Contact Devices Patents (Class 261/75)
  • Patent number: 11612864
    Abstract: A beverage mixing assembly for mixing a gas into a liquid to thereby form a solution includes a mixer body having a first upstream inlet configured to receive the gas, a second upstream inlet configured to receive the liquid, and a downstream outlet configured to dispense the solution from the mixer body. The first upstream inlet defines a first orifice configured to spray the gas into the mixer body and the second upstream inlet defines a second orifice configured to spray the liquid into the mixer body such that the gas collides into the liquid as the liquid conveys from the second upstream inlet to the downstream outlet to thereby mix into the liquid and form the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignees: Marmon Foodservice Technologies, Inc., Cornelius (Tianjin) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Peiyuan Yang, Tinghao Chen, Yulong Liu, Hu Xu, Wei Xing, Weidong Song
  • Patent number: 11059353
    Abstract: An air freshener includes a housing; scented beads contained within the housing; and a mounting clip for attaching the housing to a source of pressurized air. The housing has several air flow slots or openings and is rotatably coupled to the mounting clip so it can be rotated relative to the mounting clip and the air source to which it is attached to provide several “levels” of fragrance, including a “burst” of fragrance achieved by manually rotating the housing relative to the mounting clip to tumble and stir the scented beads in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Kyle M. Bennett, Yafah Johnson, Pieter Schouten, Lynn Curtis Strong
  • Patent number: 10835906
    Abstract: A foaming unit for producing foam from a mixture of gas and liquid. The foaming unit comprising a housing, a slide, a foaming element, an inlet for the mixture of gas and liquid and an outlet, the slide and the housing being movable relative to each other, the foaming element being arranged hydraulically between the inlet and the outlet, wherein an active volume of the foaming element can be adjusted by changing the relative position of a control edge and an end face of the foaming element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: S O L O Kleinmotoren Gesellschaft mit beschraenkter Haftung
    Inventor: Samuel Schinkel
  • Patent number: 10317086
    Abstract: A burner for a gas-heated cooking appliance includes a pipe for mixing burnable gas with primary air, and a deflecting element which is arranged in an interior space which is bounded by the pipe. The pipe has one end which points toward a nozzle of the burner and another end which points toward a cover of the burner. The deflecting element is arranged in the interior space between a center of the pipe in respect of a longitudinal direction thereof and the one end of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Luis Acosta Herrero, Ainhoa De Carlos Negro, Pedro Herrera Estrada, Luis Antonio Palacios Valdueza, Emilio Placer Maruri, Sara Trigueros Preciado
  • Patent number: 10035117
    Abstract: A mixing device is provided for a closed resin infusion process. The mixing device includes a bulk mixing head with a mixing cavity, at least two separate non-return valves for opening and closing a respective channel for providing material to be mixed running into the mixing cavity. A removable flange is provided for closing the mixing cavity comprising a fitting for mounting the mixing device to a static mixer. At least one heating element is provided for curing the hardable material mixture in the mixing cavity if need be.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy A/S
    Inventors: Niels Harboe, Casper Houmann Jensen
  • Patent number: 9162162
    Abstract: A system for removing oxygen from a fuel is provided including a pressurized gas lumen and a liquid transport lumen having a fuel separation device. The liquid transport lumen is positioned partially within the pressurized gas lumen and includes a plurality of openings formed along its length within said pressurized gas lumen. A shearing feature is formed within the liquid transport lumen and is positioned downstream of the openings and upstream of the fuel separation device. The gas enters the liquid transport lumens through the openings to form a plurality of bubbles removing oxygen from the fuel. The shearing feature collapses the bubbles into larger bubbles prior to flow into the fuel separation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall E. Yount
  • Patent number: 9028898
    Abstract: The present disclosure is related to illustrative embodiments of an apparatus and method for maintaining carbonation of sparkling beverages, such as sparkling wines, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages such as sodas and coffee. A transparent, shatter-resistant, height-adjustable carbonation enclosure is used to contain an opened bottle of a sparkling beverage. An air-tight carbonation cap with a built-in one-way valve is used to re-carbonate the beverage inside the bottle using a pressurized gas source. The base of the carbonation enclosure includes a platform that may be used to adjust the effective height of the enclosure to fit the height of the bottle and provide an air-tight interface between an opening of the bottle and the carbonation cap. The carbonation enclosure further includes a number of openings to open air to prevent pressurization of the carbonation enclosure. Another illustrative embodiment includes a safety enclosure for multiple bottles pressurized directly by conical nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: R. Evan Wallace
  • Patent number: 9028989
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Yan Zhang, Steven R. Falta, Steven D. Burch, Glenn W. Skala
  • Publication number: 20150102512
    Abstract: A system and method for safely enabling the delivery of at least one gas line to at least one point of use in a facility by using a vacuum system and a gas delivery system wherein the gas delivery system is housed within the vacuum system is disclosed herein. An interior volume of a conduit containing therein at least one gas line is maintained at reduced pressure as one end of the gas line connects to a gas source and another end of the gas line connects to a point of use. By using a conduit to enclose the individual gas lines and using a single feed line for each gas, the embodiments disclosed herein reduce the number of individual gas lines that need to be run through a facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Dennis L. DeMARS
  • Publication number: 20150048526
    Abstract: Coatings for enhancing performance of materials surfaces, methods of producing the coating and coated substrates, and coated condensers are disclosed herein. More particularly, exemplary embodiments provide chemical coating materials useful for coating condenser components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: The Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education on behalf of the University of Ne
    Inventors: Kwang J. Kim, Bong June Zhang, Hyungkee Yoon
  • Publication number: 20150035177
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flue gas purification device with a scrubber tower (10), also called a scrubbing tower, a washing tower or an absorption tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Annette Ziemann-Nothe, Aat Pelkmann
  • Patent number: 8888073
    Abstract: A carbonated beverage appliance in accordance with the present invention includes a housing and a carbonating head assembly configured to releasably engage a top end of a bottle containing a liquid to be carbonated. The bottle is engaged with the head assembly in a manner so as to provide a liquid and gas-tight seal. A tube is arranged in the housing for directing a flow of pressurized gas from a gas cylinder to the liquid within the bottle to produce a carbonated beverage. The carbonated beverage appliance includes a quick-connect mechanism for attaching a gas cylinder to the appliance, and a dispensing mechanism for the on-demand dispensing of a carbonated beverage from the bottle while it is attached to the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Conair Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony Kit Lun Leung, Joseph W. Zakowski
  • Patent number: 8877138
    Abstract: Injection nozzles for use in a gas distribution device are disclosed. In one aspect, the injection nozzle may include: a tube having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; wherein the inlet comprises a plurality of flow restriction orifices. In another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to an injection nozzle for use in a gas distribution device, the injection nozzle including: a tube having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; wherein the fluid inlet comprises an annular orifice surrounding a flow restriction device. Injection nozzles according to embodiments disclosed herein may be disposed in a gas distribution manifold used in a vessel, for example, for conducting polymerization reactions, spent catalyst regeneration, and coal gasification, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Lummus Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Leonce Francis Castagnos, Jr., Ting Yee Chan, Norman Paul Kolb, Ronald Eugene Pieper
  • Publication number: 20140284822
    Abstract: A method for the efficient solubilization of carbon dioxide in water through the use of high energy impacts is disclosed. The method can optionally includes mixing the carbon dioxide and water to form an annular dispersed flow, accelerating the carbon dioxide and water prior to the collision; providing a retention network to collect the carbonated water flow. Also disclosed are systems and apparatuses for practicing the disclosed methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: APIQE INC
    Inventor: Giancarlo Fantappie
  • Publication number: 20140261578
    Abstract: A device for emitting bubbles in a vehicle wash facility includes a plenum supported with respect to ground. The plenum includes an air inlet with a first area and an air outlet with a second area. The plenum air outlet is in communication with at least one foaming chamber. The foaming chamber includes a generally planar media element disposed therein. The foaming chamber includes a spray jet located therein, which is in communication with a source of chemical. The spray jet configured to emit a chemical onto the generally planar media element. The device also includes a plurality of nozzle portions in communication with the foaming chamber for emitting bubbles therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Barry S. Turner, David L. Tognetti, Mark D. Morin
  • Publication number: 20140238502
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a carbonated water tank in which carbonated water is stored; a water level sensor sensing a water level of carbonated water stored in the carbonated water tank; a water tank supplying filtered water to the carbonated water tank; a carbon dioxide cylinder supplying carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank; and a controller, if the water level of carbonated water sensed by the water level sensor is less than or equal to a predetermined minimum water level, supplying the filtered water to the carbonated water tank, and if supply of the filtered water is completed, supplying the carbon dioxide to the carbonated water tank so as to produce the carbonated water. If the carbonated water is discharged, the controller controls the water level sensor to sense the water lever of the carbonated water stored in the carbonated water tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyung Tae KO, Seung Wan Kang, Jung Yeob Kim, Ji Hoon Kim, Byung Mo Yu, Sung Ho Cho, Yong Soo Kyong
  • Publication number: 20140225285
    Abstract: A beverage preparation machine of the type which uses pre-packaged containers of beverage ingredients is described. The beverage preparation machine is configured for controlling the volume of air resident in at least a part of a delivery system of the machine to produce predetermined characteristics in a prepared beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Kraft Foods R&D, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick Andrew Hansen, Andrew Charles Bentley, Elizabeth Jane Hinckley, Mark Richard Thomas Norton
  • Patent number: 8784747
    Abstract: A cover for holding and protecting a scent insert for use with a portable electronic device or other electronic device such as an IPOD, IPAD, MP3 player, laptop, for example, including a pocket for holding a removable scented insert. The pocket is an integral part of the cover or a removable pocket which is held on to the outside of the cover with an adhesive, for example. The aromatic insert is a scent impregnated porous plastic insert or plastic insert having a permeable layer sealed with nonpermeable peelable layers of plastic or paper film wherein a top layer is removed as desired, thus releasing the desired aroma. The exterior surface of the pocket is porous or includes apertures or slits for transferring the scent outside of the pocket insert holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventors: Marcy Carmichael, Constance Blake
  • Publication number: 20140190350
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for physical gas scrubbing, wherein a feed gas (1) containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and also carbonyl sulphide and/or hydrogen sulphide is conducted through a first scrubbing section (W1) in countercurrent to a scrubbing medium preloaded with carbon dioxide, in order to separate sulphur components substantially selectively off from the feed gas and to generate a desulphurized gas mixture (3). In a second scrubbing section, carbon dioxide is separated off from only a subquantity of the desulphurized gas mixture by scrubbing with an unloaded scrubbing medium (4) and the resultant carbon dioxide-preloaded scrubbing medium is used completely in the first scrubbing section (W1) as scrubbing medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: LINDE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Horst Weiss, Alexander Brandl
  • Publication number: 20140123851
    Abstract: A construction element for a plant for capture of an acidic gas using an aqueous amine absorbent, wherein at least a part of a surface of said element comprises a polyolefin, and a hydrolytically stable antioxidant, is described. Additionally, a liner comprising said polyolefin and the hydrolytically stable antioxidant, is described. The construction element may be a column, a pipe, an insert, like a column packing element or a tray. An apparatus for capturing CO2 using the construction elements, is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Aker Engineering & Technology AS
    Inventors: Svein Jamtvedt, Harry Øysæd, John Ole Gjerp, Frank Henning Forsberg
  • Patent number: 8708317
    Abstract: A Venturi tube device is provided with a Venturi tube; a hollow cylindrical fitting; a shroud; and a hollow, cylindrical flow guide member disposed in the Venturi tube. In a showing operation, air can flow through one communicating hole of the shroud, a space defined by two adjacent ridges on the fitting, a conic hole between the two adjacent ridges, and a transverse hole of the Venturi tube in addition to water flowing through the flow guide member and the Venturi tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Chyi Liou Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Hsin Lee
  • Publication number: 20140099405
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and system configured to produce and provide on-demand, immediate sequential dispensing of varying levels of carbonated water, such as carbonated water having a level of carbonation selected by an end-user, is disclosed. In one aspect, immediate sequential dispensing of varying levels of carbonated water is provided by varying the rate of agitation during a fixed agitation interval. The carbonating unit has a volume with an inlet in communication with a source of carbonating gas and noncarbonated water. An agitator is housed within the volume of the carbonating unit and is operated by a variable speed actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: PATRICK J. BOARMAN, MARK E. THOMAS
  • Publication number: 20140076710
    Abstract: A trihalosilane refining device and a trihalosilane refining method are provided. The trihalosilane refining device can be useful in obtaining high-purity trihalosilane from a feed containing a trihalosilane while consuming a small amount of energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Sung Kyu LEE, Joon Ho SHIN, Jong Ku LEE, Sung Kyun KIM
  • Publication number: 20140076709
    Abstract: A trihalosilane refining device and a trihalosilane refining method are provided. The trihalosilane refining device can be useful in obtaining high-purity trihalosilane from a feed containing a trihalosilane while consuming a small amount of energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Sung Kyu LEE, Joon Ho SHIN, Jong Ku LEE, Sung Kyun KIM
  • Publication number: 20140076806
    Abstract: An aerator device, a filter system including an aerator device, and a method of aerating a filter using an aerator device. An aerator device includes a housing having an interior cavity; a first plate in the interior cavity and defining a first cavity portion and a second cavity portion thereof, the first plate being spaced apart from a top wall of the housing to define a first opening through which the first cavity portion and the second cavity portion are in communication; and a second plate defining a first chamber and a second chamber of the second cavity portion, the first chamber and the second chamber being in communication with each other below a lower end of the second plate, the housing having an inlet opening in communication with the first cavity portion, and an outlet opening through the top wall and in communication with the second chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: CHEIL INDUSTRIES INC.
    Inventors: Gyu Hong MIN, Jin Min KIM, Young Lim KOO, Byung Kook HWANG, Daniel Eumine SUK, Jong Sang PARK, Fufang ZHA, Jihye KIM
  • Publication number: 20140076711
    Abstract: A trihalosilane refining device and a trihalosilane refining method are provided. The trihalosilane refining device can be useful in obtaining high-purity trihalosilane from a feed containing a trihalosilane while consuming a small amount of energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Sung Kyu LEE, Joon Ho SHIN, Jong Ku LEE, Sung Kyun KIM
  • Publication number: 20140048494
    Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus and method for creating dense nano-multi molecular packing of gaseous molecules concentrated in liquid solutions and the ionization of the resultant dense gaseous nano-multi-molecular molecules forming a concentration of free-radicals saturating liquid solutions without cavitation of nuclei and without bubbles for the dissolution, destruction, disinfection and remediation of biological, chemical and electrochemical threats and contaminants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventor: Frederick Lee Simmons, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130316062
    Abstract: A system for creating an aerated food product, whereby a decreased electrical and thermal load may be obtained is disclosed. Furthermore, a method of producing an aerated food product comprising the steps of separately preparing a first food product portion and a second food product portion, transferring the first food product portion to a first aseptic surge tank, transferring the second food product portion to a second aseptic surge tank, mixing a combination of the first food product portion and the second food product portion to create a mixed food product, aerating the mixed food product to create the aerated food product, and dispensing the aerated food product from a filling apparatus into a container is also disclosed. An aerated food product is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: Ira Allen Nadel, Ajay Kaul
  • Publication number: 20130302494
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a bubble implosion reactor cavitation device. The bubble implosion reactor cavitation device includes a tube-shaped cylindrical body including an upstream, a distal end surface and a downstream, proximal end surface. The tube-shaped cylindrical body defines an axial passage that extends through the tube-shaped cylindrical body between the upstream, distal end surface and the downstream, proximal end surface. The apparatus also includes a bubble generator subassembly connected to the tube-shaped cylindrical body. The bubble generator subassembly is at least partially disposed within the axial passage defined by the tube-shaped cylindrical body. The apparatus also includes a retaining member connected to the tube-shaped cylindrical body for retaining the bubble generator subassembly within the axial passage defined by the tube-shaped cylindrical body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Caisson Technology Group LLC
    Inventor: Alexander E. Kravtsov
  • Publication number: 20130298762
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling oxidation of sulfites in a slurry. The system includes a tank having an inlet for receiving a slurry used in wet flue gas desulfurization. The tank also includes an inlet for receiving a gas. The inlet for receiving the gas is configured so that at least a portion of the gas received in the tank is dispersed through at least a portion of the slurry received in the tank. A sensor is configured to measure a sulfite concentration S1 of the slurry received in the tank. In some embodiments, the sensor is a sulfite analyzer. In other embodiments, the sensor is a virtual analyzer. The system includes a controller. Software executing on the controller generates a signal indicative of an adjustment of a flow rate of gas into the tank based at least in part on the sulfite concentration S1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Dennis James Laslo
  • Patent number: 8562860
    Abstract: A method for activating hydrogen molecules dissolved in water and stabilizing the concentration of the hydrogen molecules is provided. The method for activating and stabilizing hydrogen molecules dissolved in water is characterized by allowing hydrogen ions to coexist with the hydrogen molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Osao Sumita
  • Publication number: 20130207285
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and system for the infusion of a gas into a liquid. The gas is passed through a container with ceramic filtering material of a specific pore size after which the gas enters the flow stream of the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Cecil Cooke
  • Patent number: 8500038
    Abstract: A fluid display includes a fluid source, a gas source, and a light source. The fluid source coherently emits fluid along a first trajectory. The gas source emits gas along a second trajectory that intersects the first trajectory. The light source is directed toward the intersection of the first trajectory and the second trajectory. The second trajectory may intersect the first trajectory at an oblique angle. The fluid source and/or the gas source may emit intermittently. The fluid source may emit a laminar jet or spherical fluid globules. The gas source may intermittently emit a gas vortex. The gas may be a flammable gas. The fluid may be water and the gas may be air. The fluid display may provide a “water sparkler” effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: WET Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Fuller, Michael Jason Baldwin, Keith J. Kalis, Helen S. Park, Riae Yoo
  • Patent number: 8470135
    Abstract: Accumulation of polymer on equipment, which is in contact with polymerizable material during normal process operation, is minimized by the method and apparatus of the present invention. The method involves positioning and affixing the equipment, such as a pressure relief device, to process apparatus, such as a distillation column, proximate to a wetted region formed by liquid phase fluid in the process apparatus, such that the moving liquid phase fluid is at least intermittently in contact with the equipment and one or more of accumulated polymerizable material, condensate including same, and polymer, is washed off of the equipment. The apparatus of the present invention is effective for maintaining the service-readiness of the equipment, which provides for safe long-term operation of the process apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Company
    Inventors: John O. Barnett, Michael Stanley DeCourcy, Michael W. Hurley
  • Publication number: 20130139696
    Abstract: Post-combustion conditioning systems are described that include a flue gas conditioning device configured to condition an exhaust stream to produce a conditioned stream. First and second outlet ducts can be fluidly coupled to, and substantially supported by, the flue gas conditioning device. This advantageously can eliminate costly ductwork, reduce the space required, and reduce the pressure drop of the system. The first outlet duct can fluidly couple the flue gas conditioning device to an exhaust duct, such that the conditioned stream can flow from the first conditioning device via the first outlet duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: FLUOR TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dennis W. Johnson, Jonathan Priest
  • Publication number: 20130089645
    Abstract: A carbonated beverage appliance in accordance with the present invention includes a housing and a carbonating head assembly configured to releasably engage a top end of a bottle containing a liquid to be carbonated. The bottle is engaged with the head assembly in a manner so as to provide a liquid and gas-tight seal. A tube is arranged in the housing for directing a flow of pressurized gas from a gas cylinder to the liquid within the bottle to produce a carbonated beverage. The carbonated beverage appliance includes a quick-connect mechanism for attaching a gas cylinder to the appliance, and a dispensing mechanism for the on-demand dispensing of a carbonated beverage from the bottle while it is attached to the appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: CONAIR CORPORATION
    Inventors: ANTHONY KIT LUN LEUNG, JOSEPH W. ZAKOWSKI
  • Publication number: 20130074693
    Abstract: A method for treating a process gas with a liquid comprises contacting a process gas with a hygroscopic working fluid in order to remove a constituent from the process gas. A system for treating a process gas with a liquid comprises a hygroscopic working fluid comprising a component adapted to absorb or react with a constituent of a process gas, and a liquid-gas contactor for contacting the working fluid and the process gas, wherein the constituent is removed from the process gas within the liquid-gas contactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Christopher L. Martin, Ye Zhuang
  • Patent number: 8404191
    Abstract: Biowaste sterilizers are described. In one implementation an exemplary system has waste transport vessels that can be intermittently heated and pressurized, for example, with steam, and are interconnected to provide multiple sterilization pathways for waste as the waste is transported. Selected sterilization pathways may depend on attributes of the waste. Sterilization factors, such as mechanical shredding, application of steam, application of pressure, maintenance of temperature, separation of liquid, etc., are integrated into the waste transport features of the system, which can be made compact to save space while processing relatively large bulk amounts of materials, such as medical wastes. The system maintains safe isolation of bio-hazardous components in the waste from the external environment. A system controller provides parameters management, smart sterilization cycle control, quality assurance, safety management, diagnostics, and reporting over a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Globe-Tek LLC
    Inventor: Donald L Sampson
  • Publication number: 20130037969
    Abstract: A pronged clamp apparatus for attaching a soda bottle to a soda machine includes prongs to attach the bottle to the soda machine and a locking mechanism to lock the bottle to the machine at least during carbonation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: SODASTREAM INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventors: Allan RING, Avi COHEN, Doron KROM, Hagai HARDUFF, Amit AVIDOR
  • Publication number: 20130037972
    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: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: JASON INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Cunningham, Eric Eugene Jackson, Remo C. Jacuzzi
  • Patent number: 8360401
    Abstract: A storage container is provided, which includes carbon dioxide containing a functional material and a container body in which carbon dioxide has been hermetically contained. Accordingly, a method for molding a resin, a method for forming a plating film, and the storage container for carbon dioxide, which are excellent in the mass productively at low cost, are provided without using any special high pressure apparatus for producing a supercritical fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Maxell, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaki Nasu, Atsushi Yusa, Yoshiyuki Nomura, Masato Fukumori
  • Patent number: 8282885
    Abstract: An FCC apparatus may include a distributor disposed in a recess in a wall of the riser for distributing gaseous hydrocarbon feed to a riser. The distributor may be shielded from upwardly flowing catalyst by a shield. An array of nozzles from the distributor may extend through openings in the shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Paolo Palmas, Paul S. Nishimura
  • Patent number: 8282892
    Abstract: Bio-waste sterilizers are described. In one implementation an exemplary system has waste transport vessels that can be intermittently heated and pressurized, for example, with steam, and are interconnected to provide multiple sterilization pathways for waste as the waste is transported. Selected sterilization pathways may depend on attributes of the waste. Sterilization factors, such as mechanical shredding, application of steam, application of pressure, maintenance of temperature, separation of liquid, etc., are integrated into the waste transport features of the system, which can be made compact to save space while processing relatively large bulk amounts of materials, such as medical wastes. The system maintains safe isolation of bio-hazardous components in the waste from the external environment. A system controller provides parameters management, smart sterilization cycle control, quality assurance, safety management, diagnostics, and reporting over a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Globe-Tek LLC
    Inventor: Donald L. Sampson
  • Patent number: 8277641
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a stack for a separation vessel adapted to receive a fluid having one or more phases. The stack may include one or more walls surrounding a void, a packed bed positioned within the void, and a distributor positioned above the packed bed. Generally, the stack has a height greater than its width. Usually, the separation vessel further includes a base having a length greater than its height, and the height of the stack is orientated substantially perpendicular to the length of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Tertel, July S. Maglente, David A. Bahr
  • Publication number: 20120234394
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sparger for introducing a gas or gas mixture into a liquid and to a method for sparging liquids. The sparger according to the invention comprises a cavity, a gas inlet for routing a gas into the cavity and two or more faces, which are or can be pressed onto one another in a positive fashion such that a gas pressed into the cavity through the gas inlet escapes through the gaps occurring between the pressed together faces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: BAYER TECHNOLOGY SERVICES GMBH
    Inventors: Jurl Seletzky, Joerg Kauling, Björn Frahm, Helmut Brod, Marc Jenne, Franz Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20120216677
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided systems and methods for contacting two or more fluids, useful, for example for purifying or infusing a fluid (by allowing efficient and/or uniform addition of components to or removal of components from the fluid). The components may be undesirable components to be removed from a fluid, or a desired component or components to be added to the fluid, for example, each of which is referred to herein as “component”. In this regard, the disclosed embodiments provide for the purification or infusion of a fluid by passing a liquid and a fluid through a contacting zone which facilitates intimate mixing of the liquid and the fluid. A differential of partial pressure, activity, fugacity or concentration of the components between the liquid and the fluid facilitates the transfer of the components between the liquid and the fluid in the intimately mixed liquid and fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Donald Koenig, Wesley Jung, Santosh Y. Limaye, Stuart Robertson, Stephen Walker
  • Patent number: 8236252
    Abstract: Collecting line for removing hot process gases conducted in process gas tubes from tubular reformers, wherein the collecting line has on the inside at least one insulation layer made of fire-resistant concrete or fire-resistant brick, and on the outside a wall made of a metallic outer tube, comprises a plurality of stubs via which the process gas tubes of the tubular furnace can be connected to the collecting line, wherein in the region of the stubs, the process gas tubes are at least in part conducted in guide tubes, and each gas outlet connected to the respective process gas tube projects into the collecting line, by means of which the process gas is introduced into the collecting line in correct functioning, and at least one gas outlet is constructed as a pipe bend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Uhde GmbH
    Inventors: Oliver Meissner, Silke Wodberg
  • Publication number: 20120164295
    Abstract: Method of preparing beverages using a beverage preparation machines and in particular a beverage preparation machine of the type which uses pre-packaged containers of beverage ingredients. The method includes controlling the volume of air resident in at least a part of a delivery system of the machine to produce predetermined characteristics in a prepared beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Nick Andrew Hansen, Andrew Charles Bentley, Elizabeth Jane Hinckley, Mark Richard Thomas Norton
  • Publication number: 20120154760
    Abstract: A humidifier has a housing that holds humidifying equipment and an image projector. The image projector is set on the top portion of the housing and includes a light source, a removable projector cover and a projector lens. Light from the light source shines through the projector lens and projector cover to project an image onto a surface of the room, such a ceiling. The humidifying equipment may be conventional in nature, including for example a fan, a water tank, a water reservoir, a filter, a filter tray or combinations thereof. The image projector may also include a rotating mechanism that causes the projected image or images to rotate. The light source may also provide different colors of light. One or more optical characteristics of the projected image, such as image size, shape, color and brightness can be changed by changing the projector lens, projector cover or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Kaz USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis C. Nutter, Lara Peterson
  • Publication number: 20120146251
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a humidifier for humidifying medical gases, comprising a humidification module including a control unit, wherein the humidification module is adapted for receiving a humidification chamber. Furthermore, the humidification module is further adapted to sense and/or receive information upon connection of the humidification chamber and/or additional equipment such as hoses, power supply pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: GRÜNDLER GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel Heine, Markus Gruendler, Christoph Gruendler, Philipp Hiereth, Martin Busch