Means Recirculating Solvent Patents (Class 422/281)
  • Patent number: 11712455
    Abstract: The invention extends the utility of apparatus used to extract medicinal cannabis compounds into an eluate by separating a portion of medicinal cannabis compounds contained within a portion of eluate at a first extraction target level providing enough clean solvent to continue extraction operations. A high efficiency concentrator such as a rotary evaporator or a wiped film evaporator processes eluate from one or more tanks or extraction vessels creating clean solvent when extraction targets are met or when clean solvent is exhausted. This manages eluate concentration levels and limits the quantity of concentrated medicinal cannabis compounds on site at any moment in time. The invention enables a business model for keeping medicinal cannabis compounds within a legal system, and reduces pollution because law enforcement would no longer have to burn large quantities of cannabis plant matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Inventor: Robert J Rapp
  • Patent number: 11219652
    Abstract: A method for extracting herbal medicine includes: step one, spray extraction; step two, pressure filtration and concentration; step three, spray and countercurrent precipitation; and step four, concentrating reduced pressure and drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: SHAANXI PANLONG PHARMACEUTICAL GROUP LIMITED BY SHARE LTD.
    Inventors: Xiaolin Xie, Dezhu Zhang, Jianguo Meng, Yu Wang, Xuhua Zhou, Zhong Meng, Nan Hui, Juan Li
  • Patent number: 10814249
    Abstract: A method for extracting compounds from botanical material using a condensable gas solvent comprising passing the condensable gas solvent containing the at least one compound extracted from a feedstock through a sonic flow nozzle and introducing the solvent exiting the sonic flow nozzle at a supersonic velocity into a cyclone separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: AURORA CANNABIS ENTERPRISES INC.
    Inventor: Istok Gorazd Nahtigal
  • Patent number: 9527051
    Abstract: The mixing device for producing ready-for-use medical flush solutions, particularly for hemodialysis concentrates, comprising a source of ultrapure water which is connected via a supply line to a recirculation circuit in which a pump is disposed, comprising a computer and comprising a secondary-mixture connection line which is connectable to a feedstock container which prior to the beginning of the mixing operation contains powdery and/or granulated and/or slurried feedstocks that are to be mixed with the ultrapure water, is characterized in that a mixing venturi tube with its convergence chamber and its divergence chamber and a mixing valve are disposed in the recirculation circuit in flow direction one after the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Inventor: Manfred Volker
  • Patent number: 9499776
    Abstract: The present invention provides a brewing system that includes a cooking vessel configured to heat a fluid in the cooking vessel; a grain container having a false bottom, wherein the grain container is configured to hold a grain bed, wherein the grain container includes a plurality of sieves that are configured to separate the grain bed into a plurality of grain layers, and wherein the grain container is configured to be placed within the cooking vessel; and a fluid-circulation system configured to transfer fluid heated by the cooking vessel into the grain container such that the transferred fluid contacts a top surface of the grain bed, filters through the grain bed and the plurality of sieves, and enters the cooking vessel, and wherein the fluid-circulation system is further configured to re-circulate the fluid that exits the cooking vessel via a drain back to the top surface of the grain bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Noel Robert Kempfert
  • Publication number: 20150139865
    Abstract: An extraction apparatus comprises an extraction vessel configured to remove an extracted material from a source material in contact with a process fluid to form a mixture. The apparatus further comprises a separation chamber and a process fluid circulation conduit, the conduit comprising a separation portion configured to receive the mixture and permit a portion of the extracted material to separate from the mixture within the separation chamber. The apparatus further comprises a temperature regulator configured to permit re-circulation of a temperature regulation fluid and regulate the temperature of the process fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Andrew Paul Joseph
  • Publication number: 20150125360
    Abstract: Systems for extracting solute from source material, including solvent source containers configured to store solvent, canisters in fluid communication with the solvent source containers and configured to contain the source material, extract containers in fluid communication with the canister and configured to fluidly receive extract solution from the canisters, heating elements thermally coupled with the extract containers. Some examples include solvent collection containers configured to receive post-extraction portions of the solvent from extract containers. In some examples, solvent collection containers are in fluid communication with solvent source containers and are configured to fluidly receive the post-extraction portion of the solvent and direct a portion of the post-extraction solvent to the solvent source containers. Some examples include a plurality of detachable canisters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Jason Wasserman, Jess Ordower, Samual Decker
  • Patent number: 8870444
    Abstract: An automated solution maker is provided. The automated solution maker mixes a chemical with a solvent to a desired concentration. The concentration of the solution is monitored by measuring the conductivity of the solution. Based upon this measurement, the concentration of the solution may be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventor: Clay Hildreth
  • Patent number: 8828318
    Abstract: A high pressure extraction apparatus and extracting method therefor are adapted to maintain a medium at the supercritical state to extract substance-to-be-extracted. The apparatus includes an extraction tank, a piston and a control unit. The control unit controls the piston to reciprocate in the extraction tank as well as controls the pressure of the extract space of the tank, feeding of the substance, discharge of extract, and discharge of leftover. Accordingly, the apparatus performs a continuous supercritical extraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Tz-Bang Du, Chyuan Juang, Long-Shuenn Jean, Chen-Hsi Cheng, Hom-Ti Lee, Hsien-Chueh Pi
  • Patent number: 8802021
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new method of extraction of solid compounds by microwaves and to the apparatus used in said method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignees: Milestone S.r.l., Universite d'Avignon et des Pays de Vaucluse
    Inventors: Farid Chemat, Valerie Tomao, Francesco Visinoni
  • Publication number: 20140193303
    Abstract: A system for extracting oil from oil-bearing plant parts has an extraction vessel supported by an upright stand and a separator vessel mounted below the extraction vessel. A source of hydrocarbon solvent supplies liquid gas to the top of the extraction vessel, while a recycling pump connected to the separator vessel facilitates transport of the solvent through the plant material in the extraction vessel. The solvent is recovered and re-circulated, while extracted oil is removed from the separator. A thermal jacket is mounted on the separator; the thermal jacket supplies heat and cold to the interior of the separator and helps evaporate and condense the solvent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventors: Matthew A. Ellis, Marcus J. Fauth
  • Patent number: 8702863
    Abstract: A method for the evaporative production of phenol-BPA adduct crystals in a crystallizer is provided. First, a supersaturated BPA solution is introduced into a crystallizer that includes a cylindrical vessel and a concentrically-disposed draft tube that defines an annular space between the vessel and tube. Next, the BPA solution is circulated through the draft tube and annular space while a coolant is uniformly distributed in the circulating flow by radially injecting a volatile hydrocarbon compound at between about 30% and 60% of a radial extent of the annular space of to form a BPA mixture. Phenol-BPA adduct crystals are produced in the vessel by evaporating the volatile hydrocarbon compound out of the BPA mixture. The method provides a consistent and uniform concentration of coolant across the surface of the boiling zone that prevents or at least reduces unwanted crystal nucleation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Badger Licensing LLC
    Inventor: Stephen W. Fetsko
  • Patent number: 8668880
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus that inhibits microbial viability on a medical instrument. The apparatus has a sterilization chamber for receiving the medical instrument. A circulation system is fluidly connected to the sterilization chamber to circulate a fluid through the sterilization chamber. A well is provided to receive a chemistry container that includes a removable base portion. A device is provided to detach the removable base portion from the chemistry container. The device includes a mounting end that is mountable within the well such that the device extends into a lower portion of the well. An elongated intermediate section extends from the mounting end at a first angle. A free end extends from the elongated intermediate section at a second angle. The free end is dimensioned to matingly engage and apply a force to a mating feature on the chemistry container or on the removable base portion as the chemistry container is inserted into the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Phillip P. Franciskovich, Donald G. Rosenhamer
  • Publication number: 20130294978
    Abstract: A diluent such as water is sprayed from a nozzle through a screen onto water soluble packages of chemical supported on the screen to produce a solution for treatment of a system. The solution falls into a reservoir and is recirculated through the nozzle onto the screen for a duration sufficient to dissolve a load of chemical into solution. The concentrated solution is dispensed to a system. The reservoir can be flushed into the system before recirculating solution to the nozzle for further chemical dissolving. Chemical-containing packages can be loaded at any time without system interruption. Chemical is supplied in powder or solid form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Reynato Mariano, Patrick Chebi, Russ Jerusik, Richard E. Haas, Jason A. McDaniel
  • Patent number: 8431084
    Abstract: A crystallizer for the evaporative production of phenol-BPA adduct crystals is provided that achieves more uniform crystal growth while suppressing undesired crystal nucleation. The crystallizer includes a cylindrical vessel; a draft tube concentrically disposed within the cylindrical vessel such that an annular space is defined between the vessel and tube; an impeller that circulates liquid in the vessel through the draft tube and the annular space, and a plurality of nozzles mounted around an inner wall of said cylindrical vessel that introduce an evaporative coolant into the vessel. Each of the nozzles includes a discharge end disposed between about 30% and 60% of a radial extent of the annular space, and is located below an upper end of the draft tube a distance of between about 50% to 150% of the diameter of the vessel. Such a nozzle arrangement provides a consistent and uniform concentration of coolant across the surface of the boiling zone that prevents or at least reduces unwanted crystal nucleation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Badger Licensing LLC
    Inventor: Stephen W. Fetsko
  • Patent number: 8382364
    Abstract: An automated solution maker is provided. The automated solution maker mixes a chemical with a solvent to a desired concentration. The concentration of the solution is monitored by measuring the conductivity of the solution. Based upon this measurement, the concentration of the solution may be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventor: Clay Hildreth
  • Patent number: 8318506
    Abstract: A dialysis adapter cell includes a housing comprising a plurality of pillars extending between and attached to a top plate and a bottom plate to form a hollow receptacle, wherein the top plate comprises an aperture configured to provide access to the hollow receptacle; a dialysis membrane disposed about the housing and sealingly engaged to the top plate and the bottom plate; and a platform in physical communication with the bottom plate and configured to position the dialysis adapter cell in a sample holder of a United States Pharmacopoeia dissolution apparatus 4 flow-through cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: The University of Connecticut
    Inventors: Diane J. Burgess, Upkar Bhardwaj
  • Publication number: 20120251642
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a continuous material extraction system for continuously extracting valuable components in the material by means of a solvent, the system comprising: an extraction tank which is a sealed container being substantially parallelepiped, wherein in the longitudinal direction of the extraction tank, the extraction tank has a first end at which a material inlet is provided, and a second end, and a material outlet is provided at the first end or the second end; the upper portion of said extraction tank is provided with a solvent inlet, and the lower portion of said extraction tank is provided with a solution outlet; in the longitudinal direction of said extraction tank, the lower portion of said extraction tank is provided with an extraction bath which is applied for accommodating the solvent and the material, wherein in the longitudinal direction of said extraction tank said extraction bath is provided with a material conveying mechanism and an ultrasonic generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Junjie Gu, Juan Du
  • Patent number: 8257661
    Abstract: Processes and systems for utilizing products from DME synthesis in converting oxygenates to olefins are provided that include removing a DME reactor effluent from a DME reactor, wherein the DME effluent includes DME, water, and methanol; separating carbon dioxide gas from the DME reactor effluent in a liquid gas separator to produce a degassed effluent stream. The processes and systems can include feeding the degassed effluent stream to an oxygenate to olefin reactor to produce an olefin containing effluent, wherein the olefin containing effluent further includes oxygenates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Andrea G. Bozzano
  • Patent number: 8251569
    Abstract: An automated solution maker is provided. The automated solution maker mixes a chemical with a solvent to a desired concentration. The concentration of the solution is monitored by measuring the conductivity of the solution. Based upon this measurement, the concentration of the solution may be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventor: Clay Hildreth
  • Publication number: 20120116105
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovery of lipids from microbial biomass, including providing wet microbial biomass to thermal pretreatment of at least 100° C. in a pressure vessel, subjecting the thermally pretreated microbial biomass to extraction using a liquid hydrocarbon as an extractant, and subsequently, recovering a product containing lipids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: NESTE OIL OYJ
    Inventors: Olli AALTONEN, Olli Jauhiainen, Mervi Hujanen
  • Patent number: 7976790
    Abstract: An apparatus for the extraction of plant constituents such as may be used in the production of traditional Chinese medicines. The apparatus uses a fluid chamber to hold a mixture of plant and carrier fluid which is then passed through a conduit through a second chamber. The second chamber includes microwave sources to heat the mixture and preferably, some mechanical mechanisms to create turbulence to assist in breaking cell walls within the plant material. The heated mixture is returned to the fluid chamber and the process continued on further fluid and plant mixture until the batch itself is at elevated temperature and retained for a predetermined period of time. The resultant mixture may then be processed through a microwave assisted condensation process to provide a condense extract for eventual use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Vasco Cheung
  • Patent number: 7810987
    Abstract: An automated solution maker is provided. The automated solution maker mixes a chemical with a solvent to a desired concentration. The concentration of the solution is monitored by measuring the conductivity of the solution. Based upon this measurement, the concentration of the solution may be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventor: Clay Hildreth
  • Publication number: 20100160658
    Abstract: Improved system and process for separating the initial portion of liquid solvent from spent oleaginous material after the solvent extraction process and prior to the thermal desolventizing process. Solvent laden solids departing the solvent extraction process are subjected to mechanical pressure to squeeze a portion of the liquid solvent through a perforated surface, into a collection hopper. This liquid solvent is subsequently recycled back to the solvent extraction process for liquid clarification and additional oil recovery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Timothy G. Kemper
  • Patent number: 7625466
    Abstract: A process and apparatus to remove asphaltenic contaminants from bitumen, heavy oil or residue to produce lower viscosity petroleum products and high purity asphaltenes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Value Creation Inc.
    Inventor: Columba K. Yeung
  • Patent number: 7582205
    Abstract: An apparatus for use with a water softening system including an outer bucket, an inner container having a first end, and a plug, where the plug is received within the first end of the inner container for supporting the inner container and allowing brine to be retained within the inner container. A plurality of apertures extend around a periphery of the plug for providing access between the inner container and the outer bucket. An agitator is positioned within the plug for agitating water retained within the outer bucket. The agitation of the water in the outer bucket causes the water to flow through the plurality of recesses to contact the brine forming a mixture able to improve the operation of the water softening system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: Anthony S Fiscella, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7485207
    Abstract: A closed-loop biomass extraction apparatus using HFC solvents including an extraction vessel, an evaporator for the solvent, a compressor and a condenser connected in series in a closed loop extraction circuit; a solvent recovery loop constituted by a bypass line; a plurality of flow control valves that are selectively operable for connecting the solvent recovery loop in parallel with the closed loop extraction circuit; and at least one container containing an adsorbent for organic contaminants and a desiccant, the container being connected in the solvent recovery loop to which solvent in the extraction circuit may be supplied through selective operation of the flow control valves whereby solvent used in the extraction circuit may be supplied through the adsorbent and the desiccant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Ineos Fluor Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Stuart Corr, Paul A. Dowdle, Robert E. Low, James David Morrison, Frederick Thomas Murphy
  • Patent number: 7419589
    Abstract: A water purification apparatus connected to a water system includes a hopper for holding chemical tablets on a perforated bed and an underlying basin. A spray head is detachably connected to the perforated bed and sprays water onto the tablets and parallel to the perforated bed. The basin receives the water through the perforated bed. Because the hopper allows for the use of different spray head designs, the rate at which water is introduced to the tablets, and thus the chemical output, may be modified by replacing one spray head for another having a different number of spray nozzles or having spray nozzles of a different size or shape. Consequently, the hopper of the present invention may be used for delivering the proper concentration of a variety of water treatment chemicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Bio-Lab, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Eserkaln, Cuahutemoc H. Acevedo
  • Patent number: 7399389
    Abstract: A corrosion inhibitor dispensing apparatus has a housing with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A first body within the housing comprises a cathodic corrosion inhibitor. A second body within the housing comprises an anodic corrosion inhibitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Mark R. Jaworowski
  • Patent number: 7033619
    Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus and methods for making herbal extracts. The apparatus employs a percolation vessel having a filter and discharge valve. A heater is provided to heat the contents of the vessel to up to about 60° C. during the cold percolation process. A control is provided to monitor the contents of the vessel and regulate the heater output to obtain and maintain the proper temperature. A pump draws the output of the vessel and recirculates it to the vessel top so that the vessel effluent passes through the vessel charge. The method entails continuously percolating a solvent through a bed of herbaceous material in the vessel at a temperature between room temperature and about 60° C. to produce an extract comprising active principles contained in the herbaceous material. The thus produced extract is highly concentrated and contains a large proportion of the active principles in the raw material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: Earle C. Sweet
  • Patent number: 6779539
    Abstract: An apparatus to dispense water soluble compositions into a process stream involves recirculating water through the water soluble chemical held in a tank. The recirculating water is heated to establish a defined temperature and repeatedly recirculated through the bed of chemical to achieve relative saturation concentration of the recirculating water. The water is dispensed from the recirculating unit thereby achieving a consistent concentration of chemical in the dispensed water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: JohnsonDiversey, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Schwamberger, Edward R. Bowden
  • Patent number: 6749818
    Abstract: A cost effective solution preparing apparatus includes a chamber which is divided into two compartments by a movable partition; a dissolving solution supply line for supplying a dissolving solution to the first compartment of the chamber; a solution tank connected with the first compartment and the second compartment through a first solution preparing line and through a second solution preparing line, respectively; a transporting pump provided in the second solution preparing line; a concentration meter; a solution transporting line for transporting the solution prepared and filled in the second compartment to a point of use; and a circulating line, in which the solution tank is exemplified as a U-shape tank constructed of a relatively small-diameter upstream tank portion and a relatively large-diameter downstream tank portion, and at least one filter is provided in a downstream portion of the downstream tank portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Nipro Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Sano, Hidetoshi Saio
  • Patent number: 6667015
    Abstract: An apparatus for extracting biomass includes a closed loop circuit having an extraction vessel (11), an evaporator (12), a compressor (13), a condenser (14) and (optionally) a storage reservoir (15) operatively connected in series. A pumped recirculation loop (20) recirculates a portion of the output of the extraction vessel (11) for further contact with biomass. One or more modifiable resistances to flow (12;23) control the flow of solvent around the recirculation loop (20) and the main closed loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Ineos Fluor Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Robert E. Low, Stuart Corr, Frederick Thomas Murphy, James David Morrison
  • Patent number: 6656437
    Abstract: The method for making herbal extracts entails continuously percolating a solvent through a bed of herbaceous material in the vessel at a temperature between room temperature and about 60° C. to produce an extract having active principles contained in the herbaceous material. The thus produced extract is highly concentrated and contains a large proportion of the active principles in the raw material, and can be used in lower unit doses to provide enhanced medicinal treatment. The solvent is a mixture of distilled water and catalyst altered water. The mixture enhances the extraction of the active principles for improved treatment, and improves the quality and processing of the extract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Earle C. Sweet
  • Patent number: 6632011
    Abstract: A mixing apparatus 1 comprising a chamber 12 with at least one inlet 16 allowing entry of a solute and a liquid solvent, at least one outlet 52 allowing exit of a solution of said solute and solution, and at least a separator 22 having at least one generally upwardly facing surface 40 and one generally downwardly facing surface 38a, wherein said surfaces define a passageway 50 allowing the solution of the solute and the solvent to pass through and out of the chamber 12, and wherein undissolved solute is descendable along the generally upwardly facing surface 40a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Process Automation International Limited
    Inventors: Paul Henington, Kwok Wai Wen
  • Publication number: 20030124204
    Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus and methods for making herbal extracts. The apparatus employs a percolation vessel having a filter and discharge valve. A heater is provided to heat the contents of the vessel to up to about 60° C. during the cold percolation process. A control is provided to monitor the contents of the vessel and regulate the heater output to obtain and maintain the proper temperature. A pump draws the output of the vessel and recirculates it to the vessel top so that the vessel effluent passes through the vessel charge. The method entails continuously percolating a solvent through a bed of herbaceous material in the vessel at a temperature between room temperature and about 60° C. to produce an extract comprising active principles contained in the herbaceous material. The thus produced extract is highly concentrated and contains a large proportion of the active principles in the raw material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Earle C. Sweet
  • Patent number: 6565818
    Abstract: A recycling system melts unused portions of soap in order to improve the efficiency of the soaking procedure. A chamber has a pump and a screen that holds the soap disposed therein, while a tube member connects to the chamber. One or two conduits are fluid flow connected to the outlet port of the pump and each have one or more jets that protrude through the tube member. Soap is placed onto the screen and water is drawn into the chamber by the pump. The inlet pattern of the pump creates a flow of water that flows over the soap on the screen, with the soap laden water being pumped through the conduits and discharged into the sink by the jets. Now that the soap has melted into soap laden water, pieces and bits of soap will not stick to the fabric at the conclusion of the soak wash period. A fluid level switch deactivates the pump if the water within the sink falls below a certain level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Mauri A. Jarvinen
  • Patent number: 6555074
    Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus and methods for making herbal extracts. The apparatus employs a percolation vessel having a filter and discharge valve. A heater is provided to heat the contents of the vessel to up to about 60° C. during the cold percolation process. A control is provided to monitor the contents of the vessel and regulate the heater output to obtain and maintain the proper temperature. A pump draws the output of the vessel and recirculates it to the vessel top so that the vessel effluent passes through the vessel charge. The method entails continuously percolating a solvent through a bed of herbaceous material in the vessel at a temperature between room temperature and about 60° C. to produce an extract comprising active principles contained in the herbaceous material. The thus produced extract is highly concentrated and contains a large proportion of the active principles in the raw material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Earle C. Sweet
  • Patent number: 6495044
    Abstract: In order to remove a component from solid particle material by extraction, use is made of a column with one or more tubes which extend between the ends of the column, at least one filter being fitted in the wall of each tube. The particle material is fed in at a first end of the column and, forced by hydraulic pressure, moves along the abovementioned tubes to scraping means fitted at the second end of the column. Extraction liquid is fed into the column at the abovementioned second end and flows in countercurrent to the particle material in the direction of the abovementioned first end of the column. Extraction liquid with component from the particle material dissolved in said extraction liquid passes by way of the above mentioned filters into the abovementioned tubes and flows in countercurrent to the particle material to an outlet at the abovementioned first end. The particle material is scraped off at the abovementioned second end by the scraping means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast-Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO
    Inventor: Dirk Verdoes
  • Patent number: 6468481
    Abstract: A portable brining apparatus in which salt beds can be fully utilized between charges while simultaneously producing saturated brine in bulk is claimed. The apparatus comprises at least two salt dissolving tanks, each tank being generally cylindrical in shape and having a conical bottom in which a perforated exit pipe extends upwardly along the centerline thereof. Surrounding the exit pipe is a gravel bed which rests on the conical bottom and serves as a filter. Each tank in the apparatus is initially charged with a bed of salt placed atop the gravel. Valving allows one to maximize salt uptake in flows of water going into and out of the two tanks. When fully charged, the tanks are utilized in a parallel flow mode: water is introduced through spray nozzles placed near the top of each tank and then flows downwardly, in succession, through its salt bed, gravel filter and finally perforated exit pipe. The flows discharged from both tanks are combined in the final effluent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventor: Charles E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6384090
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for preparing active ingredient dispersions, wherein an active ingredient is dissolved in a fluid gas, the fluid gas loaded with active ingredient is essentially completely dissolved in a liquid and is decompressed, and the gas is separated from the liquid loaded with active ingredient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Riede, Werner Göbel, Christian Lockemann
  • Publication number: 20020033364
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for dissolving chemical tablets for creating a variable rate of chemical dissolution in a stream of constant flow rate of untreated liquid, especially water. The apparatus includes a housing in which a container is placed. The container includes a sieve plate or perforated grid which separates the container into an upper chamber in which chemical tablets are stored and a lower mixing chamber. A collection reservoir is defined in an annular outside the container wall and inside of the housing. Several arrangements are illustrated by which a vortex of liquid is generated of controllable variable intensity in the lower or mixing chamber thereby creating uneven liquid pressure beneath the perforated grid as a function of radial distance. As a result, fluid passes aggressively through outer radial perforations or holes in the grid and which impinge on the chemical tablets stacked on the grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Applicant: Hammonds Technical Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl L. Hammonds
  • Patent number: 6193805
    Abstract: A diffusion apparatus for extraction of sugar from sugar cane has a vertically-diposed annular extracting compartment including a revolving screen deck contained within a fixed inner shell and a fixed outer shell. The revolving screen is supported on rollers and driven by any suitable elements. The comminuted sugar cane is fed into the compartment and extracting liquid is moved countercurrent and exits through an outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: James Moir Cargill
  • Patent number: 6135628
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for homogenizing and micronizing aerosol formulations. The method includes the steps of homogenizing and micronizing an aerosol formulation at ambient temperature in a closed apparatus where the entire apparatus is maintained under elevated pressure. The apparatus includes a closed loop containing a reaction vessel, a homogenizer and a fluid conduit interconnecting the reaction vessel and the homogenizer. The homogenizer includes an interaction chamber and an intensifier pump. The interaction chamber includes a stream splitter for separating a stream of aerosol formulation components into two streams and an impaction chamber for recombining the stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: George A. DeStefano, Daniel P. McNamara, Paul D. Jager, Jadwiga Jachowicz
  • Patent number: 6001327
    Abstract: A method and apparatus which enables a complete multi-stepped chemical treatment process to occur within a single, sealed-bladdered vessel 31. The entire chemical process occurs without interruption of the sealed-bladdered vessel 31 such as opening the sealed-bladdered vessel 31 between various steps of the process. The sealed-bladdered vessel 31 is loaded with a batch to be dissolved, treated, decanted, rinsed and/or dried. A pressure filtration step may also occur. The self-contained chemical processing apparatus 32 contains a sealed-bladder 32, a fluid pump 34, a reservoir 20, a compressed gas inlet, a vacuum pump 24, and a cold trap 23 as well as the associated piping 33, numerous valves 21,22,25,26,29,30,35,36 and other controls associated with such an apparatus. The claimed invention allows for dissolution and/or chemical treatment without the operator of the self-contained chemical processing apparatus 38 coming into contact with any of the process materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: D. Phillip Harless
  • Patent number: 5935536
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for reclaiming expanded synthetic resin wastes in a form suitable for subsequent injection molding. The apparatus includes a tank containing a solvent having a pump for pumping dissolved resin wastes to an evaporator. The evaporator comprises an endless belt on which dissolved resin waste is deposited and precipitates in the form of a thin film. A heater is disposed below the belt to expedite separation of solute and solvent by evaporation. A blower disposed within a housing enclosing the endless belt establishes air circulation over the belt, further promoting evaporation. The thin film is wound on a roller and subjected to a heated roller to fuse the many thin film strata into a solid, generally cylindrical mass. The solid mass is then comminuted by a granulator. Evaporated solvent is recovered in a condenser and is reused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventors: Berkley C. Badger, Kevin E. Hissem, David E. Jones
  • Patent number: 5863002
    Abstract: A waste processing apparatus which can easily and efficiently process waste, a waste recovery system using this apparatus and a liquid container ideal for use with the waste processing apparatus and waste recovery system. The waste processing apparatus comprises a processing part for processing supplied waste (for example foam polystyrene) with a processing liquid (for example limonene) and a storing part for storing produced liquid (for example limonene containing dissolved foam polystyrene) produced in this processing part and provided with a removable liquid container constructed to both supply processing liquid to the processing part and receive produced liquid produced by the waste processing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tsutomu Noguchi, Minoru Matsushima, Hiraku Sugiki, Yasuhiro Hirafune
  • Patent number: 5846832
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for producing a defined size distribution of polynucleotide fragments having a selected mean size range between about 100 and 20,000 base pairs. The method includes passing a suspension of polynucleotide fragments through an apparatus containing a capillary with an orifice near the outlet end of the capillary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Peter Josef Oefner, Scott P. Hunicke-Smith
  • Patent number: 5811607
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for the recovery of hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon containing composite materials, particularly roofing materials including asphalt and solid components to recover asphalt and the solid components. The process includes the steps of: agitating the materials with a solvent, preferably a terpene, to form a hydrocarbon/solvent mixture; heating the hydrocarbon/solvent mixture to vaporize the solvent; recovering the hydrocarbons; and recovering the solvent as a liquid by condensing the solvent vapor. The apparatus includes a composite materials washer for holding the composite materials and a solvent; means for agitating the composite materials washer to dissolve the hydrocarbons in the solvent; and a separator for vaporizing the solvent in the hydrocarbon/solvent mixture and recovering the hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventors: Anthony D. Richardt, Ervin W. Savage, Keith Moore, Kent Moore
  • Patent number: 5713967
    Abstract: An apparatus for the extraction of peat comprising an outer tank (1) and an inner tank compartment (3) having perforated walls (4,23) and being the actual container for peat to be extracted. Feeding pipes (13) for the supply of extracting medium extend into the inner tank compartment (3) while at least one outflow opening (7-11) is connected to the outer tank (1). Between the inner tank compartment (3) and the outer tank (1), there is a free space (38) filled with extracting medium. Preferably, the medium is supplied to a plurality of orifices within the inner tank compartment (3), and particularly to at least two different levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Torf Establishment
    Inventor: Waclaw Hamerlinski