Liquid Circuit Patents (Class 261/29)
  • Patent number: 11536284
    Abstract: A ceiling fan or ceiling fan includes a body defining an interior passage having an inlet and an outlet provided on the body. The inlet, outlet, and interior passage can be annular. An impeller is mounted within the interior passage and driven by a motor mounted within the body to draw a volume of air through the interior passage from the inlet to the outlet. A deflector is provided within the body and extending through the outlet including an upper angled surface and a lower angled surface to direct the air in a generally upward or generally downward direction, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Hunter Fan Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey Butler Cunnane
  • Patent number: 11371724
    Abstract: A dehumidification system includes an evaporator, a condenser positioned next to the evaporator, and a drain pan including a mist eliminator. The drain pan is disposed at least partially below the evaporator and the condenser. The drain pan at least includes a basin disposed at least partially below the evaporator. The basin includes a sloped bottom, a first rib disposed on the sloped bottom, a second rib parallel to the first rib and including a central gap, a third rib positioned between the first rib and the second rib, and an angled rib attached to the second rib. The third rib is parallel to and shorter than the first rib. The third rib is configured to at least partially block the central gap of the second rib. The angled rib is inclined towards the third rib and configured to change a velocity vector of the air flowing through the drain pan. The mist eliminator is configured to remove water droplets from the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: THERMA-STOR LLC
    Inventor: Grant M. Lorang
  • Patent number: 11357947
    Abstract: An apparatus for humidifying a flow of pressurised, breathable air includes varying a first pressure of the flow of breathable gas to vary a level of thermal engagement between the conductive portion of the reservoir and the heater plate, varying a height of the variable portion varies a level of thermal engagement between the conductive portion of the reservoir and the heater plate, use of a humidifier reservoir base component with a maximum water capacity substantially equal to the predetermined maximum volume of water of the humidifier reservoir or the use of intersecting inlet and outlet axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Andrew Roderick Bath, Justin John Formica, Matthew Rolf Harrington, Joseph Samuel Ormrod, Luke Andrew Stanislas, Hargopal Verma
  • Patent number: 11278689
    Abstract: A system for humidifying respiratory gases has a humidification apparatus, a humidification chamber, a heating apparatus and a sensor. The sensor is configured to determine a characteristic of the gases flow and communicate this to a controller which controls the power supplied to the heating apparatus with respect to information regarding the characteristic of the gases flow. A structure partially encloses the humidification chamber and allows energy loss through a wall of the humidification chamber. The humidification chamber may have features to promote heat loss through the wall of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Laith Adeeb Hermez, Stephen David Evans, Hamish Osborne, Michael John Andresen, Anthony James Newland, Dexter Chi Lun Cheung
  • Patent number: 11254595
    Abstract: An aerating system for treating a waste lagoon or some type of wastewater that captures and recirculates air that has been previously pumped into the lagoon via a skirt. The system also utilizes an oxygen source to pump oxygen into the waste lagoon or wastewater that can also be recirculated. A manifold of the system is designed to have intakes for both the recirculated air and for the oxygen source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Inventor: Todd Baldridge
  • Patent number: 11047585
    Abstract: A media pad apparatus for a portable air cooler includes a frame having a top end and a media pad disposed within the frame. A top tray is provided on the top end of the frame and includes opposed walls, the opposed walls sloping downwardly from upper edges thereof to join at a common lower edge and create a generally V-shaped profile of the top tray. The top tray further includes a plurality of openings in the opposed walls spaced along a length of the top tray, wherein when fluid is provided to the top tray, the openings dispense the fluid through the top tray along the length thereof to wet the media pad in a spatially distributed manner. A portable air cooler with a media pad apparatus removably received therein is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: FKA Distributing Co., LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Petersen, Yigal Offir, Lori Scooros, Herb Conroy
  • Patent number: 10969113
    Abstract: An oven includes a steam input arrangement with a thermal mass and one or more water flow directors to more effectively deliver water onto the thermal mass so that less water ends up bypassing the thermal mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Jason M. Stephens, Troy R. Tope
  • Patent number: 10739035
    Abstract: A personal ambient air temperature modification, filtration, and purification system that is configured to be handheld. The personal ambient air temperature modification, filtration, and purification system of the present invention provides a container with air inlets to allow an internal motorized air movement mechanism to pull air through an air channel fluidly coupling to the air inlets, through a filter disposed in the air channel, through thermal diffusion blades, across at least one combination fluid vapor source and thermal energy storage component that purifies the air by vapor capture, into a thermal energy concentrator disposed in the interior volume of the container that modifies air temperature, and through the motorized air movement mechanism, where the air is then delivered into an environment as purified, filtered, temperature modified air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Airwirl, LLC
    Inventors: Steve A. Herweck, Dana Herweck, Michael McCarthy
  • Patent number: 10677473
    Abstract: Ovens having spray systems for spraying cleaning fluid in a cooking chamber are disclosed that include a chamber drain flow path that leads to a grease drain path and a water drain path. A baffle wall in the chamber drain flow path controls the flow of fluid between the grease drain path and the water drain path. The chamber drain flow path may also have a recirculation path to return water to the spray system. Ovens having spray systems for cleaning are disclosed that include a door having a latch mechanism that automatically latches upon closure of the door and a gasket disposed between the door and an oven housing that directs water impinging upon the door back into the cooking chamber and the chamber drain flow path. The door may have an inner glass pane and an outer glass pane pivotably mounted to the inner glass pane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Jason M. Stephens, Troy R. Tope, Daniel L. Kerby
  • Patent number: 10368873
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for making sclerosing foam, which is useful in the treatment of varicose veins and other venous conditions. The device comprises a continuous pathway that is at least partly formed of flexible or compressible material and that comprises a foam generating structure within the continuous pathway; the foam generating structure being formed of two or more elements, wherein each element defines at least one passageway of cross sectional area 1 ?m2 to 10 mm2 and said two or more elements being arranged in series; a port which allows introduction of material into or extraction of material out of the continuous pathway; and a liquid pathway that is at least partly formed of flexible or compressible material and is arranged to deliver liquid into the foam generating structure between a first and second element of the foam generating structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Provensis Limited
    Inventor: David Dakin Iorwerth Wright
  • Patent number: 10224557
    Abstract: A fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell for generating electricity with the supply of hydrogen gas and air, a hydrogen supply unit for supplying the hydrogen gas to the fuel cell, an air supply unit for supplying the air to the fuel cell, and a produced water atomizing apparatus for atomizing the produced water produced in association with electricity generation in the fuel cell and emitting the atomized water to the atmosphere. The air supply unit includes an air pump for pressure-feeding the air to the fuel cell, and the produced water atomizing apparatus includes an aspirator to atomize the produced water by use of the air emitted from the air pump as operation air. The air emitted from the air pump is cooled by an intercooler. The air utilized in the aspirator as the operation air is supplied to the aspirator on an upstream side of the intercooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Mamoru Yoshioka, Masashi Takeda, Kazuhiro Yoneshige
  • Patent number: 9976761
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an evaporative cooler is described. The evaporative cooler may comprise an assembly of one or more plates. At least one trough proximate the one or more plates. A water delivery system may be proximate the at least one trough. The water delivery system may comprise at least one supply tube and at least one fill tube, wherein the water delivery system is positioned to siphon air from the evaporative cooler when a continuous water supply is suspended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: F.F. Seeley Nominees Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Leland Gillan, David Thompson
  • Patent number: 9605663
    Abstract: A system and method in at least one embodiment for separating fluids including liquids and gases into subcomponents by passing the fluid through a vortex chamber into an expansion chamber and then through at least a portion of a waveform pattern present between at least two rotors and/or disks. In further embodiments, a system and method is offered for harnessing fields created by a system having rotating rotors and/or disks having waveform patterns on at least one side to produce current within a plurality of coils. In at least one embodiment, the waveform patterns include a plurality of hyperbolic waveforms axially aligned around a horizontal center of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: QWTIP LLC
    Inventor: Whitaker Ben Irvin, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9546804
    Abstract: The present application provides a microchannel coil assembly. The microchannel coil assembly may include a frame, a number of microchannel coils positioned within the frame, and a microchannel coil spray system positioned about the frame and the number of microchannel coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Heatcraft Refrigeration Products LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Troutman, Chris Jentzsch, Dustan Atkinson, Lindsay Harry
  • Patent number: 9426941
    Abstract: A mower attachable user cooling device cools a user of a mower while mowing in hot weather. The device includes a housing, the housing having a first face. A coupler is coupled to the housing wherein the housing is configured for being coupled to a mower such that the first face is directed facing a user of the mower. A fan vent extends through the first face. A fan is positioned in the housing directing air flow out of the fan vent towards the user of the mower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Inventor: Ken E. Fletcher
  • Patent number: 9279592
    Abstract: An evaporative cooler 10 comprises a housing 12 defining an inlet 14 for air. An air cooling arrangement 16 located in the housing between the inlet and an inlet to a duct 18 extending to an air outlet 20. A bath 24 for water is located towards a bottom region of the housing. Ducting 22 extends from the bath to a liquid outlet 26 in a top region of the housing, for releasing liquid onto the air cooling arrangement. The bath is configured to capture the released liquid. A fan 30 cooperates with the duct 18 to draw air through the air inlet, the air cooling arrangement and into the duct towards the outlet. The same electrical motor 32 is used to drive both the fan and the rotor or impeller of a water pump 34 for moving the liquid from the bath to the liquid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Inventor: Jozua Taljaard
  • Patent number: 9228566
    Abstract: Wind turbine comprising a tower with an interior enclosed by a tower wall which forms a heat exchange surface in an air cooling circuit wherein the tower interior forms a channel for guiding hot air along a flow path, wherein one or more air flow deflectors are arranged within the flow path for guiding the flow towards the tower wall. The flow deflectors can for example be active flow deflectors, such as fans or blowers, or passive flow deflectors, such as one or more static flow deflector plates or vanes, forming a static mixer element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: XEMC Darwind BV
    Inventors: Jan Willem Pasteuning, Cornelus Johannes Antonius Versteegh
  • Patent number: 9157644
    Abstract: An air humidifier comprises a base. An opening water tank is integrated into the humidifier base. A water inlet is opening on the upper surface of the casing. The inside of the base is combined with the water tank and an atomizing chamber. The atomizing chamber is composed of a water sub-tank, a water level control board and the bottom of the water tank form a first chamber, A water opening is provided at the bottom of the water tank. A water level control board is provided with a water exit valve corresponding to the water opening. The water exit valve is provided for controlling the flow rate and on/off of the water flow downwardly from the water tank through the water sub-tank. On the water sub-tank is provided with the atomization device and an automatic breaker. The atomization device can be an ultrasonic device or a heater or filter for transforming water into vapor. A fan is installed on the base. A first vapor opening is disposed on the upper surface of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Giftec, LTD
    Inventor: Jack Hou
  • Patent number: 9060916
    Abstract: A micro bubble generating system includes a shell having a well for retaining a first liquid to immerse an object. A micro bubble apparatus is provide to the shell for providing a pressurized mixture of a second liquid and a dissolved gas into the well so as to create a plurality of micro bubbles within the first liquid for engaging the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: JASON INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Cunningham, Eric Jackson, Remo C. Jacuzzi
  • Patent number: 9033318
    Abstract: Direct forced draft fluid cooler/closed loop cooling towers and cooling towers are provided with fans at the bottom of the unit, and a plurality of layers of water collection troughs or channels above the fans to capture water droplets sprayed downwardly from the top of the device through a heat exchanger or fill media above the collection troughs. In one embodiment the collection troughs supply the collected water to one or more gutters inside the housing which lead the water to an external collection tank from which the water is recirculated through the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: MUNTERS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Harold Dean Curtis
  • Patent number: 8827247
    Abstract: A humidifier includes a housing with a substantially open top portion. Water can be added to the humidifier by pouring the water into a water reservoir through an open top. The water is pumped from the water reservoir to an upper portion of the humidifier where it is dispersed into the environment by a flow of air. The humidifier may include both an ultrasonic nebulizer and a heater to provide a warm mix of cool mist and hot vapor. Alternatively, a warm mist can be provided by dispersed water from an ultrasonic nebulizer in combination with warm air. The humidifier may also solely provide a cool mist from an ultrasonic element, or the water can be dispersed using a wicking filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventors: Christopher S. Kanel, Richard Katzman, Bill Fiebel
  • Patent number: 8820723
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for concentrating a solution. The system includes a humidification device and a solution flow path for flow of a solution to be concentrated to the humidification device. The humidification device includes humidification media to facilitate evaporation of liquid from the solution to be concentrated to gas as the solution to be concentrated passes through the humidification media thereby concentrating the solution. The method includes flowing a solution to be concentrated along a flow path to a humidification device including humidification media, flowing a gas through the humidification media, and flowing the solution to be concentrated through the humidification media. There is evaporation of liquid from the solution to the gas as the solution passes through the humidification media thereby concentrating the solution and producing a humidified gas. The solution to be concentrated may be salt water and the gas may be air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Saltworks Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Stuart Sparrow, Henry Tsin, Hojung Kim, Ross Coleman
  • Patent number: 8770554
    Abstract: Disclosed is a generator of oxygen-rich water. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a generator of oxygen-rich water, including: a housing; a water tank provided in the housing; an oxygen generator provided in the housing; and a mixing unit mixing water supplied from the water tank and oxygen generated from the oxygen generator, wherein the mixing unit includes a hollow fiber membrane therein, and the hollow fiber membrane includes an inlet to which at least one end of a hollow fiber is fixed and a protrusion in which a body of the hollow fiber protrudes and is provided so that water and oxygen flows into an opening of at least one end fixed to the inlet and is discharged to the protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Hifil Tech Inc.
    Inventors: Sang Oh Kwon, Jae Young Hwang
  • Patent number: 8720867
    Abstract: A micro bubble generating system includes a shell having a well for retaining a first liquid to immerse an object. A micro bubble apparatus is provide to the shell for providing a pressurized mixture of a second liquid and a dissolved gas into the well so as to create a plurality of micro bubbles within the first liquid for engaging the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Jason International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Cunningham, Eric Jackson, Remo C. Jacuzzi
  • Patent number: 8608140
    Abstract: A dust removing and cooling apparatus is provided. High temperature dust-containing harmful gases are exhausted in a state where 99.9% of airborne particulates are removed from the high temperature dust-containing harmful gases at a temperature that is similar to the air so that dust collecting efficiency is very high and white plume can be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Jae Ouk Jung
  • Patent number: 8585022
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating microbubbles in water from a mixed fluid in which a gas and a liquid are mixed. The apparatus includes a cylindrical body which includes an inlet coupled to a hose, an outlet, and a cylindrical space section defined therein. The diameter of the space section is greater than each diameter of the inlet and the outlet. An inner container member is fixed in the space section such that a tubular passage is formed. A circular first collision section is provided on the inner container member. The mixed fluid that has been introduced through the inlet collides against the first collision section and is thus stirred. An “L” shaped second collision section is provided on the inner corner of the body adjacent to the outlet. The mixed fluid that has passed through the passage collides against the second collision section and is thus stirred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Sang-Yeol Lee
  • Patent number: 8517975
    Abstract: A device and a method for generating therapeutic foam from a sclerosing solution such as polidocanol and a gas which is absorbable or dissolvable in the body comprises a disposable cassette including a liquid container and a flexible chamber containing gas, chamber being formed as a loop. Located in the loop chamber is a foam generating mesh. In use, liquid is introduced into the chamber and then the cassette is inserted into a pumping machine where it is engaged by a peristaltic pump which circulates the contents of the loop chamber through the mesh, thus creating foam. When a steady state is reached, foam may be withdrawn using a syringe via either a port or septum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: BTG International Ltd.
    Inventors: David Dakin Iorwerth Wright, Anthony David Harman, Garry Hodges, David John Targell, Mark Simpson Yeoman, Jeremy Francis Donnan
  • Patent number: 8487836
    Abstract: A multi-dimensional image rendering device for displaying multi-dimensional images by layering 2D physical pixel configurations featuring a plurality of tubes in a tank, the inner cavities of the tubes are each filled with a liquid medium such that an air pocket is disposed at the first end of each tube; displacement components slidably disposed in the inner cavity of each tube that can slide between a down position and an up position; a tube aperture disposed in each tube; and a moving means operatively connected to each displacement component functioning to systematically move the respective displacement component a fixed distance creating uniform air bubbles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas A. Bodine
  • Patent number: 8349191
    Abstract: A method of treatment of water in an aquatic environment. Water is first pumped from a reservoir to a first mixing station. An inert gas is introduced into the pumped water at the first mixing station to provide inert gas saturated water, which inert gas saturated water will displace undesired gasses in the water in the reservoir. The inert gas saturated water is then pumped to a sparging column such that the inert gas and undesired gasses will be released from the inert gas saturated water to provide depleted water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Revalesio Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony B. Wood
  • Publication number: 20120299206
    Abstract: Disclosed is a generator of oxygen-rich water. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a generator of oxygen-rich water, including: a housing; a water tank provided in the housing; an oxygen generator provided in the housing; and a mixing unit mixing water supplied from the water tank and oxygen generated from the oxygen generator, wherein the mixing unit includes a hollow fiber membrane therein, and the hollow fiber membrane includes an inlet to which at least one end of a hollow fiber is fixed and a protrusion in which a body of the hollow fiber protrudes and is provided so that water and oxygen flows into an opening of at least one end fixed to the inlet and is discharged to the protrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Sang Oh KWON, Jae Young HWANG
  • Patent number: 8292269
    Abstract: A microscopic bubble generating apparatus includes a Roots-type pump including a pair of multi-lobed Roots rotors housed in a pump casing, and a drive motor rotating the rotors, a suction pipe connected to a suction port of the pump casing, a discharge pipe connected to a discharge port of the pump casing, and a conduit communicating with the suction pipe and having an air inlet and a collision member with which sucked water is caused to collide. The pump is operated to suck water through the suction pipe and to cause the water mixed with air sucked through the air inlet to collide with the collision member so that a number of bubbles are generated. The bubbles are refined by a compressing action of the pump to be rendered microscopic. The water containing the microscopic bubbles is released from the discharge pipe into water in a septic tank or river.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Anlet Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuna Yokoi, Yoshinobu Ito, Toshiaki Kato, Masafumi Takeda, Kouiti Kume, Hiroyuki Ito, Ikuhito Yokoi
  • Patent number: 8235935
    Abstract: A device and a method for generating therapeutic foam from a sclerosing solution such as polidocanol and a gas which is absorbable or dissolvable in the body comprises a disposable cassette including a liquid container and a flexible chamber containing gas, chamber being formed as a loop. Located in the loop chamber is a foam generating mesh. In use, liquid is introduced into the chamber and then the cassette is inserted into a pumping machine where it is engaged by a peristaltic pump which circulates the contents of the loop chamber through the mesh, thus creating foam. When a steady state is reached, foam may be withdrawn using a syringe via either a port or septum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: BTG International, Ltd
    Inventors: David Dakin Iorwerth Wright, Anthony David Harman, Garry Hodges, David John Targell, Mark Simpson Yeoman, Jeremy Francis Donnan
  • Patent number: 8201811
    Abstract: A micro bubble generating system includes a shell having a well for retaining a first liquid to immerse an object. A micro bubble apparatus is provide to the shell for providing a pressurized mixture of a second liquid and a dissolved gas into the well so as to create a plurality of micro bubbles within the first liquid for engaging the object. One method of using micro bubbles includes providing a fluid mixture, including a saturated gas, to a fluid chamber connected a fitting; and producing a plurality of micro bubbles into a fluid. Another method of using micro bubbles includes providing a fluid mixture, including a saturated gas, into an air entrapment chamber; and producing a plurality of micro bubbles into a fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Jason International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Cunningham, Eric Jackson, Remo C. Jacuzzi
  • Patent number: 8191867
    Abstract: A system and method for carbonizing a liquid, such as tap water with CO2, are disclosed. The liquid is carbonized inside a pump housing, thereby obviating the need for a separate high-pressure carbonator tank and a separate feed pump. The pump housing has an inlet for receiving in combination the liquid and CO2 at a first pressure, and an outlet for transporting the liquid carbonized with CO2 from the pump housing into an outlet line at a second pressure higher than the first pressure. A constriction is disposed in the outlet line for producing said higher pressure with the pump. The system and method can be employed in closed-loop carbonizing systems in the beverage industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Pasquale Spiegel
  • Patent number: 8157248
    Abstract: A carbonate spring producing system includes a gas-liquid separator which is connected on the downstream side of a carbonic acid gas dissolver which connects to a carbonic acid gas supply means and hot water supply. A liquid lead-out pipe is connected to the gas-liquid separator. Preferably an un-dissolved carbonic acid gas lead-out pipe is connected on the upstream sides of the gas-liquid separator and the carbonic acid gas dissolver. The un-dissolved carbonic acid gas lead-out pipe includes a control valve, a compressor, and a liquid level detection means. The control valve controls a flow rate of un-dissolved carbonic acid gas from the gas-liquid separator. An amount of un-dissolved carbonic acid gas in the gas-liquid separator is monitored, so that the un-dissolved carbonic acid gas in the hot water can be separated and removed by the gas-liquid separator. The separated and removed un-dissolved carbonic acid gas can be re-dissolved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Suzuki, Ken Ooyachi, Hiroki Sakakibara, Masaaki Satou, Masanori Itakura, Hiroshi Tasaka
  • Patent number: 8136800
    Abstract: In order to provide a device and a method for increasing blood flow and an insulin-like growth factor with use of a large amount of carbonic gas nano bubbles, the device of the present invention includes: a bathtub 1; and a nano bubble-producing section 41 for producing carbonic gas nano bubbles in bath water in the bathtub 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Yamasaki, Takahide Miyamoto, Kazumi Chuhjoh, Masaki Kataoka
  • Patent number: 8104746
    Abstract: A cooling tower system, including a principal cooling tower; an auxiliary cooling tower for receiving a portion of the warm water flow into the main tower; a central shaft mounted vertically in the auxiliary tower; a turbine mounted on a portion of the shaft; a cooling blade mounted on the upper end of the shaft; a water jetting system delivering warm water under pressure from the main cooling tower into the auxiliary cooling tower to impart rotation to the turbine blades for imparting rotation to the cooling blade; a quantity of high efficiency film fill in that portion of the tower below the turbine for receiving the water coming off of the turbine blades; air flow produced by rotation of the cooling blade upward through the fill in order to cool the water before it is returned to the main cooling tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Vincent Wiltz
  • Patent number: 8047508
    Abstract: A cooling tower comprises a body provided with air-intake windows located above a catch basin, and a water distributor, which has a sprinkler, and an irrigators. Ring tubular units are connected to each other to form a ring-type evaporator fed from a pipeline, which is used for water supply from a water source independent of the water distributor, and are vertically arranged in the apertures of the air-intake windows. Equally spaced atomizing sprayers are mounted on each of the tubular units along the circumference of the unit. The invention makes it possible to enhance the operational performance of the cooling tower in a hot environment by improving operating, service and maintenance conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Aleksandr Vasilievich Shevtsov
  • Patent number: 7913984
    Abstract: A microbubble generator (20) includes an outer cylinder (201), bulkhead (202) and an inner cylinder (203) extending in the downstream direction from the bulkhead (202). A plurality of liquid passage holes (202a) is formed in the central portion of the bulkhead (202), and a circumferential flange (203a) is formed at the downstream end of the inner cylinder (203). A disk (204) is disposed adjacent to the rear edge of the inner cylinder (203). The disk (204) and circumferential flange (203a) define a restriction passage (17) in conjunction with each other. The circumferential flange (203a) forming one of the wall surfaces of the restriction passage (17) has a recess (206) formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Sanyo Facilities Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihiro Noguchi, Shuowei Chuang
  • Patent number: 7758025
    Abstract: An apparatus for air treatment includes at least one reservoir which can be filled with a liquid, an air-conveying device and a device which ensures that for the treatment of the air to be treated the air comes into contact with at least a part of the liquid. A circulating device is provided, by which liquid in the reservoir is conveyed in a circuit out of the reservoir and back into the latter. For the purpose of sterilising the liquid, a device for mechanico-physical opening of cell membranes, for instance by electroporation or cavitation, is provided in the circuit. Such an apparatus can also be used for purifying exhaust air in a surface treatment installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Eisenmann Anlagenbau GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Werner Swoboda, Kersten Link
  • Patent number: 7722708
    Abstract: An indoor air purification apparatus and method includes a watertight chamber including a top portion having a water inlet, a first air portal, a second air portal, a bottom portion, and a plurality of shelves mounted between the top portion and the bottom portion. Water continuously flows from the water inlet at the top of the chamber, typically falling over the shelves to a reservoir. Typically, a water pump returns the water to the water inlet at the top portion of the chamber through at least one conduit leading from the reservoir. An air pump typically drives the room air through the chamber from one air portal to the other and back into the room. The room air is purified as it mixes with the water cascading over the shelves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventors: George P. Powell, Jr., William E. Keeter
  • Publication number: 20100099778
    Abstract: A device and a method for generating therapeutic foam from a sclerosing solution such as polidocanol and a gas which is absorbable or dissolvable in the body comprises a disposable cassette including a liquid container and a flexible chamber containing gas, chamber being formed as a loop. Located in the loop chamber is a foam generating mesh. In use, liquid is introduced into the chamber and then the cassette is inserted into a pumping machine where it is engaged by a peristaltic pump which circulates the contents of the loop chamber through the mesh, thus creating foam. When a steady state is reached, foam may be withdrawn using a syringe via either a port or septum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: David Dakin Iorwerth Wright, Anthony David Harman, Garry Hodges, David John Targell, Mark Simpson Yeoman, Jeremy Francis Donnan
  • Publication number: 20100090356
    Abstract: A dehumidification and regeneration system is described. A liquid desiccant solution may be used to extracts moisture from ambient air in a first location within a dehumidifier with a base. A regenerator in fluid communication with the dehumidifier may extract moisture from the liquid desiccant solution. One or more pumps may circulate the liquid desiccant through the dehumidifier. One or more pumps may circulate the liquid desiccant through the regenerator. The base may expose the liquid desiccant solution at least partially to the ambient air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: LDWorks, LLC
    Inventors: William Tyler Sines, Reinhard Radermacher, Anthony Giampapa, Kaye L. Brubaker, Matthew William Caplins, Amy E. Gardner, John Kucia
  • Publication number: 20100086827
    Abstract: A gas-liquid separation device is used in a fuel cell system including fuel cells. The gas-liquid separation device includes: a separator configured to separate a fuel gas after an electrochemical reaction performed in the fuel cells from liquid water flowing with the fuel gas; and a reservoir configured to allow accumulation of the liquid water discharged from the fuel cells. The gas-liquid separation device also has a fluid outflow path arranged to connect with a connection object member and have a fluid outlet formed to be open in a vertical direction. The fluid outflow path is configured to flow out a fluid from inside of the gas-liquid separation device to the connection object member via the fluid outlet. The fluid outlet is provided to differ in position in a direction perpendicular to a vertical direction from the separator and the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventor: Koji Katano
  • Publication number: 20090238938
    Abstract: A system and method for carbonizing a liquid, such as tap water with CO2, are disclosed. The liquid is carbonized inside a pump housing, thereby obviating the need for a separate high-pressure carbonator tank and a separate feed pump. The pump housing has an inlet for receiving in combination the liquid and CO2 at a first pressure, and an outlet for transporting the liquid carbonized with CO2 from the pump housing into an outlet line at a second pressure higher than the first pressure. A constriction is disposed in the outlet line for producing said higher pressure with the pump. The system and method can be employed in closed-loop carbonizing systems in the beverage industry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: MARGRET SPIEGEL
    Inventor: PASQUALE SPIEGEL
  • Patent number: 7571899
    Abstract: A gas-liquid dissolving apparatus includes an intake unit that takes in to-be-treated water from an oxygen-deficient water area, an oxygen-containing gas supply unit, a bottomed gas-liquid dissolving chamber that has at least one hole formed in a lower portion and a top plate provided in an upper portion, a nozzle that ejects the gas supplied by the supplying unit and the water supplied by the intake unit, a gas-liquid separating chamber that has a gas-vent hole formed in an upper portion and a takeout port provided in a lower portion thereof, and a water supplying unit that returns the water taken out from the takeout port to the oxygen-deficient water area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignees: Matsuedoken Co., Ltd., Incorporated Administrative Agency Public Works Research Institute
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kitasako, Masao Katsube, Katsuhiro Sakamoto, Junzo Sago, Hiroaki Tanaka, Jun Tsumori
  • Patent number: 7527247
    Abstract: An apparatus for exposing air to an aromatic substance (26) at a uniform level of aroma for a certain period of time without using gas, fire, or applied electric heat source. The invention has an aromatic solution tank (31) on which sits a lid (30) under which is mounted a motor (32) engaged by a micro-switch (34). Disposed on the motor shaft is an impeller (36) generating a guide air flow through a chamber of free space in the tank via an intake housing (35), inlet (21a) and outlet (25b) holes in the lid, and attached a draw tube (37). Rotation (20) of the draw tube delivers a 360 degree sheet of aromatic solution (24) across flowing air (22), air which is then discharged (25a) to environment. Consequently, air flowing through the swirl of aromatic solution is exposed at a uniform level for a certain period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Curtis Krueger
  • Patent number: 7422684
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of sanitizing drinking water to be dispensed from a water dispenser having a reservoir includes the steps of providing the ozone gas generator that generates an ozone gas stream, transmitting the ozone gas stream from the generator to the water dispenser reservoir, mechanically breaking up the ozone gas stream inside the reservoir to produce ozone gas bubbles, and using the ozone gas bubbles to disinfect water in the reservoir. The ozone gas stream can be mechanically broken up using a pump such as, for example, an impeller type pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: S.I.P. Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Davis, James Jackson Shelton
  • Patent number: 7377492
    Abstract: A system for concentrating gas, using the concentrated gas to pump liquid, and recycling the gas and liquid is disclosed. The system comprises a body of liquid, a down pipe in fluid communication with the body of liquid, a gas injection apparatus for introducing gas into the liquid that passes through the down pipe, a separator for separating compressed gas from the liquid, and a gas-liquid recycle loop. The down pipe and the gas injection apparatus are structured and arranged to compress the gas. The gas-liquid recycle loop comprises a compressed gas storage vessel containing the separated gas, a reservoir containing liquid separated from the compressed gas, and a gas-liquid pump. The gas-liquid pump has a gas inlet in communication with the gas storage vessel, and a fluid inlet in communication with the reservoir. The gas-liquid pump is structured and arranged for pumping the liquid back to the body of liquid and delivering the gas to the gas injection apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: A Better Power, LLC
    Inventors: Julius S. Vrana, William W. Timmons, David J. Walters
  • Patent number: 7364141
    Abstract: A cooling tower and/or a fan drive system are provided which enhance cooling performance, are able to reduce lateral temperature gradients at least to some degree, provide for easy removable of debris and/or provide for easy fan adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Brenneke, Hobart Cox, Mark Kauffmann, Jason Stratman, Eric Wiedemann