Deflector Patents (Class 55/434)
  • Patent number: 7754069
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a filter for trapping foreign matter in which a filtration element can trap foreign matter that is admixed to a fluid present inside the filter with good reliability and a comparatively high trapping ratio. Hydraulic oil that has flown from an opening portion into a guide space of a first flow path guide is guided downward by the first flow path guide and directed toward a second flow path guide. As a result, the oil passes through a very narrow gap, that is, a gap with a cross sectional area of the flow path narrowed so as to increase the flow velocity of the hydraulic oil, a rising flow of the hydraulic oil is formed, and this flow is spouted up by the second flow path guide and guided by the first flow path guide toward a filter element. Foreign matter admixed to the hydraulic oil rises with good intensity together with the hydraulic oil and is moved by the hydraulic oil toward the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Shoji, Nobumi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7736407
    Abstract: An inertial separator includes a main duct having a first half with high aspect ratio and positive curvature and a latter half with larger average curvature and an outside wall section removed; a part for sucking boundary layer formed on the side of the outside wall of the latter half with the section removed; a curved duct of a final collection part succeeding the part for sucking boundary layer, having a larger mean curvature and a smaller radial channel width than the latter half of the main duct, with an outside wall section removed; and a collection chamber part formed on a side of the outside wall of the curved duct with the section removed. A hybrid air cleaner combines the inertial separator with an air filter, removably having an allergen suction device sucking allergen from hair, bedding and so on, and a separated blowing mouth whereby the suspended allergen may be transported away during a patient's sleep.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Nakamura Medicine and Engineering Research Institute Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masanobu Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7704294
    Abstract: Respirable particles with diameters on the order of 0.05 to 10 microns entrained in an air stream, are concentrated in an aerodynamic lens (FIG. 2) for separation from the air steam. The entire structure is made by microfabrication techniques, such as silicon micro-machining which enables arrays of precisely aligned slit lenses to be made on a silicon chip. At a Reynolds number of 800, a slit 25 microns wide by 1 mm tall will pass a flow of only 0.28 liters per minute, but arrays of lenses (FIG. 4), stacked in parallel banks, multiplies the available flow rate. Placing a skimmer (27) at the exit of each silicon micro-machined lens in the assembly and connecting the skimmer channels in chimneys (55), allows the bulk of the gas flow to be stripped off while allowing the concentrated particle stream to pass into a region of much lower flow rate, thereby producing a highly concentrated aerosol in the low velocity stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Enertechnix, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Ariessohn
  • Patent number: 7686862
    Abstract: A vane having a profile capable of formation by pultrusion is disclosed. The vane can be used for removing liquids entrained in a gas stream. The vane includes a main curved section oriented generally parallel to the gas stream and curved to reorient the gas stream, the main curved section causing a first and a second change of direction of the gas stream; a first air pocket formed on a first side of the main curved section, the first air pocket sized and oriented into the gas stream where the gas stream first changes direction; and a second air pocket formed on a second side of the main curved section, the second air pocket smaller than the first air pocket and sized and oriented into the gas stream where the gas stream makes the second direction change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Peerless Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Mark Daniel, Dani Fadda
  • Patent number: 7682415
    Abstract: A device for intermediate storage of condensation water includes a swirl body which causes an inflowing air-water mixture to rotate, and a venturi tube through which the air-water mixture leaves the device. A ring groove in which water accumulates because of the swirl is arranged downstream of the swirl body, and water accumulated in the ring groove is sucked into the venturi tube via one more suction pipes. An expansion zone has an expanded cross-section and a step shaped interior for generating increased surface adhesion. Separating metal sheets in the expansion zone brake the swirl, bind the accumulated gushing water by adhesion forces, and guide it by capillary forces to the interior surface of the expansion zone. Gushing water accumulated at the ends of the separating metal sheets is drained by one or more suction pipes, into the venturi tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: EADS Space Transportation GmbH
    Inventors: Roland Mueller, Helmut Westermann, Ulf Wittkamp, Joachim Lucas, Klaus Bockstahler, Johannes Witt, Berengere Houdou
  • Patent number: 7674304
    Abstract: A drift eliminator is formed from alternating curved spacers and corrugated spacer members to define tube-like passageways for the flow of air through an evaporative cooling apparatus. The formation of the corrugated blade member with beveled side walls places the back walls of the channels in a different plane than the front walls, with the lower edge of the front walls of the channels being positioned in a common plane along with the lower edge of the blade members. The angled side walls impede the formation of a film of water across the inlet opening into the channel, which requires an increase in horsepower for the fan to push air through the drift eliminator. Mechanical fastening devices molded into the respective members connects the corrugated spacer members and the blade members. A method of forming the corrugated spacer members to provide the angled side walls is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Brentwood Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy E. Krell, Andrew L. Truex
  • Patent number: 7645327
    Abstract: Systems and methods for achieving filtration are provided that utilize agglomerates or granules of nanoparticles. The agglomerates or granules of nanoparticles may be used as and/or incorporated into a HEPA filtration system to remove solid or liquid submicron-sized particles, e.g., MPPS, in an efficient and efficacious manner. The filtration systems and methods are provided that utilize agglomerates or granules in a size range of about 100-500 microns. The agglomerates or granules of nanoparticles exhibit a hierarchical fractal structure. In the case of agglomerates of nanoparticles, porosities of 0.9 or greater are generally employed, and for granules of nanoparticles, porosities that are smaller than 0.9 may be employed. Filter media formed from the agglomerates or granules may be formed from materials such as carbon black and fumed silica, and may be employed in baffled or non-baffled filtration apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: New Jersey Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Robert Pfeffer, Rajesh Dave, Stanislav Dukhin, Jose A. Quevedo, Qun Yu
  • Patent number: 7594484
    Abstract: A blower housing for use with an engine. The blower housing is adapted to receive a stream of intake air, and the engine includes at least one cylinder. The blower housing includes an intake opening, an air filter housed within a filter compartment, and an air flow duct adjacent to the filter compartment. The air flow duct is configured to direct air to the at least one cylinder. The air flow duct includes a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being angled with respect to the second surface to deflect the air passing through the duct away from the first surface toward the second surface. The first surface separates the air into a first portion and a second portion having deflected particulate matter therein. The duct also has an aperture that allows air to flow from the duct to the air filter, and an exhaust window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Briggs and Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen John Lavender, Randall J. Klotka, Kenneth William Derra, Michael John Derra, Rick Harold Lulloff
  • Patent number: 7540896
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for removing water droplets from an air stream having a high air speed. The apparatus is provided with a plurality of water separators to sequentially reduce the water droplet content of the air stream. Preferably, the apparatus is provided with a first water separator to reduce the water droplet content of the air from water droplets which have been picked up as the air is impacted with a water source. The apparatus is provided with a second water separator over which the air flows to further reduce the water droplet content of the air. An outlet duct beyond the second water separator is provided with a third water separator to further reduce the water droplet content of the air to a level which can be handled by a blower used to draw the air through the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Noga
  • Patent number: 7537626
    Abstract: A gas-liquid separator for a fuel cell system onboard a vehicle includes an upper chamber, a lower chamber, a plate for separating the upper and lower chambers, a pipe for circulating the exhaust gas and connecting holes bored in the plate. The upper chamber receives exhaust gas from the fuel cell system to separate water contained in the exhaust gas. The lower chamber has a portion for discharging the water which is separated by the upper chamber. The pipe, which is attached to the upper chamber, has fluid communication with an inside of the upper chamber. The connecting holes provide fluid communication between the upper and lower chambers. The connecting holes are positioned off a center of the plate so that the connecting holes lie apart from the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuri Kasuya, Osamu Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 7537647
    Abstract: The present invention is an air purifier including an ionizing assembly that operates to charge particulate material in an air flow passing through the purifier. The charged particulate material is attracted to and retained by a filter element disposed downstream of the ionization assembly and having an electrical charge opposite to the charged particulate material. The purified air passing through the filter is directed out of the device, optionally in conjunction with a fragrance that is added to the purified air flow. The ionizing assembly is formed with a ground member disposed adjacent the ionizing member to keep the electrons generated by the ionizing assembly within the purifier, and thus prevent static discharges from occurring outside of the purifier. The air flow is directed by a fan through the purifier in an angular and substantially laminar manner, such that the efficiency of the purifier is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel E. Adair, Rene Maurice Beland, James R. Crapser, C. Scott Eagleton, Thomas P. Gasper, Dennis W. Gruber, Jeffrey L. Harwig, Padma Prabodh Varanasi
  • Publication number: 20090007370
    Abstract: A cyclonic separating apparatus includes a chamber for separating dirt and dust from an airflow, an inlet to the chamber and a shroud. The shroud includes a wall having inner and outer surfaces and a multiplicity of through-holes forming an outlet from the chamber. Each through-hole has an axis. The inner surface of the wall has a serrated profile having a plurality of serrations arranged around at least a part of the circumference of the wall, each serration having a first face and a second face. At least one through-hole passes through the first face of at least one serration. By providing a plurality of serrations around the inner circumference of the wall, the airflow is forced to follow a longer path through each through-hole for when compared to conventional arrangements. This reduces the amount of dirt and dust which is able to pass through the shroud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Ricardo Gomiciaga-Pereda, James Dyson, Edward Charles Ormerod, John Lee Gruening
  • Patent number: 7429363
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved separator for use in hydrocarbon cracking process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Stone & Webster Process Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ed Yuan, Warren Letzsch, Gary Jackson, Jim Evans, John Hood
  • Patent number: 7296395
    Abstract: An engine inlet air particulate separator that uses zero mass active flow control devices, and methods of using the same, are provided. The separator has a separator body that has an arcuate portion with a bight region. The separator body may have an angle ? between centerlines in the range from about 115° to about 85°. The separator body separates into a bypass conduit and a primary air conduit, separated from each other by a splitter, downstream from the bight region, which is in fluid communication with the arcuate portion. A zero mass active flow device is in fluid communication with a third region of the separator body which is located proximate a point where the air stream would otherwise have separated from an inner wall of the particle separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Peter A. Hartman, Edward T. Meadowcroft
  • Publication number: 20070261374
    Abstract: An air filter arrangement, an air cleaner assembly including the air filter arrangement and methods of assembly and use are described. An air filter arrangement comprising a serviceable filter cartridge is described. The typical cartridge includes a recessed first flow face and an opposite outwardly projecting second flow face, with a central apex. Features of the cartridge, and an air cleaner for installation into the cartridge, are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Inventors: Benny Kevin Nelson, Gregory L. Reichter, Bruce Allen Boehrs, Paul Anthony Wendt
  • Patent number: 7238223
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing constituents from a fluid stream is provided. The apparatus includes a duct, a collection device, a sorbent injector, and an acoustic generator. The duct has a fluid passageway to receive a fluid stream having constituents. The collection device filters the fluid stream. The sorbent injector injects a sorbent in the fluid passageway of the duct. The acoustic generator generates an acoustic field in the fluid passageway of the duct to promote sorption of the constituents for collection by the collection device. Additionally, a method is provided for removing constituents from a fluid stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Board of the Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventor: G. Douglas Meegan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7198659
    Abstract: A containment apparatus for collecting liquids including oil and water emitted from a gas buster exhaust stack. The containment includes baffling and a liquid float and discharge line for returning the liquids to a reservoir. Multiple containments may be connected to contain potentially greater discharges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Paul Fanguy
  • Patent number: 7147684
    Abstract: For preparing a gas stream cleaned from dust and dirt particles, a device is proposed in which an outflow channel (2) for cleaned medium has at its mouth in an inflow channel (1) an extension element (4), which projects into the inflow channel. A cover element (6) covers an end inflow aperture (4a) of the extension element. In an embodiment of the invention, the extension element (4) has lateral inlet apertures (5). The cover element (6) is preferably constituted hood-shaped, and has axial extension elements (6a), which at least partially cover the extension element (4) in the axial direction, and advantageously extend over the lateral inlet apertures. The stream entering the outflow channel (2) for cleaned medium must overcome strong flow deflections, so that particles with a low flow following ability cannot get into this channel. Further outflow channels (3) for conducting the remaining dust-laden medium are arranged substantially flush with the wall (7) of the inflow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Gordon Anderson, Marcel Koenig
  • Patent number: 7141095
    Abstract: A precursor delivery system includes a flow path from a precursor container to a reaction space of a thin film deposition system, such as an atomic layer deposition (ALD) reactor. A staging volume is preferably established between the precursor container and the reaction space for receiving at least one dose of the precursor material from the precursor container, from which a series of pulses is released toward the reaction space. The precursor material is typically vaporized after loading it in the precursor container by heating or reducing the pressure inside the precursor container. A vacuum line is preferably coupled to the precursor container and bypasses the reaction space for reducing pressure inside the precursor container without drawing particles into the reaction space. A high conductivity particle filter having inertial traps may be included, preferably between the precursor container and a staging volume, for filtering particles from the precursor material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Planar Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley J. Aitchison, Jarmo Maula, Hannu Leskinen, Teemu Lang, Pekka Kuosmanen, Kari Härkönen, Martti Sonninen
  • Patent number: 7094269
    Abstract: The air pre-cleaner includes a housing, a drain valve, and an air exhaust pipe. The housing is provided with an air inlet. The drain valve is disposed in the housing and is configured to drain impurities separated from intake air entering the housing through the air inlet. The intake air is exhausted from the housing through the air exhaust pipe. An upper portion of the air exhaust pipe protrudes inside the housing, and the air exhaust pipe has a lateral section with a first end portion that is disposed near the air inlet that is sharper than an opposite portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Kee Young Yang
  • Patent number: 7029852
    Abstract: The present invention is drawn to the detection of harmful agents, known or previously unknown, using a biosensor. The biosensor makes use of non-living biological or biochemical sensor molecules for detecting and classifying chemicals, poisons, particles, vira, and bacteria in fluids. In a preferred embodiment, the bioreceptor comprises sensor molecules packaged in a collection device and treated to evoke an optical response to the presence of harmful agents, allowing for photocell detection and signal processing. The sensor molecules are selected from the group of biological molecules consisting of aptamers, single-chain nucleic acids, double-chain nucleic acids, hybridized chemicals incorporating these molecules and combinations thereof that bind with harmful agents. The harmful agents can also be collected in this manner for further analysis, and antibodies produced by the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventors: Stephen W. Liebholz, John Maniello
  • Patent number: 7004999
    Abstract: A method of continuously capturing BioOil and its constituents from a gas stream produced in a fast pyrolysis/thermolysis process, in a usable liquid form so as to produce a non-condensable gas free of fouling contaminates. The method includes separating BioOil and its constituents from a gas stream using hot inertial separation to maintain the temperature of said BioOil and its constituents above a temperature at which the thick and/or sticky constituents cause inefficient operation of the equipment but low enough so that they do not undergo rapid degradation. Next the gas velocity is reduced to a temperature sufficiently low to allow droplets in the gas stream to settle out but high enough so that a viscosity of said droplets remains low enough to avoid inefficient operation of the separation equipment. Finally, liquid is condensed out of the gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Dynamotive Energy Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Warren L. Johnson, Gholam H. Yavari, Desmond St. A. G. Radelin
  • Patent number: 6936086
    Abstract: A high conductivity particle filter provides a flow path to subject a fluid stream to a series of turns. The turns require an abrupt directional change for the fluid stream. Traps are positioned in proximity to the turns to capture particles, which have greater inertia than the fluid. The flow path may be a spiral or a series of parallel paths. A cross sectional area of the flow path may be progressively decreased to increase flow velocity and particle inertia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Planar Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kari Härkönen, Brad Aitchison
  • Patent number: 6936085
    Abstract: A specially arranged vacuum loader and industrial dust collector with a perforated plate tangential cyclone separator is provided to efficiently remove, readily collect, effectively separate and safely dispose of wet, dry and fibrous materials, including liquids and slurries. The special vacuum loader and industrial dust collector has a solids-gas separation compartment comprising a tangential cyclone separator, preferably a perforated plate tangential separator, which is positioned generally alongside and laterally offset from one or more filtering compartments to minimize turbulence and re-entrainment of the collected particulate material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: DeMarco Maxvac Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas M. DeMarco
  • Patent number: 6887294
    Abstract: A DPF apparatus includes: a container; an exhaust inlet pipe; a diesel particulate filter; a pair of perforated plugs; a pair of partition plates; and a diffusion chamber. The exhaust inlet pipe is inserted into the container and having openings formed in a pipe wall thereof. The diesel particulate filter is disposed inside the container. The perforated plugs are separately disposed inside an end portion of the exhaust inlet pipe. The partition plates have one or more openings and disposed on the pipe wall of the exhaust inlet pipe. The diffusion chamber is defined by an inner wall face of the container, the perforated plugs, the partition plates, and the pipe wall of the exhaust inlet pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventor: Osamu Kanematsu
  • Publication number: 20040261619
    Abstract: When separating steam and gas from a stream containing, possibly glue-coated, fibre pulp produced by a refiner, the hot fibre pulp is directly fed from the refiner to a separation cyclone (4) placed in a drying channel (2) for drying the fibre pulp. A hot drying air flow having substantially higher temperature, about 160° C., than the fibre pulp is blown through the drying channel so that the separation cyclone is surrounded by the hot drying air flow. The light steam containing fraction separated by the separation cyclone is conducted out of the separation cyclone via an outlet conduit (9) away from the hot drying air flow, whereas the separated heavy fibre containing fraction is conducted out of the separation cyclone directly into the hot drying air flow that entrains the heady fraction to a drying plant. Energy is recovered from the light steam containing fraction and ecologically harmful substances are separated from the latter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Carl-Johan Soderberg
  • Patent number: 6746503
    Abstract: A system for separating particles entrained in a fluid includes a base with a first channel and a second channel. A precision gap connects the first channel and the second channel. The precision gap is of a size that allows small particles to pass from the first channel into the second channel and prevents large particles from the first channel into the second channel. A cover is positioned over the base unit, the first channel, the precision gap, and the second channel. An port directs the fluid containing the entrained particles into the first channel. An output port directs the large particles out of the first channel. A port connected to the second channel directs the small particles out of the second channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: William J. Benett, Robin Miles, Leslie M. Jones, II, Cheryl Stockton
  • Patent number: 6702873
    Abstract: An inertial inlet particle separator system (14) for a vehicle engine (12) is provided. The system (14) includes a particle sensor (60) that generates a contamination signal. An inertial inlet particle separator (56) is also included in the system (14) and has a fluid parameter adjusting system (58) mechanically coupled within the inertial inlet particle separator (56). A controller (62) is electrically coupled to the particle sensor (60) and the clean fluid parameter adjusting system (58). The controller (62) adjusting a fluid parameter of the inertial inlet particle separator (56) in response to the contamination signal. A method of performing the same is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Peter A. Hartman
  • Publication number: 20030196548
    Abstract: An inertial inlet particle separator system (14) for a vehicle engine (12) is provided. The system (14) includes a particle sensor (60) that generates a contamination signal. An inertial inlet particle separator (56) is also included in the system (14) and has a fluid parameter adjusting system (58) mechanically coupled within the inertial inlet particle separator (56). A controller (62) is electrically coupled to the particle sensor (60) and the clean fluid parameter adjusting system (58). The controller (62) adjusting a fluid parameter of the inertial inlet particle separator (56) in response to the contamination signal. A method of performing the same is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Peter A. Hartman
  • Patent number: 6569217
    Abstract: A specially arranged industrial dust collector with multiple filtering compartments is provided which is efficient, effective, and economical. The special industrial dust collector has a solids-gas separation compartment which is positioned generally alongside and laterally offset from multiple filtering compartments. The multiple filtering compartments can contain cartridge filters or other filters. The solids-gas separation compartment can contain a tangential cyclone separator or another type of solids-gas separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas M. DeMarco
  • Patent number: 6544312
    Abstract: In a device for separating the particle size spectrum of a polydisperse aerosol comprising a housing including an inlet part, a guide part, an outlet part, a nozzle insert and a separation insert, all parts are axially symmetrical and joined by centering fits so that they are easy to manufacture and can easily be assembled and also replaced. The parts are so fitted together that they are automatically centered during assembly while providing for the properly sized aerosol and air supply and particle fraction extraction channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: GSF Forschungszentrum fur Umwelt und Gesundheit GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Müllinger, Joachim Heyder
  • Patent number: 6540803
    Abstract: A fluid meter particle isolating system having a tortuous path formed between a pair of walls with an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is open to a contaminant-free (clean) zone while an outlet is open to a particle generating contaminated (dirty) zone. The walls include partitions that form a tortuous path separating it into a plurality of chambers. An impeller constructed of a plurality of open cells forms a piston-like structure is provided in the tortuous path and has an axis of motion parallel to the walls. Each vessel is offset axially and has four walls and a bottom surface contoured to provide a transition from one cell to the next through an exit port providing a continuous flow from the vessel in the first cell sequentially to adjacent cells to an exit port in the last vessel in the last cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Intrabay Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul S. Whalen
  • Patent number: 6521010
    Abstract: A semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus employs filters. The filters have openings whose diameters are reduced in proportion to the distances of the filters from cathodes. This arrangement improves the directivity of sputtered particles and evenly distributes particles among the filters to form thin films on the filters. The peripheries of the openings on the filters are curved toward the cathodes, to increase a particle catching area of each filter and thin a film to be formed on each filter. Even if the films on the filters peel off, they never go beyond the curved peripheries of the filters and never drop onto a substrate from which semiconductor devices are produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Tomio Katata
  • Patent number: 6491734
    Abstract: An air cleaner for an internal combustion engine includes a body having a chamber space, an air inlet pipe connected to the body for introducing air into the chamber space, a drain cock formed on a bottom surface of the body for collecting particles and moisture present in the introduced air, and a drain valve mounted to the drain cock for discharging the particles and moisture. The air inlet pipe is integrally formed with the body and is not inserted in the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Kee-Youn Park
  • Patent number: 6478856
    Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an apparatus and method for collection, sorting, concentrating and impinging particles on a surface, primarily for use in detecting and classifying chemicals, particles, vira, and bacteria in fluids. In addition to mechanical and aerodynamic filtering, the present invention uses isokinetic filtering to acquire particles of interest by creating a local vortex in the fluid through use of a dam element at a high angle of attack. This isokinetically sorts particles by density and aerodynamic diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventors: Stephen Leibholz, Sir John Manniello
  • Patent number: 6402817
    Abstract: Fluid flow is directed into a multiplicity of slit nozzles positioned so that the fluid flow is directed into a gap between the nozzles and (a) a number of receiving chambers and (b) a number of exhaust chambers. The nozzles and chambers are select so that the fluid flow will be separated into a first particle flow component with larger and a second particle flow component with the smaller particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Werner Bergman
  • Patent number: 6368372
    Abstract: A fluid meter particle isolating system having a tortuous path formed between a pair of walls with an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is open to a contaminant-free (clean) zone while an outlet is open to a particle generating contaminated (dirty) zone. The walls include partitions that form a tortuous path separating it into a plurality of chambers. An impeller constructed of a plurality of open cells forming a piston-like structure is provided in the tortuous path and has an axis of motion parallel to the walls. Each cell forms a vessel for transmitting fluid media under a low pressure gradient from a clean zone toward a contaminated zone to prevent particles generated in the contaminated zone from migrating to the clean zone. Each vessel is formed by the four walls of each cell having a bottom surface contoured to provide a transition from one cell to the next through an exit port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Intrabay Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul S. Whalen
  • Publication number: 20020017450
    Abstract: A liquid having certain undesired elements therein is distilled in a distillation column to form a vapor stream. This vapor stream is fed by means of an inert gas drive to a first container having an array of semi-permeable screens which are rotated at a speed of 3,000-10,000 rpm to generate vertical spiral vortexes which act on the vapor to separate out heavier impurities. An inert gas is employed to drive the vapor stream from the first container to the bottom of a second container having a narrower diameter array of semi-permeable screens, these screens being driven at a velocity of 6000-100,000 rpm. In the second container, the molecular species is separated from the main vapor stream by virtue of the exposure of the vapor to large centrifugal gravity forces generated by the horizontal velocity vectors of the rotating screens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventor: Ernest Csendes
  • Publication number: 20020007620
    Abstract: In a device for separating the particle size spectrum of a polydisperse aerosol comprising a housing including an inlet part, a guide part, an outlet part, a nozzle insert and a separation insert, all parts are axially symmetrical and joined by centering fits so that they are easy to manufacture and can easily be assembled and also replaced. The parts are so fitted together that they are automatically centered during assembly while providing for the properly sized aerosol and air supply and particle fraction extraction channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: Bernhard Mullinger, Joachim Heyder
  • Patent number: 6328790
    Abstract: A compact inlet system for redirecting the flow of gas to a gas treatment apparatus is shown. The inlet system is used to redirect a high volume flow of gas, such as the effluent from an industrial process, by as much as 180° while introducing the gas flow uniformly into the treatment apparatus. The inlet system has a divergent transition section to slow the gas flow, a gas turning section to redirect the gas flow by 90°, and a gas inlet chamber which redirects the gas flow by an additional 90°, while at the same time introducing the gas flow uniformly into a treatment apparatus, such as a gas conditioning tower (GCT). The compact gas inlet chamber of the present invention has an elongate entrance, a circular outlet and a tapered midsection. When used with a GCT the greater uniformity provided by the present invention allows spray nozzles to be positioned within the throat of the entrance venturi of the GCT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: EnviroCare International, Inc.
    Inventor: James J. Schwab
  • Patent number: 6210455
    Abstract: An evaporation apparatus for evaporation of, for example, spent liquor from pulp cooking. The apparatus has a vertical cylinder that has evaporation surfaces disposed therein. An outlet opening is defined in a widened part of the cylinder to receive driven-off steam. A skirt is disposed in the cylinder and surrounds the evaporated liquid and driven-off steam and has a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the widened part. The skirt has an open bottom and a skirt opening is defined in a portion of the skirt that is facing away from the outlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Kvaerner Pulping AB
    Inventors: Lars Olausson, Michael Thiede, Olle Wennberg, Anders Wernqvist, Martin Collander
  • Patent number: 6113777
    Abstract: A separator and process for separating particles from a gaseous mixture wherein the separator includes: at least one chamber comprising a zone (1) which forms a rectangular or square cross section for passage of the mixture circulating in a tube reactor (R) towards a turning zone (3) which rotates the mixture in a vertical plane through an angle of at most 360 degrees; an external wall (30) which defines the turn through an angle of 70 to 225 degrees; a deflection (10) which turns co-axially with the external wall (30) through an angle of at least 30 degrees and at most the angle through which the external wall turns plus 90 degrees; a gas outlet (4) which is coaxial with the turning zone; the separator is indirectly or otherwise connected to a secondary cyclone (12). It also includes a particle outlet (9) having a wall (32) connected to forming zone (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Thierry Gauthier, Patrick Leroy, Damien Gille, Mariano Del Pozo, Thierry Patureaux
  • Patent number: 5672102
    Abstract: A dust reduction system for electronic enclosures which utilizes several techniques to eliminate, or minimize, the dust in the air stream that ventilates an electronic enclosure. More specifically, the system includes (1) multiple small holes in panels of the enclosure, (2) placement of the multiple holes in the lower portion of side panels, (3) expansion chambers downstream of the multiple holes that act as potential dust collectors or traps, and (4) routing the air flow to effect changes of direction so as to create pockets of low velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen D. Herald
  • Patent number: 5618323
    Abstract: An air intake system for a cab and engine of a vehicle is shown and described. In a preferred embodiment, dry, ambient air is provided to the cab and engine through a duct that is mounted to an inner surface of a vehicle hood such that the hood forms a top surface of the duct. The duct is relatively narrow across the width of the hood and flares into an air chamber on either side of the hood. An air inlet opening is provided on both sides of the hood such that outside air is drawn into the air chambers. The velocity of the air drops as it passes into and through the air chambers, causing the moisture in the air to separate and drain from the air chambers through an evacuator valve provided in the bottom surface of each chamber. Two openings are provided in the bottom surface of the duct. One opening sealingly engages an opening in the engine air cleaner and the second opening sealingly engages a cab air intake duct, when the hood is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Shearn, Gerald J. Angelo
  • Patent number: 5580361
    Abstract: Disclosed is a gas conditioner and a method for treating crude, relatively impure gases produced from a gasification process to yield a relatively clean, tar-free producer gas having an energy value of about 1200 to 1500 Kcal/m.sup.3. The gas conditioner comprises a reaction chamber for retaining a fuel supply and containing a cracking reaction. An upper portion of the reaction chamber includes an internal reaction housing which provides a primary reaction zone. The gas conditioner also includes a grate structure for filtering producer gas prior to its exit from the conditioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: American High Temp., Inc.
    Inventor: Johnnes Ferges
  • Patent number: 5413619
    Abstract: The blow off unit is an open top box with the front lower than the sides and back. A splash shield is placed at an angle at the back of the work area to deflect the blow off air stream and debris down into the collection filter. A space is left behind the splash shield to allow the blow off air to escape after it passes through the filter. The filter is a standard HVAC bag type air filter which hangs down into the box with its frame resting on the angle frame of the unit. A wire grill covers the filter for protection and to provide a place to lay parts. In use, the operator holds the part in the work area of the unit with one hand and blows the coolant and debris from the part down into the filter. The blow off compressed air is the only power source required for the unit. When the filter becomes dirty and/or saturated with coolant, it is replaced with a new one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Victor C. Volk, James L. Rumburg
  • Patent number: 5170949
    Abstract: An economical apparatus and method for reprocessing scrap film. The apparatus includes a film-air separation chamber for separating air from incoming strips of scrap film, a cutter for cutting the strips into fine pieces, and a storage tank or further reprocessing means to which the cut pieces of scrap film are conveyed. A air bypass line having a computer-controlled valve conveys air directly from the film-air separation chamber to the cutter outlet when the valve is in an open position, and causes all of the air to flow into the cutter inlet when the valve is in a closed position. The open or closed position of the air bypass valve depends upon the cutter motor power, which varies as the volume of scrap film in the cutter varies. Due to the inclusion of the accurately controlled air bypass valve, only a single fan is needed to convey the film into and out of both the film-air separation chamber and the cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Andritz Sprout-Bauer, Inc.
    Inventors: Ray A. Buck, Kimber Smith, Larry J. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5161910
    Abstract: A pavement grinder for grinding and grooving pavement surfaces has a grinding carriage with a rotating arbor supporting a number of radial blades. The arbor is directly coupled to shafts of hydraulic motors with an adaptor between the arbor shaft and the motor shaft. Debris from grinding is removed by a removal system using suction. Suction bars extend behind and to the sides of the arbor and a shroud is positioned in front of the arbor. The debris is suctioned to a separation tank which directs the debris downward away from the vacuum force. Gravity and the downward momentum of the debris is greater than the vacuum force, so the debris is separated from the air flow. The debris is directed to the bottom of the tank and enters a slurry which is pumped for disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Diamond Surface, Inc.
    Inventor: Dusten C. O'Konek
  • Patent number: 5122168
    Abstract: An air pollution separator with a liquid to trap the particulate matter and gaseous contaminates in unhealthy, contaminated air by use of an external suction, which draws the contaminated air into, and thru a simplified flat element labyrinth which causes the contaminated air to cyclically pass repeatedly over and in contact with a collected water or liquid surface. The liquid surface repeatedly in contact with the contaminated air, picks up the particulate and gaseous matter from the air, and thus protects the expelling air from carrying the particulate and gaseous contaminate matter. The water in the drainage box and then is expelled through a vacuum interlock valve directly to the outside surrounding atmosphere, only when the vacuum is not operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Inventor: Manuel R. Torres
  • Patent number: 4865633
    Abstract: A baffle (34) configurable in a cyclone separator (10) in order to improve the flow capacity, efficiency, and effectiveness of the separator (10). The baffle (34) is disposed for vertical insertion through an upper wall (18) of the separation chamber (12) of the separator (10) to effect variable occlusion of an annular space (38) defined between a cylindrical wall (14) of the separation chamber (12) and a vortex finder (26) positioned generally centrally within the separation chamber (12). The baffle (34) functions to decrease pressure drop between an inlet (16) to the separator (10) and an outlet (32) from the separator (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: Crown Iron Works Company
    Inventor: William L. Stevenson