By Reduction Of Pressure (e.g., Flashing, Etc.) Patents (Class 95/266)
  • Publication number: 20110113962
    Abstract: A device and process for separating liquid and gas phases in a flowstream containing a liquefied gas or supercritical fluid under pressure mixed with a liquid. A splitter vessel separates the liquid from gas phases and transfers liquid to a collection container while conducting the gas phase out of the splitter. Separation of liquid phase out of the flowstream is provided without additional pressure schemes or solvent extractions imposed on the stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Kimber D. Fogelman, Vincent Worley, Peter Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7942955
    Abstract: The static devolatilisation apparatus serves to treat a liquid (7) containing polymers for the purpose of polymer devolatilisation. Volatile components are separated from the polymers in that the liquid standing under pressure is expanded in at least one phase separation chamber (2) in the upper regions of the container (10). A discharge pump (3) for the devolatilised polymer is located at the base of a sump region. An extraction line (4) for gases (8) is located in the upper region. The separation chamber includes an inlet (20) for the liquid to be treated, lower openings (210) for polymer discharge and at least a single upper opening (220) for gas discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Sulzer Chemtech AG
    Inventor: Felix A Streiff
  • Patent number: 7935179
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for exhausting gas from a coating material. The coating material is fed in the bottom part area of a drum (3) rotating around an essentially vertical axis inside a vacuum tank (1), whereby the rotating motion of the drum causes the coating material to rise up the inner wall of the drum and to discharge from the upper edge of the drum as a thin film against the inner wall of a vacuum tank, wherefrom the coating material flows downwards. The coating material is arranged to rise up the wall of the drum stepwise, so that the coating material will form a thin veil-like film on at least two different step levels (10-12), whereupon the gas bubbles in the coating material will break and be discharged from the coating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Heikki Vatanen, Timo Nurmiainen, Jukka Koskinen, Ilpo Honkanen
  • Patent number: 7935228
    Abstract: A process to reduce emissions discharged from a natural gas processing system wherein the processing system includes a glycol dehydrator for absorbing water, moisture and absorbable hydrocarbons, a reboiler for heating water rich glycol, a still column in communication with the reboiler and a reflux condenser. The process includes the steps of directing vapors and gases from the still column and reflux condenser to a condenser in order to condense vapors to liquid. The gases and liquids from the condenser are directed to a condensate separator in order to separate by gravity. Non-condensible vapors and water from the condensate separator are delivered to a vaporization chamber immersed in the reboiler. Water is re-vaporized into steam and permitted to mix with non-condensible vapors in the vaporization chamber. The steam and non-condensible vapors are inducted into a combustion zone in a firetube in the reboiler. The hydrocarbons in the vapors are combusted in the firetube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Process Equipment & Service Company, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Rhodes
  • Publication number: 20110072970
    Abstract: A medical ultrasound system. A base unit is included having system electronics, a user interface and ultrasound control electronics. An ultrasound therapy head is in electronic communication with the base unit. The therapy head includes a replaceable, sealed transducer cartridge with a coupling fluid therein. A cooling system is provided for cooling the coupling fluid. A plurality of guide indicators are positioned around the therapy head to align with crossed lines on a patient so as to properly align the therapy head prior to use. The therapy head can provide variable treatments to an area while the therapy head is in contact with a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Medicis Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan K. Slobodzian, Gregory T. Wing
  • Patent number: 7905945
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing system includes a dispensing pump that receives a flow of material and a dispense tip coupled to the dispensing pump. The dispense tip delivers the material to a substrate. The fluid dispensing system further includes a vacuum unit that draws a vacuum on the material in the fluid dispensing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: DL Technology, LLC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Fugere
  • Patent number: 7892325
    Abstract: A process for controlled conversion of at least two gases which form ignitable and/or explosive mixtures with one another, in which the gases are absorbed either separately or together in a carrier liquid which is inert in relation to the gases; the carrier liquid with the absorbed gases is fed to a degasser which comprises a closed degassing vessel (2) which comprises at least one feed line for the gas-laden carrier liquid (1) and at least one gas outlet (3) at its upper end, and also one or more drains for the carrier liquid below the feed line for the carrier liquid and in each case connected to a drain pipe (4), and in such a manner that the liquid flow rate in the degassing vessel (2) is less than 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Christ Water Technology AG
    Inventors: Thomas Menzel, Grigorios Kolios, Monique Bissen, Jürgen Johann
  • Patent number: 7883567
    Abstract: The deaerating and dissolving apparatus or the deaerating and dissolving method includes: a pipe which is configured to feed a liquid; a flow rate control section which is provided to a middle portion of the pipe and is configured to feed the liquid at a predetermined flow rate to a downstream side; a cavity forming section which is provided to a middle portion of the pipe downstream of the flow rate control section and is configured to produce a stationary cavity which is in contact with the liquid, and a pressurization or depressurization section which pressurizes or depressurizes the inside of the cavity, wherein the liquid is deaerated when the inside of the cavity is depressurized with the pressurization or depressurization section, and a gas is dissolved into the liquid when the inside of the cavity is pressurized with the gas supplied through the pressurization or depressurization section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: National University Corporation Okayama University
    Inventor: Seiichi Washio
  • Patent number: 7882896
    Abstract: A seafloor pump assembly is installed within a caisson that has an upper end for receiving a flow of fluid containing gas and liquid. The pump assembly is enclosed within a shroud that has an upper end that seals around the pump assembly and a lower end that is below the motor and is open. An eduction tube has an upper end above the shroud within the upper portion of the caisson and a lower end in fluid communication with an interior portion of the shroud. The eduction tube causes gas that separates from the liquid and collects in the upper portion of the caisson to be drawn into the pump and mixed with the liquid as the liquid is being pumped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Brown Lyle Wilson, Christopher K. Shaw
  • Patent number: 7879140
    Abstract: Coating material is fed into a vacuum container inside which are apparatus for separating gas from the coating material. The degassing apparatus (10) has two separate compartments (11, 12) so that degassing is carried out in two different stages by using a single apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Eero Kesti, Esa Forsten
  • Patent number: 7837769
    Abstract: Disclosed is a compressed air powered vacuum mechanism and method for enabling a user to lower atmospheric pressure in enclosed containers and thereby remove carbon dioxide and other entrained gasses from fluids, in this instance wine, in multiple enclosed containers. In a short time, the resulting wine will improve in taste and aroma and clarity, an improvement normally associated with wine that has been naturally aged for many months. A compressed air driven vacuum generator reduces the atmospheric pressure above the wine. When the atmospheric pressure is low enough the entrained gasses will quickly boil off the enclosed wine at room temperatures, disassociating from the fluid, without harming the wine. There are instances in the processing of wine and in keeping containers of food and drink fresh, where following the removing of gasses from the enclosed containers that the vacuum must be retained. This is optionally accomplished with a vacuum retaining on/off mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: Rhone Daniel Lahr
  • Patent number: 7811420
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus is disclosed for water desalination including steps of transferring water vapor from salt-water in a vaporization zone 7, via a water vapor transfer zone 12, to a condensation zone 11, and condensing the water vapor into fresh-water. The water vapor transfer zone 12 is maintained substantially free of any gas other than water vapor. Heat is supplied to the vaporization zone 7 and extracted from the condensation zone 11, at relative rates such that there is a net transfer of water from the vaporization zone to the condensation zone. Also disclosed is a method of and apparatus for degassing salt water using at least two degassing chambers 17A, 17B each provided with a valved vent 47 and a valved inlet 21,29,90,91, with a valved pipe circuit 17a, 72-82,85-87, having a pump 71.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Sven Olof Sonander
  • Patent number: 7811358
    Abstract: The present invention provides a deaerator and a deaerating method which enable the continuous deaeration of a liquid at a low cost. That is, with respect to a pipe which supplies a fluid by a supply means, a rip-out portion which rips out a fluid from an inner peripheral surface of the pipe is provided at a predetermined position in the inside of the pipe, and the fluid is supplied at a predetermined flow rate by a flow control means which adjusts the flow rate of the liquid which is supplied through the pipe so as to form a cavity on a downstream side of the rip-out portion. A through hole which communicates with the cavity is formed in the pipe, and deaeration of the liquid is performed by exhausting gases in the inside of the cavity by suction means such as a vacuum pump via the through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: National University Corporation Okayama University
    Inventor: Seiichi Washio
  • Publication number: 20100236409
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a removal device for removing gas, dirt and/or particles from a contaminating liquid from a liquid in a liquid conduit system. The removal device includes a housing, a supply opening and a discharge opening, a resistance zone, at least one quiet zone and at least one return opening. The quiet zone allows dirt and/or particles of a relatively heavy contaminating liquid to settle to a bottom of the housing, and/or gas bubbles and/or particles of a relatively light contaminating liquid to rise to an upper end of the housing at least one bifurcation opening in the resistance zone and subsequently returns into the main flow at the merge point through the return opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: Flamco B.V.
    Inventor: Jan Henk Cnossen
  • Patent number: 7753993
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for treating contaminated water in a steam power installation, and to a corresponding steam power installation. According to the invention, steam and water are separated between a first steam-collecting drum of a pressure level and a second steam-collecting drum of a lower pressure level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Schöttler, Anja Wallmann, Rainer Wulff
  • Patent number: 7708811
    Abstract: A degassing apparatus is provided that accomplishes the connecting of a degassing element and a connecting member and/or the joining of a vacuum (reduced-pressure) chamber and the connecting member without using a fastening structure screwed together with the connecting member. A degassing apparatus includes: a reduced-pressure chamber having a through port for flowing a degassing target liquid therethrough; a degassing element, accommodated in the chamber, for passing the liquid therethrough; and a tubular connecting member joined to the chamber at the through port. The degassing element includes a gas-permeable tube, for passing the liquid therethrough, being covered with a joint piece at an end portion of the gas-permeable tube. The degassing element is fixed to the chamber by heat sealing the connecting member and the joint piece together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventor: Hajime Ooya
  • Patent number: 7691180
    Abstract: Ionic liquids comprising a mixture of one or more triflate or bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide salt(s) with one or more Lewis acids(s), wherein the total of the molar contents of the Lewis acid(s) in the mixture is from about 0.01-98%, are provided, that are useful as catalysts in Lewis acid catalyzed reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Peter Wasserscheid, Andreas Metlen, Nicole Brausch
  • Patent number: 7686867
    Abstract: A degasifier is provided in which the deterioration in sealing property (deterioration in airtightness) is prevented while sealing members to be placed between a container and covers that compose a decompression chamber can be omitted. A degasifier includes a decompression chamber provided with a container and covers, and a gas-permeable tube. The container is a tubular body extending along the central axis. The covers seal the openings of the ends of the tubular body. The gas-permeable tube is contained in the decompression chamber in such a manner that a liquid to be degassed that has entered from the outside of the decompression chamber flows therethrough and the liquid to be degassed that has flowed therethrough flows out of the decompression chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventor: Hajime Ooya
  • Patent number: 7648569
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for injecting two-phase (gas+solid) carbon dioxide into a gas stream. Liquid carbon dioxide is cryogenically expanded into two-phase carbon dioxide, which is then injected into the center of the stream. An inerting gas is also injected into the stream along with the two-phase carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes George Claude
    Inventors: Dominique Bras, José Buil
  • Publication number: 20090301303
    Abstract: Coating material is fed into a vacuum container inside which are apparatus for separating gas from the coating material. The degassing apparatus (10) has two separate compartments (11, 12) so that degassing is carried out in two different stages by using a single apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: METSO PAPER, INC.
    Inventors: Eero Kesti, Esa Forsten
  • Patent number: 7594801
    Abstract: The amount of chemical liquids dispensed by a chemical liquid supply apparatus is stabilized and dispensing accuracy is remarkably improved. A pump discharges a liquid accommodated in a liquid tank. A filter is connected to the pump through a pump outlet flow path to which a pump discharge-side valve for opening/closing the flow path is provided. A dispensing nozzle (liquid dispense portion) is connected to the filter through a liquid discharge flow path to which a discharge valve for opening/closing the flow path is provided. A vacuum source communicates with the filter through an exhaust flow path to which a deaeration valve for opening/closing the flow path is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Koganei Corporation
    Inventor: Seiichiro Udagawa
  • Patent number: 7547133
    Abstract: A method for forming and imploding cavities within a cavitation chamber is provided. A hydraulically actuated piston is withdrawn to form the desired cavities and then extended to implode the cavities. The cavitation fluid is degassed prior to hydraulically driving cavitation within the chamber. Degassing can be performed within the cavitation chamber or within a separate degassing chamber. In one aspect, a coupling sleeve is interposed between the hydraulic driver and the cavitation chamber. Preferably the coupling sleeve is evacuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Publication number: 20090133579
    Abstract: Disclosed is a compressed air powered vacuum mechanism and method for enabling a user to lower atmospheric pressure in enclosed containers and thereby remove carbon dioxide and other entrained gasses from fluids, in this instance wine, in multiple enclosed containers. In a short time, the resulting wine will improve in taste and aroma and clarity, an improvement normally associated with wine that has been naturally aged for many months. A compressed air driven vacuum generator reduces the atmospheric pressure above the wine. When the atmospheric pressure is low enough the entrained gasses will quickly boil off the enclosed wine at room temperatures, disassociating from the fluid, without harming the wine. There are instances in the processing of wine and in keeping containers of food and drink fresh, where following the removing of gasses from the enclosed containers that the vacuum must be retained. This is optionally accomplished with a vacuum retaining on/off mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Rhone Danier Lahr
  • Patent number: 7513937
    Abstract: A device and method for reconditioning oil or vaporizing volatile fluids from oil of internal combustion engines in order to extend the oil service life is provided. Such a device can include a housing which defines a substantially enclosed open chamber which can receive heated engine oil. An engine oil inlet, a vapor outlet, and a reconditioned oil outlet may be coupled to the housing. In addition, the disclosed oil reconditioning device may be free of direct heating or supplemental heating sources other than the intrinsic heat of the heated engine oil as it enters the open chamber. The reconditioning devices can be configured to introduce engine oil into the open chamber prior to contact with any interior surfaces. Separation of volatile fluids can be affected using either spraying or thin film. The reconditioned oil has a significant reduction in water and fuel content thus allowing for increased service intervals and increased useful oil life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Refined Global Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Luntz
  • Patent number: 7510321
    Abstract: A cavitation system for forming and imploding cavities within a cavitation chamber is provided. The system includes a hydraulically actuated driver coupled to the cavitation chamber. A cavitation piston, coupled to a hydraulic piston, forms the desired cavities during piston retraction and then implodes the cavities during piston extension. Preferably the cavitation fluid is degassed prior to hydraulically driving cavitation within the chamber. Degassing can be performed within the cavitation chamber or within a separate degassing chamber which is preferably connected to the cavitation chamber. In one aspect, a coupling sleeve is interposed between the hydraulic driver and the cavitation chamber, the coupling sleeve housing at least a portion of the cavitation piston drive rod. Preferably the coupling sleeve can be evacuated. In another aspect, a cavitation fluid circulatory system is coupled to the cavitation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Patent number: 7494534
    Abstract: A device for controlling a dissolved amount of gas. The device is formed of: a pressure reducing part constructed by connecting a hole provided at an upper part of a closed tank to a vacuum pump through a pipe; an injection supply part for injecting fluid to be treated pressurized by a pressurizing pump from the upper part of the tank; a liquid foam generating container where the injected fluid to be treated is received, then gas of the reduced pressure space is involved in, and an air bubble group rises along an inner peripheral wall and is separated from the liquid, and then changes into liquid bubbles in an upper region; a recovery pump part for allowing the liquid bubbles having overflowed from the container; and a tank water level sensor part for maintaining a water level of the treated fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventors: Masayuki Fukagawa, Kesayoshi Hadano, Tetsuhiko Fujisato, Ryosaku Fujisato
  • Patent number: 7488371
    Abstract: Degassing device for degassing matrix material in the manufacture of fiber-composite components with a support device, a distribution fabric, a gate device, a discharge device, a matrix-material-impermeable barrier layer, which is sealed with respect to the support device by a seal and thus forms a first chamber of the degassing device located around the gate device, as well as a degassing device for degassing matrix material in the manufacture of fiber-composite components with a first connection, for conducting the matrix material to be degassed into the degassing device, a second connection for conducting the degassed fluid out of the same, and a third connection for applying negative pressure to the interior of the same, an inner body, a resin-impermeable and air-permeable film, and an outer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: EADS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Lippert, Hans-Wolfgang Schröder, Franz Stadler, Stefan Utecht
  • Patent number: 7488372
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for degassing an aqueous solution containing a hydroformylation product and separating a volatile metal species from gaseous stream to inhibit or prevent deposition of a solid material from the gaseous stream. To separate the volatile metal species from the gaseous stream, the gaseous stream is either 1) contacted with a liquid that separates the volatile metal species, or a reaction product thereof, from the gaseous stream; 2) passed through a microfilter having a pore size of 2 ?m or less; or 3) contacted with an adsorbent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Joseph Broun Powell, Robert Earl Hammond
  • Patent number: 7481867
    Abstract: A vacuum system for extracting a stream of a multi-phase fluid from a photolithography tool comprises a pumping arrangement for drawing the fluid from the tool, and an extraction tank located upstream from the pumping arrangement for separating the fluid drawn from the tool into gas and liquid phases. The pumping arrangement comprises a first pump for extracting gas from the tank, and a second pump for extracting liquid from the tank. In order to minimize any pressure fluctuations transmitted from the vacuum system back to the fluid within the tool, a pressure control system maintains a substantially constant pressure in the tank by regulating the amounts of liquid and gas within the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Edwards Limited
    Inventors: Andrew John Harpham, Paul John Shechter, Paul Alan Stockman
  • Patent number: 7461966
    Abstract: A method of operating a cavitation system in which the cavitation chamber is separated into at least three distinct chamber volumes by, for example, first fabricating and then installing a pair of gas-tight and liquid-tight seals into the cavitation chamber, is provided. Each chamber volume seal is fabricated from a rigid reflector and a flexible member. During chamber operation, only one of the three volumes contains cavitation fluid, the other two chamber volumes remaining devoid of cavitation fluid. By controlling the pressure within the two unfilled chamber volumes, the rigid reflectors can be used as a means of increasing the static pressure within the fluid-filled chamber volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard D. Satterwhite
  • Patent number: 7449051
    Abstract: Froth is directed through a flow passage bounded by a filter and a non-porous surface, and liquid is drawn from the froth through the filter as the froth flows through the flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: David Olsen
  • Patent number: 7448791
    Abstract: A method for initiating cavitation within the fluid within a cavitation chamber is provided. In the cavitation preparatory steps, a hydraulically actuated piston is fully retracted and then the cavitation chamber is isolated. The hydraulic piston is then fully extended after which the chamber is partially opened until a predetermined pressure is obtained. After the chamber is once again isolated, cavities are formed and imploded by retracting and then extending the cavitation piston. At least one impeller, located within the cavitation chamber, is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Patent number: 7448792
    Abstract: A method for initiating cavitation within the fluid within a cavitation chamber is provided. In the cavitation preparatory steps, a hydraulically actuated piston is partially withdrawn and then the cavitation chamber is isolated. Once the chamber is isolated, the hydraulic piston is further withdrawn in order to form the desired cavities and then extended to implode the cavities. At least one impeller, located within the cavitation chamber, is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Patent number: 7427312
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing gas bubbles from a fluid includes a fluid inlet and a separation chamber that is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet. The separation chamber has first and second end portions, with the first end portion being operably oriented gravitationally above the second end portion. The apparatus further includes a first gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane disposed in the separation chamber and extending substantially along a first axis defined as extending between the first and second end portions. A permeate side of the membrane is exposed to an environment having a second partial pressure of a target gas, which second partial pressure is lower than a first partial pressure of the gas in the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Rheodyne, LLC
    Inventors: Yuri Gerner, Carl W. Sims, Jonathan Thompson
  • Patent number: 7425092
    Abstract: A method for initiating cavitation within the fluid within a cavitation chamber is provided. In the cavitation preparatory steps, a hydraulically actuated piston is fully retracted and then the cavitation chamber is isolated. The hydraulic piston is then fully extended after which the chamber is partially opened until a predetermined cavitation piston position is obtained. After the chamber is once again isolated, cavities are formed and imploded by retracting and then extending the cavitation piston. At least one impeller, located within the cavitation chamber, is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Patent number: 7425091
    Abstract: A method for initiating cavitation within the fluid within a cavitation chamber is provided. In the cavitation preparatory steps, a hydraulically actuated piston is fully retracted and then the cavitation chamber is isolated. The hydraulic piston is then fully extended after which the chamber is partially opened until a predetermined pressure is obtained. After the chamber is once again isolated, cavities are formed and imploded by retracting and then extending the cavitation piston. At least one impeller, located within the cavitation chamber, is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Publication number: 20080212398
    Abstract: A method for initiating cavitation within the fluid within a cavitation chamber is provided. In the cavitation preparatory steps, a hydraulically actuated piston is fully retracted and then the cavitation chamber is isolated. The hydraulic piston is then fully extended after which the chamber is partially opened until a predetermined cavitation piston position is obtained. After the chamber is once again isolated, cavities are formed and imploded by retracting and then extending the cavitation piston. At least one impeller, located within the cavitation chamber, is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Publication number: 20080210160
    Abstract: The present invention provides applicators reducing generating bubble. Dispersion liquid is supplied while the pressure of a circulation tank on the delivery side is lower than the atmospheric pressure but higher than the pressure of the space in buffer tanks. The dispersion liquid in the discharge chambers is recovered while the pressure in a circulation tank serving as recovery destination is lower than the atmospheric pressure. Gas dissolution can be reduced because the dispersion liquid does not come into contact with gases at pressures higher than the atmospheric pressure and engulffing gas or deformation of solid microparticles can be avoided because no pump is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: ULVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Takumi Namekawa, Kei Baba, Yuya Inoue, Masao Murata, Koji Hane, Robert D. Taff, Robert R. McKay, Ralph D. Fox
  • Patent number: 7413596
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for the production of liquids and vapors that are free of, or substantially free of, dissolved or trapped gases. In one embodiment, a liquid is placed in a sealed vessel and subjected to a temperature below the freezing point of the liquid for sufficient time to substantially, if not completely, turn the liquid into a solid. Concurrent with or subsequent to the cooling of the liquid, the interior of the vessel is subjected to a vacuum so as to evacuate all or substantially all of the gaseous atmosphere. Thereafter, the vessel is heated to a temperature above the melting point of the liquid, allowing the frozen material to return to its liquid form or sublimate to form a vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Wilhelm P. Platow, John B. Cracchiolo, Stanislav S. Todorov, Jaime M. Reyes
  • Patent number: 7404666
    Abstract: A method for forming and imploding cavities within a cavitation chamber is provided. The method uses a cavitation piston, coupled to a hydraulically actuated piston, to form the desired cavities during piston retraction and then implode the cavities during piston extension. The cavitation fluid is degassed prior to hydraulically driving cavitation within the chamber. Degassing can be performed within the cavitation chamber or within a separate degassing chamber. In one aspect, a coupling sleeve is interposed between the hydraulic driver and the cavitation chamber. Preferably the coupling sleeve is evacuated. In another aspect, a cavitation fluid circulatory system is coupled to the cavitation chamber. In-line valves on the chamber inlets allow the chamber to be isolated, when desired, from the circulatory system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Patent number: 7404845
    Abstract: A mixture and method for the storage and delivery of at least one gas are disclosed herein. In one aspect, there is provided a mixture for the storage and delivery of at least one gas comprising: an ionic liquid comprising an anion and a cation; and at least one gas that is disposed within and is reversibly chemically reacted with the ionic liquid. In another aspect, there is provided a method for delivering at least one gas from a mixture comprising an ionic liquid and at least one gas comprising: reacting the at least one gas and the ionic liquid to provide the mixture and separating the at least one gas from the mixture wherein the at least one gas after the separating step is substantially the same as the at least one gas prior to the reacting step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Tempel, Philip Bruce Henderson, Jeffrey Richard Brzozowski
  • Patent number: 7387660
    Abstract: A method of degassing cavitation fluid using a closed-loop cavitation fluid circulatory system is provided. The procedure is comprised of multiple stages. During the first stage, the cavitation fluid contained within the reservoir is degassed using an attached vacuum system. During the second stage, the cavitation fluid is pumped into the cavitation chamber and cavitated. As a result of the cavitation process, gases dissolved within the cavitation fluid are released. The circulatory system provides a means of pumping the gases from the chamber and the vacuum system provides a means of periodically eliminating the gases from the system. A third stage, although not required, can be used to further eliminate gases dissolved within the cavitation fluid. During the third stage cavities are formed within the cavitation fluid within the chamber using any of a variety of means such as neutron bombardment, laser vaporization or localized heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.,
    Inventors: Ross Alan Tessien, Dario Felipe Gaitan
  • Publication number: 20080137473
    Abstract: A method for forming and imploding cavities within a cavitation chamber is provided. The method uses a cavitation piston, coupled to a hydraulically actuated piston, to form the desired cavities during piston retraction and then implode the cavities during piston extension. The cavitation fluid is degassed prior to hydraulically driving cavitation within the chamber. Degassing can be performed within the cavitation chamber or within a separate degassing chamber. In one aspect, a coupling sleeve is interposed between the hydraulic driver and the cavitation chamber. Preferably the coupling sleeve is evacuated. In another aspect, a cavitation fluid circulatory system is coupled to the cavitation chamber. In-line valves on the chamber inlets allow the chamber to be isolated, when desired, from the circulatory system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Patent number: 7384451
    Abstract: When a reaction liquid is passed through a gas-liquid separation pipe having a larger volume per unit length than the volume per unit length of a pipe, a headspace part into which gas can be released is formed above the gas-liquid separation pipe, and the byproduct gas generated by the reaction changes into bubbles, moves upward in the reaction liquid, and is continuously released from a gas-liquid interface into the headspace part. While the gas is removed in the gas-liquid separation pipe, the pressure of the headspace part is controlled so as to be constant by a pressure adjustment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Fumiko Shiraishi, Yasunori Ichikawa, Seiji Sugiyama, Koukichi Waki
  • Patent number: 7380974
    Abstract: A method for forming and imploding stabilized cavities within a cavitation chamber is provided. A hydraulically actuated piston is withdrawn to form the desired cavities and then extended to implode the cavities. At least one impeller is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities, the impeller being located within the cavitation chamber and magnetically coupled to an external drive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Patent number: 7381241
    Abstract: A method of degassing cavitation fluid using a closed-loop cavitation fluid circulatory system is provided. The procedure is comprised of multiple stages. During the first stage, the cavitation fluid is continuously circulated through the cavitation chamber, reservoir and the circulatory system while the fluid within the chamber is cavitated. A vacuum system coupled to the fluid reservoir periodically degasses the fluid. During the second stage, pumping of the cavitation fluid through the chamber is discontinued. Gases released by the cavitation process are periodically pumped out of the chamber and periodically eliminated by the vacuum system. A third stage, although not required, can be used to further eliminate gases dissolved within the cavitation fluid. During the third stage cavities are formed within the cavitation fluid within the chamber using any of a variety of means such as neutron bombardment, laser vaporization or localized heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Ross Alan Tessien, Dario Felipe Gaitan
  • Patent number: 7380975
    Abstract: A method for initiating cavitation within the fluid within a cavitation chamber is provided. In the cavitation preparatory steps, a hydraulically actuated piston is fully retracted and then the cavitation chamber is isolated. The hydraulic piston is then fully extended after which the chamber is partially opened until a predetermined cavitation piston position is obtained. After the chamber is once again isolated, cavities are formed and imploded by retracting and then extending the cavitation piston. At least one impeller, located within the cavitation chamber, is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Patent number: 7232878
    Abstract: A process for the separation of volatile material from particulate polymer which has been substantially freed from unreacted monomer in an earlier separation step, comprising (a) feeding the particulate polymer to a purge vessel, optionally causing it to move through the vessel in substantially plug-flow mode, (b) heating the particulate polymer in the purge vessel to a temperature greater than 30° C. but insufficiently high to cause the particles to become agglomerated, and/or maintaining the polymer at a temperature in this range in the purge vessel, (c) feeding air to the purge vessel counter-current to the movement of the particulate polymer to remove volatile material therefrom, (d) removing the particulate polymer from the purge vessel. Preferably the particulate polymer fed to the purge vessel is caused to move through the vessel in substantially plug-flow mode. The process is particularly suitable for polyethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: BP Chemicals Limited
    Inventors: Gerald Mulgrew, Gary Lindsay Pitman
  • Patent number: 7144442
    Abstract: A degassing device capable of regulating an amount of air dissolved in a liquid. A device for measuring amounts of dissolved oxygen measures the amount of oxygen dissolved in one of a coating liquid which has yet to be degassed, and is to be fed to a film degassing device, and a coating liquid which has been degassed and discharged from the film degassing device. Based on measured results, a control unit regulates the degree of opening of a vacuum valve so as to change the degree of degassing performed by the film degassing device, thereby suppressing fluctuations in an amount of oxygen dissolved in the coating liquid. A load never constantly acts on the film all the time, the film life can accordingly be extended, thus resulting in reductions in running costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Hayashi
  • Patent number: RE39944
    Abstract: A natural gas dehydrator wherein a portion of the wet glycol from the absorber is pumped under pressure as circulating wet glycol which is used as a coolant for effluents removed from a reboiler and a power source for an educator to form a vacuum in a first chamber of a liquid water removal separator apparatus. The cooled effluents, comprising liquid water, liquid hydrocarbons and uncondensed vapors, move in to the first chamber wherein the liquid water is separated therefrom. The liquid hydrocarbons and the uncondensed vapors are removed from the first chamber and move into the eductor wherein they are combined into the circulating wet glycol. The separated liquid water is transferred to a second chamber of the liquid water removal separator apparatus and then removed therefrom. Also, gases from gas emitting level control apparatus in the natural gas dehydrator are collected and fed into the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Rodney T. Heath