Dipping Patents (Class 261/91)
  • Patent number: 11815288
    Abstract: A humidification and air cleaning apparatus is provided, in which a shield prevents water, discharged from an upper nozzle, from being scattered upward, thereby preventing droplets from being scattered to a discharge port which is open to as upper side of a water tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jaehyuk Jung, Seungdeok Yang, Seokho Choi
  • Patent number: 11774119
    Abstract: A bottom-mounted whole house fan assembly includes an intake plenum mounted over an opening in a ceiling of a building. The intake plenum is supported on the ceiling in the attic of the building. One end of a flexible duct is connected to the intake plenum and the other end of the duct is connected to a fan so that the fan draws air in the building through the intake plenum and duct and exhausts the air in the attic from whence the air is vented to atmosphere. The fan is supported by at least one vertical strut that is connected to the ceiling at the lower end of the strut and to a housing of the fan at the upper end of the strut. A sound dampener is interposed between the strut and the fan housing and/or the ceiling beam to which the strut is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Solatube International, Inc.
    Inventors: John Paul Calvanico, David Winsor Rillie, Tyler Brinkman
  • Patent number: 11453605
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system and a wastewater treatment process, fluidly combining a one or more SBR (sequencing batch reactor) module/s, in which nitrification and denitrification of the wastewater are performed in sequences and one or more MBR (membrane bioreactor) module/s.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: ALFA LAVAL CORPORATE AB
    Inventor: Nicolas Heinen
  • Patent number: 11059006
    Abstract: An agitator device, in particular a draft tube agitator device, with at least one stirring unit, which is rotatable around a rotary axis, which is configured for conveying a fluid in an axial conveying direction and which includes at least one rotor blade element, the projection of said rotor blade element onto a plane that is perpendicular to the rotary axis having an at least substantially circular-arc-shaped outer contour, the rotor blade element comprises at least one first region, which is situated in a blade plane and is at least substantially planar, and includes a second region, which is curved out of the blade plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: EKATO Rühr- und Mischtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Nicole Rohn, Hans-Juergen Weiss, Bernd Nienhaus
  • Patent number: 11013881
    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: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Andrew Roderick Bath, Justin John Formica, Matthew Rolf Harrington, Joseph Samuel Ormrod, Luke Andrew Stanislas, Hargopal Verma
  • Patent number: 10998795
    Abstract: The present invention provides techniques, schemes configurations and methods for removing or reducing heat in motors. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a cooling tower having a cooling tower structure and a motor supported by the cooling tower structure. The motor has a motor casing and a rotatable shaft. The cooling tower further has a cooling tower fan that has a fan hub, a plurality of fan blades attached to the rotatable shaft and a supplemental fan attached to the fan hub such that the supplemental fan is between the fan hub and the motor. Rotation of the cooling tower fan causes rotation of the supplemental fan which increases airflow around the casing of the motor so as to facilitate cooling of the motor. Other embodiments of configurations, schemes, method and techniques for thermally managing motors are described herein in detail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: PRIME DATUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick M. Rollins, George Lucas
  • Patent number: 10959571
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an air-based flyer, comprising: a food preparation chamber (1); an air moving device (2) for moving air in the food preparation chamber to generate air flow; a heating device (3) for heating the air flow generated by the air moving device (2) so that the heated air flow can heat the food; an air filter (4) adapted for filtering air from the food preparation chamber (1). The air-based flyer according to the present disclosure avoids discharging fume into the surroundings, and can take away water vapor generated upon cooling timely and improve the cooking quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Hannes Uwe Floessholzer
  • Patent number: 10864486
    Abstract: A rotary gas bubble ejector has a fluid reservoir chamber having at a bottom end a fluid discharge opening and a shaft extending through fluid reservoir chamber in connection with a rotor plate. The rotor plate has an outer dimension greater than the outer dimension of fluid discharge opening and is positioned proximate bottom end of fluid reservoir chamber such that a fluid acceleration gap is formed. Rotation of the shaft and rotor plate initiates a fluid flow thereby generating a low-pressure zone within the fluid acceleration gap, wherein gas is discharged from the fluid reservoir chamber into the fluid acceleration gap. As the gas is expelled from the fluid acceleration gap, fluids, gas and liquid, are brought into contact producing micro-sized gas bubbles that are ejected into the body of liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Inventor: Richard Ladouceur
  • Patent number: 10184677
    Abstract: A humidification and air cleaning apparatus including a water tank; a transparent body forming at least a portion of the water tank; a watering housing disposed in the water tank to spray water stored in the water tank; a nozzle disposed in the watering housing to spray the pumped water; an air wash inlet disposed in the water tank to receive external air into the water tank; and an air wash inlet disposed in the water tank to discharge internal air out of the water tank. During rotation, the sprayed water forms a certain trajectory and collides with an inner side surface of the visual body. Air flowing outside the water tank forms an outer main stream before passing the air wash inlet. Air passing the air wash inlet forms an inner main stream inside the water tank, which passes the trajectory of sprayed water to the discharge port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Sanghyuk Son, Jungwoo Lee, Jeongtaek Park, Jieun Choi, Chungook Chong, Taeyoon Kim, Kunyoung Lee, Jongsu Lee, Kyoungho Lee
  • Patent number: 10161644
    Abstract: Provided is a humidification and air cleaning apparatus. The humidification and cleaning apparatus includes: a water tank storing water; an air wash inlet disposed in the water tank and communicating the inside of the water tank with the outside thereof; a water tank humidification medium covering the air wash inlet, formed of a material absorbing water, and humidifying air passing the air wash inlet; a watering housing disposed inside the water tank, suctioning water of the water tank thereinto, pumping the suctioned water to an upper side when rotating, and spraying the pumped water; and a watering motor providing a torque to the watering housing. Here, the water tank humidification medium is spaced from water stored in the water tank and is wetted by water sprayed from the watering unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jieun Choi, Inho Choi, Hyungho Park, Sanghyuk Son, Kyoungho Lee
  • Patent number: 10151499
    Abstract: Provided is a humidification and air cleaning apparatus. The humidification and air cleaning apparatus includes: a water tank storing water; a visual body coupled to the water tank, disposed over the water tank, and formed of a transparent material; a display module disposed outside the visual body; and a watering housing disposed in the water tank and having a nozzle to spray water. Here, water drops, formed on an inner side surface of the visual body, and the display module are disposed on an eye line of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Kunyoung Lee, Taeyoon Kim, Jongsu Lee, Jieun Choi, Sanghyuk Son, Kyoungho Lee
  • Patent number: 10101045
    Abstract: Provided is a humidification and air cleaning apparatus. The humidification and air cleaning apparatus includes: a water tank storing water; a watering housing disposed in the water tank and suctioning water stored in the water tank to spray suctioned water to the outside; a watering motor providing a torque to the watering housing; a watering groove protruding inside the watering housing, suctioning water of the water tank into the watering housing when rotating, and pumping the suctioned water to an upper side of the watering housing; a nozzle disposed in the watering housing and spraying the upwardly pumped water to the outside of the watering housing; and a water curtain preventing rib disposed inside the watering housing, disposed over the watering groove, and mutually interfering with the pumped water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Younggu Lee, Jungwoo Lee, Hyuckju Kwon, Unchang Jeong, Taeyoon Kim, Jieun Choi, Kunyoung Lee, Sanghyuk Son, Jongsu Lee, Kyoungho Lee
  • Patent number: 10101046
    Abstract: Provided is a humidification and air cleaning apparatus. The humidification and air cleaning apparatus includes: a water tank storing water; a watering housing disposed in the water tank and suctioning water stored in the water tank to spray suctioned water to the outside; a watering motor providing a torque to the watering housing; a pump groove protruding inside the watering housing, suctioning water of the water tank into the watering housing when rotating, and pumping the suctioned water to an upper side of the watering housing; and a nozzle disposed in the watering housing and spraying the upwardly pumped water to the outside of the watering housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Sanghyuk Son, Jeongtaek Park, Jieun Choi, Jungwoo Lee, Taeyoon Kim, Younggu Lee, Kunyoung Lee, Hyuckju Kwon, Jongsu Lee, Kyoungho Lee, Unchang Jeong
  • Patent number: 10066845
    Abstract: Provided is a humidification and air cleaning apparatus. The humidification and air cleaning apparatus includes a base body including an upper body and a lower body coupled to a lower part of the upper body, a water tank disposed at an upper part of the upper body, storing water, and including a water housing spraying water to the inside, a watering motor installed at the upper body and providing a torque to the watering housing; and a blower motor installed at the lower body. Here, the lower body, the upper body, and the water tank are stacked sequentially. The blower motor, and the watering motor are disposed vertically inside the base body. The watering motor, and the blower motor are spaced a predetermined interval away from each other and disposed on the same axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Kunyoung Lee, Taeyoon Kim, Jongsu Lee, Jungwoo Lee, Younggu Lee, Jieun Choi, Hyuckju Kwon, Sanghyuk Son, Kyoungho Lee, Unchang Jeong
  • Patent number: 9821128
    Abstract: Nebulization of a medicament for delivery to a subject is monitored. In one embodiment, whether there is any medicament to be nebulized, a rate of nebulization, and/or other aspects of the nebulization of the medicament are monitored. Information related to the one or more monitored aspects of the nebulization may be provided to a subject. For example, by monitoring whether there is any medicament to be nebulized, whether the nebulization of the medicament is complete may be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Mark Steven Morrison
  • Patent number: 9501072
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling water temperature in a body of water. The temperature control system includes a processor, a user interface for receiving a desired temperature and a desired time for reaching the desired temperature, a sensor interface for receiving sensor information from one or more sensors, and an actuator interface for controlling a plurality of heat sources. The processor determines one or more optimal heat sources for heating the body of water to the desired temperature by the desired time. The processor controls the one or more optimal heat sources through the actuator interface and periodically polls the sensor interface to determine whether changes in the operating environment require additional or alternate heat sources to be activated to ensure that the body of water is heated to the desired temperature by the desired time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Hayward Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Potucek, Gilbert Conover, Jr., James Murdock
  • Patent number: 9187919
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for mechanically treating a liquid composition contained in a pool, including: —a frame which supports a motor (2) out of the liquid composition, —a drive shaft (6) which is rotatably driven by the motor, —a centrifugal surface aerator (4) which is rotatably driven by the drive shaft in a first rotation direction, —a bottom mixer (8), which is rotatably driven by the drive shaft, in which the motor (2) can be driven in a second rotation direction, counter to the first rotation direction. The apparatus includes a device for activation/deactivation of the aerator, which device is capable of deactivating the aerator (4) in the second rotation direction of the drive shaft (6), so that the aerator is not to rotatably driven by the drive shaft (6), the aerator being inoperative on the liquid composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Grasa
  • Patent number: 9127243
    Abstract: The invention provides a stirring apparatus for stirring microorganisms such as, an alga in a culturing medium. The stirring apparatus includes one or more supporting structures. The stirring apparatus further includes a plurality of paddle units operatively connected to the one or more supporting structures. The plurality of paddle units are submerged in the culturing medium holding the microorganisms. Further, the plurality of paddle units are configured to rotate for stirring the microorganisms in the culturing medium. In response to the rotation of the plurality of paddle units, the stirring apparatus propels in the culturing medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)
    Inventor: Mazen A. Ba-abbad
  • Patent number: 8758680
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide an air cleaning method and device that realize sufficient purification of polluted air, high-efficiency removal of germs or the like from polluted air, and has a relatively simplified structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Iwao Hishida
  • Patent number: 8585023
    Abstract: An apparatus for mixing gas and liquid is disclosed. The apparatus includes a draft tube having a gas conduit, a liquid inlet and a gas-liquid outlet, and an impeller rotatably mounted within the draft tube. The gas can be entrained into the liquid by rotation of an impeller having relatively high angular velocity, which generates relatively low axial velocity of the liquid and relatively low angular velocity of the liquid. Floats may support the impeller and the impeller may maximize aeration of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Blair H. Hills
  • Publication number: 20130220944
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for vectoring flow control and aeration of a liquid medium, includes a dome supported by a flotation device, a lower housing supported by said flotation device, said lower housing connected to said dome, wherein a space is defined under said dome and above the flotation liquid, an aeration apparatus positioned within said space and partially submerged in the flotation liquid, wherein said aeration apparatus comprises one or more parallel shafts, at least one first disc positioned axially on one of said shafts, at least one second disc positioned axially on another of said shafts, wherein said second disc is interleaved relative to said first disc, and wherein a surface of said first disc rotates in a direction opposite a surface of said second disc relative to each other resulting in a mixing area therebetween, and a discharge chute configured to discharge the liquid medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: Robert J. Galletta, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130147068
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlled ventilation and aeration of liquid medium includes a dome supported by a flotation device, a lower housing supported by the flotation device, the lower housing connected to the dome, wherein a sealed space is defined under the dome and above the flotation liquid, one or more orifices, the orifices configured in the dome, and an aeration apparatus positioned within the sealed space and partially submerged in the flotation liquid, wherein the aeration apparatus comprises one or more parallel shafts, at least one first disc positioned axially on one of the shafts, at least one second disc positioned axially on another of the shafts, wherein the second disc is interleaved relative to the first disc, and wherein a surface of the first disc rotates in a direction opposite a surface of the second disc relative to each other resulting in a mixing area therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Robert J. Galletta, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8459617
    Abstract: A disc assembly of an air cleaning humidifier includes a disc member provided with assembly parts formed by cutting parts of the disc member; first and second plate members respectively disposed at both sides of the disc member; at least one fixing member inserted into a corresponding one of the assembly parts between the first and second plate members to fix the disc member; and water storage parts formed in the at least one fixing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong Chul Ahn, Jun Eui Chang
  • Patent number: 8454000
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing gas and liquid including a pipe having an enclosure positioned in-line with the pipe, wherein a sealed space is defined, at least one blower, the blower regulates the barometric pressure in the sealed space at or above fluid line pressure in the pipe, wherein intermeshed rotating sets of discs operate on parallel shafts driven by variable speed drives, and strakes are radially mounted on the discs to carry liquid up into a mixing area and to carry air and liquid down into a mixing area resulting in a shear force that drives air into the oxygen depleted liquid. Strakes provide leading and trailing rotor wipes to maximize pull of liquid flow from the pipe into the mixing area and back into the pipe and acute angled energy capture strakes for capturing the energy from liquid flow exerted against the back side of strake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Robert J. Galletta, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120211906
    Abstract: A portable appliance includes a humidifier and a heated scent mechanism. The heated scent mechanism includes a scent generator that harvests excess heat produced by a liquid heating chamber, or heat produced as a byproduct of motor operation. The humidifier may be controllable such that the appliance can serve as either a humidifier or air-freshener, individually or simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Christopher S. Kanel
  • Patent number: 8216456
    Abstract: A water treatment apparatus includes a first fluid channel that can circulate contaminated water in the water body, a first inlet that draws the contaminated water into the first fluid channel, and an outlet that allows the contaminated water to exit the first fluid channel. A second fluid channel installed with a filter therein can filter contaminated water in the water body to produce a filtered water flow. A fluid transport apparatus can draw the contaminated water through the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel. A flow control system allows water to flow in a predetermined angular range while blocking at least a portion of the remaining angular range in at least one of the first inlet and the outlet to achieve mixing coverage with different aspect ratio. The position of the outlet can be adjusted to optimize the flow rate and pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Jiangsu Tianyi Science and Technology Development Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Yongjian Sun, Yan Wang
  • Patent number: 8196905
    Abstract: A milk frothing apparatus comprising a drive unit which drives a shaft. An elongate, flexible, bent frothing element that has an adjustable shape which preferably adjusts to the surface of the liquid to be frothed during operation is connected to the shaft. In a particular embodiment, the frothing element is designed as a flexible helical coil. In addition, another frothing element can be provided at the lower end of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: PI-Design AG
    Inventors: Jorgen Bodum, Thomas Studer
  • Patent number: 8191869
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing gas and liquid comprising a submersible or a self contained, self powered floating pressurized dome aeration apparatus housing multi-shaft intermeshed plurality of mixing discs with a remote umbilical power and control unit and process for adding dissolved gas (oxygen) into fluid (water), wherein intermeshed rotating sets of discs operate on parallel shafts driven by variable speed motors or drives, and strakes are radially mounted on the discs to carry liquid up into a mixing area and to carry air and liquid down into a mixing area resulting in a shear force that drives air into the oxygen depleted liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Galletta Aerator, LLC
    Inventor: Robert J. Galletta, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8191868
    Abstract: A floating oxygenation circulator platform (OCP) is disclosed employing sub-vortex induction to initiate numerous, gentle yet complex, tumbling, swirling, rolling, roiling or rotating sub-vortices spreading outward on the liquid surface. The circulator platform itself sets in motion a non-turbulent, high efficiency, bottom to top, primary toroidal vortex flow. Varied sub-vortex induction mechanisms mounted on, made part of, attached to, extending out from or placed around the body of the circulator platform, induce sub-vortices to increase the surface exposure of the liquid and its contents to atmospheric oxygen and UV sunlight. The OCP and its sub-vortex induction mechanisms taken together act in the manner of a Rotating Inverse Biological Contactor (RIBC), labeled “inverse” because the liquid itself rotates and tumbles its contents into direct contact with the atmosphere and with sunlight, in contrast to RBC devices where solid disks rotate in and out of a liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventors: William Frederick Tooley, Thomas Jerome Tooley
  • Patent number: 8182237
    Abstract: ROTARY SYSTEM FOR SUBMERGED PUMPS. The rotary system (2), object of the present invention, is composed of a motoreducer assembly, which is coupled to a rotating shaft (5), through a pulley transmission system. At the lower part of the rotating shaft (5) the submerged pump (1) will be set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Higra Industrial S.A.
    Inventor: Silvino Geremia
  • Patent number: 8172205
    Abstract: In an aerator (10) for aquariums and ponds there is an impeller (60) operated by an electric motor (20) having a first entry (246, 347) for the intake of water, a second entry (44) for the intake of air and an exit (254) where the water and air flow comes out, the impeller (60), when it is operated, sucks water from said first entry (246, 347), creates a lower pressure which sucks air from said second entry (44) and mixes said sucked air with water generating a flow which comes out from the exit (254).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Hydor SRL
    Inventors: Valerio Bresolin, Luigi Signori
  • Patent number: 8146893
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for generating and tracing vortices include an actuator that is moved through a fluid is such a fashion as to produce a difference in pressure between two faces, so that the fluid is drawn from an area of higher pressure into an area of lower pressure around an edge of the actuator, thereby producing a vortex. A vortex generator produces vortices in air or other fluid, without an external chamber being required. The rotational velocity of such a vortex is greater than the rotational velocity of the actuator. The shape, size, and strength of the vortices can be controlled by varying one or more of the size, shape, and speed of the apparatus' actuator including its leading and trailing edges, height of the actuator above the surface, and the angles between the plane of the actuator and the motion through the fluid. A vortex may be visualized easily using a tracing material which is introduced into the vortex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Timothy Allen Zapalski
  • Patent number: 8146894
    Abstract: An apparatus for mixing gas and liquid is disclosed. The apparatus can comprise a draft tube having a gas conduit, a liquid inlet and a gas-liquid outlet, an impeller rotatably mounted within the draft tube. The gas can be entrained into the liquid by rotation of an impeller having relatively high angular velocity, which generates relatively low axial velocity of the liquid and relatively low angular velocity of the liquid. Floats may support the impeller and the impeller may have means for maximizing aeration of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Blair H. Hills
  • Patent number: 8146895
    Abstract: An apparatus for mixing gas and liquid is disclosed. The apparatus may have a plurality of blades rotated about a common shaft. The blades may have a forward portion, which cuts through a liquid, and a trailing portion, which forms the leading part of a gas cavity. The gas cavity is in communication with a gas inlet and the bulk fluid. As the blades pass through a liquid, a reduced pressure zone is formed immediately behind the blade. The reduced pressure zone allows air to be aspirated from the gas inlet into the gas cavity adjacent to the blade. Gas in the gas cavity is sheared into discrete bubbles and transferred to the liquid by the action of the trailing blade wake currents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Blair H. Hills
  • Patent number: 8109488
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system having a tank, a rotatable surface aerator and an elongate draft tube is presented. The elongate draft tube is at least partially submerged beneath the liquid and is rotated about its longitudinal axis for orbitally moving the liquid through the tank in a fixed direction. The rotatable surface aerator is coupled to the proximal end of the draft tube and is at least partially immersible into the liquid. The system further can provide an anoxic zone. A process for treating wastewater is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: DBS Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Nils Young
  • Publication number: 20120021507
    Abstract: Disclosed are bioreactor systems and methods to transfer a gaseous composition into a liquid composition in a closed environment. Also disclosed are bioreactor systems and methods for high-density culture of microorganisms and stably culture of activated sludge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Mizhou Hui
  • Patent number: 8096531
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing gas and liquid comprising a pipe having an enclosure positioned in-line with said pipe, wherein a sealed space is defined, at least one blower, said blower regulates the barometric pressure in said sealed space, wherein intermeshed rotating sets of discs operate on parallel shafts driven by variable speed drives, and strakes are radially mounted on the discs to carry liquid up into a mixing area and to carry air and liquid down into a mixing area resulting in a shear force that drives air into the oxygen depleted liquid. In the sealed space the barometric pressure is raised by a blower, in order to pop foam bubbles and allow for optimum mixing of air into the oxygen depleted liquid and to regulate the waterline within the sealed space, thereby preventing the escape of foam, noise and odorous gases into the local environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventor: Robert J. Galletta
  • Publication number: 20120007260
    Abstract: A milk froth machine includes a base and a top cover. A heating element is electrically connected to a controller mounted in the base. First and second electric connectors are respectively mounted to the base and top cover and electrically connected to the controller. The first and second electric connectors are coupled together when an agitator on the top cover is aligned with a supporting top face of the base. A motor is mounted in the top cover and electrically connected to the second electric connector. A container can be placed on the supporting top face with the agitator extending into the container and with the first and second electric connectors electrically coupled together. The controller controls the motor to drive the agitator to agitate milk in the container to form milk froth or controls the heating element to heat the milk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Yu-Yuan Lin
  • Patent number: 8079573
    Abstract: Apparatus for aerating waste water, provided with a container for waste water and a rotor which is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis (1) and the downward directed part of which can reach into the waste water, which rotor comprises blades (4) having surfaces which are orientated substantially radially and axially, wherein a surface (12) curved in the direction of rotation of the rotor is present close to the upper edge (8) of a blade (4), and wherein the curved surface close to the upper edge forms an angle of between 10° and 60° with the vertical plan of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: Andries Visser
  • Patent number: 8056887
    Abstract: A surface aerator for mixing gas and liquid is disclosed. The surface aerator has an upwardly pumping impeller located within a draft tube. A flow diverter redirects pumped liquid from the impeller traveling in an upward direction to a radially outward direction where it impacts and aerates the remaining liquid in a vessel. A baffle extends radially at a shallow depth to a point beyond the impact area of the liquid to provide separation of the impact area from the rest of the liquid and promote aeration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Blair H. Hills
  • Patent number: 8011642
    Abstract: A cruising aerator includes a raft, a motor mounted on the raft, a shaft driven by the motor, a first impeller mounted on the shaft, a second impeller mounted on the shaft, and a common chamber. The cruising aerator further includes a sequential controller connected to the motor for controlling the motor to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. The motor, the shaft and impellers are installed inside of the common chamber. The common chamber has a common inlet disposed under a water surface. A first outlet and a second outlet of the common chamber are arranged to face in opposite directions. The first impeller and second impeller are assembled to have opposite normal rotating directions to each other according to a rotating direction of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventors: Ming-Chin Tsai, Mei-Ling Chen
  • Patent number: 7980824
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rotor of a flotation machine, particularly to a rotor, that is used for dispersing air to a slurry, and which rotor comprises alternating air ducts and slurry grooves and a collar fitted to the rotor for guiding the slurry flow into the interior of the rotor for avoiding undesired cross flow effect of the slurry flow. The rotor of the present invention efficiently prevents sanding effect and provides excellent dispersion of air into the slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventor: Timo Niitti
  • Patent number: 7942390
    Abstract: A steam humidifier provided by the present invention has a tank having a reservoir section and a cover removably and sealingly secured thereto. The tank contains water during a humidifying operation in which the humidifier humidifies an indoor environment. The cover has a heating element mounted thereon and extending therefrom into the reservoir section and a steam outlet assembly mounted thereon and extending therethrough into the tank. The heating element evaporates at least a portion of the water during the humidifying operation into steam output through the steam outlet assembly to humidify the indoor environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Thermolec LTEE
    Inventor: Cherif Menassa
  • Publication number: 20110084415
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an air cleaning humidifier having a disc assembly performing a purifying function and a humidifying function of indoor air, and a disc assembly thereof. The air cleaning humidifier includes a main body, a tub provided in the main body, an air blower fan generating an air current in the tub, and a rotatable disc assembly having a part of the disc assembly being disposed in the tub, and including a plurality of stacked discs, each of at least two of the discs including a body, a plurality of assembly parts defined through a surface of the body, first protrusion parts protruded from one surface of the body, and second protrusion parts protruded from the other surface of the body, the body being divided into a plurality of sectors by the plurality of assembly parts, and the first protrusion parts and the second protrusion parts being alternately formed in even-numbered regions, into which each of the plurality of sectors is divided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jung Ho Kim, Jun Eul Chang
  • Publication number: 20110084414
    Abstract: An air cleaning humidifier having a disc assembly performing a purifying function and a humidifying function of indoor air, and a disc assembly thereof. The air cleaning humidifier includes a main body, a tub provided in the main body, an air blower fan to generate an air current in the tub, and a disc assembly rotated under the condition that a part of the disc assembly is disposed in the tub. The disc assembly includes a disc member provided with assembly parts formed by cutting parts of the disc member, at least one plate member disposed at one side of the disc member, and at least one fixing member formed on at least one plate member to fix the assembly parts, and each of the at least one fixing member includes a protrusion part respectively inserted into the assembly parts, and a water storage part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jong Chul Ahn, Jun Euj Chang
  • Patent number: 7906017
    Abstract: A circulation system for bodies of water. In one set of embodiments for larger bodies of water, modified horizontal plate designs are provided at the entrance of the draft hose. The plate designs have sections that pivot downwardly as the flotation platform and depending draft hose are rapidly raised in high wave conditions to let the water escape downwardly out of the hose. Adaptations to the floats for the elongated arms of the platform are also made to essentially eliminate the creation of any damaging torques on them from high waves. Another set of embodiments are particularly adapted for smaller systems in municipal water tanks for thorough mixing of the water and treatment to kill undesirable ammonia oxidizing bacteria and prevent or at least inhibit their return.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Medora Environmental, Inc.
    Inventors: Willard R. Tormaschy, Gary A. Kudrna, Tait J. Obritsch, Corey M. Simnioniw, Joel J. Bleth, Lawrence John Weber, Jonathan L. Zent, Ronald J. Crail
  • Publication number: 20110049732
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a humidification apparatus having a disc assembly, and a disc assembly thereof. The disc assembly includes at least one disc member assembled by stacking, a first clamp disposed at one side of the at least one disc member, and a second clamp disposed at the other side of the at least one disc member. Each of the at least one disc member includes at least one recess part indented on the edge thereof, and the first clamp includes at least one recess connection part inserted into the at least one recess part so as to prevent movement of the at least one disc member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jung Ho Kim
  • Publication number: 20100320626
    Abstract: An energy-saving and wind-powered aerator includes a floating carrier (1), a wind turbine (2), a water stirrer (3), and a transmission element (4). The floating carrier (1) has a supporting structure (12). The wind turbine (2) is connected to an upper portion of the supporting structure (12). The water stirrer (3) is mounted to the floating carrier (1). The transmission element (4) is connected to the wind turbine (2) and the water stirrer (3). The water stirrer (3) is rotated by means of the rotation of the wind turbine (2) and a driving action of the transmission element (4). With this arrangement, the wind turbine (2) is blown by natural and inexhaustible wind to rotate, so that the water stirrer (3) can be driven by the transmission element (4) to beat water rapidly, thereby increasing the amount of oxygen dissolved in the water and facilitating the decomposition of organic compounds in the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Shih-Hsiung CHEN
  • Publication number: 20100308478
    Abstract: A cruising aerator includes a raft, a motor mounted on the raft, a shaft driven by the motor, a first impeller mounted on the shaft, a second impeller mounted on the shaft, and a common chamber. The cruising aerator further includes a sequential controller connected to the motor for controlling the motor to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. The motor, the shaft and impellers are installed inside of the common chamber. The common chamber has a common inlet disposed under a water surface. A first outlet and a second outlet of the common chamber are arranged to face in opposite directions. The first impeller and second impeller are assembled to have opposite normal rotating directions to each other according to a rotating direction of the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Mei-Ling Chen, Ming-Chin Tsai
  • Publication number: 20100283162
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing gas and liquid comprising a pipe having an enclosure positioned in-line with said pipe, wherein a sealed space is defined, at least one blower, said blower regulates the barometric pressure in said sealed space at or above fluid line pressure in the pipe, wherein intermeshed rotating sets of discs operate on parallel shafts driven by variable speed drives, and strakes are radially mounted on the discs to carry liquid up into a mixing area and to carry air and liquid down into a mixing area resulting in a shear force that drives air into the oxygen depleted liquid. Strakes provide leading and trailing rotor wipes to maximize pull of liquid flow from the pipe into the mixing area and back into the pipe and acute angled energy capture strakes for capturing the energy from liquid flow exerted against the back side of strake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Joeseph Galletta, JR.