Abstract: A powered low restriction air precleaner device and method for centrifugally ejecting heavier-than-air particulate debris from debris laden air for providing for a combustion engine air intake, an engine air cooling system, or a cab air intake system, for example. The device employs a fan located in the device for drawing debris laden air into the air precleaner device. The debris laden air is spun in the air precleaner device to form a rotating flow pattern that stratifies the debris laden air with the most massive particles of debris in the outermost orbits of the rotating flow pattern of debris laden air. Debris from the rotating flow pattern is ejected from the device for cleaning the air, which is flowed to an air outlet of the device for supplying the cleaned air.

Abstract: An air cleaner for centrifugally ejecting heavier-than-air particulate debris from an air stream. A housing encloses a fan for drawing debris-laden air into a forward portion of the housing and rotating the air so as to form a rotating flow pattern that stratifies the debris-laden air, with the heavier particles of debris in the outermost orbits of the rotating flow pattern. The thus rotating air passes through an annulus to a rear portion of the housing in which the air flow is caused to back up. As a consequence, some solid debris in the forward housing portion moves into a forward isolation region from which that debris is ejected through a forward exit orifice. Other solid debris in the rear housing portion enters a rear isolation region from which it is ejected through a rear exit orifice. The thus-cleaned air passes through an exit gap to an air outlet from which it exits the air cleaner for use.

Abstract: A mobile debris collection machine with an improved filter system includes a chassis, wheels for supporting the chassis, a debris collection device on the chassis, a debris container on the chassis, and a vacuum system on the chassis for moving dust and debris from the debris collector to the container. The vacuum system includes a dust and debris inlet, a vacuum fan, a dust and debris conduit extending from the inlet to a deflector which directs dust and debris from the inlet toward an area adjacent the vacuum chamber which is positioned above the debris container. There is a first filter stage upstream of the vacuum fan and attached thereto for rotation with the fan. There are a plurality of second filter stages, each downstream of the vacuum fan with the air flow from the vacuum fan being generally equally divided between the plurality of second filter stages. There is an air outlet for each second filter stage and a diffuser mounted in connection with each air outlet.

Abstract: A multiple stage air-intake filter has a first stage to pre-clean air. The air-intake filter has a second stage. Air pre-cleaned by the first stage is directed to the second stage by a fluid carrying juncture. The second stage includes a first and second filter element in series which filters air received from the first stage. The second stage has an air inlet and an air outlet. The fluid carrying juncture and the second stage air outlet are in line.

Abstract: An air cleaner for centrifugally ejecting heavier-than-air particulate debris from an air stream. A housing encloses a fan for drawing debris-laden air into a forward portion of the housing and rotating the air so as to form a rotating flow pattern that stratifies the debris-laden air, with the heavier particles of debris in the outermost orbits of the rotating flow pattern. The thus rotating air passes through an annulus to a rear portion of the housing in which the air flow is caused to back up. As a consequence, some solid debris in the forward housing portion moves into a forward isolation region from which that debris is ejected through a forward exit orifice. Other solid debris in the rear housing portion enters a rear isolation region from which it is ejected through a rear exit orifice. The thus-cleaned air passes through an exit gap to an air outlet from which it exits the air cleaner for use.

Abstract: A powered low restriction air precleaner device and method for centrifugally ejecting heavier-than-air particulate debris from debris laden air for providing for a combustion engine air intake, an engine air cooling system, or a cab air intake system, for example. The device employs a fan located in the device for drawing debris laden air into the air precleaner device. The debris laden air is spun in the air precleaner device to form a rotating flow pattern that stratifies the debris laden air with the most massive particles of debris in the outermost orbits of the rotating flow pattern of debris laden air. Debris from the rotating flow pattern is ejected from the device for cleaning the air, which is flowed to an air outlet of the device for supplying the cleaned air.

Abstract: An air pre-cleaner for centrifugally ejecting heavier than air particulates from an air stream for use in an apparatus having an air intake includes a hood having an opening through which air enters the pre-cleaner. A vane assembly includes a centrally positioned dome, a collar encircling the dome, and a plurality of inlet vanes each being connected at an inner end to the dome and at an outer end to the collar. Each inlet vane is angled in relation to the horizontal plane. The vane assembly further includes a horizontal wall extending radially outward from the collar. An impeller assembly is rotatably mounted to the vane assembly. Also provided is a base on which the vane assembly is supported via the horizontal wall. The hood, the vane assembly and the base are secured to each other. Clean air exits the pre-cleaner through a central opening in the base and dirty air exits the pre-cleaner through peripheral openings in the base.

Abstract: A coalescing filter for separating oil from a blowby gas stream includes a coalescing filter element designed with a plurality of relatively small flow-through pores which have the potential for creating a high restriction when wetted due to the surface tension which results. In order to reduce the restriction level, the coalescing filter is attached to a rotating component, such as a gear, so that rotary motion is imparted to the coalescing filter and centrifugal force is generated across the plurality of flow-through pores. By generating centrifugal force, any oil which might otherwise remain in said pores so as to clog the pores is spun out so that the pores of the coalescing filter element remain in a "dry" condition such that any restriction to continued flow is substantially lower than the restriction level when the pores are wetted.

Abstract: An air precleaner for centrifugally ejecting heavier than air particulates from an airstream for use in an apparatus having an air intake includes a hood having an opening through which air enters the precleaner. A vane assembly includes a centrally positioned dome, a collar encircling the dome and a plurality of vanes each being connected at an inner end to the dome and at an outer end to the collar. Each vane is angled in relation to a horizontal plane. The vane assembly further includes a horizontal wall extending radially outward from the collar. An impeller assembly is rotatably mounted to the vane assembly. Also provided is a base on which the vane assembly is supported via the horizontal wall. The hood, the vane assembly and the base are secured to each other and the air exits the precleaner through the base.

Abstract: A sintered laminated structure including a plurality of ceramic layers made of ceramic materials different from one another, wherein each of the ceramic layers is provided with through-holes passing each of the ceramic layers.

Abstract: A volume reducer for reducing the volume of a powder material by removal of some air has a cylindrical casing having an inlet and an outlet for letting powder material in and out. In the casing, a rotor rotatable on the center axis of the casing is provided. The rotor has a cylindrically formed porous plate and a plurality of inner and outer chambers formed in the inside and outside of the porous plate. The outer chambers are loaded with the powder material. A rotary valve that rotates together with the rotor is provided. The rotary valve has a plurality of ventilation openings communicating with the respective inner chambers in an axial direction. The rotary valve is embraced in a stationary valve. The stationary valve has a cavity that communicates with a ventilation opening when the rotary valve is positioned within a predetermined range of its rotation angle. The stationary valve has a compressed air injection opening with which the ventilation opening communicates.

Abstract: A downhole fluid separation system is used with submergible pumping systems to separate downhole fluids into different density fluids, recover the lighter fluids to the earth's surface, and dispose the heavier fluids downhole. The fluid separation system includes a plurality of housings connectable one to another, each housing having one or more fluid separators, such as hydrocyclones, therein with an inlet of each fluid separator in communication with an inlet conduit, an overflow of each fluid separator in communication with an overflow conduit, and an underflow of each fluid separator in communication with an underflow conduit. The fluid separation system can be configured for parallel flow where the conduits conveying fluids downstream of a first housing have a greater cross-sectional flow area than corresponding conduits in an adjacent second housing. Also, the fluid separation system can be configured for series flow, for either the separated lighter or the separated heavier fluids.

Abstract: A micro-rotary screener for removing airborne materials from an airstream includes a shell for defining a generally drum-shaped shell, the shell including a first passageway for receiving the airstream and a second passageway for discharging cleaned air. A multi-blade rotating air lock within the shell includes an odd number of rotor lock blades for defining an odd number of pockets into which the airstream is directed. A drive is provided for causing the multi-blade rotating lock to rotate. Seals are attached to the rotor lock blades for contacting inner portions of the shell and restricting airflow between the plurality of pockets. Screens are attached to the edges of the rotor lock blades, and rotate therewith, for filtering airborne materials and for releasing filtered materials during rotation of the multi-blade rotating air lock. A material-discharge bin is provided for receiving filtered materials after they have been released from the screens.

Abstract: A rotary drum filter for multiple lines. The filter includes distinct cells for each production line so that fluff or particulate may be recirculated within its own production line. A balancing fan is included which provides static pressure from selected maximum air flow volume to minimum air flow volume for the filter.

Abstract: A dust separator (1, 2) is provided for removing particles from a gas, provided with a centrifuge (3) which is rotatable about a central axis and which comprises at least two centrifuge chambers (7, 9). A first centrifuge chamber (7) is connected at one side to a gas inlet (11) and an opposing other side to a gas reversal chamber (13) which in its turn is connected to a second centrifuge chamber (9) which comprises a filter (17) and which concentrically surrounds the first centrifuge chamber (7).

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved mechanical separator which is capable of continuous operation without clogging, which is capable of efficiently separating particulate material from a gaseous medium such as air in such a manner that the collected particulate material may be salvaged, and which apparatus is environmentally friendly in that it cleans gases such as air in a highly efficient manner while at the same time saving potentially valuable products which would otherwise be mainly lost.

Abstract: A device for separating fibers and gas, comprising a cyclone (1) with inlet (2) for a mixture of fiber/gas and separate outlets (3 and 5, respectively) for fibers and gas, respectively. In front of the gas outlet (5) a screen (6, 10) is located, which is provided with apertures and attached on a rotatable shaft, so that the rotation of the screen gives rise to accelerations and forces preventing fibers from passing through the apertures in the screen (6, 10).

Abstract: A grease extractor includes a centrifugal fan for forcibly flowing grease laden air in order to remove grease therefrom in cooperation with a trap member. The grease extractor comprises a vessel with an inlet for introduction of the grease laden air and an outlet for discharging clear air. The fan, which has a rotation axis and has a circumferential fan surface, is disposed between the inlet and the outlet to be rotated about a rotation axis so as to generate a forced flow of the air for introducing the grease laden air inwardly and flowing it radially outwardly through the circumferential fan surface. The fan includes impellers which deflects the grease laden air to separate the grease therefrom and coagulate it into corresponding grease particles. Flow converting members are provided on the circumferential fan surface for converting the radial air flow into an axial flow directed outwardly substantially along the rotation axis.

Abstract: A pollutant emission control system including a centrifugal separator having blades capable of causing sufficient centrifugal force to remove large pollutant particles, and a pressurized deposit container including an annular container with cleaning fluid serving as a vaporizing passageway, permitting gaseous pollutants to mix with a liquid cleaning agent by means of turbulence and Henry's law generated in said annual container with the result that polluted particles deposited in the cleaning liquid, and liquid membranes having a porous sponge body with a high density of pockets capable of further filtering the pollutant particles in the vaporized emission, and, finally a demisting device with a humidity/odor removing system having an activated carbon sponge bag used to further remove fine pollutant and odorous particles.

Abstract: An improved gas liquid separator assembly is provided having a housing block with an interior gas liquid separating chamber. A sample gas introducing conduit and a sample gas discharging conduit can extend from the exterior of the housing block to one upper surface of the separating chamber. An opening can extend through the lower end of the housing block from the other side of the separating chamber to the exterior of the housing block. This opening is of a configuration complementary to a detachable mounted motor block for supporting a centrifugal separator. The centrifugal separator can be easily detached for maintenance of the gas liquid separating chamber.

Abstract: A method for separating particulate solids from a gaseous stream laden with the solids includes discharging the gaseous stream with a swirling movement downwardly into a containment vessel, and impinging the stream on a bed of the separated solids maintained at the lower end of the vessel to reverse the direction of gas flow upwardly through a return zone which encircles the core zone. The gaseous stream is withdrawn from the return zone at the upper end of the vessel and, optionally, may be passed from the return zone to a second stage separation zone, such as one or more cyclone separators, for removal of residual particulate solids from the gaseous stream. Apparatus of the invention includes a flow-constricting nozzle mounted on a containment vessel and having flow guide vanes and/or gas injection nozzles associated therewith to impart a swirling motion to the gaseous stream which is discharged from the nozzle downwardly into the containment vessel.

Abstract: A regenerable particulate trap for continuously separating particulates from, for example, the exhaust gas from a diesel engine, is characterized by a rotatable trap member mounted for rotation in the exhaust gas stream. Disposed over the face of the rotatable trap member on the upstream side is an enclosed, stationary chamber which isolates a portion of the rotatable trap member from the exhaust gas stream and directs a regenerating fluid through the rotating trap member, co-currently to the exhaust gas stream, to continuously remove the trapped particles by, e.g. burning in an oxygen-containing gas.

Abstract: A high speed rotary filter device is disclosed which utilizes a shrouded rotor, the shroud located over the central bladed portion of the rotor minimizing secondary flow within the device and thereby enhancing the separation and removal of very small particles from the airstream passing through the device.

Abstract: A separator for separating particulate material from fluid having a feed conduit including a plurality of feed openings and a collector having open and closed areas. The feed openings are spaced from, parallel to and continuously substantially encompassed by a portion of the closed area of the collector. The collector is moveable relative to the feed openings. A discharge conduit and particulate removal apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for separating solid residues from gases generated by a charge cartridge having a gas discharged end and used in a final pyrotechnic regulatory unit. The device includes a casing having a recess therein and a bottom end face. The cartridge is mounted in the casing with its discharged end facing the bottom end of the casing to define a first passage. A sleeve is positioned in the recess between the cartridge and the casing to define a second passage communicating with the first passage. The first and second passages are lined with ribs or threads extending transversely to the flow direction of the gas in the passages.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating material from a flowing gas, isotopes for example, has a stationary vessel 12 with an apertured partition means therein forming two zones. The upper zone is a whirling chamber and contains rotational means to form a rotational flow pattern. The second zone receives the flowing gas through the aperture in the partition means. The lower zone has discharge means for the heavier and lighter materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for centrifugal separation and to an apparatus for carrying it out, applicable to a mixture of phases of any states, said apparatus comprising, disposed coaxially and moved in rotation in a fixed enclosure, a fan adapted to create a depression upstream, a rotary distributor converting the pressure drop resulting from the action of the fan on the upstream pressure into a speed of rotation of the mixture added in the same direction to the positive speed of rotation of said distributor, and a rotor comprising elements for guiding running streams, trap elements which imprison still layers and pick up heavy particles, elements for conducting these latter.

Abstract: In an air pump adapted to supply air to an engine exhaust system, an improved seal is provided between the pump housing and its centrifugal filter element.

Abstract: A spark-arresting module for disposition in a duct for hot stack gases comprising a rigid frame structured with spaced, parallel bars alternating with spaced, parallel slots, a shaft at the upstream side of the frame and parallel thereto, a plurality of blades provided with diametrically-located vanes fixed to the shaft for rotation therewith, said vanes being movable through the slots in shearing relation to the bars by rotation of the shaft and being so shaped that some portion of each blade is at all times situated between the bars and a motor for effecting rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A gaseous fluid purifier comprising at least two disks having a common axis of symmetry or of rotation and spaced apart from each other; the disks are comprised of a roughened material adapted to adsorb impurities from the fluid being purified; the disks may be additionally impregnated with neutralizing, or the like, chemical substance; at least one of the disks is of conical shape; in some embodiments, the distance between the two disks at the peripheries of the disks is smaller than the distance between them at the center; a central aspiration opening of circular shape is provided in at least one of the two disks; rotation of at least one, and more usually both, of the two disks aspirates fluid to be purified through the aspiration opening and between the disks and the purified fluid exits radially from between the disks; in other embodiments, the disks are not conically shaped, but the disk surfaces are shaped to produce discontinuities in the fluid flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating solid impurities from a fluid, such as air, comprising a housing, a set of filter elements fixed on a set of perforated sleeves, a fan with a driving electric motor, a louvered cyclone positioned around the filter elements, a centrifugal coupling designed to automatically connect the set of perforated sleeves with the shaft of the electric motor, and a receptacle for impurities separated from the air by the apparatus.

Abstract: A device for separating dust particles from an air stream, in particular for mine ventilation, comprising a centrifugal separator, a blower for conveying the air stream through the centrifugal separator, and a device connected in advance of the centrifugal separator in the air flow direction to spray or atomize water which is fed into the air stream entering the centrifugal separator, the centrifugal separator being formed from at least one impeller with substantially radial blades connected together at their outer ends by circumferentially extending walls, the distance of which from the axis increases in the air flow direction, passage apertures being provided to the housing at the positions of greatest diameter.

Abstract: The inlet assembly is mounted within a separator vessel and comprises a housing similar in shape to that of a snail shell. This housing has a generally spiral side wall closed in by top and bottom end walls. A feed pipe delivers pressurized crude oil tangentially to the inner end of the spiral side wall so that it rotates outwardly, following the length of said wall, to an outlet communicating with the interior of the separator vessel. Gas is separated by centrifugation in the smaller radius central portion of the housing and then the liquid flow velocity is reduced by expansion of the stream in the larger radius outer portion. Improvements in gas separation and emulsion reduction have been observed from use of the assembly.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator for separating suspensions of oil mist in air and especially intended for use with aircraft engines comprises a rotatable chamber filled with a relatively rigid porous material and driven by a hollow shaft.An inlet for the suspension is provided in one end wall of the chamber and separate outlets for oil and air in the form of an apertured chamber outer wall and apertures in the shaft respectively.