Pressure Sensing Means Patents (Class 96/113)
  • Publication number: 20120145006
    Abstract: A carbon canister as utilized relative to underground fuel storage tank vapor recovery, including for the capture and purging of hydrocarbon vapors as air is introduced into and released from an underground storage tank, and wherein, in one form intended primarily for use in Stage II Vapor Recovery systems, the carbon canister includes a valve activated by weight of saturated carbon and wherein, in another form intended primarily for use in Stage I Vapor Recovery systems, the carbon canister is a free breathing carbon canister with a surge protection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Timothy Schroeder, Darrell Vilmer, Arthur C. Fink, JR.
  • Patent number: 8157904
    Abstract: An active carbon filter unit for a tank system consists of a housing (13) in which two chambers (31, 32) are formed, carrying an active carbon filling, which form a section of a flow path which at its one end leads via a valve (6) and an air filter (7) into the ambient atmosphere and at its other end leads via a valve (9) and a non-return valve (10) to a connection for producing an underpressure or into the suction region of an internal combustion engine and via a connection (17) into the tank system. The valves (6, 9), the non-return valve (10) and a housing part (27) receiving the electrical connections thereof are part of a uniform control module (15), which is exchangeably inserted into a recess (14) of the housing (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: A. Kayser Automotive Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Ammermann, Heiko Freter
  • Patent number: 8142544
    Abstract: A system and a method are described for monitoring pressure imbalances in the adsorbent beds of a portable gas concentrator. Using the programmability features found in modern portable concentrators, various mitigative procedures to adjust for pressure imbalances and to predict the need for service are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Inogen, Inc.
    Inventors: Brenton Taylor, Peter Hansen
  • Publication number: 20120055477
    Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of an oxygen concentrator system. In some embodiments, an oxygen concentrator system includes a controller that compensates for the ambient pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventor: William R. Wilkinson
  • Publication number: 20120036997
    Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for separating at least one gaseous component from a waste gas of an installation for producing liquid pig iron, liquid primary steel products or sponge iron, in a first step, a stream of the waste gas passes through at least one adsorption separator at a first pressure, whereby the gaseous component is largely separated from the waste gas and, in a second step, the gaseous component is largely removed from the adsorption separator at a second pressure, which is lower than the first pressure. The method and apparatus are maintenance-free, cause low investment and energy costs and has a lower space requirement by a method in which the second pressure or the desorption pressure is generated by at least one jet pump, which is fed a stream of a propellant gas at a third pressure, which is higher than the second pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Robert Millner, Norbert Rein, Gerald Rosenfellner
  • Publication number: 20110315140
    Abstract: A vacuum pressure swing absorption system provides portable oxygen to medical patients. A pair of sieve beds are alternately pressurized with air and evacuated by vacuum by coordinated operation of a selector valve and a vent valve. Product gas flows from both sieve beds through respective check valves to a product tank. An equalization valve is operated in coordination with the selector valve and the vent valve to open a flow path between the sieve beds and allow pressure to equalize therebetween. Operation of the vent valve is time to occur after pressure in the sieve beds has equalized. Components of the concentrator are tuned so that the equalization pressure occurs at about zero pounds per square inch (psi). This reduces energy loss due to free expansion of gasses and reduces noise created by the venting of gasses to the ambient atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: PRECISION MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventor: Aaron Jeffrey Shuman
  • Patent number: 8075677
    Abstract: A carbon canister with a valve activated by the weight of nearly saturated or saturated carbon communicates with piping from an underground tank. The invention includes carbon within a casing inside a canister, a weight actuated valve, and piping in communication with the atmosphere. When an ORVR vehicle refuels, the pressure lowers in the tank that draws air into the canister. After refueling, the tank remains subject to conditions that generate hydrocarbon vapors. Those vapors then return to the canister and adhere to the surface of the carbon. The carbon, heavier with hydrocarbons, lowers the canister and closes the weight actuated valve. Closing the valve returns pressure control to an external pressure vacuum relief valve. The next refueling draws in atmospheric air to purge the hydrocarbons in the canister and thus lighten it. A secondary purge valve also removes hydrocarbons from the canister. Once the carbon lightens, the inlet valve opens and the vapors return to the canister for adsorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Husky Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Schroeder, Darrell Vilmer, Arthur C. Fink, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110277630
    Abstract: Systems and methods for initiating startup of PSA assemblies in hydrogen-processing assemblies, which may include a hydrogen-generation assembly and/or a fuel cell stack. The systems and methods include startup procedures that provide for pressurization of the adsorbent beds of the PSA assembly without the need for a stored quantity or other supply of purified hydrogen gas. The systems and methods additionally or alternatively include startup procedures that restrict or even prevent contamination of portions of the PSA assembly, hydrogen storage devices and/or accumulator tanks with an impure gas stream and/or decrease accumulation of the impure gas stream therein. This impure gas stream may be the mixed gas, reformate, or other gas stream that is intended to be purified by the PSA assembly when the PSA assembly is in its hydrogen-purifying operating state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: IDATECH, LLC
    Inventor: Benjamin Charles Greenough
  • Publication number: 20110277629
    Abstract: Systems and processes are provided for gas separation using high-speed induction variable-speed motors to accelerate and decelerate centrifugal compressors suitable for use in pressure swing adsorption (PSA) or vacuum pressure swing adsorption (VPSA) processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: MICHAEL S. MANNING, Andrew C. Rosinski, Gerald Thomas O'Connor, Paul William Belanger
  • Patent number: 8007568
    Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for accurately measuring the pressure within a filter housing. A pressure sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to be able to measure and transmit the pressure within the filter housing while in use. This system can comprise a single component, integrating both the communication device and the pressure sensor. Alternatively, the system can comprise separate sensor and transmitter components, in communication with one another. In yet another embodiment, a storage element can be added to the system, thereby allowing the device to store a set of pressure values. The use of this device is beneficial to many applications. For example, the ability to read pressure values in situ allows integrity tests to be performed without additional equipment. In addition, integrity testing for individual filters within multi-filter configurations is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony DiLeo, John Dana Hubbard
  • Patent number: 7976617
    Abstract: A multi-channel circulation oxygen generator, comprising a body shell, a top cover set and a base set; the body shell is provided with at least two big tanks for loading molecular sieve substances at its internal, having a set of gas passage, a set of gas intake passage, a gas storage tank and a set of gas outtake passage at its surrounding, and providing with a plurality of orderly arranged heat dissipation ribs shaped at its outer surface; the top cover set caps the top side of the body shell, and its bottom side corresponding to the big tank is provided with filtration and one way barricading parts, connecting to the inside of the big tank; the base set joins the bottom of the body shell, having switching solenoid valves to control the big tanks for alternating between the intake and outtake of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Yuun Tong Electronic Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ta Hai Kao
  • Patent number: 7972414
    Abstract: A method and system of operating a trans-fill device. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods comprising generating an enriched gas stream from atmospheric air, and operating an intensifier which, when provided the enriched gas stream, produces a cylinder fill gas stream. The operating continues in the absence of the enriched gas stream being provided to the intensifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Alonzo C. Aylsworth, Charles R. Alysworth, Kevin G. McCulloh
  • Publication number: 20110132191
    Abstract: An adsorption drying apparatus, in particular for drying a compressed gas, includes an adsorption chamber (11) having a plurality of adsorption conduits (101) containing an adsorption material (123), a first feeding line (106) and a first discharging line (109) disposed at a first end (111) of the adsorption chamber (11), and a second feeding line (108) and a second discharging line (107) disposed at a second end (112) of the adsorption chamber (11). The adsorption chamber (11) is rotatable with respect to the feeding and discharging lines (106, 107, 108, 109) so that the adsorption conduits may be fluidically connected in temporal alternation, wherein the gas is dried in a drying sector (102), and the adsorption material (123) is regenerated in the regeneration sector (103). The first feeding line (106) is configured such that the gas stream to be dried may be fed to the regeneration sector (103) as a full flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: KAESER KOMPRESSOREN GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas FREDENHAGEN, René MARTIN, Michael FEISTHAUER, Michael ROHDENBURG
  • Patent number: 7922789
    Abstract: A portable gas fractionalization apparatus that provides oxygen rich air to patients is provided. The apparatus is compact, lightweight, and low-noise. The components are assembled in a housing that is divided into two compartments. One compartment is maintained at a lower temperature than the other compartment. The lower temperature compartment is configured for mounting components that can be damaged by heat. The higher temperature compartment is configured for mounting heat generating components. An air stream is directed to flow from an ambient air inlet to an air outlet constantly so that there is always a fresh source of cooling air. The apparatus utilizes a PSA unit to produce an oxygen enriched product. The PSA unit incorporates a novel compressor system which includes the use of free piston linear compressors so as to reduce power consumption, noise and vibration reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Inogen, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Frank Deane, Brenton Alan Taylor
  • Publication number: 20110030556
    Abstract: An oxygen generating system includes an oxygen generating unit including a housing having disposed therein i) at least two sieve beds, ii) a piston disposed between and operatively connected to the sieve beds, and iii) at least one magnet operatively disposed on the piston. A coil is wrapped around an exterior surface of the housing and is in operative communication with the magnet(s). The coil is configured to drive the piston along a length of the housing between the sieve beds during at least one stage of an oxygen generating cycle. The driving of the piston is accomplished via an electromagnetic field formed between the coil and the magnet(s). Also disclosed herein is a method for generating an oxygen-enriched gas using the oxygen generating system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: DANA G. PELLETIER, MICHAEL S. McCLAIN
  • Publication number: 20110011264
    Abstract: A fuel vapor processor has a fuel tank, a canister, a vapor pipe, a recovery pipe, an air pipe, a suction device, a vapor pipe valve, an air pipe valve, and a pressure regulator. The vapor pipe leads fuel vapor generated in the fuel tank to the canister for trapping the fuel vapor in the canister. The recovery pipe recoveries the fuel vapor desorbed from the canister into the fuel tank. The air pipe communicates the canister with the atmosphere. The suction device is disposed on the recovery pipe for desorbing the fuel vapor trapped in the canister. The pressure regulator is communicated with the air pipe between the air pipe valve and the canister in order to allow gas flow from the atmosphere toward the canister. During desorption of the fuel vapor due to the suction device, the vapor pipe valve and the air pipe valve are closed, and negative pressure is kept in the canister such that the fuel vapor is desorbed from the canister and fresh air is led into the canister via the pressure regulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Katsuhiko MAKINO, Masanobu SHINAGAWA, Hideki TESHIMA, Takashi MANI
  • Patent number: 7857894
    Abstract: A system and a method are described for monitoring pressure imbalances in the adsorbent beds of a portable gas concentrator. Using the programmability features found in modern portable concentrators, various mitigative procedures to adjust for pressure imbalances and to predict the need for service are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Inogen, Inc.
    Inventors: Brenton Taylor, Peter Hansen
  • Patent number: 7857895
    Abstract: A hygroscopic moisture separating and heating apparatus (20) comprises a main body container (1) having a cylindrical shape, a partition plate (5) provided to define a space together with an inner circumferential face of the main body container (1) and configured to divide the internal space of the main body container (1) into a lower temperature area (30) and a higher temperature area (31), a steam inlet (6) provided to the lower temperature area (30) of the main body container (1), a steam outlet (7) provided to the higher temperature area (31) of the main body container (1), a hygroscopic moisture separator (8) located in the lower temperature area (30) of the main body container (1), and a U-shaped pipe (2) through which heated steam for heating the steam to be heated is fed. The U-shaped pipe includes an advancing part (21), a retracting part (22), and a U-shaped part (23) connecting the advancing part (21) with the retracting part (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Shunji Kawano, Koichi Yoshimura, Takafumi Kamada, Tatsuya Okihara, Hiroshi Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20100313762
    Abstract: A system for obtaining oxygen-enriched air from ambient air comprises an absorber moving bed separating unit whose adsorption material binds oxygen and nitrogen to a different degree. To flush out moisture remaining in the moving bed material, it is proposed to connect a useful gas store which comprises the oxygen-enriched air to the inlet of the separating unit at time intervals via a controllable flush valve, and to flush the moisture out of the moving bed material in the useful gas store by means of dry gas. This shortens the start phase which elapses after switching on until steady-state conditions are established.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: DUERR TECHNIK GMBH & CO. KG.
    Inventors: Dirk Roeck, Torsten Grundmann, Juergen Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7846239
    Abstract: An automatic selector valve including a box body having an internal space portion, framed partition plates separating the space portion into four rooms, each framed partition plate having an opening portion, plate-shaped turnable valve bodies opening or closing the opening portions of the framed partition plates, an inflow port letting a gas flow in, an inflow/outflow port letting a gas flow in and flow out alternately, an outflow port letting a gas flow out through, and an inflow/outflow port letting a gas flow in and flow out alternately with the port, the ports provided in the separated four rooms, and a driving mechanism turning the plate-shaped turnable valve bodies about a rotation shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignees: Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd., Shinwa Controles Co., Ltd., Taisei Corporation
    Inventors: Masakatsu Yamawaki, Toru Murota, Shinya Kitaguchi
  • Patent number: 7837761
    Abstract: A portable oxygen concentrator includes a reservoir adapted to store oxygen-enriched gas, a delivery valve adapted to communicate with the reservoir, a pressure sensor adapted to measure a reservoir pressure within the reservoir and to measure a pressure drop across the delivery valve, and an input device adapted to receive a pulse does setting. A controller coupled to the pressure sensor and monitors the reservoir pressure and the pressure drop across the delivery valve. The controller is also coupled to the delivery valve to selectively open the delivery valve for pulse durations based on the pulse dose setting to deliver pulses of gas from the reservoir to a user. The controller further adjusts the pulse durations based at least partially upon the reservoir pressure and the pressure drop across the delivery valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Peter L. Bliss, Charles R. Atlas, Scott Carson Halperin
  • Patent number: 7827972
    Abstract: An adsorption/desorption device is communicated with an upper space of a fuel tank via a vapor passage. The adsorption/desorption device is configured to selectively adsorb or desorb air components contained in vapor. The adsorption/desorption device and the vapor passage are not communicated to the external atmosphere. The fuel tank is provided with a pressure detecting device for detecting the internal pressure of the fuel tank. A pressure regulating device is provided to the vapor passage for controlling and maintaining the pressure applied to the adsorption/desorption device. When the internal pressure of the fuel tank is higher than the atmospheric pressure, the internal pressure of the fuel tank is pressure-fed to the side of the adsorption/desorption device via the pressure regulating device until the internal pressure of the fuel tank becomes in equilibrium with the atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsuhiko Makino
  • Patent number: 7824479
    Abstract: An apparatus for sampling air in an aircraft cabin comprises: a sensor 2 for detecting air contaminants, a processor 4, a data logger 6, means 8 for detecting when the apparatus is airborne, a control unit 10, a manual trigger 12, at least one adsorbent tube 18, valves 14, 16 or other means for isolating the adsorbent tube from contamination and a pump 20 for drawing air through the adsorbent tube. An alternative apparatus uses a Tedlar® bag. Methods of sampling air and uses of the apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Building Research Establishment Ltd.
    Inventors: John Arthur Rowley, Derrick Robert Crump, Andrew Charles Dengel
  • Publication number: 20100242951
    Abstract: A solar collector or multi-glazed window includes a desiccant-filled vent which reduces chamber pressure fluctuations, thereby minimizing failure of seals, while inhibiting contamination by moisture. Excess pressure due to solar-heated gas is vented from the chamber, and insufficient pressure due to cooled gas is relieved by additional gas entering the chamber after being dried by the desiccant. Expandable chamber seals can further mitigate pressure fluctuations by enabling chamber dimensions to vary as the gas temperature changes. When the sun warms the desiccant, absorbed moisture is carried away by venting, solar-heated gas. A purging system can fill and purge the chamber, and a dry gas source can provide input gas at a slightly elevated pressure. A pressurized, gas-maintenance system can maintain a constant overpressure in a plurality of chambers. Solar absorbers can be formed by one or two corrugated sheets having fluid tubes installed in channels formed therein or therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Paul B. Soucy
  • Publication number: 20100236283
    Abstract: A reversible cooling/heating system (20) has an in-line accumulator/dryer unit (74). The accumulator/dryer unit has a body having first and second ports (76, 78). A foraminate conduit (82) is positioned at least partially within the body. A desiccant (80) at least partially surrounds a first portion of the conduit. A pressure-actuated valve is located along the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph Ballet, Thierry Bejoint
  • Patent number: 7785405
    Abstract: Systems and processes are provided for gas separation using high-speed permanent magnet variable-speed motors to accelerate and decelerate centrifugal compressors suitable for use in pressure swing adsorption (PSA) or vacuum pressure swing adsorption (VPSA) processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Manning, James Smolarek, Ahmed Abdelwahab, Murali Chinta
  • Patent number: 7758676
    Abstract: A control system for particulate filters is provided. The control system for a particulate filter includes a clean filter estimating module that estimates a clean pressure based on a first pressure in the particulate filter within a predetermined period of a regeneration event. A soot prediction module estimates a level of soot in the particulate filter based on a comparison of the first pressure and a second pressure in the particulate filter received after the predetermined period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventors: Rahul Mital, Chad E. Marlett, James R Ireton, Jr., Thomas E Wiseman
  • Patent number: 7722700
    Abstract: Component gas is separated from a gas mixture. Component gas flow rate, or demand, is determined. One or more gas separator operating parameters is changed based on the component gas flow rate. For example, gas flow rate can be approximated by measuring a rate of pressure decay of a product tank during a time period in which the tank is not being replenished by the separating system. When it is determined that the flow rate is relatively low, operating parameters of the separating system are changed to improve system performance with the lower demand. For example, a target product tank pressure at which sieve beds are switched can be lowered when demand is lower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Sprinkle
  • Patent number: 7691163
    Abstract: A vehicle air dryer comprising: a dryer cylinder for drying compressed air passing therethrough, an exhaust assembly for providing an additional air outlet, a backflow assembly for providing a backflow air passage, an air pressure governor assembly for maintaining air pressure inside the vehicle air dryer, an one way check valve for providing one way air passage for dried compressed air and preventing air leakage, and a dryer valve body having an air inlet, an air inlet chamber, an air outlet, a slanting air passage leading to the air outlet, a first opening for installing the exhaust assembly, an opposite, second opening for threadingly attaching the dryer cylinder, a third opening, substantially perpendicular to the second opening, for mounting the backflow assembly, and a fourth opening, substantially parallel to the third opening, for receiving the air pressure governor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: SORL Auto Parts, Inc.
    Inventors: Baojian Tao, Laicheng Liu
  • Publication number: 20100071559
    Abstract: A membrane includes: a hollow support having a plurality of pores an active phase including a gaz-selective capting material embedded into the pores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: SYLVAIN MIACHON, AWAD ALSHEBANI, MARC PERA-TITUS, JEAN-ALAIN DALMON, SYLVIE LEMEULLE, MAE MIACHON-LEMEULLE, TELIO MIACHON-LEMEULLE
  • Patent number: 7682428
    Abstract: An oxygen concentration apparatus (300) according to the present invention has: pressure swing adsorption type oxygen concentration means (310); and a control means (350) that controls switching means (316) that switches between intake of pressurized air into an adsorption column (312) and exhaust from the adsorption column. The switching means is controlled based on pressure in oxygen concentrated gas in the conduit measured by pressure measuring means to adjust a cycle of adsorption and regeneration processes of the oxygen concentration means so that pressure at the upstream of flow rate adjusting means (340) can be controlled and, as a result, the need for a mechanical pressure regulating valve, that has been needed conventionally, can be eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Teijin Pharma Limited
    Inventors: Hideo Nawata, Naotoshi Fujimoto, Kanji Kurome, Sadakazu Matsubara
  • Publication number: 20090314163
    Abstract: A device for filtering nanoparticulate matter below 300 nm in size from ambient air within a defined enclosed space comprises at least one filter medium containing at least one filter material, and a fan or blower, which blows or draws the air through the filter medium does so with sufficiently low air velocity in the filter medium that the air has a long residence time in the filter medium, during which time adhesive encounters between nanoparticulate matter and the solid phase of the filter material are highly probable. This air velocity is also being sufficiently low to ensure that, once adhesion has taken place, kinetic de-adhesion by the air flow is highly improbable. Such a device allows to keep the nanoparticle count inside the enclosed space kept below 5000/cc, equivalent to ‘natural woodland’, even though external levels may exceeded 200,000/cc: the removal of nanoparticles by cleaning making this <2.5% the external count.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: Matter Engineering AG
    Inventors: Andreas Mayer, Heinz Burtscher, Jan Czerwinski, Markus Kasper, Richard John Artley, Günther Dobrauz, Gordon Edge
  • Publication number: 20090293726
    Abstract: An active carbon filter unit for a tank system consists of a housing (13) in which two chambers (31, 32) are formed, carrying an active carbon filling, which form a section of a flow path which at its one end leads via a valve (6) and an air filter (7) into the ambient atmosphere and at its other end leads via a valve (9) and a non-return valve (10) to a connection for producing an underpressure or into the suction region of an internal combustion engine and via a connection (17) into the tank system. The valves (6, 9), the non-return valve (10) and a housing part (27) receiving the electrical connections thereof are part of a uniform control module (15), which is exchangeably inserted into a recess (14) of the housing (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: A. Kayser Automotive Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Ammermann, Heiko Freter
  • Publication number: 20090272264
    Abstract: A compressed air producing method, in which two or more adsorption columns, in all or part of which a zeolite-series adsorbent is charged, are switched over to purify feed air and the adsorbent charged in at least one adsorption column of said adsorption columns is regenerated in turn with regeneration gas, is characterized by comprising a step of performing, when an adsorption column (R) in a regeneration step transfers to a purification step, the purge of said adsorbent with purified air, and characterized in that the internal pressure of an adsorption column (R) in the purge step is controlled such that a differential pressure thereof from the internal pressure of an adsorption column (P) in the purification step falls within a specified value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2007
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Yong Yi Lim, Tsuyoshi Matsutomi, Shoji Kaneshima, Shinji Tomita
  • Publication number: 20090241771
    Abstract: Systems and processes are provided for gas separation using high-speed permanent magnet variable-speed motors to accelerate and decelerate centrifugal compressors suitable for use in pressure swing adsorption (PSA) or vacuum pressure swing adsorption (VPSA) processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: PRAXAIR TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Michael S. Manning, James Smolarek, Ahmed Abdelwahab, Murali Chinta
  • Patent number: 7578872
    Abstract: An underground fuel tank releases vapors depending upon air pressure. A vapor pressure management system has a canister for a vapor recovery system that connects with piping from an underground tank and has carbon therein along with appurtenant pipes and valves. When an ORVR vehicle refuels, the pressure lowers in an underground tank that draws air through the valves into the canister. After refueling an ORVR vehicle, environmental conditions generate hydrocarbon vapors. Barometric pressure drops and evaporated fuel during long refueling lulls produce hydrocarbon vapors at an increased pressure. Those hydrocarbon rich vapors then return to the canister of the system where the carbon binds the hydrocarbons while releasing air to the atmosphere. The refueling of the next ORVR vehicle draws in atmospheric air to purge the hydrocarbons retained in the canister of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Husky Corporation
    Inventor: Arthur C. Fink, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7468091
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dehumidifying air and to an air dehumidifier. To this end, a filter element is provided that is filled with granular material that can be regenerated by baking out. For effecting this baking out, a heating device is provided that is only actuated when both a humidity sensor indicates that a humidity limit value has been exceeded as well as a relative pressure sensor or a comparable technical means indicates that, at the moment, no flow toward the oil expansion tank is recorded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Maschinefabrik Reinhausen GmbH
    Inventors: Karsten Viereck, Dieter Dohnal, Ansgar Hinz, Reiner Brill
  • Patent number: 7459008
    Abstract: A method and system of operating a trans-fill device. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods comprising generating an enriched gas stream from atmospheric air, and operating an intensifier which, when provided the enriched gas stream, produces a cylinder fill gas stream. The operating continues in the absence of the enriched gas stream being provided to the intensifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventors: Alonzo C. Aylsworth, Charles R. Aylsworth, Kevin G. McCulloh
  • Publication number: 20080282880
    Abstract: A portable oxygen concentrator includes a pair of sieve beds, a compressor for delivering air to the sieve beds, a reservoir receiving oxygen-enriched gas from the sieve beds, and an air manifold attached to the first ends of the sieve beds. A set of valves operate under the control of a controller for selectively opening and closing the valves to alternately charge and purge the sieve beds to deliver oxygen-enriched gas into the reservoir. In addition, an exhaust passage communicates with the plurality of sieve beds to deliver a flow of nitrogen evacuated from the sieve beds such that the flow of the nitrogen is directed at or across the controller to cool the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: Respironics Oxytec, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter L. Bliss, Charles R. Atlas, JR., Scott Cameron Halperin
  • Publication number: 20080282883
    Abstract: Containerized gas separation system comprising (a) a container having an interior, an exterior, and an exterior volume defined by the exterior dimensions of the container and (b) a pressure swing adsorption system installed in the interior of the container and adapted to recover a product gas from a feed gas mixture, the pressure swing adsorption system being adapted to deliver the product gas at a product gas flow rate, wherein the ratio of the exterior volume of the container to the product gas flow rate is less than about 2000 ft3/(ton per day).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventors: David Lester Rarig, Roger Dean Whitley, Matthew James LaBuda, James Michael Occhialini, Kevin Alan Lievre, Michael S. Yankovoy
  • Publication number: 20080202332
    Abstract: An apparatus for sampling air in an aircraft cabin comprises: a sensor 2 for detecting air contaminants, a processor 4, a data logger 6, means 8 for detecting when the apparatus is airborne, a control unit 10, a manual trigger 12, at least one adsorbent tube 18, valves 14, 16 or other means for isolating the adsorbent tube from contamination and a pump 20 for drawing air through the adsorbent tube. An alternative apparatus uses a Tedlar® bag. Methods of sampling air and uses of the apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: John Arthur Rowley, Derrick Robert Crump, Andrew Charles Dengel
  • Patent number: 7393380
    Abstract: A method for guaranteeing at least one characteristic of a fluid used for producing food products. This method utilizes a system for piping and delivering the fluid, combined with means for producing the products, in order to use the fluid for producing the products; the measuring a value of the characteristic; the comparing the measured value with a predetermined threshold value; the act of executing an action if the measured value departs from the threshold value; the combining the measured value with first information for identifying at least one product; and then the storing the associated value and the associated information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme A Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Jean-François Vie, Henry Ledon, Philippe Girardon, Christel Girault
  • Publication number: 20080105128
    Abstract: Provided is a vacuum adsorption system capable of vacuum-adsorbing flat panel type objects such as steel plates, glass, or semiconductor wafers, and various articles having a planar surface, which includes: a suction-compression means for air suction and compression; an adsorption means operating under an active control of a vacuum regulation member according to the existence of a target, the absorption means carrying out the vacuum-adsorption operation if a target exists while stopping the air suction process in the absence of a target; a connection pipe for connecting the suction-compression means and the adsorption means; and a control (or sluice) valve installed in the connection pipe P for controlling the air flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventor: Yong-Chan YANG
  • Publication number: 20080035669
    Abstract: A gas-generating apparatus includes a fuel storage chamber having a fuel gas stored within a plurality of microspheres. A releasing mechanism releases the gas from the microspheres, such as by fracturing the spheres or diffusing the gas through the spheres. A ratcheting mechanism controls the release of the gas, such as hydrogen, from the microspheres. The ratcheting mechanism is controlled by either the pressure within the fuel storage chamber or an electronic controller. Additionally, the gas-generating apparatus of the present invention includes a fuel introducing system that has a fuel transporting system that is pressure regulated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Andrew J. Curello, Floyd Fairbanks
  • Patent number: 7329304
    Abstract: A portable oxygen concentrator includes a pair of sieve beds having first and second ends, a compressor for delivering air to the first ends of the sieve beds, a reservoir communicating with the second ends of the sieve beds, and an air manifold attached to the first ends of the sieve beds. The air manifold includes passages therein communicating with the compressor and the first ends of the sieve beds. A set of valves is coupled to the air manifold, and a controller is coupled to the valves for selectively opening and closing the valves to alternately charge and purge the sieve beds to deliver concentrated oxygen into the reservoir. An oxygen delivery manifold communicates with the second ends of the sieve beds for delivering oxygen from the reservoir to a user. Pressure sensors may be provided in the reservoir and/or delivery line for controlling operation of the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Respironics Oxytec, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter L. Bliss, Charles R. Atlas, Jr., Scott Cameron Halperin
  • Patent number: 7179320
    Abstract: A method to desorb water from a desiccant of an air recharge system comprises the steps of a) filling a purge reservoir using an air compressor and a desiccant dryer to produce discharge air, b) stopping the air compressor; c) back purging the desiccant, and d) vent resetting the system, wherein the filling a purge reservoir step does not result in an addition of discharge air to an air storage tank in fluid communication with the purge reservoir and wherein the air storage tank is filled with an amount of the discharge air such that the air storage tank is at a full storage tank pressure prior to filling the purge reservoir. A method of filling an air storage tank of an air recharge system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Iies, Mike S. Koerner
  • Patent number: 7168296
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods that include providing a vessel having an adsorbent disposed therein, the vessel having an inlet and an outlet for communicating a carrier gas through the vessel; determining a differential pressure between the inlet and the outlet for a known flow rate at the outlet; and, determining a geometric measure for the vessel based on a ratio of the known flow rate and the differential pressure. In some embodiments, the methods and systems can include a viscosity in the ratio, determining a flow rate at ambient pressure using a factor based on a ratio of a gas pressure at the output and ambient pressure, and/or, determining a flow rate at ambient temperature using a factor based on a ratio of a temperature at the output and ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: PerkinElmer LAS, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Tipler, Neil T. Plant
  • Patent number: 7137788
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing oil from air in an air compressor that has a piston reciprocable in a cylinder to compress the air, includes an oil removal chamber associated with the compressor. An unloader valve has an unactuated condition and an actuated condition disabling flow of compressed air out of the compressor and establishing fluid communication between the cylinder and the oil removal chamber. The apparatus may include an oil discharge port for draining oil from the oil removal chamber to a location away from the cylinder, and/or a filter element in the oil removal chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventor: David J. Goodell
  • Patent number: 7101414
    Abstract: A method of reducing the sorbate concentration of a process fluid stream using a sorption bed system includes the following steps. A mass of a sorbent material is rotated so that, in a cycle of operation, a given volume of the sorbent mass sequentially passes through first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth zones, before returning to the first zone. A process fluid stream is passed through the sorbent mass in the first zone, and a regeneration fluid stream is passed through the sorbent mass in the fourth zone. A first isolation fluid stream is recycled in a closed loop, independent of the process fluid stream and the regeneration fluid stream, between the sorbent mass in the second zone and in the sixth zone. A second isolation fluid stream, meanwhile, is recycled in a closed loop, independent of the process fluid stream, the regeneration fluid stream, and the first isolation fluid stream, between the sorbent mass in the third zone and in the fifth zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Munters Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Dinnage, Stephen C. Brickley
  • Patent number: RE39467
    Abstract: An air dryer and reservoir assembly for providing compressed air from an air compressor (20) on a heavy motor vehicle which includes an air dryer (14) connected to receive compressed air from the air compressor (20) and a secondary reservoir (12), including an integral purge volume (34), for storing compressed air which passes through the air dryer (14), with the air dryer (14) and the secondary reservoir (12) being securely attached to a housing (16) to form an air dryer reservoir module (10). A primary reservoir (18) for storing compressed air from the air dryer (14) is located remote from the air dryer reservoir module (10). A pressure equalizing mechanism (57) is disposed between the primary reservoir (18) and the secondary reservoir (12) for keeping pressure in the two reservoirs (12,18) equal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Leonard A. Quinn, Fred W. Hoffman, David J. Goodell