Liquid Inlet Patents (Class 261/66)
  • Patent number: 7381229
    Abstract: A system for reacting fuel and air into reformate, with a reformer (10) which has a reaction space (12), a nozzle (14) which at least in part is formed as a Venturi nozzle for supply of a fuel/air mixture to the reaction space (12), the Venturi nozzle part has a small diameter area (16) from which a diffuser extends to the reaction space. A first gas supply means (20) is provided on the side of the small diameter area which side faces away from the diffuser, and second gas supply means (26, 28) are provide at the small diameter area. A fuel supply (22) is also provided for supplying fuel to the nozzle and it preferably extends along the longitudinal axis of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Enerday GmbH
    Inventor: Jeremy Lawrence
  • Publication number: 20080093750
    Abstract: A water tank for a humidifier having a water passage in each of its top end and bottom end. The tank includes an actuator which is operable to open and close both of the passages. Operating the actuator opens the top passage while closing the bottom passage and opens the bottom passage while closing the top passage. Accordingly, the water tank may be filled through the top passage while placed in a humidifier tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Zhijing Wang, Linda Hotz, Richard Thrush, Ting Wen Nieh, Steven Richard Remy, James Evangelist Anthony, Paul Dowd
  • Patent number: 7362964
    Abstract: A humidifier that includes two water reservoir compartments connected via an opening large enough to allow exchange of water between the two compartments, and an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates on the water in the smaller of the two compartments downstream of the larger compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Chi-Hsiang Wang
  • Patent number: 7210671
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved natural draft cooling tower (10) having improved cooling capability and reduced liquid losses of evaporation and blow-out. To this end, the distribution of hot liquid to the packing assembly within the tower is increased around the perimeter zone of the packing assembly and reduced within the remaining packing assembly of the tower (24). A plurality of air injector fans (30) spaced circumferentially in the air inlet (20) between the shell (12) support columns (14), together with reduced air resistance through reduced hot liquid distribution to tower interior, produce increased air rates (32) and (34) resulting in improved cooling capability and reduced evaporation loss. With improved cooling, further reduction in evaporation, if required, can be achieved with a hot liquid by-pass (52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Knight Piésold Energy Inc.
    Inventor: Peter B Bosman
  • Patent number: 7182321
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to control method for supplying water in a humidifier. In a conventional humidifier, when the water level in the base of the humidifier is lowered to the ON/OFF critical region, with the vibration of the water level, the floating ball in the base will make ten's or hundred's times of ON/OFF vibrations, which tends to damage the high frequency vibration circuit. In addition, when the humidifier is inclined, the magnet on the floating ball remains in the attractive state with the magnetic spring switch that may cause fire of the electrical wires and leakage of the electricity. In the present invention, the floating ball is directly placed within a water tank, so that the magnetic spring switch can be effectively driven to conduct the ON/OFF movement, and the power can be cut off immediately when the water level of the water tank is lowered to the minimum level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventors: Chuan-Pan Huang, Chen-Lung Huang
  • Patent number: 7168690
    Abstract: A carburetor for an internal combustion engine includes idle passages (22A and 22B) extending through the carburetor body adjacent each cylinder bore (18A–18-D) of the carburetor, such that the idle passages bypass the cylinder bores. A common fuel flow metering circuit (30) is in fluid communication with at least two of the idle passages for joining the fuel flowing from the idle passages and redistributing the fuel back to the idle passages. A metering valve (40) is positioned in the common fuel flow circuit for metering the flow of fuel through the common fuel flow metering circuit, so that equal distribution of the fuel is delivered to the cylinders of the engine in spite of possible unequal flow of fuel being received through the idle passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Barry S. Grant
  • Patent number: 7115186
    Abstract: A liquid material evaporation apparatus including a mixing chamber, a flow control unit, a first flow passage for introducing a liquid material, a second flow passage for introducing a carrier gas connected to the mixing chamber through a first nozzle, the first nozzle inhibiting backflow from the mixing chamber into the second flow passage. A third flow passage for discharging evaporated mixed gas is connected to the mixing chamber through a second nozzle, the mixed liquid material and carrier gas being forced through the second nozzle by the flow control unit, the mixed liquid material and carrier gas depressurizing after passing through the second nozzle to evaporate into a mixed gas in the third flow passage. Heat is applied to the mixing chamber and the second and third flow passages to enhance mixing in the mixing chamber and to avoid condensation in the third flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: STEC Inc.
    Inventors: Hideaki Miyamoto, Wataru Nishida, Tetsuo Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7055808
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a vaporizer valve which accepts a carrier gas and a pressurized liquid and forms a mixture of the carrier gas and vaporized liquid. An internal cavity receives the carrier gas through a carrier aperture and the liquid through a liquid aperture, and the mixed gas and vapor are exhausted out of the cavity via a third aperture. A moveable diaphragm disposed adjacent to the liquid aperture forms a vaporization region having a pressure gradient. The liquid passing through this pressure gradient vaporizes due to expansion. By controlling the diaphragm position with a feedback control circuit responsive to a liquid flow rate monitor, the liquid flow rate may be controlled independently of the carrier gas flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Applied Materials
    Inventors: Visweswaren Sivaramakrishnan, John White, Koichi Ishikawa, Hideaki Miyamoto, Takeshi Kawano
  • Patent number: 7055809
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a vaporizer valve which accepts a carrier gas and a pressurized liquid and forms a mixture of the carrier gas and vaporized liquid. An internal cavity receives the carrier gas through a carrier aperture and the liquid through a liquid aperture, and the mixed gas and vapor are exhausted out of the cavity via a third aperture. A moveable diaphragm disposed adjacent to the liquid aperture forms a vaporization region having a pressure gradient. The liquid passing through this pressure gradient vaporizes due to expansion. By controlling the diaphragm position with a feedback control circuit responsive to a liquid flow rate monitor, the liquid flow rate may be controlled independently of the carrier gas flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Applied Materials
    Inventors: Visweswaren Sivaramakrishnan, John M. White
  • Patent number: 7025337
    Abstract: A method for controlling the delivery of vapor from a bubbler containing a supply of chemical fluid through which a carrier gas is bubbled and from which bubbler vapors are delivered in a vapor stream entrained with the carrier gas. In general, the method involves equilibrating the pressure within the head space to that of the chemical fluid fill line to maintain a constant fluid level based on pressure and not relying on conventional level sensors and controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Curran
  • Patent number: 7021206
    Abstract: A dispensing unit for dispensing hot, dairy-based beverages has a self-contained refrigerated unit located above a venturi-type emulsification foaming head. The dispensing unit has particular applicability to the dispensation of foamy, hot milk for use in beverages such as cappuccino and nonfoamy, hot milk for use in beverages such as coffee latte, hot chocolate, and other hot dairy-based beverages. The refrigeration unit accommodates a “bag in box” cold milk storage container of the type widely used in food service establishments. The dispensing unit employs a pinch valve that avoids direct contact between the milk and the valve components. The refrigerated milk is stored above the level of the foamer head so that the flow of milk results partially from gravitational force on the milk, and is not totally dependent upon venturi suction created in the foamer head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventors: Roland B. Eckenhausen, Steven C. Eckenhausen
  • Patent number: 7011299
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method and system is described for controlling the delivery of vapor from a bubbler containing a supply of chemical fluid through which a carrier gas is bubbled and from which bubbler vapors are delivered in a vapor stream entrained with the carrier gas. In general, the present invention involves equilibrating the pressure within the head space to that of the chemical fluid fill line, thus maintaining a constant fluid level based on pressure and not relying on conventional level sensors and controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Curran
  • Patent number: 7007930
    Abstract: A carburetor dual fuel feed system has a primary passage for flowing fuel into a venturi of a fuel-and-air mixing passage, and a supplemental channel flowing fuel into a mixing passage upstream region. Sizing of the primary passage and channel with respect to pressure dynamics of each region disassociates low from high power engine fuel calibration. This disassociation ultimately achieves a leaner fuel-and-air mixture flow during low power conditions which reduces carbon monoxide emissions, and achieves a richer mixture flow during high engine power conditions which reduces NOx emissions. During low engine power conditions, substantially all of the fuel which mixes with clean air flowing through the venturi of the mixing passage flows from the primary passage. During high engine power conditions, supplemental fuel flow into the mixing passage is induced by a vacuum created about a nozzle of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Walbro Engine Management, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Donald W. Warner
  • Patent number: 6988717
    Abstract: A method and system of near saturation gas humidification by mixing a steam and a gas flow is disclosed. The steam is generated with a heating device at a controlled rate from a liquid contained in a vessel near the point of use of the humidified gas. The controlled rate results from a feedback loop that controllably heats the liquid while measuring the steam temperature and maintaining it around a set point. The humidification delivery rate is adjustable by adjusting the temperature set point and/or the gas pressure. Undesirable components from the humidified gas are removed with an in-line filter after its point of generation. Condensation from the humidified gas before its point of use is removed with a drain pipe in combination with a drain valve triggered by a condensation level sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Chemflow Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Leon Han
  • Patent number: 6962329
    Abstract: A humidifier meters water into a chamber in which it is subjected to ultraviolet light for a predetermined period of time sufficient to destroy microorganisms whereupon the static quantity of water is transferred to a water dispersing unit which discharges the decontaminated water in a finely divided form into the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Slant/Fin Corporation
    Inventor: Karl Bachert
  • Patent number: 6845971
    Abstract: A humidifier meters water into a chamber in which it is subjected to ultraviolet light for a predetermined period of time sufficient to destroy microorganisms whereupon the static quantity of water is transferred to a water dispersing unit which discharges the decontaminated water in a finely divided form into the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Slant/Fin Corporation
    Inventor: Karl Bachert
  • Patent number: 6834848
    Abstract: An atomizer is provided for combining a precise mass of atomized liquid into a gas stream. The atomizer includes a mixing slot formed in a face of a base member. The mixing slot comprises a throat in fluid communication with a gas inlet side having a smoothly decreasing cross-sectional area and a mixture outlet side having a smoothly increasing cross-sectional area. A gas stream enters the mixing slot via gas inlet side and a liquid enters the mixing slot via a liquid inlet in fluid communication with the throat of the mixing slot. The mixing slot is sealed by a sealing member abutting the face of the base member with the mixing slot in it. The liquid is atomized and combined with a gas stream by venturi effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Porter Instrument Company, Inc.
    Inventors: George K. Porter, Seth B. Wolf, Charles W. Albrecht
  • Patent number: 6805336
    Abstract: Various configurations of discharge valves for humidifier water containers are disclosed herein. Among other things, the present invention provides simple and economical discharge valves that may be constructed in one piece using an elastic material such as silicone rubber. One configuration includes a valve body and stopper with an elastic rib integrally formed with the valve body and the stopper having adequate length to maintain the stopper in a closed position absent external forces. Another configuration uses a flexible barrier is integrally formed with a valve body. The barrier has a slit through its thickness, and is sufficiently resilient to prevent liquid flow through the slit under the weight of water inside the container. In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the valve has a flexible member defining a base and a generally cylindrical sidewall that has at least one opening therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Rhea, Mark J. Tomasiak
  • Patent number: 6783118
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a vaporizer valve which accepts a carrier gas and a pressurized liquid and forms a mixture of the carrier gas and vaporized liquid. An internal cavity receives the carrier gas through a carrier aperture and the liquid through a liquid aperture, and the mixed gas and vapor are exhausted out of the cavity via a third aperture. A moveable diaphragm disposed adjacent to the liquid aperture forms a vaporization region having a pressure gradient. The liquid passing through this pressure gradient vaporizes due to expansion. By controlling the diaphragm position with a feedback control circuit responsive to a liquid flow rate monitor, the liquid flow rate may be controlled independently of the carrier gas flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Applied Materials Inc.
    Inventors: Visweswaren Sivaramakrishnan, John M. White
  • Patent number: 6752387
    Abstract: A method of gasifying a liquid material that is entrained with a carrier gas includes mixing liquid material with a carrier gas in a control valve that can be heated. The gas-liquid mixture is maintain at a first pressure level that is sufficiently higher than the pressure level downstream of a nozzle in the valve to thereby provide a total gasification of the gas-liquid mixture. The control valve can position the liquid in a reservoir radially outward from a valve seat and an elongated mixing chamber can be positioned within the valve seat and connected to both a carrier gas and the release nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Stec Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nishizato, Hideaki Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 6749181
    Abstract: An improvement on a humidifier includes a leakage prevention ring, and two opposite supporting plates. The leakage prevention ring has several ring-shaped portions, which define inner and outer concentric annular trenches. The concentric trenches are closely mounted onto an upper end of a vapor conduit, and a down-projecting annular protrusion of a vapor outlet disposed right above the conduit respectively. The supporting plates can pivot up and down, and are biased by torsion springs to hold a water-supplying bottle between them in an inverted vertical position, which is connected to a valve of the humidifier, so that the bottle can't tilt or shake to cause damage to the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Fong Yen Electrical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shih-Yen Chen
  • Publication number: 20040099967
    Abstract: An improvement on a humidifier includes a leakage prevention ring, and two opposite supporting plates. The leakage prevention ring has several ring-shaped portions, which define inner and outer concentric annular trenches. The concentric trenches are closely mounted onto an upper end of a vapor conduit, and a down-projecting annular protrusion lo of a vapor outlet disposed right above the conduit respectively. The supporting plates can pivot up and down, and are biased by torsion springs to hold a water-supplying bottle between them in an inverted vertical position, which is connected to a valve of the humidifier, so that the bottle can't tilt or shake to cause damage to the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Shih-Yen Chen
  • Patent number: 6733004
    Abstract: Foam for suppressing fires is formed by mixing together a constant stream of compressed air and water from a pump at a controlled rate with a quantity of a foaming agent from a foaming agent supply proportional to the rate of flow of water so as to be incorporated therein. An agitator mixes the water and the foaming agent into the stream of compressed air to generate the foam. The rate of flow of the water is controlled by a continuously variable valve member driven between five set positions by an electronically controlled motor including a fully open position, in which a maximum flow rate of the water is supplied to the mixer with the proportional quantity of a foaming agent, a fully closed position, in which the flow of water and the flow of a foaming agent from the foaming agent supply are halted, and at least three intermediate positions of different foam characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Harry Crawley
  • Publication number: 20040051186
    Abstract: An intake device having an intake channel that includes an intake channel section is provided. A butterfly valve is pivotably mounted in the intake channel section. A dividing wall is disposed downstream of the butterfly valve and divides the intake channel section into an air duct and a mixture duct. The air duct has a flow cross-section that is greater than the flow cross-section of the mixture duct. A fuel jet opens into the mixture duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Andreas Stihl AG & Co., KG
    Inventors: Reinhard Gerhardy, Klaus Geyer
  • Publication number: 20030164559
    Abstract: Various configurations of discharge valves for humidifier water containers are disclosed herein. Among other things, the present invention provides simple and economical discharge valves that may be constructed in one piece using an elastic material such as silicone rubber. One configuration includes a valve body and stopper with an elastic rib integrally formed with the valve body and the stopper having adequate length to maintain the stopper in a closed position absent external forces. Another configuration uses a flexible barrier is integrally formed with a valve body. The barrier has a slit through its thickness, and is sufficiently resilient to prevent liquid flow through the slit under the weight of water inside the container. In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the valve has a flexible member defining a base and a generally cylindrical sidewall that has at least one opening therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Applicant: Emerson Electric Company
    Inventors: Steven L. Rhea, Mark J. Tomasiak
  • Publication number: 20030146522
    Abstract: Foam for suppressing fires is formed by mixing together a constant stream of compressed air and water from a pump at a controlled rate with a quantity of a foaming agent from a foaming agent supply proportional to the rate of flow of water so as to be incorporated therein. An agitator mixes the water and the foaming agent into the stream of compressed air to generate the foam. The rate of flow of the water is controlled by a continuously variable valve member driven between five set positions by an electronically controlled motor including a fully open position, in which a maximum flow rate of the water is supplied to the mixer with the proportional quantity of a foaming agent, a fully closed position, in which the flow of water and the flow of a foaming agent from the foaming agent supply are halted, and at least three intermediate positions of different foam characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Harry Dowald Crawley
  • Publication number: 20030122266
    Abstract: The invention relates to an atomizing device for a gas/fluid mixture, in particular for introduction into a chemical reformer for generating hydrogen, which contains at least one gas supply line for supplying a gas flow (11, 11a, 21) and at least one fluid supply line (16, 18) for supplying a fluid flow (17, 19). The fluid supply line (16, 18) feeds at an outlet point (16a, 18a) into a venturi tube (12) that is situated in the gas supply line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Michael Nau, Manfred Ruoff, Marc Bareis, Frank Ilgner, Horst Harndorf
  • Patent number: 6575436
    Abstract: An evaporative cooler (10) includes a housing having aligned upper and base panels (40, 50), and one or more air pervious side panels (70) peripherally disposed therebetween. An air inlet (52) is formed in the upper panel and the base panel collects excess water. An air pervious evaporative pad (80) formed of a fibrous material is enclosed within the housing and has a recess (82) formed therein which opens toward the air inlet. A fan (30) secured to the top panel delivers air ambient the fan into the housing and through the evaporative pad where it is cooled by an evaporative process, and the cooled air is discharged through the air outlets. A conduit and flow control system (21, 26, 27, 28, 29) is provided to supply evaporation water (25) to the evaporative pad at a rate substantially equal to the rate at which the water evaporates from the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Koolrayz Ind., LLC
    Inventor: Raymond A. Litz
  • Patent number: 6511049
    Abstract: A cooling unit includes a housing (1) with an evaporating unit (7) installed on the inclined roof of a cabin and an external water reservoir (29) with a rising pump (31) installed lower down, between the cabin and the rear part of a truck. The return hose (15′) of the excess water gutter (45) coming from the evaporator has an upper end (14) connected to the front part of the gutter and then it crosses a rising stretch to leave by the rear part of the housing and descending down to its lower end which is connected at the outlet of the pump, together with the feed hose (6) of the evaporator by means of a coupling (47). The pump control is intermittent, with a duty cycle lower than 10%, sufficient to purge the return hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Col-Ven S.A.
    Inventors: Rafael A. Colussi, Néstor J. Vénica
  • Patent number: 6511050
    Abstract: A humidifier apparatus has a source of water such as a tank, joined through an inlet valve to a manifold providing water flow from the inlet valve to a vent stack and a mist stack. The stacks extend upwardly from the manifold and are positioned for sharing a common water level. Both stacks are open at their top. An ultrasonic mist generator is positioned below the mist stack and is enabled for generating a mist within the mist stack. The vent stack provides a water sensor enabled for detecting a preferred water level in the vent and mist stacks and for controlling the inlet valve to maintain this preferred water level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Dynamo Aviation, Inc.
    Inventor: Yong S. Chu
  • Patent number: 6435481
    Abstract: A simplified, easy-to-get-at carburetor interference needle adjustment mechanism to cause a carburetor needle to penetrate the carbureting chamber to a greater or lesser extent to achieve improved carburetion at the level of operation desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Bruce Roland Kahlhamer
  • Patent number: 6398196
    Abstract: A steam humidifier for use with a forced air heating system includes a steam nozzle mounted in the plenum of the heating system and connected to a water feed line connected to a continuous pressurized water source. The water feed line is made of a thermal conducting material and is coiled about a heating element wherein the heating element and conductive coil are substantially surrounded by an insulation barrier. The water feed line is controlled by a solenoid operated valve that will be activated only when the heater is on and a humidistat detects that humidity is required by the area being serviced by the forced hot air system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Allied Systems Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry D. Light, Timothy W. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6375167
    Abstract: A sense-simile sampler delivers a sample fragrance in response to receiving an external signal, preferably via the internet. The sampler has a fragrance reservoir attached to a cylinder via a tube. A piston plunger reciprocates in the cylinder to expel the fragrance. A one-way valve controls flow of fragrance from the reservoir into the cylinder. The piston plunger is solenoid operated via signals from an internet appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Trisenx Holdings, INC
    Inventors: Ellwood G. Ivey, Greg Beard, Michael Horovitz
  • Patent number: 6357727
    Abstract: An ozonized water generating apparatus capable of changing the passage of a solenoid valve controlling water inflow to have a configuration where the water supplied to the solenoid valve can be accelerated, whereby the passage for mixing and controlling the water and ozone is configured in a simple manner and thereby, the number of component parts is reduced, such that the ozonized water generating apparatus can ensure the improved results in the product package, the production cost, the operation efficiency and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Dong Woo Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Soo Hwan Cho
  • Patent number: 6338471
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an evaporative cooler for a turbine intake system. The evaporative cooler includes a reservoir for holding water, a media, a manifold for dispersing the water from the reservoir above the media, a manifold flow line extending from the reservoir to the manifold, a collector for collecting the water below the media, and a pump for pumping the water through the manifold flow line from the reservoir to the manifold. The evaporative cooler also includes a return line for returning the water from the collector to the reservoir, at least one water supply line for supplying the water to the reservoir, and a valve structure for controlling flow through the at least one water supply line. The evaporative cooler further includes a level sensor for indicating whether a top surface of the water within the reservoir is: (1) above or below a first water line; and (2) above or below a second water line positioned below the first water line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Imsdahl, Michael J. McCarthy
  • Publication number: 20010048168
    Abstract: A carburetor comprising four distinct features providing improved performance: A sculpted chamber comprising D-shaped configuration; a fuel flow interference needle multiply comprised with bevel zones; easily accessible needle advancement and retraction means; and a centrally disposed auxiliary fuel jet aperture emission site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventor: Bruce Roland Kahlhamer
  • Publication number: 20010045672
    Abstract: A carburetor comprising four distinct features providing improved performance: A sculpted chamber comprising D-shaped configuration; a fuel flow interference needle multiply comprised with bevel zones; easily accessible needle advancement and retraction means; and a centrally disposed auxiliary fuel jet aperture emission site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventor: Bruce Roland Kahlhamer
  • Patent number: 6224681
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a vaporizer valve which accepts a carrier gas and a pressurized liquid and forms a mixture of the carrier gas and vaporized liquid. An internal cavity receives the carrier gas through a carrier aperture and the liquid through a liquid aperture, and the mixed gas and vapor are exhausted out of the cavity via a third aperture. A moveable diaphragm disposed adjacent to the liquid aperture forms a vaporization region having a pressure gradient. The liquid passing through this pressure gradient vaporizes due to expansion. By controlling the diaphragm position with a feedback control circuit responsive to a liquid flow rate monitor, the liquid flow rate may be controlled independently of the carrier gas flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Visweswaren Sivaramakrishnan, John M. White
  • Patent number: 6176474
    Abstract: Herein is disclosed a water bottle for use in a humidifier, comprising a bottom wall, an upwardly extending sidewall, a top wall, a water filling and dispensing opening formed in the sidewall, and a water filling and dispensing cap mounted over the water filling and dispensing opening. Also disclosed is a humidifier, comprising at least one water bottle of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Terrence L. Stanek, Mark J. Tomasiak, Steven L. Rhea
  • Patent number: 6098963
    Abstract: A fill-in-place humidifier in which the tank can be rotated 180.degree. between a filling position and an operating position. In the filling position a cap can be removed from the tank for filling and can be replaced when filling is complete, the cap bearing a valve which automatically opens when the tank is rotated into its operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Slant/Fin Corporation
    Inventors: Melvin Dubin, Karl Bachert, Donald Brown
  • Patent number: 6053482
    Abstract: A humidifier for vaporizing water including a base and a wick formed of a water absorbing material positionable on the base. The wick is in fluid communication with a water supply. A device is provided for moving air over the wick disposed adjacent thereto to vaporize the water absorbed by the wick thereby humidifying the air about the humidifier. A filtration device disposed in the flow of the water to the wick is provided and the filtration device is capable of removing impurities from the water supplied to the wick such that the wick is not contaminated by the impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Holmes Products Corp.
    Inventors: Neville R. Glenn, Robert VannRox
  • Patent number: 6019355
    Abstract: A portable humidifier having a base defining a boiler cavity; an evaporation mechanism for inducing evaporation of liquid within the boiler cavity; and a liquid supply including a contractible and expandible vessel having an outlet communicating with the boiler cavity and providing restricted liquid flow between the vessel and the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Birdsell, Kenneth Ritsher, Jui-Shang Wang
  • Patent number: 5976262
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a vaporizer valve which accepts a carrier gas and a pressurized liquid and forms a mixture of the carrier gas and vaporized liquid. An internal cavity receives the carrier gas through a carrier aperture and the liquid through a liquid aperture, and the mixed gas and vapor are exhausted out of the cavity via a third aperture. A moveable diaphragm disposed adjacent to the liquid aperture forms a vaporization region having a pressure gradient. The liquid passing through this pressure gradient vaporizes due to expansion. By controlling the diaphragm position with a feedback control circuit responsive to a liquid flow rate monitor, the liquid flow rate may be controlled independently of the carrier gas flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Visweswaren Sivaramakrishnan, John M. White
  • Patent number: 5955006
    Abstract: A combination of a humidifier system for mounting on top of the fin elements of baseboard hydronic heating system. A trough in the humidifier holds a supply of water in close connection and above the fins on the inside of the baseboard fixture. This arrangement provides the heating element to vaporize water in the trough. An optical sensor detects changes in the water supply and controls a solenoid that directs a water supply valve to refill the supply of water in the trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Ronald S. Charnecky
  • Patent number: 5948324
    Abstract: A flow through humidifier includes a media, a water supply assembly to supply inlet water from a source to the media, a collector to collect unevaporated water from the media, and a reflow pump to pump the unevaporated water from the collector and to combine the unevaporated water with the inlet water from the water supply assembly, thus enabling more water to pass over the media for evaporation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Lobb Company
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Cook
  • Patent number: 5607626
    Abstract: A steam desuperheater has a body extending into a steam line and is operated by a controlled variable water pressure source responding to the amount of superheat in the steam line. As the pressure of the supply line is increased above a predetermined level greater than the steam pressure in the steam line, a piston moves up against a calibrated spring to progressively uncover a plurality of spray openings so that increasing water pressure results in an increasingly greater amount of water sprayed into the steam line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Copes-Vulcan, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy E. Kunkle, Allan K. Shea, Richard F. Kuntz
  • Patent number: 5478507
    Abstract: Air stripping apparatus with valved downcomers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Carbonair, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Bros
  • Patent number: 5304327
    Abstract: An elongate mercaptan injection apparatus is disclosed. From the remote end, there is an external fitting for connection with a supply line of liquid mercaptan. It communicates serially with an internal check valve captured in a chamber. The check valve includes a spring and ball cooperative with a valve seat. Through the check valve, the liquid mercaptan flows into an elongate hollow tubular member which is sealed externally with a number of fittings to prevent leakage. It extends to the interior of the pipeline through a fitting which seals to the wall of the pipeline. On the interior, it connects with an elongate hollow member packed with particulate material. A number of transverse openings provide cross ventilation so that flowing natural gas is able to pass through the particulate material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Welker Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian H. Welker, Thomas S. Green, Richard O. Lee
  • Patent number: 5290486
    Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in or relating to a desuperheater for controllable injection of cooling water in a steam or gas line (17), said desuperheater device including an insertion tube (1) extending inside the pipe (17), said tube (1) having a conical outlet nozzle (7) with a valve body (5) movably arranged in a hole (2) in the insertion tube (1) such as to form a regulating port (4). The hole (2) in the insertion tube (1) opens out into a rotation chamber (3) with the centerline (10) of the hole and the centerline (11) of the rotation chamber (3) disposed relative each other at an angle deviating from 90.degree. by an angle .alpha., and where the angle .alpha. is greater than 0.degree. but less than 30.degree..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: BTG Kalle Inventing AG
    Inventor: Knut Enarson
  • Patent number: 5061405
    Abstract: A constant humidity evaporative wicking filter humidifier is disclosed as having a water reservoir tank for holding a supply of water. The water reservoir tank is mounted on a supporting base and is constructed to dispense water as needed into a catch basin formed in the supporting base. A wick element of predetermined height has its lower end positioned within the catch basin for absorbing water up into the wick element by capillary action. A motor driven fan is also mounted on the supporting base relative to the wick element for drawing air with increased humidity through the wick element for discharge from the humidifier into the surrounding atmosphere. The water reservoir tank includes a valve which is selectively responsive to the level of water in the catch basin for dispensing water from the water reservoir tank into the catch basin when the water in the catch basin is below a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Terrence L. Stanek, Ronald G. Brant, Donald L. Townsend