Degasification Of Liquid Patents (Class 95/30)
  • Patent number: 11549068
    Abstract: Provided are embodiments that include a hydrocarbon fluid processing system including an ultrasonic hydrocarbon degassing unit including a vapor recovery vessel adapted to direct flow of a hydrocarbon fluid mixture along a flowpath extending through an interior of the vapor recovery vessel, and an ultrasonic transducer system disposed inside the vapor recovery vessel and in the flowpath of the hydrocarbon fluid mixture. The hydrocarbon fluid mixture including a hydrocarbon liquid and a gas entrained in the hydrocarbon liquid, the ultrasonic transducer system adapted to transmit ultrasonic signals into the hydrocarbon fluid mixture along the flowpath, and the ultrasonic signals adapted to separate the gas from the hydrocarbon liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventor: Brian Colt Petty
  • Patent number: 11388916
    Abstract: Provided is a degassing apparatus having a fluid flow surface positioned within a tank and configured for decreasing the velocity of the fluid flowing through the tank; a cryogen fluid cooling system including the degassing apparatus positioned in fluid communication with a cryogen injector of the system; and a direct cryogen fluid cooling method including flowing fluid containing cryogen into a degassing apparatus for decreasing a velocity of and for removing cryogen gas from the flowing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Messer Industries USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Newman, Stephen McCormick
  • Patent number: 11162348
    Abstract: Methods to improve fluid flow of a multi-phase mixture, methods to separate fluids of a multi-phase mixture, and downhole multi-phase fluid mixture systems are disclosed. A method to improve fluid flow of a multi-phase mixture includes positioning a first acoustic device and a second acoustic device around a conveyance that provides a fluid flow path for a first fluid in a first phase and a second fluid in a second phase to simultaneously flow through the conveyance. The method also includes determining a flow rate and a fluid condition of the fluid mixture. The method further includes generating a standing acoustic wave through the conveyance based on the flow rate and the fluid condition to break down the first fluid into droplets having volume within a threshold volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ketankumar Kantilal Sheth, Robert Charles De Long, Donn J. Brown
  • Patent number: 10959961
    Abstract: Various aspects of this patent document relate to methods to administer compositions comprising anionic cannabinoid molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Natural Extraction Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Douglas G. Metcalf
  • Patent number: 10787617
    Abstract: Provided are embodiments that include a hydrocarbon fluid processing system including an ultrasonic hydrocarbon degassing unit including a vapor recovery vessel adapted to direct flow of a hydrocarbon fluid mixture along a flowpath extending through an interior of the vapor recovery vessel, and an ultrasonic transducer system disposed inside the vapor recovery vessel and in the flowpath of the hydrocarbon fluid mixture. The hydrocarbon fluid mixture including a hydrocarbon liquid and a gas entrained in the hydrocarbon liquid, the ultrasonic transducer system adapted to transmit ultrasonic signals into the hydrocarbon fluid mixture along the flowpath, and the ultrasonic signals adapted to separate the gas from the hydrocarbon liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: COG Operating LLC
    Inventor: Brian Colt Petty
  • Patent number: 10441971
    Abstract: A method of catalytically coating a honeycomb monolith, in particular a so-called flow-through monolith, is featured. The process involves quite precisely coating the monolith with a method that uses an indirect coating via a displacement body. The method included controlling the process by monitoring certain measures and controlling the liquid coating medium feed as to limit bubble formation in the liquid coating medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: UMICORE AG & CO. KG
    Inventor: Stéphane Masson
  • Patent number: 10118111
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing a gas in an immersion ultrasonic process is provided. The apparatus, in the form of an immersion ultrasonic transducer holder apparatus, has a body with a first end, a second end, a plurality of sides, and a hollow interior cavity portion. A holder portion with an exterior end and an interior end is formed through the first end, and holds one or more immersion ultrasonic transducers. A sloped inner face having a base end with a knife-edged perimeter is adjacent the interior end of the holder portion. The sloped inner face has an upward sloped surface extending from the base end to an evacuation end. One or more evacuation ports are formed through the first end, and adjacent the evacuation end. When the apparatus is used in the immersion ultrasonic process, the knife-edged perimeter, sloped inner face, and evacuation ports facilitate removal of the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Roy M. Gagnon, Jeffry J. Garvey
  • Patent number: 9795900
    Abstract: An inline process for imparting sonic energy plus a liquid gas separator to a continuous flow of a heterogenous liquid to de-gassify the liquid and thereby provide for separation and extraction of selected liquid and gas components. The device utilizes a flat plate oriented in the direction of flow within the liquid so as to impart pressure fronts into the liquid to initiate liquid gas separation followed by a series of weirs, and tower packing, with stripping gas to facilitate mass transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Stephen Saint-Vincent
  • Patent number: 9096452
    Abstract: Methods and systems for de-stabilizing foam produced in submerged combustion melters. A molten mass of glass and bubbles is flowed into an apparatus downstream of a submerged combustion melter. The downstream apparatus includes a floor, a roof and a wall connecting the floor and roof, but is devoid of submerged combustion burners and other components that would increase turbulence of the molten mass. The molten mass has foam on at least a portion of a top surface of the molten mass. Certain methods include imposing a de-stabilizing force directly to the foam or to the molten mass and foam, where the de-stabilizing force may be a vibratory force, an acoustic wave force, a particulate-based force, or a non-particulate-based mechanical force. Systems for carrying out the methods are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Johns Manville
    Inventors: Mark William Charbonneau, Aaron Morgan Huber
  • Patent number: 9085161
    Abstract: Enhanced printing systems, structures, and processes provide ultrasonication of ink, such as to degas the ink, and/or to maintain the size of particles within the ink. At least one ultrasonic module, such as comprising any of an ultrasonic probe or an ultrasonic bath, is located within an ink delivery system. Ink is delivered to the ultrasonic module, and ultrasonic energy is applied to the ink, such as at a sufficient level and duration to degas the ink, and/or to reduce the size of particles within the ink. In some embodiments, the particles may be agglomerates, wherein the applied energy is configured to reduce the size of the agglomerates to a size that can be jetted through the print head. In other embodiments, the particles may be metallic particles, wherein the applied energy is configured to create smaller metallic particles that can be jetted with the ink through the print head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel F. Gloster, Paul Andrew Edwards, Lianhui Cong, Michael R. Quint
  • Publication number: 20150090117
    Abstract: A crude natural gas stream treatment system comprising a first supersonic separator and a second supersonic separator, wherein the first supersonic separator comprises a crude gas inlet, a dry gas outlet and a first liquid outlet; wherein the second supersonic separator comprises a dry gas inlet, a treated gas outlet and a second liquid gas outlet, and wherein the dry gas outlet is in fluid communication with the dry gas inlet is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Erik Baggerud, Robert Perry, Jostein Kolbu
  • Patent number: 8758492
    Abstract: A Sonotrode for generating an ultrasonic field in industrial production processes such as chemical, food, petroleum, pharmaceutical, beverage or mining-related processes for reducing and eliminating foaming of liquid products has a compact one-piece form, wherein the sonotrode is provided with a main body part having a connector for connection with a high frequency generator and having a front face from which the ultrasonic field is directed to the desired spot or area of the product to be de-foamed, wherein the main body part has the shape of a compact block element and in that the front face is concave in shape in relation to a product surface such that the ultrasonic field is focused and directed to a specific area of a product foam to be treated in a concentrated form compared to a non-focused ultrasound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignees: Telsonic Holding AG, Cavitus Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Albert Büttiker, Holger Keller, Darren Bates
  • Publication number: 20140166497
    Abstract: Method for treating sewage, comprising at least one step of electrolytically treating sewage, an energy transfer step comprising at least one selected in the group comprising: a temperature raising treatment, an ultrasound treatment. The electrolytic treatment and energy transfer steps determining the dissociation from the sewage of gas comprising nitrogen. Further, the method comprises a step of separating gases comprising nitrogen from the mass of sewage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: De Asmundis Fulvio ANTONIO, Masoero PAOLO
  • Patent number: 8728327
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the controlled application of ultrasonic energy for conditioning of mixtures of gas and liquids by evolving and/or agglomerating gas bubbles existing with or in a liquid or for coalescing droplets of liquid dispersed in another liquid. The invention in preferred embodiments thereof comprises a coalescing apparatus for increasing the droplet size of a mixture formed as a liquid dispersed in another liquid, and a de-gassing apparatus arranged to evolve and/or agglomerate gaseous bubbles in a gas/liquid mixture. In the apparatuses, ultrasonic transducers are used to impart vibrational energy to the mixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Cyclotech Limited
    Inventors: David Hadfield, Alastair Sinker, Ian Charles Smyth
  • Patent number: 8640529
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for down hole gas separation from the multiphase fluid flowing in a wellbore or a pipe, for determining the quantities of the individual components of the liquid and the flow rate of the liquid, and for remixing the component parts of the fluid after which the gas volume may be measured, without affecting the flow stream, are described. Acoustic radiation force is employed to separate gas from the liquid, thereby permitting measurements to be separately made for these two components; the liquid (oil/water) composition is determined from ultrasonic resonances; and the gas volume is determined from capacitance measurements. Since the fluid flows around and through the component parts of the apparatus, there is little pressure difference, and no protection is required from high pressure differentials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLC
    Inventor: Dipen N. Sinha
  • Publication number: 20140018766
    Abstract: An apparatus for mobilization of entrained gas bubbles in a fluid circuit comprises opposing fluid circuit engagement members. At least one of the fluid circuit engagement members has a vibrational energy transfer effector. A vibration generator is provided for generating vibrational energy. The vibrational energy transfer effector is coupled to the vibration generator such that vibrational energy is transmitted from the vibration generator to the vibrational energy transfer effector and to the fluid circuit. The vibration generator in one embodiment can produce vibrational oscillations at between 60 and 12000 cycles per minute. A method for mobilizing entrained gas bubbles in a fluid circuit is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: Karen WHITE
  • Publication number: 20130333560
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing of a source gas and for removal of a target gas therefrom. The apparatus has an absorption system having a first containment structure defining a first process volume for containment of a gas phase and an absorbent liquid phase and a regeneration system fluidly downstream of the absorption system having a second containment structure defining a second process volume for containment of a gas phase and an absorbent liquid phase including a heating means to heat the liquid phase. An ultrasound transducer system is provided in association with one or both of the first or second containment structure to apply in use ultrasonic vibration to a part of the said first and/or second containment structure and thus to apply in use ultrasonic vibration to the contents of a part of the first and/or second process volume as the case may be.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: DOOSAN BABCOCK LIMITED
    Inventor: Euan Mcculloch
  • Patent number: 8540799
    Abstract: A method is provided for degassing a transport chamber (1) of a metering pump. The method is based on performing impulse generation, wherein gas bubbles arising from the gas-forming fluid and adhering to the inner surfaces in the transport chamber (1) are released from the surfaces, wherein the gas bubbles (4.4?, 8.8?) present in the transport chamber (1) accumulate, perform a motion (c) in the direction of the pressure valve (6), and form an accumulated gas bubble (7) on the transport chamber side of the pressure valve (6). An increase in pressure causes the accumulated gas bubble present at the pressure valve (6) to escape from the transport chamber (1) as discharged gas bubbles (7?) into the pressure line. A metering pump having a device present in the transport chamber for performing the impulse generation is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Grundfos Management a/s
    Inventors: Klaus Mueller, Sergej Gerz
  • Patent number: 8382886
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for generating electricity from renewable geothermal, wind, and solar energy sources includes a heat balancer for supplementing and regulating the heat energy fed to a turbine generator; a hydrogen-fired boiler for supplying supplementary heat; and an injection manifold for metering controlled amounts of superheated combustible gas into the working fluids to optimize efficiency. Moreover, wind or solar power may be converted to hydrogen in an electrolysis unit to produce hydrogen. A phase separator unit that operates by cavitation of the geothermal fluids removes gases from the source fluid. A pollution prevention trap may be used to remove solids and other unneeded constituents of the geothermal fluids to be stored or processed in a solution mining unit for reuse or sale. Spent geothermal and working fluids may be processed and injected into the geothermal strata to aid in maintaining its temperature or in solution mining of elements in the lithosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Canyon West Energy, LLC
    Inventor: Patrick J. Kelly
  • Patent number: 8246238
    Abstract: A cavitation system in which a source gas, e.g., a reactant, is loaded into the cavitation medium prior to cavitation is provided. The cavitation system includes a cavitation chamber with suitable cavitation drivers and a cavitation medium reservoir, the chamber and reservoir being flexibly coupled together via a pair of conduits. The conduits can be fabricated from a plastic or, as is preferred for higher temperature liquids, a metal. Typically metal conduits are formed into a coil, thus providing the desired flexibility. Flexibility is required in order to allow the relative positions of the cavitation chamber and the cavitation medium reservoir to be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Impulse Devices Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Patent number: 8128730
    Abstract: A sonotrode specially adapted for defoaming liquids during container filing operations, has an upper body portion having a first diameter and having an upper face adapted to be mounted to a driving transducer, a middle body portion having a second diameter larger than the first diameter situated below the upper body portion, a generally conical portion situated between the upper body portion the middle body portion, and a transition portion situated between the middle body portion and a lower face adapted to be directed toward a liquid upper surface within a container, the lower face being generally rectangular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: New Sonic Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: James T. Williamson
  • Patent number: 8105422
    Abstract: The invention is a method and cyclonic separator for degassing a fluid mixture comprising a carrier liquid and gaseous or vaporizable components. In this method, the fluid mixture is accelerated in a throat section of a vortex tube such that the static pressure of the fluid mixture is decreased and vaporizable components evaporate into a gaseous phase and the fluid mixture flows as a substantially homogeneously dispersed gas-liquid mixture through the throat section; the accelerated fluid mixture is induced to swirl within a tubular mid section of the vortex tube such that the fluid mixture is separated by centrifugal forces into a degassed liquid fraction and a gas enriched fraction; the degassed liquid fraction is induced to flow into an annular liquid outlet conduit; and the gas enriched fraction is induced to flow into a central gas outlet conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Marco Betting, Bart Prast, Helmar Van Santen, Cornelius Johannes Schellekens, Paulus Henricus Joannes Verbeek, Peter Mervyn Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 8057573
    Abstract: An ultrasonic treatment system having a treatment chamber for treating a formulation to increase the shelf life thereof. In one embodiment, the shelf life is produced by degassing the formulation using the treatment chamber. Specifically, the treatment chamber has an elongate housing through which a formulation flows longitudinally from an inlet port to a first outlet port and a second outlet port thereof. An elongate ultrasonic waveguide assembly extends within the housing and is operable at a predetermined ultrasonic frequency to ultrasonically energize the formulation within the housing. An elongate ultrasonic horn of the waveguide assembly is disposed at least in part intermediate the inlet and outlet ports, and has a plurality of discrete agitating members in contact with and extending transversely outward from the horn intermediate the inlet and outlet ports in longitudinally spaced relationship with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: David William Koenig, John Glen Ahles, Thomas David Ehlert, Robert Allen Janssen, Paul Warren Rasmussen, Steve Roffers, Scott W. Wenzel, Shiming Zhuang
  • Publication number: 20110247490
    Abstract: A method is provided for degassing a transport chamber (1) of a metering pump. The method is based on performing impulse generation, wherein gas bubbles arising from the gas-forming fluid and adhering to the inner surfaces in the transport chamber (1) are released from the surfaces, wherein the gas bubbles (4.4?, 8.8?) present in the transport chamber (1) accumulate, perform a motion (c) in the direction of the pressure valve (6), and form an accumulated gas bubble (7) on the transport chamber side of the pressure valve (6). An increase in pressure causes the accumulated gas bubble present at the pressure valve (6) to escape from the transport chamber (1) as discharged gas bubbles (7?) into the pressure line. A metering pump having a device present in the transport chamber for performing the impulse generation is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: GRUNDFOS MANAGEMENT A/S
    Inventors: Klaus Mueller, Sergej Gerz
  • Patent number: 8025714
    Abstract: A dialysis system includes a dialysis fluid disposable configured to hold and transport a dialysis fluid; an air separation chamber in fluid communication with the dialysis fluid disposable; and a dialysis instrument operable to pump dialysis fluid through the dialysis fluid disposable, the instrument including a vibrator configured to vibrate the air separation chamber to separate air from the dialysis fluid traveling through the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Michael R. Prisco, Atif M. Yardimci, Serhan Acikgoz, James C. Laird, Shincy J. Maliekkal, Justin B. Rohde
  • Patent number: 8016915
    Abstract: A method and system for degassing a resin is provided. A degassing trough retains the resin, and an ultrasonic energy source applies ultrasonic energy to the degassing trough and resin. The application of ultrasonic energy to the resin reduces the amount of trapped gas bubbles contained within the resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rebecca E. Hefner, Ronald R. Cairo
  • Patent number: 7976212
    Abstract: A cavitation system in which a source gas, e.g., a reactant, is loaded into the cavitation medium prior to cavitation is provided. The cavitation system includes a cavitation chamber with suitable cavitation drivers and a cavitation medium reservoir, the chamber and reservoir being flexibly coupled together via a pair of conduits. The conduits can be fabricated from a plastic or, as is preferred for higher temperature liquids, a metal. Typically metal conduits are formed into a coil, thus providing the desired flexibility. Flexibility is required in order to allow the relative positions of the cavitation chamber and the cavitation medium reservoir to be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Patent number: 7842123
    Abstract: Apparatus (20) for removing gas bubbles from a liquid to be infused to a patient wherein a gas trap (42) is located at the upper end of a vertical column (38, 40, 40a) having a lower inlet (44) and an upper outlet (56). A bracket (39) supports the column above the patient, and a bubble-separator (46, 39a, 47, 66, 63), positioned between the inlet and the outlet, causes gas bubbles to move toward the column axis as they rise so that they are captured in the gas trap (42). Liquid to be de-gasified is supplied from a vertical level above the column outlet and is delivered through the side outlet (56) to the patient below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Inventors: Ehud Milo, Simcha Milo
  • Patent number: 7837762
    Abstract: In the field of immersion lithography, it is known to provide a liquid between an optical exposure system and a wafer carrying layers of photosensitive material to be irradiated with a pattern by the optical exposure system. However, bubbles are known to form or exist in the liquid, sometimes close to a surface of the wafer resulting in scattering of light emitted from the optical exposure system. The scattering causes the pattern recorded in the layers of photosensitive material to be corrupted, resulting in defective wafers. Therefore, the present invention provides a bubble displacement apparatus comprising a drive signal generator for driving a force generator arranged to generate a force in response to a drive signal generated by the drive signal generator. The force generated urges the bubble away from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Cooper, Scott Warrick
  • Patent number: 7757866
    Abstract: In an embodiment, axially-fed slurry can be continuously separated into clarified liquid, stripped gas, and thickened sludge in radial counterflow between counter-rotating coaxial centrifugal impellers. One impeller comprises an annular crossflow filter through which liquids are extracted. At the periphery of the impellers, where they are narrowly separated, the sludge is shear thickened into an extruded paste. Suspended solids in the feed pass over the surface of the rotating annular crossflow filter by the shear lift effect, and the vortex-wall interaction jets water radially inward from the periphery, dewatering the sludge. Evolved gases, oils, and fractions lighter than water flow radially inward to the impeller axis through radial vortices in a shear layer between the impellers, and are extracted through an axial exhaust conduit. Feed has long residence time so that separation is complete and continuous. Municipal wastewater, produced water, beverages, food, and scrubber sludge are discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: McCutchen Co.
    Inventor: Wilmot H. McCutchen
  • Publication number: 20100139483
    Abstract: A method and system for degassing a resin is provided. A degassing trough retains the resin, and an ultrasonic energy source applies ultrasonic energy to the degassing trough and resin. The application of ultrasonic energy to the resin reduces the amount of trapped gas bubbles contained within the resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Rebecca E. Hefner, Ronald R. Cairo
  • Patent number: 7687039
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and devices for using acoustic energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Covaris, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Laugharn, Jr., Brevard S. Garrison, Robert McKnight, Douglas A. Yates
  • Patent number: 7632336
    Abstract: A degassing and water removal apparatus is used in combination with the testing or replacement of dielectric oil in an RF transmitter. The apparatus comprises at least one ultrasound transducer in vibrational communication with a bulk oil sample held in a tank having a reduced internal air pressure. The tank has fluid connections to the RF transmitter through which oil from the transmitter is drained to the tank and through which the ambient air pressure in the transmitter is reduced. A fluid pump is used to pump the oil from the tank back to the RF transmitter. In a method of using such an apparatus, the RF transmitter is held at reduced internal pressure during the return of oil thereto, so that the oil does not dissolve gases in the atmosphere internal to the RF transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: DRS Sustainment Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Lee Williams, Jeffrey Stephen Malkmus, Gerald Scott Brown, Samuel Berliner, III
  • Publication number: 20090223365
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for the treatment of water containing a percentage of dissolved gases to recover at least some of the gases, such as methane gas, from the water. The apparatus comprises a feed pipe having an inlet and an outlet in flow communication with a separation chamber. The chamber has a gas outlet and a water outlet for discharging separated gases and water respectively. A means for stimulating the formation of bubbles, such as an ultrasound transducer, is associated with the feed pipe. The invention also relates to a method of treating water containing dissolved gases including positioning a tube having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being positioned below the outlet in the water and using at least one device to stimulate formation of gas bubbles in water in the tube to cause an upward flow of water in the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Philip Michael Morkel
  • Publication number: 20090205488
    Abstract: A method and cyclonic separator are disclosed for degassing a fluid mixture comprising a carrier liquid and gaseous and/or vaporizable components, wherein: the fluid mixture is accelerated in a throat section (6, 21) of a vortex tube (1, 20) such that the static pressure of the fluid mixture is decreased and vaporizable components evaporate into a gaseous phase and the fluid mixture flows as a substantially homogeneously dispersed gas-liquid mixture through the throat section; the accelerated fluid mixture is induced to swirl within a tubular mid section of the vortex tube such that the fluid mixture is separated by centrifugal forces into a degassed liquid fraction and a gas enriched fraction; the degassed liquid fraction is induced to flow into a annular liquid outlet conduit (4, 21); and the gas enriched fraction is induced to flow into a central gas outlet conduit (3, 24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Marco Betting, Bart Prast, Helmar Van Santen, Cornelius Johannes Schellekens, Paulus Henricus Joannes Verbeek, Peter Mervyn Wilkinson
  • Publication number: 20090199708
    Abstract: Apparatus (20) for removing gas bubbles from a liquid to be infused to a patient wherein a gas trap (42) is located at the upper end of a vertical column (38, 40, 40a) having a lower inlet (44) and an upper outlet (56). A bracket (39) supports the column above the patient, and a bubble-separator (46, 39a, 47, 66, 63), positioned between the inlet and the outlet, causes gas bubbles to move toward the column axis as they rise so that they are captured in the gas trap (42). Liquid to be de-gasified is supplied from a vertical level above the column outlet and is delivered through the side outlet (56) to the patient below.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Ehud MILO, Simcha MILO
  • Publication number: 20090178716
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for acoustic focusing hardware and implementations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: ACOUSTIC CYTOMETRY SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory Kaduchak, Michael D. Ward
  • 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: 20090137941
    Abstract: A vessel for removing bubbles from a fluid is provided. The vessel includes a fluid inlet port for receiving the fluid, and a bubble outlet port for removing bubbles in the fluid from the vessel. An ultrasonic transducer is mounted in the vessel and transmits an ultrasonic beam through the received fluid to move bubbles in the fluid towards the bubble outlet port. A fluid outlet port outputs the fluid insonified by the ultrasonic beam. An ultrasonic reflector mounted near the bubble outlet port reflects the ultrasonic beam away from the fluid outlet port to reduce or prevent reflection of the ultrasonic beam off an interior surface in the vessel directed towards the fluid outlet port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: Luna Innovations Incorporation
    Inventors: John E. Lynch, Christopher S. Domack
  • 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: 7504026
    Abstract: The ultrasonic solution separation apparatus oscillates an undiluted solution containing a target material at an ultrasonic frequency to produce mist, and collects the mist to collect a target material containing liquid that contains the target material with higher concentration than the undiluted solution. The ultrasonic solution separation apparatus includes an atomization chamber that oscillates the undiluted solution at an ultrasonic frequency by using a plurality of ultrasonic oscillators to produce the mist; and a collection portion that aggregates and thus collects the mist produced in the atomization chamber. The atomization chamber is divided into a plurality of divided chamber sections so that the ultrasonic oscillators are disposed in the respective divided chamber sections. The ultrasonic oscillators oscillate the undiluted solution supplied into the divided chamber sections to produce the mist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Ultrasound Brewery
    Inventors: Kazuo Matsuura, Fusaisugu Abe
  • Publication number: 20090044700
    Abstract: The invention relates to chemistry, in particular to pharmaceutical engineering, and more specifically to a method for degassing, in particular, to deoxygenating liquid, in particular aqueous media consisting in simultaneously in agitating an inert gas, in exposing a solution to a deep vacuum and to a ultrasound action and in heating it with a temperature ranging from 35 to 60° C. The inventive method makes it possible to obtain an aqueous medium whose oxygen content ranges from 4 to 0.4 mg/l for producing stable aqueous solutions of food or pharmaceutical products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Francois Dietlin, Daniele Fredj
  • Patent number: 7470363
    Abstract: Ultrasonic devices for preventing microbubbles and/or microparticles from reaching the brain during a PCI or cardiovascular surgery. Devices 27 and 77 are designed for implantation in the chest cavity and operate in combination with needle vents or other vent systems for removing diverted microbubbles. Systems 77 and 83 are designed for noninvasive employment. Devices 57 and 87 are particularly designed to prevent microbubbles from reaching the great origins of the carotid arteries and/or for diverting bubbles that might reach the vicinity and otherwise pass through. Improved devices 11 and 94 separate microbubbles from a flowing bloodstream and produce a cleansed stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Neurosonix Ltd.
    Inventor: Simcha Milo
  • Patent number: 7465426
    Abstract: A tank is fed with mud via a first inlet and the mud is removed via a first outlet. An ultrasonic electroacoustic transducer generates an acoustic energy field in the mud contained in the tank so as to extract the gases from the mud. A carrier gas is injected via a second inlet of the tank and a physico-chemical analysis apparatus of the extracted gases is connected to a second outlet of the tank designed for the carrier gas and the extracted gases. The flow rate of mud fed to the tank is regulated to a constant value and the volume of mud in the tank is constant. The mud can be constituted by oil prospecting drilling mud, the gases to be extracted then being oil revealing gases. The mud feed and injection of carrier gas can be synchronized so as to enable continuous analysis or batch analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Geolog S.p.A.
    Inventors: Joseph Kerherve, Nicolas Lhermet
  • 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: 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: 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: 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
  • 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
  • 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