion of the gas transferred into the liquid is removed from an outlet on the liquid contacting side of the porous element, producing a dilute bubble free solution.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2009Publication date: July 28, 2011Inventors: Yanan Annie Xia, J. Karl Niermeyer, Rosario Mollica, Gregg T. Conner
-
Publication number: 20100207286Abstract: A humidification system includes a humidifier housing mountable to the air duct. The humidifier housing has an opening to provide fluid communications between the humidifier housing and the air circulation system. An air inlet extends through the duct opening into the humidifier housing. A duct damper extends into the air duct and is reversibly positionable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The stowed position is characterized by placement of the duct damper substantially adjacent to the humidifier housing while the deployed position is characterized by positioning a portion of the duct damper deeper into the air duct. An evaporative element is positioned between the air inlet and an air outlet. A cover is configured to reverse the direction of flow air sending it to the air outlet extending into the air duct. A deploying means changes the duct damper between the stowed position and the deployed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2009Publication date: August 19, 2010Inventor: Donald N. Jursich
-
Patent number: 7749661Abstract: A WVT unit for a fuel cell system that employs a spiral-wound design to reduce its size and increase its performance. The WVT unit includes a center tube having a plurality of openings through which the cathode exhaust gas flows. The WVT unit also includes a cylindrical portion wound around the center tube that includes a plurality of enclosures and a plurality of dry spacer layers separating the enclosures. Each enclosure includes a pair of membranes separated by a wet spacer layer. The dry cathode inlet air flows down the dry spacer layers between the enclosures and the cathode exhaust gas flows into the plurality of enclosures through the openings in the center tube along the wet spacer layers to allow the membranes to absorb humidification that is transferred to the cathode inlet air.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Yan Zhang, Glenn W. Skala, Annette Brenner
-
Patent number: 7717404Abstract: A humidifying apparatus comprising: a pleated functional element comprising a pleated structure and, secured to the pleated structure around a periphery thereof, a reinforcing frame, wherein the pleated structure is comprised of a humidifying membrane and, superimposed on at least one surface thereof, a gas-permeable reinforcing material layer, and a dry-side channel and a wet-side channel which are, respectively, provided on opposite sides of the pleated functional element, wherein each of the dry-side channel and the wet-side channel has at least one pair of a gas-intake and a gas-outlet, the humidifying apparatus having a first pressure-buffering means between the gas-intake and an outside conduit connected thereto and a second pressure-buffering means between the gas-outlet and an outside conduit connected thereto, wherein the humidifying membrane divides the internal space of the pleated functional element into spaces which form a part or whole of the dry-side channel and a part or whole of the wet-sideType: GrantFiled: May 28, 2004Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Asahi Kasei Chemicals CorporationInventors: Takuya Hasegawa, Takahiko Kondo, Yoshimichi Mitamura
-
Patent number: 7591452Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing bubbles that exhibit an excellent monodispersity. The invention relates to a method for generating bubbles by the injection and dispersion of a gas through a porous body into a liquid, wherein the value produced by dividing the pore diameter that accounts for 10% of the total pore volume in the relative cumulative pore distribution curve of the porous body by the pore diameter that accounts for 90% of the total pore volume in the relative cumulative pore dismeter distribution curve of the porous body is 1 to 1.5.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2004Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignees: Miyazaki PrefectureInventors: Yasuaki Kohama, Masato Kukizaki, Tadao Nakashima
-
Publication number: 20090230574Abstract: A humidification system includes a housing mountable into an air duct, that includes a base frame, a cover and at least one open end panel. The base frame is mountable to an opening in the air duct that is shaped and configured to align with the base frame. The cover attaches to the base frame with the open end panel between the base frame and cover. The air outlet is through the open end panel. An evaporative element is positioned between the air inlet and air outlet. Controlling humidity output provides moisture to the evaporative element when needed. The bypass frame includes louvers that are positioned within the air inlet, where the louvers are sized to extend into the air duct. The louvers are graduated in size. After passing through the housing, an air return directs humidified air from the open end panel to a low pressure air duct.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2008Publication date: September 17, 2009Inventor: Donald N. Jursich
-
Patent number: 7537200Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the dissolved gas content of aqueous liquid containing a dissolved gas by providing a microporous hydrophobic hollow fibre membrane, to provide at equilibrium a stable interface between an aqueous liquid phase containing dissolved gas on one side of the membrane and a gaseous phase on the other side of the membrane, and controlling the aqueous phase and gaseous phase pressures, such that in operation the gaseous phase pressure is up to but not exceeding the aqueous phase pressure, and flowing the gaseous and liquid phases across the membrane, to provide simultaneous mass transfer through the membrane of a first gas in the gaseous phase into the liquid phase and of a second gas dissolved in the aqueous liquid into the gaseous phase, whereby the gas content of the first gas in the aqueous phase is increased, the gas content of the second gas in the gaseous phase is decreased and the total dissolved gas pressure (TG) of the aqueous phase iType: GrantFiled: October 30, 2003Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Inventor: Craig L. Glassford
-
Patent number: 7534406Abstract: A stem fog generator (1) for vehicle aromatic components into a cabin and suitable for use in a vehicle, comprising a plug part (11) and a steam fog generator body (12) foldably connected to each other, wherein the plug part (11) is cylindrically formed so as to be attachable to and detachable from an accessory socket (14), a power supply from the plug part (11) is fed to a heater (71) through an operating switch (45), a loading/unloading.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2003Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: S. T. Chemical Co., Ltd.Inventor: Isao Takemura
-
Patent number: 7469883Abstract: The present invention is a novel cleaning method and a solution for use in a single wafer cleaning process. According to the present invention the cleaning solution comprises ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), water (H2O) and a chelating agent. In an embodiment of the present invention the cleaning solution also contains a surfactant. And still yet another embodiment of the present invention the cleaning solution also comprises a dissolved gas such as H2. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, this solution is used by spraying or dispensing it on a spinning wafer.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Steven Verhaverbeke, Kelly Truman
-
Publication number: 20080251954Abstract: Membrane strip diffusers are disclosed, useful for example in aerating wastewater in activated sludge plants. These diffusers have membranes, diffuser bodies comprising gas conduits and, in addition to the conduits, integral membrane supports elongated in the same general direction. Such conduits are for example co-extruded with the diffuser bodies. The supports are apertured to discharge gas into chambers formed beneath the membranes when they inflate, and the membranes have pores to discharge the gas. Ways to edge- and end-seal the membranes to the diffuser bodies and ways to support the diffusers are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2007Publication date: October 16, 2008Inventors: Thomas J. Casper, Mark A. Schoenenberger, Brad D. Laubenstein, James A. Reilly, Joseph G. Krall, Neil S. Tischler
-
Patent number: 7407154Abstract: Hot water (12) in a bath (11) is pumped up by a suction pump (9) and introduced into a carbon dioxide gas dissolver (7) through solution flow rate adjusting means (14) and then, poured into the bath (11). Carbon dioxide gas supplied from a carbon dioxide gas cylinder (1) is introduced into the carbon dioxide gas dissolver (7) through gas flow rate adjusting means (5). At this time, the quantity of bubbles existing in artificial carbonated spring in a take-out pipe (15) is measured with a measuring device (13), and the solution flow rate adjusting means (14), gas flow rate adjusting means (5) and the like are controlled by means of a control device (16) using a relational expression between a preliminarily set quantity of bubbles and carbon dioxide concentration to obtain a desired concentration of carbon dioxide gas in carbonated spring.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2007Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroki Sakakibara, Ken Ooyachi, Hiroshi Tasaka
-
Patent number: 7401768Abstract: A humidification device for a fuel battery system, which rapidly exchanges dry air with humid air over a wide area, thus increasing humidification efficiency, and which appropriately heats dry air and humid air during cold weather, thus preventing the moisture of humid air from freezing, therefore being effectively used in cold regions. The humidification device includes a hollow fiber membrane to pass dry air and humid air so that moisture exchange is conducted between the dry air and the humid air, and a dry air guide pipe to supply new dry air into the hollow fiber membrane.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2005Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Hyun-Yoo Kim
-
Patent number: 7156379Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a humidifying apparatus capable of improving the humidification efficiency while lowering the pressure loss of gas even when a low-pressure gas is used, and is suitably usable for fuel cells. The present invention relates to a humidifying apparatus for fuel cells, fabricated by loading a hollow fiber membrane element into a container such that the space communicating with the hollow side of the hollow fiber membranes is isolated from the space communicating with the outer side of the hollow fiber membranes, wherein (a) the inner diameter of the hollow fiber membrane is larger than 400 ?m, (b) the water vapor permeation rate (P?H2O) of the hollow fiber membranes is 0.5×10?3 cm3 (STP)/cm2·sec·cm Hg or more, (c) the ratio (P?H2O/P?O2) of the water vapor permeation rate to the oxygen gas permeation rate of the hollow fiber membranes is 10 or more, and (d) the elongation at tensile break of the hollow fiber membranes after hot water treatment in hot water at 100° C.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2003Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Ube Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Nozomu Tanihara, Toshimune Yoshinaga
-
Patent number: 7152850Abstract: Hot water (12) in a bath (11) is pumped up by a suction pump (9) and introduced into a carbon dioxide gas dissolver (7) through solution flow rate adjusting means (14) and then, poured into the bath (11). Carbon dioxide gas supplied from a carbon dioxide gas cylinder (1) is introduced into the carbon dioxide gas dissolver (7) through gas flow rate adjusting means (5). At this time, the quantity of bubbles existing in artificial carbonated spring in a take-out pipe (15) is measured with a measuring device (13), and the solution flow rate adjusting means (14), gas flow rate adjusting means (5) and the like are controlled by means of a control device (16) using a relational expression between a preliminarily set quantity of bubbles and carbon dioxide concentration to obtain a desired concentration of carbon dioxide gas in carbonated spring.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2002Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroki Sakakibara, Ken Ooyachi, Hiroshi Tasaka
-
Patent number: 7137619Abstract: A heating tower apparatus for heating a liquid having more than one inlet and more than one outlet. Each of the more than one inlet and more than one outlet is selectively openable and closable. The heating tower apparatus also includes a liquid distribution assembly and a fill medium. The liquid distribution assembly distributes the liquid onto the fill medium.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2004Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Eldon F. Mockry, Jidong Yang, Gregory P. Hentschel, Jason Stratman, Glenn S. Brenneke, Darrin Ray Clubine, James Douglas Randall, Ohler L. Kinney, Jr.
-
Patent number: 6905111Abstract: A carbonic water production apparatus equipped with a carbonic acid gas dissolving apparatus 3 and a circulation pump 1 wherein water in a bath 11 is circulated by the circulation pump 1, and a carbonic acid gas is fed into the carbonic acid gas dissolving apparatus 3 to dissolve the carbonic acid gas in the water, and wherein the circulation pump 1 is a positive-displacement metering pump having a self-priming ability; a carbonic water production method using this apparatus; a carbonic water production method comprising an early step for producing a carbonic water and a concentration maintaining step for the carbonic water; a carbonic water production apparatus equipped with a control for controlling the feeding pressure of carbonic water gas so that give an intended concentration of carbonic acid gas; a carbonic water production apparatus which automatically discharges out a drain; and a carbonic water production apparatus combined with a portable foot bath.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2001Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignees: Mitsubishi Rayon Engineering Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshinori Nagasaka, Hiroki Sakakibara, Yuichi Morioka, Katsuya Sanai, Michio Kanno, Satoshi Takeda
-
Patent number: 6899322Abstract: The invention concerns a method and apparatus (100) for producing mist of a liquid phase having very fine and mono-dispersed droplets. The method is realized by an apparatus (100) including a partition (101), defined by a first side surface (107) and a second side surface (113). The first side surface (107) is wetted by a liquid phase to form a film thereon, while the second side surface (113) is substantially dry. A gas stream is directed through the partition (101) from the dry side (113) to the wetted side (107) thereby forming a mist having droplets of less than 1 micron in size and a concentration of at least 1,000,000,000,000 per cubic cm.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2001Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Ultrasonic Dryer Ltd.Inventor: Akper Sadykhov