With Tangential Gas Outlet Patents (Class 55/460)
  • Patent number: 12036566
    Abstract: A gas-liquid separator system that can effectively and efficiently separate liquid from a streaming mixture having a liquid portion and a gas portion. The gas-liquid separator may be used in supercritical fluid chromatography application where an analyte is separated from a carrier gas, such as carbon dioxide. A streaming mixture is dispensed into a separation chamber formed by a spindle shaft configured inside of a shroud cavity. The shroud cavity has a plurality of concave channels along the inner surface and extend down to an outlet end. The concave channels create pressure variations that promote the liquid portion to condense onto the inner surface of the shroud and flow down to the exhaust port. A spherical collection portion is configured on the outlet of the shroud and the condensed liquid flows thereover and down along a cone portion and off the cone tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: Supercritical Fluid Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Cloud, Kenneth Richard Krewson, Kenneth Joseph James
  • Patent number: 11939174
    Abstract: A method and system for conveying material in a pneumatic material conveying system includes a material input point, a material conveying pipe connectable with a feed-in container, the system being configured to provide a pressure difference in the material conveying pipe that includes a partial-vacuum generator, and a separator device in which the transported material is separated from the transport air at an outlet end of the material conveying system. The material is conveyed in a first stage from the input point to a conveying pipe, into a container space of an intermediate container arranged between the input point and the separator device by a suction/pressure difference provided by the partial vacuum generator in a first time period, and the material conveyed into the container space of the intermediate container is conveyed by a suction/pressure difference provided by the partial-vacuum generator to the separator device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Maricap Oy
    Inventor: Göran Sundholm
  • Patent number: 11865546
    Abstract: A system for processing compounds having constituent materials of different mechanical characteristics to extract their constituent materials. The system includes a kinetic impactor configured to impact, via a shockwave, compound particles of a preimpact mixture, thereby creating a postimpact mixture including (i) subparticles of 1st-constituent-material and (ii) reduced-compound particles including a 2nd constituent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Sharp Pulse Corp.
    Inventor: Igor Simon Alexandroff
  • Patent number: 11794138
    Abstract: An apparatus and related methods to separate liquid from a liquid/gas mixture, particularly in a low gravity environment. The apparatus includes a chamber having a capillary channel around a perimeter of the chamber, a liquid/gas inlet to the chamber, a liquid outlet from the chamber, the liquid outlet being positioned at the perimeter of the chamber to remove liquid from the capillary channel, and a gas outlet from the chamber. The gas outlet is positioned in the chamber, away from the capillary channel, to remove gas from the chamber. The chamber is structured to be readily fabricated using traditional machining techniques or additive manufacturing techniques. The chamber may be fabricated from various materials, including, for example, polymers, metals, composites, and ceramics. The chamber may function as a heat exchanger so that the apparatus can remove condensable vapors from the gas in the mixture in addition to what is already liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Sierra Space Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Aaron Wyman, Michael Peterson
  • Patent number: 11628480
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methodology for collecting fumes, such as in a welding process environment. A collection apparatus has a wet collector enclosure defining an inlet, a dry collector enclosure defining an outlet, and a blower inside a plenum between the wet collector enclosure and the dry collector enclosure, the blower configured to move fumes into the inlet and out of the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: METAL-FAB, INC.
    Inventor: John Fiegel
  • Patent number: 11578630
    Abstract: An exhaust system is described comprising an array of a plurality of operably coupled fluid treatment apparatus for the treatment of a fluid substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: ARCS ENERGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Anthony Archer
  • Patent number: 11498756
    Abstract: A method for handling material and conveying air in a pneumatic conveying system for material, which conveying system comprises at least one input point (1) for material, a material conveying pipe (100), which is connectable to an input point (1), and at least two separating devices (10A, 10B), in which the material being conveyed is separated from the conveying air, and also means for bringing about a pressure difference and/or a transporting air flow in the conveying pipe (100) at least during the conveyance of material, which means comprise at least one partial-vacuum source (21). In the method, material is conveyed in a transporting air flow in a material conveying pipe from an input point in a selected manner into one of at least two separating devices (10A, 10B), and that at least one of the aforementioned separating devices (10A, 10B) is configured to function as the standby separating device of a second separating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Maricap Oy
    Inventor: Göran Sundholm
  • Publication number: 20150135662
    Abstract: An apparatus 50 for coalescing particles of a first fluid entrained in a flow of a second fluid is described. Apparatus 50 comprises a housing 52 and an enclosure 54 formed in the housing, the enclosure 54 defining a longitudinal axis x-x. The enclosure 54 has at least one curved wall 56 arranged to direct fluid flow along the curved wall 56 in a curved path. A first inlet duct 60 is provided at a first location along the longitudinal axis x-x for enabling introduction of a fluid flow substantially along a tangent to the curved wall 56. The first inlet duct 60 defines a first channel 58 along which fluid flow is directed. The first channel has a decreasing cross-sectional area along the direction of fluid flow shown by arrow Y. An outlet 62 from the enclosure 54 is provided at a second location along the longitudinal axis x-x.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Paul Chapman
  • Patent number: 8979958
    Abstract: An air filter is provided and may include a first housing and a filter media disposed within the first housing. A second housing may include an inlet port receiving air at a first pressure from the first housing and an outlet port returning the air to the first housing at a second pressure, less than the first pressure. The second housing may remove debris from the air prior to returning the air to the first housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Mann+Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Carlos Alberto da Silva, Rodrigo dos Santos Simo
  • Patent number: 8945261
    Abstract: Apparatus for centrifugal separation of solid and/or liquid particles from a flow of gas, wherein two or more rotors (12) provided with conical separation surface elements (16) are located in a surrounding stationary casing (14), which delimits a common chamber (15) for collecting particles separated in the rotors. Each rotor has a fan (26) rotating together therewith. The fans (26) of the rotors are located in a common fan housing (30) that is separate from and adjacent to the casing (14) defining the collection chamber (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: 3Nine AB
    Inventors: Claes Inge, Peter Franzén
  • Patent number: 8707510
    Abstract: An extraction cleaner comprises a fluid delivery system and a fluid recovery system. The fluid recovery system includes a centrifugal separator for separating a liquid and debris-entrained working air flow with a tangential air/water inlet, water outlet and air outlet at a lower portion of the separator. The air outlet has a vertical stand pipe that extends upwardly above the tangential air/water inlet and water outlet. The centrifugal separator can be mounted in a plurality of locations on the extraction cleaner thereby offering greater architectural flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles A. Reed, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8657932
    Abstract: A separator comprises a separation chamber (1) with at least one inlet (11a) in its upper part, a solids outlet (12) in its lower part and two outlet pipes (2 and 3) for fractions of gas. Also described is a method which the separator uses, with the fractions of gas being sucked out in two separation zones generated inside the chamber, one with reverse flow and the other with unidirectional flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.—Petrobras
    Inventors: Wilson Kenzo Huziwara, Celson Murilo Dos Santos, Rogério Michelan, Emanuel Freire Sandes
  • Patent number: 8657902
    Abstract: Apparatuses for separating solid catalyst particles from a Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) vapor are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a vessel formed with a vessel wall. A conduit is positioned within the vessel and is configured to direct flow of an FCC vapor-solid stream. The apparatus also includes a channel positioned within the vessel and in fluid communication with the conduit. The channel has a channel inlet with an inlet cross-sectional area and a channel outlet with an outlet cross-sectional area less than about 75% of the inlet cross-sectional area. The channel outlet is configured to direct the vapor-solid stream tangentially toward the vessel wall to separate the solid catalyst particles from the FCC vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Bing Sun
  • Patent number: 8398734
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cyclonic separator comprising a throat portion (4) arranged between a converging fluid inlet section and a diverging fluid outlet section, to generate a swirling fluid flow in a downstream direction. The diverging fluid outlet section comprises an inner primary outlet (7) for condensables depleted fluid components and an outer secondary outlet for condensables enriched fluid components (6). The cyclonic separator comprises a volute diffuser (9, 9?) connected to one of the outlets (6, 7), which comprises a volute outlet duct (90, 90?) defined by a volute axis (I1), forming a spiral shape around the central axis (I). The outlet duct (90, 90?) comprises a vortex chamber 95. The vortex chamber is provided to transform axial momentum of the swirling fluid flow with respect to the central axis (I) into tangential momentum with respect to the volute axis (I1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Twister B.V.
    Inventors: Cornelis Antonie Tjeenk Willink, Marco Betting, Frederik Albert Lammers
  • Patent number: 8357232
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for the separation of gaseous components from gaseous mixtures in order to control emissions and treatment of the gaseous components. In one embodiment, the system makes use of a fan or gas moving device to first impose centrifugal forces on gas streams as the gas moves from the center of the fan toward the periphery of the fan housing. Heavier gases are forced to the outer regions of the fan housing while lighter gases remain closer to the fan axis. The heavier gases and lighter gases exiting the fan housing flow into a duct at different flow rates, and the heavier gases are diverted from the larger volume gas streams and then processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Casella Waste Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Garrett L. Morrison
  • Patent number: 8226743
    Abstract: The invention relates to fluid separator comprising:—a throat portion (4) which is arranged between a converging fluid inlet section and a diverging fluid outlet section, the diverging fluid outlet section comprising an inner primary outlet (7) for condensables depleted fluid components and an outer secondary outlet for condensables enriched fluid components (6); and—a central body (10) provided upstream of the throat portion (4) in the fluid inlet section, the central body (10) being arranged substantially coaxial to a central axis I of the fluid separator. The fluid separator is arranged to facilitate a main flow through the converging fluid inlet section, the throat portion towards the diverging fluid outlet section. The central body (10) comprises an outlet (13), directed towards the tubular throat portion (4) and is arranged to add a central flow towards the throat portion (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Twister, B.V.
    Inventors: Marco Betting, Cornelis Antonie Tjeenk Willink, Bart Prast, Zvonimir Opic
  • Publication number: 20110226129
    Abstract: A separator comprises a separation chamber (1) with at least one inlet (11a) in its upper part, a solids outlet (12) in its lower part and two outlet pipes (2 and 3) for fractions of gas. Also described is a method which the separator uses, with the fractions of gas being sucked out in two separation zones generated inside the chamber, one with reverse flow and the other with unidirectional flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: PETRÓLEO BRASILEIRO S.A. - PETROBRAS
    Inventors: Wilson Kenzo Huziwara, Celso Murilo Dos Santos, Rogério Michelan, Emanuel Freire Sandes
  • Publication number: 20110146216
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cyclonic separator comprising a throat portion (4) which is arranged between a converging fluid inlet section and a diverging fluid outlet section, which is arranged to generate a swirling fluid flow in a downstream direction. The diverging fluid outlet section comprises outlets (6, 7) comprising an inner primary outlet (7) for condensables depleted fluid components and an outer secondary outlet for condensables enriched fluid components (6). The cyclonic separator comprises at least one volute diffuser (9, 9?) connected to one of the outlets (6, 7), the at least one volute diffuser (9, 9?) comprising a volute outlet duct (90, 90?) defined by a volute axis (I1), forming a spiral shape around the central axis (I). The outlet duct (90, 90?) comprising a vortex chamber 95, in use the vortex chamber 95 is provided to transform axial momentum of the swirling fluid flow with respect to the central axis (I) into tangential momentum with respect to the volute axis (I1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: TWISTER B.V.
    Inventors: Cornelis Antonie Tjeenk Willink, Marco Betting, Frederik Albert Lammers
  • Patent number: 7870848
    Abstract: A system for managing fuel-vapor emission from a fuel tank of a vehicle using a vortex-effect flow separator coupled in the fuel-vapor purging system of the vehicle. The warmer-flow outlet of the separator is coupled to the engine intake, and the cooler-flow outlet is coupled to the fuel tank. In this way, less fuel vapor is delivered to the engine intake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Shane Elwart, Michael Igor Kluzner, James Michael Kerns
  • Patent number: 7824457
    Abstract: A portable dust collector for woodshop or other use with portable tools has a conic body that is supported on a tripod carriage formed of three legs attaching to gussets at the sides of the conic body. A divider plate within the conic body divides it into a cyclonic chamber between the divider plate and the lower nose, and a fan chamber between the divider plate and a motor plate that closes the upper mouth of the conic body. A final filter cartridge is fitted onto the outlet pipe, so that the dust collector exhausts clean, filtered air into the ambient. The final filter may be supported from a 90-degree elbow, with a removable tray for catching process dust that is knocked off the interior of the filter. The process dust in the cyclone settles into a dust collection barrel supported on a barrel cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: Robert M. Witter
  • Patent number: 7776121
    Abstract: Provided is a dust collector of a vacuum cleaner. The dust collector includes a dust separating unit forming a separation space for separating dust from air, a collector body forming a dust storage for storing the dust separated in the dust separating unit, and a dust guide passage connecting the separation space to the dust storage and guiding the separated dust to be discharged from the separation space in a tangential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Chang Ho Yun, Gun Ho Ha, Jin Young Kim, Chang Hoon Lee, Jin Wook Seo
  • Publication number: 20090211439
    Abstract: A separator for separating particulates from a gas stream including: a housing including a first cylindrical chamber defining a curved flow path for the gas stream passing through the separator and a second cylindrical chamber, wherein the first cylindrical chamber is adjacent the second cylindrical chamber and the chambers are separated by a dividing wall; a rotor assembly in the first cylindrical chamber; the first cylindrical chamber having an outer radial zone extending radially between the rotor assembly and the first cylindrical chamber; a flow inlet port to the first cylindrical chamber and a fiber outlet port to the first cylindrical chamber, wherein the inlet port and outlet port are each arranged aligned with the outer radial zone of the first chamber, and wherein the second cylindrical chamber is at a lower pressure such that gas from the gas stream is drawn through the gas passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: ANDRITZ INC.
    Inventors: Dietmar Ulm, Anthony M. Riotto
  • Publication number: 20080256911
    Abstract: A cyclone dust-separating apparatus of a vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The cyclone dust-separating apparatus includes at least one cyclone having a cyclone body, which rotates air to separate dust or dirt therefrom, which has an air inflow part and an air discharging part, and which is installed in such a manner that a longitudinal axis thereof is substantially horizontally arranged, and a dust collecting unit to store the dust or dirt separated by the cyclone unit. The cyclone body is formed in a convex cylinder shape, so that a diameter thereof in the vicinity of an entrance of the air discharging part through which the air is discharged comes maximum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Jang-keun Oh, Min-ha Kim
  • Patent number: 7435290
    Abstract: A centrifugal gas/liquid separator for location in a liquid reservoir comprises a generally cylindrical wall defining a separation chamber having a closed end, an open end, an inlet in the cylindrical wall for supplying a gas/liquid mixture into the separation chamber, and a gas outlet located externally of the separation chamber for discharging gases from the separator. The separator defines at least one liquid flow path for conveying separated liquid from the open end of the separation chamber into a reservoir, and at least one gas flow path for conveying separated gases from a radially inner region of the open end of the separation chamber, externally of the separation chamber, to the gas outlet. The separator is particularly suitable for separating air/oil mixtures in an oil system of a gas turbine engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Patrick W Lane, Kevin A Burke, Benjamin J Loret, Farhana J Preston, Alastair Currie, Philippe E Christol
  • Publication number: 20080209669
    Abstract: A cyclonic separation device in accordance with an embodiment of the present application preferably includes a first cyclone chamber having a cylindrical shape with a predetermined diameter, the first cyclone chamber including, a tangential inlet positioned on a first longitudinal end of the first cyclone chamber, a baffle plate positioned in the first cyclone chamber a predetermined distance from the tangential inlet, a tangential dirt outlet positioned on a second end of the cyclone chamber, opposite the inlet and on an opposite side of the baffle plate from the tangential inlet and a center exit duct mounted in the center of the cyclone chamber having an inlet opening positioned upstream from the baffle plate such the centrifuged fluid without particles flows into the center exit duct and out of the cyclone chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Carl L.C. Kah
  • Patent number: 7384439
    Abstract: A vent for a fluid system includes a chamber through which fluid can flow along either a first flow path or a second flow path, in which the resistance to fluid flow is relatively high when the fluid follows the first flow path and relatively low when the fluid follows the second flow path. In a preferred embodiment the chamber is substantially cylindrical and has two ports, one of which is substantially coaxial with the chamber and the other of which is substantially tangential to the chamber. The fluid flow, at least when flowing the first flow path, may include a component of higher density than the fluid, and the flow of fluid along the first flow path may act to separate the higher density component from the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: John L Broughton
  • 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: 6905528
    Abstract: An arrangement used for filtering out conveying air when supplying fiber material to a processing machine is provided. The arrangement has an essentially vertical filling chute for the fiber material, the chute having an upper intake opening and a lower exit opening, a device with pneumatic fiber feed at the upper intake opening, and a floccule-forming device at the lower exit opening including a system of draw-in rolls and a fast-rotating opening roll. The chute includes at least one air-permeable surface for separating the fiber material from the conveying air. An evacuating device evacuates the filtered out conveying air. An exhaust air device is coupled to the evacuating device and has an air stream regulator which is connected to a control and regulating device. The conveying air stream is guided along the opening roll, and a partial air stream of the filtered out conveying air is guided into the exhaust air device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Trützschler GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Bernhard Rübenach
  • Patent number: 6511530
    Abstract: In a compressor connected to a discharge pipe for transferring discharged refrigerant to outside, an oil separator has a near column shaped separation chamber which is formed in a housing and whose one end is opened to a surface of the housing, and a separator pipe having a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion both of which are inserted into the separation chamber. The large diameter portion is press fitted to an inner wall of the separation chamber in a vicinity of the opening end thereof so as to form cylindrical space between the small diameter portion and the inner wall of the separation chamber. Further, the discharged pipe is fluid-tightly connected and directly fixed to the housing at the opening end of the separation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeki Iwanami, Yasuhiro Oki
  • Patent number: 6482246
    Abstract: The invention provides cyclonic separating apparatus comprising a tapering cyclone having a larger end a smaller end, a fluid outlet located at the larger end of the cyclone, the fluid outlet becoming located coaxially with the cyclone, and a tangential offtake conduit communicating with the fluid outlet, wherein the distance between the tangential offtake conduit and the smaller end of the cyclone increases in the downstream direction of the tangential offtake conduit. Preferably, the tengential offtake conduit follows a substantially helical path. This reduces the turbulence created in the tangential offtake conduit and allows kinetic energy of the exiting fluid to be recovered as pressure energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Dyson Limited
    Inventors: James Dyson, Simeon Charles Jupp, Andrew MacLeod
  • Publication number: 20020011052
    Abstract: A cyclone dust collecting apparatus for a vacuum cleaner includes a hollow cylindrical cyclone body having an open upper end through which air and contaminants are drawn in and a dust discharge port located proximate a lower end of the cyclone body. The dust discharge port receives contaminants that have been separated from the air by centrifugal force and discharged from the cyclone body. The apparatus further includes a dust receptacle connected to the cyclone body for collecting the contaminants discharged from the cyclone body through the dust discharge port. A base member is connected to and closes the lower end of the cyclone body and the dust receptacle, and a cover is removably connected to the upper end of the cyclone body and the dust receptacle. The cover has an air intake channel for drawing in outside air and contaminants into the cyclone body and an air discharge channel for discharging clean air from the cyclone body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Jang-keun Oh, Jong-dal Kim
  • Patent number: 6264728
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and method of operation for separating contamination material from an air stream flow of cotton fibers, the apparatus including a primary chamber having continuous walls, the primary chamber positionable within the air stream of cotton fibers and foreign matter. The chamber may be cylindrical with the continuous walls having a plurality of holes forming porous sides extending the length of the cylindrical chamber. A secondary enclosure is utilized, the secondary enclosure is located adjacent to the primary chamber and below the porous side walls, the secondary enclosure receives foreign matter separated from the air stream of cotton fibers. The air stream flow and cotton fibers are directed through the primary chamber, with foreign matter displaced through the pores formed in the walls of the primary chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Todd R. Purvis
  • Patent number: 6179163
    Abstract: A system (21) for monitoring the quantity of air in a liquid-state fuel stream discharged from a dispenser (20). The dispenser includes a pump (26) that draws the fuel from a storage tank (22). The fuel stream discharged from the pump is applied to an air separator (38) in which the air and vapor-state fluids are removed from the fuel stream. The gas-removed fuel stream is allowed to flow to nozzle (44) for dispensing. The gas stream created by the air separator is flowed to an air elimination chamber (41). The fuel in the gas stream separates from the air in the air elimination chamber and is returned to an input side of the pump. The air in the air elimination chamber is vented through a fixed opening to the ambient environment. The monitoring system (21) includes a transducer (48) that monitors the rate of air flow through the air elimination chamber. This monitoring may be performed by monitoring the air pressure in the chamber upstream of an orifice through which the air is vented to atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Bohr, Michael D. Walters, Mark Wordley
  • Patent number: 6168641
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner cyclone separator having a cyclone with a first end wall, a second opposite end wall (35,36,135), and an intermediate part (38,130), which has the shape of either a cylinder or, at least partly, an up-side-down truncated cone. The intermediate part has an outlet opening (39,131) for particles through which particles separated by the cyclone leave from the intermediate part toward the second end wall. The cyclone is, close to the first end wall, provided with a generally tangentially-directed air inlet (33,129) for dust laden air and also has a tube shaped air outlet (50,142) extending from the first end wall (35) toward the intermediate part and communicating with a vacuum source (15,111).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Akteibolaget Electrolux
    Inventors: Lars Tuvin, Lars Kilström, Stefan Petersson, Patrik Pastuhoff
  • Patent number: 6038987
    Abstract: A method for reducing the carbon content of a combustion ash containing siliceous ash particles and carbon particles includes subjecting the combustion ash to comminution to reduce the particle size of the siliceous ash particles and the carbon particles followed by separating a portion of the carbon particles from the siliceous ash particles by subjecting the comminuted ash to a flow of gas which separates the carbon particles from the siliceous ash particles. The method preferably is performed in a unitary housing by employing autogenous grinding to effect the comminution of the particles and employing a classifying rotor to separate the comminuted portion of the carbon particles based on the density differential between the siliceous ash particles and the carbon particles. A method of making a concrete mixture employing the obtained combustion ash with reduced carbon content is also provided. An apparatus for reducing the carbon content of the combustion ash is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Pittsburgh Mineral and Environmental Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Casmir J. Koshinski
  • Patent number: 5837129
    Abstract: The invention is a process and apparatus for rapidly and efficiently separating a fluidized catalytic cracking mixture into cracking catalysts and hydrocarbon vapor. The invention decreases the production of unwanted hydrocarbon byproducts by decreasing the contact time between the separated hydrocarbon vapor and the cracking catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Stone & Webster Engineering Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Ross, Jr., Charles Schaub
  • Patent number: 5800578
    Abstract: A separating system for separating material transported by air utilizing apparatus having a tangential inlet for a stream of air and entrained material, a bottom material exit, a boundary wall air exit and a central interior air exit. Each air exit includes a perforated wall or screen through which air is removed or separated from the entrained material. Enhanced separating action is achieved through coupling two such separators in a loop arrangement such that the material discharge from a first separator is conveyed via a relay stream of air to serve as the input to a second separator, while the entire air exhaust from the second separator is returned as one of a plurality of inlet streams to the first separator. A further advantage is realized by partitioning the air exhaust of the first separator into a plurality of parallel passageways which can be individually closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Air Conveying Corporation
    Inventor: Richard D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5766314
    Abstract: A process for the pollution-cleaning treatment of air combines the actions of dehumidification, thermal control, washing of the gases, fixing of the particles, disinfection, spraying and vaporization. An apparatus is provided for implementing the process, and includes a cyclone exchanger or a pseudo-cyclone exchanger which includes a nozzle for injecting a fixing liquid into the inlet stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: France Grignotage
    Inventors: Jean-Charles Weber, Michel Parmentier
  • Patent number: 5762692
    Abstract: An evaporative emission control system for an automotive vehicle includes a generally cylindrical casing having an adsorption zone containing hydrocarbon adsorbing agent, an antechamber extending within the casing to the adsorption zone, and a swirl inducing inlet passage for conduction of hydrocarbon laden air into the antechamber such that a rotational flow pattern will be established in the antechamber, with the rotational flow having an axis coincident with a longitudinal axis of the generally cylindrical casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: James T. Dumas, Philip Jeffrey Johnson
  • Patent number: 5683494
    Abstract: An electrostatically enhanced separator (EES) which provides mechanical separation and electrostatic separation to yield a compact and highly efficient separation system. The EES (10) may be incorporated in a collection system as well using a conventional collection device such as a cyclone collector (32), bag filter (37) or electrostatic precipitator (38). The EES (10) includes a cylindrical-walled separation chamber (11) with an inlet passage (13), a clean flow outlet (21), and a particle outlet passage (15). The inlet passage (13) and particle outlet passage (15) are both thin elongated slits which open tangentially to the cylindrical wall of the chamber for providing a substantially flush incoming flow path dispersed lengthwise along the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph F. Altman, S. Ronald Wysk, Leo A. Smolensky, Bruce H. Easom
  • Patent number: 5641339
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating material transported by air is disclosed which includes a separator casing having a tangential inlet adapted to receive a stream of air and entrained material and a plurality of exits. One of the exits of the disclosed separator is a material discharge exit which, like the inlet is peripherally attached to the casing. There are also two separate air exits including a first air exhaust conduit peripherally attached to the casing proximate the inlet and a second air exhaust conduit centrally disposed within the interior of the casing. Operatively associated with each of the air exits is a separator means, such as a perforated surface or screen, which removes or separates the entrained material from the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Air Conveying Corporation
    Inventor: Richard D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5591253
    Abstract: An electrostatically enhanced separator (EES) provides mechanical and electrostatic separation of particles from gas stream to yield a compact and highly efficient separation system. The EES (10) may be incorporated in a collection system as well using a conventional collection device such as a cyclone collector (32), bag filter (37) or electrostatic precipitator (38). The EES (10) includes a cylindrical-walled separation chamber (12) with an inlet passage (13), a clean flow outlet (21), and a particle outlet passage (15). The inlet passage (13) and particle outlet passage (15) are both thin elongated slits which open tangentially to the cylindrical wall of the chamber for providing a substantially flush incoming flow path dispersed lengthwise along the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph F. Altman, S. Ronald Wysk, Leo A. Smolensky, Bruce H. Easom
  • Patent number: 5525396
    Abstract: A molded plastic lid adapted to generally close off the upper open end of a container and adapted to enable separation of entrained particles from a stream of air for collection of the particles in the container. The lid is formed with circumferentially extending inlet and outlet chambers opening downwardly into the container and having inlet and outlet openings, respectively, for receiving and discharging the air stream. The inlet chamber is formed with an upper surface which slopes downwardly upon progressing from the inlet opening to cause the air entering the container to flow in a curved and downwardly inclined direction so as to establish a cyclonic action in the container for separation of the particles. The outlet chamber is formed with an upper surface which slopes upwardly upon progressing toward the outlet opening to cause the air exiting the container to flow in the same generally curved direction but at an upwardly inclined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Collectif Partnership
    Inventors: Robert Rudolph, Jerry Hogan
  • Patent number: 5489320
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to an air separator with a stationary housing, which forms a helix when viewed in the axial direction, with a blade ring arranged stationarily in the housing with adjustable blades, and with a bladed separation wheel, which is arranged coaxially within the blade ring and rotatable around the axis of the housing. A raw material inlet opens tangentially into the annular space between the separation wheel and the blade ring, and the separation gas inlet, which is directed in parallel to the crude gas inlet, opens into the annular space between the blade ring and the helical housing. Finally, a raw material outlet is provided in the end zone of the flow in the annular space between the blade ring and the separation wheel. A coarse material outlet is arranged offset in relation to the separation gas outlet in the axial direction of the helical housing, as a result of which the helical housing has the three-dimensional shape of a worm with at least one revolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Inventor: Roland Nied
  • Patent number: 5294218
    Abstract: A centrifugal discharger, particularly for cigarette manufacturing and/or packing machines, for disposing of waste fibrous and/or sheet material inside a fluidtight bin; wherein a centrifugal separator presents a cylindrical lateral wall, the bottom portion of which is fitted in fluidtight manner inside the bin, and communicates with a chamber in the bin via a tangent discharge conduit and a number of through holes for mutually compensating the pressure in the centrifugal separator and the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: G. D Societa' Per Azioni
    Inventors: Mauro Fiorentini, Bruno Belvederi
  • Patent number: 5272866
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating gases issuing from a pressurized gasification or combustion plant of solid fuel prior to leading the gases into a turbine. The hot gases are first cleaned in a particle separator, whereafter they are introduced int a centrifugal separator, which is disposed immediately in front of or in connection with a combustion chamber of the turbine. Cleanliness of the gases is ensured by the centrifugal separator. Air is mixed with the gases for bringing about additional combustion and for raising the temperature of the gases to a level >1000.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: A. Ahlstrom Corporation
    Inventor: Jorma J. Nieminen
  • Patent number: 5236590
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for removing dissolved organics from an aqueous composition, said composition comprising water, carbon dioxide and dissolved organics, and said composition having a pH of 6.5 or less and an inlet organics concentration. The process comprises the steps of feeding said aqueous composition to a centrifugal separation zone, preferably to a hydrocyclone, depressurizing said composition in said centrifugal separation zone to regasify at least a portion of said carbon dioxide. An aqueous product stream is removed from the centrifugal separation zone wherein the concentration of said organics is less than said inlet organics concentration. The process is particularly useful in the cleanup of industrial wastewater, and also for removing organics from water produced in petroleum production operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology Company
    Inventors: Steven F. Sciamanna, Michael Dubrovsky
  • Patent number: 5203891
    Abstract: A gas/liquid separator which includes a hollow cylindrical separator body ving: 1) an inlet port for receiving a tangential inflow of a gas/liquid mixture, and 2) an outlet port for allowing liquid separated from the mixture to tangentially exit the cylindrical separator body. The inlet port and outlet port are located such that they face 90.degree. apart from one another. A hollow cylindrical vortex finder is positioned concentrically within the cylindrical separator body which allows the primary and secondary gas flows to exit as stipulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Luis E. Lema
  • Patent number: 5202026
    Abstract: A gas/liquid separator system has an outer enclosing tank filled with a dsting packing material. The tank has a gas outlet port and a liquid outlet port located at its top and bottom, respectively. At least one cylindrical, centrifugal force gas/liquid separator is vertically aligned and centrally located within the tank and is surrounded by the packing material. The cylindrical separator receives a gas/liquid mixture, separates the mixture into respective substantially gas and substantially liquid components, and allows the substantially gas components to exit its gas escape port and the substantially liquid components to exit its liquid escape port. The packing material in the tank further separates the substantially gas and liquid components as they rise and fall, respectively, through the packing material. An inflow line introduces the mixture into the cylindrical separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Luis E. Lema
  • Patent number: 5045218
    Abstract: A hydrocyclone is disclosed for separating, at least partially, fluid mixtures having a predominant liquid component. The hydrocyclone has a first end and a second end remote from the first end. The cross-sectional area of the hydrocyclone in at least one location towards the second end is less than the cross-sectional area at the first end. The hydrocyclone further includes at least one inlet in the region of the first end for introducing the feed mixture and at least two outlets with at least one outlet in the region of the second end. The hydrocyclone has in the region of the second end a fixed or moveable flow-modifying element located at or near the hydrocyclone axis and the element is constructed to affect the flow towards the second end of fluid containing a relatively large portion of less dense component but to allow flow past the element towards the second end of the fluid containing a relatively large portion of a more dense component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Delawood Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Gagan J. J. Prendergast, David A. Webb