Including Means To Access Or Replace Solid Sorbent Patents (Class 96/151)
  • Patent number: 7533872
    Abstract: An oxygen generator including: a humidifier tank moves up and down according to a horizontal movement of an adjustment knob so that the humidifier tank can be readily detachable, and thus a user can securely and conveniently use the oxygen generator without any water leakage from the humidifier tank during an operation of the oxygen generator. Also, it is possible to reduce noise due to driving of a compressor, noise due to the nitrogen exhaustion, and noise due to driving of a fan portion when the oxygen generator operates, to display purity information about the discharged oxygen, sensed by an oxygen sensor, as a digitalized numerical value on a display portion so that a user may readily recognize a current oxygen purity, and to drive the compressor at a low power consumption based on a discharge flow rate of oxygen and thereby reduce the power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Oxus Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae Soo Lee, Yoon Sun Choi, Young Duck Kim
  • Patent number: 7520922
    Abstract: A cartridge for an air dryer includes a desiccant volume, a desiccant in the desiccant volume for removing at least one of moisture and contaminants from air, a first passage in fluid communication with the desiccant volume and a first air storage volume, a second passage in fluid communication with the desiccant volume and in fluid communication with a second air storage volume, and a valve which, in a first position, restricts the fluid communication between the desiccant volume and the first air storage volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Fred W. Hoffman, Leonard A. Quinn, Eugene E. Clair
  • Publication number: 20090025561
    Abstract: Filters, methods, and an apparatus for filling housings and both encapsulated porous and non-porous spaces with contaminant control media for placement in electronic enclosures, such as disk drive enclosures, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a filter assembly includes a housing comprising an internal cavity configured to receive contaminant control media, a fill port in communication with the internal cavity, and an opening in communication with the internal cavity, and filter media at least partially covering the opening; and contaminant control media occupying the internal cavity. Contaminant control media is deposited within the internal cavity via the fill port by means of creating a negative pressure within the internal cavity. The application of a partial vacuum facilitates movement of the contaminant control media into the internal cavity and minimizes the contamination of the filter, housing, and work space common to other loose fill filling methods. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel L. Tuma
  • Publication number: 20080314252
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cap for hermetically sealing receiver driers, in which a cap body and a filter are separated and detachably engaged with each other and an O-ring is installed between the cap body and the filter, thereby facilitating the replacement of parts and the installation of the O-ring, favoring automatic assembly due to a tool insertion groove that can be formed long, achieving compactness of the cap due to the reduction of a total height of the cap when the cap body and the filter are engaged, improving a filtering effect by increasing the size of the filter with the cap being maintained in the same size, and facilitating engagement between the cap body and the filter and preventing the cap body from being released from a tank by discharging the air between the cap body and the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Eunki Min, Junil Jang, Hyongnyol Kim, Youngsung Lee, Goangsik Min, Seongkyun Byeon, Junyoung Shin
  • Publication number: 20080092737
    Abstract: A filter, an apparatus and a method for preventing and/or reducing the formation of tarnish on objects that contain a metal are provided; for example, objects containing silver, copper and/or brass. The apparatus comprises a device that circulates the air in an enclosed space through particulate and adsorbent filters to reduce the amount of tarnishing agents present in said enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Scott Storbo, Scott Gray
  • Patent number: 7361214
    Abstract: A disposable dryer cartridge for an air/gas dryer apparatus for installation in an air/gas line delivering compressed air or gas to an air/gas-driven tool. The cartridge includes a flexible elongated casing having a drying composition therein. The casing has an air/gas inlet and an air/gas outlet thereon. A handle is also provided on the casing. The casing is self-configurable into a cross-sectionally contracted configuration when lifted by the handle to facilitate insertion in or removal from an air/gas dryer apparatus. Following insertion of the casing in an air/gas dryer, it is manipulated as necessary to reconfigure the casing from the contracted configuration to an operational configuration wherein the casing is not cross-sectionally contracted and wherein the drying composition is compacted. When the casing needs replacement, it can be grasped by the handle and lifted to re-effect the contracted configuration and thereby removed from the dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Arno, Daniel Blaszkowiak, John Carlin
  • Patent number: 7318910
    Abstract: A chemical dosimeter comprising: a chamber defined by a heat resistant mesh; and a quantity of an adsorbent contained within the chamber; the arrangement being such that gas may diffuse into the chamber through the heat resistant mesh so that chemicals in the gas may be adsorbed by the adsorbent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: DSO National Laboratories
    Inventors: Pong Boon Kin, Ang Kiam Wee
  • Publication number: 20070295215
    Abstract: A rotor replacing mechanism for rotary desiccant includes a base plate, on which a plurality of gears are mounted to form multiple support points, to and between which a rotor of the rotary desiccant is held in place. One or two of the plurality of gears may be moved to different positions to allow easy removal of the rotor from the base plate and accordingly the rotary desiccant and be replaced with a new one.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventor: Ming-Lang Hung
  • Patent number: 7018449
    Abstract: Particles may be used to filter oleo material such as grease from a flow of fluid such as a gas. The particles can be arranged into a bed to filter the oleo material from the fluid. The filtrate substance collect on the inorganic particles. The particles are re-usable, in that they can be subjected to filtrate-separation techniques, e.g., solvent extraction, detergent washing, and centrifugal separation, to separate the oleo material from the particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Phillips Plastic Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas M. Fitch, Majid Entezarian, James R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7008464
    Abstract: A system for removing moisture from a wet gas stream including a vessel having a contact area containing deliquescing salts that produces brine as water is absorbed, the brine flowing to a collection area in the bottom of the vessel. A venturi positioned in a wet gas inlet stream produces an area of reduced pressure that is applied to a brine flow path connected to the brine collection area. In this way, the brine is recirculated into intimate contact with the wet gas inlet stream causing the brine to be diluted with water extracted from the wet gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: National Tank Company
    Inventor: Jack A. Deetz
  • Patent number: 7005000
    Abstract: The present invention relates to air deodorizing devices for removing malodor from the air. Such devices are useful for example for storing and preserving food in closed compartments such as refrigerators. The air deodorizing device of the present invention comprises a cartridge member and an air moving member whereby the cartridge member is detachable from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Paul Stiros, Frank Andrej Kvietok
  • Patent number: 6997975
    Abstract: A universal pan or pot lid is disclosed, absorbing and filtering steam and smell with the optional aid of a sucking fan. This lid preferably of transparent material is provided with a filter changing color when it is saturated and arranged in a burn proof ergonomic knob that can be detached from the lid flat allowing an easy cleaning and washing of all its components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Roberto Stefanoni
  • Patent number: 6951581
    Abstract: An air dryer assembly for removing moisture and oil from a compressed air system includes a desiccant material received in a shell for adsorbing moisture as compressed air passes therethrough. A coalescing element is disposed between an inlet and outlet for removing oil aerosols from the compressed air. A check valve is disposed in parallel with the coalescing element and forces the compressed air to pass through the coalescing element as air flows from the inlet to the outlet. During a purge or reverse flow, compressed air bypasses the coalescing element and removes oil collected in the cartridge through the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: William P. Fornof, James P. Koenig, Leonard Quinn
  • Patent number: 6911065
    Abstract: A fluid purifying apparatus that includes a manifold that includes a first branch and a second branch, a first check valve coupled to the first branch of the manifold, and a purifier unit that includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the second branch of the manifold. Also, a fluid purifying apparatus that includes a vessel that includes a first interior compartment for containing a purifier material and a second interior compartment for containment of a fluid containing impurities, wherein the first interior compartment is separated from the second interior compartment by a fluid permeable support, and a rupturable seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc.
    Inventors: Tadaharu Watanabe, Robert Torres, Jr., Joseph Vininski
  • Patent number: 6908502
    Abstract: A deodorizer mounting for engagement into a wall-mounted electrical outlet box including an adsorber unit for removing gases and odors from the ambient atmosphere, a generally L-shaped bracket including a horizontal leg and a vertical leg, a cover plate having a front side and a rear side, at least one prong, mounted to and extending perpendicularly from the rear side of the cover plate, sized and spaced to engage the female receptacle of the electrical outlet box, and a means to affix the front side of the cover plate to the vertical leg of the L-shaped bracket. A mounting device and method of installation obviates or at least reduces the poor aesthetics of conventional wall-mounted adhesive units and the relatively high replacement costs for non-securable room deodorizers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Inventor: Wallace Wireman
  • Patent number: 6835234
    Abstract: An air induction system of an automotive internal combustion engine comprises an evaporative emission control device inserted into an air intake tube connecting an air cleaner canister and an intake manifold of the engine. The evaporative emission control device comprises a rigid tubular body that includes an upstream end and a downstream end. A hydrocarbon vapor absorbing element is disposed within the rigid tubular body such that the upstream face is recessed from the upstream end of the rigid tubular body, and the downstream face is recessed from the downstream end of the rigid tubular body. The extended ends of the rigid tubular body thereby protect the recessed faces from incidental contact. The air intake tube is formed of elastomeric material that provides flexible support for the evaporative emission control device to protect against damage due to vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffry Marvin Leffel, David S. Moyer, Gregory Scott Green
  • Patent number: 6833022
    Abstract: A method and a device for filtering polluted air, in which the air is successively subjected to the processes of extracting grease/fat and water, drying air still containing residual humidity, and adsorbing smells/odors. The filter device includes, in a direction of flow a vortex filter, layers of expanded metal, a filter for drying the air, and an odor filter, all in a filter housing. The filter for drying the air and the odor filter are, preferably, combined in a filter cassette that is disposed on the filter housing such that it can be changed/replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventors: Egon Feisthammel, Dieter Rosmann
  • Patent number: 6827762
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for flue gas purification and a method is disclosed for introducing a purifying agent. A purifying agent is introduced into the metering device of a system for flue gas purification in a simple and inexpensive manner. To this end, the system is provided with a collector that is adapted to receive a plurality of storage containers for the purifying agent and that is used to automatically displace the storage containers relative to the metering device. The automatic displaceability of the storage containers substantially reduces the number of interventions by the operating personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Peter Dirauf, Wolfgang Kiefer, Andreas Leuze, Peter Madl, Jens Rosenkranz
  • Patent number: 6824596
    Abstract: A gas scrubbing device for removing odorous gases from streams of natural gas or air. The device can be used either as conventional filter to filter excess odorous gas before the gas is discharged from the system or as a fume hood to capture any odorous vapor that might be released in the air at an odorant injection site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: Jan Strmen
  • Patent number: 6818035
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a window mounted biological and chemical contamination filter system consisting of a window mounted fan system connected to one or more standard biological and chemical gas mask cartridges affixed to the portion of the window unit extending out to the outside of the window where it is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Inventor: Harry V. McGahey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6786953
    Abstract: An air dryer assembly for removing moisture and oil from a compressed air system includes a desiccant material received in a shell for adsorbing moisture as compressed air passes therethrough. A coalescing element is disposed between an inlet and outlet for removing oil aerosols from the compressed air. A check valve is disposed in parallel with the coalescing element and forces the compressed air to pass through the coalescing element as air flows from the inlet to the outlet. During a purge or reverse flow, compressed air bypasses the coalescing element and removes oil collected in the cartridge through the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: William P. Fornof, James P. Koenig, Leonard Quinn
  • Publication number: 20040118286
    Abstract: A fluid storage and dispensing apparatus including a fluid storage and dispensing vessel having a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and an integrated gas cabinet assembly including such fluid storage and dispensing apparatus and/or a point-of-use ventilation gas scrubber in the vented gas cabinet. By the use of physical adsorbent and chemical sorbent media, the gas cabinet can be enhanced in safety of operation, e.g., where the process gas supplied from the gas cabinet is of a toxic or otherwise hazardous character.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Dennis Brestovansky, Michael J. Wodjenski, Jose I. Arno, J. Donald Carruthers
  • Publication number: 20040099141
    Abstract: A moisture absorption apparatus for transport containers comprises a desiccant container with a side wall, optionally a bottom and means to retain the desiccant in the container. It comprises furthermore a desiccant solution container with a side wall with a side wall and a bottom. The desiccant container is capable of receiving desiccant which forms a desiccant solution on contact with moist air. The desiccant container side wall has at least one air access opening and a passage permitting desiccant solution to flow into the desiccant solution container. The desiccant solution container has a top opening and is slidingly displaceable on the desiccant container so as to allow the desiccant container to be displaced in the desiccant solution container to a depth sufficient for the desiccant solution container side wall to fully cover the air access opening of the desiccant container. The apparatus further comprises means to prevent separation of the desiccant container and the desiccant solution container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas Johansson
  • Patent number: 6712878
    Abstract: A method of removing trace contaminants, such as mercury, from a flue gas by passing the gas over a sorbent structure on which is coated a renewable layer of sorbent. The sorbent structure can be a tube or plate and can be porous or non-porous and is placed inside a duct through which the flue gas flows. The sorbent particles comprise noble metal or activated carbon particles and can be injected into the gas stream before it passes over the sorbent structures. The sorbent structures can be periodically recoated with sorbent while the gas is still flowing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Ramsay Chang, Sharon Sjostrom
  • Patent number: 6692556
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to desiccant cartridges for use in R/Ds or accumulators canisters of automotive air conditioning systems. More specifically, this invention relates to a desiccant cartridge including a cup having inner and outer walls coaxially disposed wherein the inner wall defines an elongated center tube having opposing first and second ends. The first end of the center tube communicating with the outlet port in an R/D or accumulator canister to eliminate the fluid flow tube used therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignees: Stanhope Products Co., Calsonickansei North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa Mae Hayes, Gregory Alan Fast, Robert Willard Pasma, Glenn D. Perrine, John M. Evans
  • Patent number: 6689194
    Abstract: Oxides of carbon and other impurities are removed from a hydrogen fuel supply stream (12) for a fuel cell (30). A getter element (20) sufficient for chemisorbing the oxides of carbon from the hydrogen is removably connected to the fuel cell anode side. The fuel stream is passed through the getter element so as to chemisorb the oxides of carbon onto the getter, thereby providing a purified stream of hydrogen (26) to the fuel cell anode. The getter is removed from the fuel cell when the getter is spent and replaced with a fresh getter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc
    Inventors: Steven D. Pratt, Sivakumar Muthuswamy, Ronald J. Kelley, Robert W. Pennisi
  • Patent number: 6607581
    Abstract: A passive air sampler is designed to facilitate emptying granular or particulate adsorbent from it directly into a thermal desorption tube or other vessel for use in an analytical instrument. The preferred form has an adsorbent container in a conical or funnel-like shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: SKC, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Lee Smith, Peter M. Hall
  • Patent number: 6484413
    Abstract: An air drier comprises a base member with means for supplying and carrying away air to and from the air drier, respectively, a cylindrical, dome-shaped container releasably attached to the base member, and in the container a replaceable cartridge for desiccant. The cartridge is divided by a cylindrical dividing wall into a central compartment containing desiccant and an outer annular compartment. The top wall of the cartridge is provided with holes or passages for allowing air communication inside the container between the two compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Haldex Brake Products AB
    Inventor: Sven-Olof Larsson
  • Patent number: 6413302
    Abstract: An air treatment device is adapted to be mounted on and directly supported by an electrical socket. A treatment medium, such as a replaceable electrostatic filter or a replaceable absorber/adsorber, is located at the front of the device. A fan draws air through the medium and particles with a particle size above 0.1 &mgr;m are removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser (UK) Limited
    Inventors: Neale Harrison, Gay Cornelius, Hamilton Scanlon, Allen Pearson
  • Patent number: 6402811
    Abstract: A sorbent filter for use with an air-purifying apparatus. The filter includes a flexible bag and a sorbent material in granular form. The flexible bag defines at least one storage region and is formed of a porous material. The sorbent material is disposed within the storage region. With this configuration, the porosity of the flexible bag is configured to allow passage of air such that the air, including air-borne gaseous molecules or odors, can interact with and be adsorbed by the sorbent material. Conversely, however, the porosity of the flexible bag limits passage of sorbent material granules and dust. As such, the filter generates little if any dust during handling. In one preferred embodiment, the flexible bag is selectively attachable to a separate frame that in turn is designed for mounting within the air-purifying apparatus. With this configuration, the frame can be re-used such that filter replacement requires only a new sorbent filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventors: Anthony E. Shanks, Patrick J. Monnens, Richard R. Bahn, Edward L. Schwarz
  • Patent number: 6346143
    Abstract: An odor adsorptive filter for use in refrigerators, freezers, and/or other cold storage units, is removably securable to one of the interior walls or panels of the unit and adsorbs odoriferous matter from spoiled foods, strong food odors, etc. as the air within the unit circulates. The present filter comprises a filter housing which is removably secured within the refrigerator or freezer by suction cups which adhere securely to the smooth surfaces of such units, without damage or marring of the surface. The filter element is in turn removably secured within the filter housing, for replacement as necessary. The filter element comprises a woven or nonwoven fiber material, with the fibers being coated or impregnated with an odor adsorbent material such as baking soda and/or activated carbon in some form. The filter element, or the housing, may also include a pleasant scent which will permeate the air in the cold storage device as unpleasant odors are adsorbed by the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventor: Kimberly F. McGowan
  • Patent number: 6309450
    Abstract: An adsorbent unit assembly including a holder, an elongated member on the holder, an enlarged portion at the end of the elongated member, a cylindrical adsorbent unit having an opening therein for receiving the elongated member, and a grid mounted on the elongated member on the opposite side of the adsorbent unit from the enlarged portion. The foregoing adsorbent unit assembly is mounted within the housing of a receiver dryer by compressing one or more adsorbent units on the elongated member between the grid and the enlarged portion so as to cause the outer sides of the adsorbent units to bear against the inside surface of the housing while the grid also provides an interference fit with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Multisorb Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Millen, Stephen F. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 6280508
    Abstract: A multi-bed PSA pressure vessel includes a hollow tubular body having one or more end plates releasably secured thereto. Secured to the end plate(s) are pipes which extend along the interior of the hollow tubular body. Each of the pipes terminates at a location along the length of the tubular body different from the remaining pipes. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of perforated spacing flanges are secured to the pipe and some adjacent flanges defining between them a space for receiving adsorbing sieve material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: The BOC Group plc
    Inventors: Michael Ernest Garrett, John Robert Coates
  • Patent number: 6276408
    Abstract: An installation for the treatment of fluid having a receptacle (1) defining a non-vertical portion of a path for fluid through at least two adjacent masses (A; B; C) of particulate materials, typically different from each other, each mass being in direct contact with its neighbor or neighbors, without the interposition of a separating grid. The installation is particularly useful for the separation or drying of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Jean-Yves Lehman
  • Patent number: 6152992
    Abstract: A reactor is constructed essentially cylindrically symmetrically about an essentially vertically running axis and has a shell and within the shell at least one annular bulk packing which is filled with free-flowing material and is bounded by an inner and an outer grating and, on its lower side, by a plate supported from the bottom on the shell. With simultaneous avoidance of a bypass in the top area of the reactor, in addition, as little as possible bulk packing through which flow does not pass in adsorption or reaction is to remain as dead space, so that the losses of product components during the pressure decrease can be reduced. This is achieved by providing for widening the bulk packing in the top area of the reactor. In the upper area of the reactor, the outer or outermost grating can be joined to the reactor shell in a gas-permeable manner, while the inner grating or gratings widens conically outwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ulrich Von Gemmingen
  • Patent number: 6146435
    Abstract: In a biofilter, in particular for installation in discharge systems, with a collecting funnel and with an adjoining filter housing (13), the collecting funnel is to have a mounting ring (1), into which the filter housing (13) is inserted removably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Hans Stork
  • Patent number: 6139609
    Abstract: An advantageous configuration of an adsorption medium in a drying plant is described. At least one cartridge containing the adsorption medium for a gas to be dried is removably disposed in a container of the drying plant. A pressure prevails between the adsorption medium and the cartridge such that the adsorption medium remains stationary in the cartridge, in particular even under changing operating and/or environmental conditions. Using the cartridge enables the adsorption medium to be changed rapidly and safely on site. In addition, the invention ensures a high quality of gas drying, in particular without the added risk of the particles being released. Different cartridges can also be used for different adsorption media and can therefore be optimized to suit the most varied of drying plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Ultra-Filter International GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Eimer, Hans-Michael Schuster, Dirk Mittelstadt
  • Patent number: 6113674
    Abstract: An adsorption bed arrangement includes a plurality of adsorption elements, a housing, and a gasket member. Each of the adsorption elements has adsorption media contained within a respective element. Each of the adsorption elements are selectively openable to provide access to the adsorption media. The housing defines an interior, a plurality of inlet openings, and a plurality of outlet openings. The plurality of adsorption elements are positioned within the housing interior. The housing is selectively openable to provide access to the plurality of adsorption elements. The gasket member is between the housing and the adsorption elements. A method for changing filtering media in an adsorption apparatus includes steps of removing an access panel from an adsorption bed housing to expose a cover member covering an end of an adsorption element; removing the cover member from the end of the adsorption element to expose filtering media within the element; and pouring the filtering media from the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristine M. Graham, Paul Peterson, Donald R. Monson, Jarren B. Mills, Timothy H. Grafe
  • Patent number: 6086659
    Abstract: A radial flow adsorption vessel is disclosed together with a method for assembling such a vessel and a method for manufacturing containment screens having bidirectional flexibility for use in such a vessel. The radial flow adsorption vessel includes a substantially cylindrical shell having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of substantially cylindrical screens disposed concentrically inside the shell. Each screen has a different diameter and a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shell, and at least one of the screens is flexible in both the axial and radial directions. Preferably, the at least one screen flexible in both the axial and radial directions is an intermediate screen disposed between an outer screen and an inner screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Clyde Tentarelli
  • Patent number: 6076272
    Abstract: A compressed air dryer assembly for an air braking system provides for uniform compression of a desiccant bed. Guidance of a housing urged into a dryer shell by a spring force is provided at radially inner and outer regions. This guidance allows for a wide range of movement so that the desiccant bed is maintained under uniform compression. In addition, a sliding seal effectively provides a wide range of movement and yet limits communication between the inlet and outlet openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventors: Richard J. Conklin, III, Scott McGill Alexander
  • Patent number: 5997616
    Abstract: A molecular sieve moisture absorption device for electrical apparatus containing a dielectric gas includes a box in which the molecular sieve is placed. The box is closed by a plate provided with a valve through which the inside of the box is evacuated. The plate is held in place on a shoulder of the box by the action of pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the box after the inside of the box has been evacuated. A gasket is placed between the plate and the shoulder to ensure that the inside volume of the box is leakproof. The device can be stored independently of the apparatus. When the device is mounted on the apparatus, evacuating the case of the apparatus causes the plate to separate from the box, thereby putting the molecular sieve into contact with the inside volume to be treated of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: GEC Alsthom T & D SA
    Inventors: Roger Ledru, Antoine Tolossi
  • Patent number: 5964927
    Abstract: An adsorption apparatus has a housing including an inlet and an outlet, and defining an inlet plenum extending vertically below the inlet and an outlet plenum extending vertically below the outlet. A plurality of adsorption bed assemblies in a vertically stacked configuration are retained in the housing in fluid communication with the inlet plenum. Each of the adsorption bed assemblies has a bottom opening and a top opening and layers of adsorption material with the assembly oriented in a V-type configuration. A plurality of baffles angle upward from the inlet plenum to the outlet plenum, including a baffle disposed between each pair of adjacent stacked adsorption bed assemblies, to direct flow up toward the bottom opening of the adsorption bed assembly immediately above the baffle and to direct flow passing from the top opening of the adsorption bed assembly immediately below the baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristine M. Graham, Paul Peterson, Donald R. Monson, Jarren B. Mills, Timothy H. Grafe
  • Patent number: 5961698
    Abstract: A twin tower gas drying system for cleaning and drying a stream of unpurified pressurized gas received from a source thereof for use of a pneumatic system. The drying system includes a manifold block provided with the plurality of ports. A separator and sump is connected to such block and to one of the ports for initially separating moisture and particulates from such stream of unpurified gas, and for directing the remainder of the stream to the one port in the block. A pair of desiccant containing canisters are threadably mounted on a surface of the block opposite that of the separator and sump by two respective threaded shuttle valves. The canisters and shuttle valves are, in addition, connected in fluid communication with certain of the ports provided in the block for supplying and removing pressurized air from the canisters. A port is provided for discharging dry clean air from the block. Other ports provided in the block exhaust purged air to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Company
    Inventors: Murtaza R. Dossaji, Larry L. Foster, Conley L. McGee, Charlie E. Jones, Glenn A. Thomas, Michael V. Kazakis
  • Patent number: 5931980
    Abstract: An installation for the treatment of fluid having a receptacle (1) defining a non-vertical portion of a path for fluid through at least two adjacent masses (A; B; C) of particulate materials, typically different from each other, each mass being in direct contact with its neighbor or neighbors, without the interposition of a separating grid. The installation is particularly useful for the separation or drying of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'Etude et L'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Jean-Yves Lehman
  • Patent number: 5910165
    Abstract: A receiver/dryer (10) includes a canister (12) with a cylindrical sidewall (13), an integral lower end (14), and an open upper end (16). A pick-up tube (18) is disposed centrally within the canister. According to one aspect, the lower end (19) of the pick-up tube has a wedged-shape and which is supported by the lower end of the canister. The upper end (20) of the pick-up tube has an annular groove (21) which carries an O-ring seal (22). A lower baffle (23) and lower filter pad (40) are received over the pick-up tube with the lower baffle having a tight slip-fit therewith; loose desiccant (24) is introduced into the canister and supported by the lower baffle and filter pad; and then an upper filter pad (50) and upper baffle (44) are received over the pick-up tube, with the upper baffle having a slip-fit therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Cary Haramoto, Michael L. Ford, Tom C. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5902381
    Abstract: A maintenance free dehydrating breather apparatus for equipment such as oil cooled transformers and the like includes a cap and vessel enclosing a container for desiccant. A heater is mounted within the container in contact with the desiccant. The apparatus is connected through the cap to the equipment being supplied with dehydrated air. When the equipment requires dehydrated air, it draws air in through a vent valve in the vessel and thence through walls of the container and the desiccant. When the equipment expels air, the air is passed out through the vent valve, which otherwise normally seals off the interior of the vessel from the moisture in outside air. At selected intervals, for a selected period of time, a heater within the container is supplied with electrical power to heat the desiccant to drive off the moisture therefrom, which condenses on the walls of the vessel and flows to the bottom of the vessel where it is discharged through the vent valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: General Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas M. Golner, Shirish P. Mehta
  • Patent number: 5897691
    Abstract: A compact canister assembly for containing a filter media. The assembly includes an outer metal container, an inner structure of filter media and an inner metal container for insertion into an open end of the outer metal container and over the inner structure of the filter media. The inner metal container has an end exposed at the open end of the outer metal container and an end structure closing the end of the outer metal container opposite the end receiving the inner metal container. An end structure is also provide for closing the exposed end of the inner container. The end structures include at least one layer of an air permeable material that permits air flow through said layer and through the inner structure of filter media while retaining the filter media within the canister assembly. The inner structure of filter media is longer than the combined length of the metal containers when they are telescoped together to compact the filter media within the telescoped containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Shawndra Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary J. Hunsinger, Michael Leggett
  • Patent number: 5882385
    Abstract: An apparatus for improving the flow of fluid to be treated in boundary regions of a mass (2) of particulate material. The apparatus has at least one deflecting surface (4), making an angle with the main direction of the flow of fluid passing through the mass, in the boundary region in order to divert the flow of the fluid locally. The apparatus may be used in plants for purifying or separating gas mixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'Etude et L'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Maurice Bosquain, Jean-Yves Lehman
  • Patent number: 5865998
    Abstract: A receiver-dryer for use in an air conditioning system utilizes desiccant bags that can be mounted within the receiver-dryer body without using mounting plates or baffles. The receiver-dryer includes an output tube having a retaining shoulder located thereon. In one embodiment, a desiccant bag includes a rigid eyelet that cooperates with the retaining shoulder to support the desiccant bag. In an alternate embodiment, the desiccant bag is supported by the retaining shoulder via a support washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Calsonic North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony W. Abraham, Samuel N. Chen
  • Patent number: 5851269
    Abstract: A desiccant canister for an air braking system having dual internal air flow paths and means for avoiding localized compression of the molecular desiccant sieve. The present invention provides a spin-on canister having an inner shell spring-loaded into an outer shell. The inner shell contains the molecular desiccant sieve. To increase the internal flowpath without increasing the outer size of the canister, a baffle plate is provided within the inner shell to divide the molecular sieve into an outer annular chamber and inner core of roughly equivalent flow dimension. The air to be dried therefore is able to make one pass through one flow path and then another pass through another flow path. To avoid localized compression of the molecular sieve, the inner shell is spring loaded into the outer shell and cooperates with a sliding baffle plate to effect equilibrium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Baldwin Filters, Inc.
    Inventor: Claude Strope