Degasifying Means For Liquid Patents (Class 96/155)
  • Patent number: 8262640
    Abstract: An improved biological fluid filtration system is shown having, seriatim, a blood container, a biological fluid filtration device downstream of the blood container, and a blood receiving container downstream of the biological fluid filtration device; a bypass line is provided to allow fluid communication between the blood container and the blood receiving container, the bypass line includes a loop, the loop of the bypass line being configured to be disposed above the blood container at a sufficient height to prevent the passage of fluid around the leukocyte depletion device; the loop of the bypass line being disposed in a tube support device, the tube support device being configured to support substantially the entire weight of the biological fluid filtration system without substantially crimping said bypass line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Hemerus Medical LLC
    Inventors: Majid Zia, Anthony J. Angelo, Craig M. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8257475
    Abstract: An integrated ship mounted system for loading a gas stream, separating heavier hydrocarbons, compressing the gas, cooling the gas, mixing the gas with a desiccant, blending it with a liquid carrier or solvent, and then cooling the mix to processing, storage and transportation conditions. After transporting the product to its destination, a hydrocarbon processing train and liquid displacement method is provided to unload the liquid from the pipeline and storage system, separate the liquid carrier, and transfer the gas stream to a storage or transmission system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Seaone Maritime Corp.
    Inventors: Bruce Hall, Michael J. Mulvany, Tolulope O. Okikiolu
  • Patent number: 8245978
    Abstract: A method and system for providing nitrogen-enriched air (NEA) to aircraft fuel tanks using multiple air separation modules (ASMs). The ASMs employ membranes having different permeabilities and selectivities which are particularly selected to meet the varying NEA needs of the fuel tanks during flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Karl S. Beers, Charles L. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8226753
    Abstract: A fluid storage tank has an internal spill containment chamber and a separator having a fluid inlet, a gas outlet and a liquid outlet passing into the storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Enviro Vault Inc.
    Inventor: Russ Hebblethwaite
  • Publication number: 20120160103
    Abstract: A slug suppressor apparatus comprising an inlet separator capable of gas-liquid separation of full well stream fluid and expanded inclined liquid pipe for dampening slugs. The inlet separator has an inlet for receiving the full well stream fluid, a separated gas outlet in its upper section, and a separated liquid outlet in its lower section. The separated gas outlet and the separated outlet are operationally connected to a gas bypass line and the expanded inclined liquid pipe respectively. The expanded inclined liquid pipe has means for dampening liquid slugs and is connectable to a 3-Phase separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Aruljothy Suppiah, Boon Lee Ooi
  • Patent number: 8192534
    Abstract: Devices and systems for capturing and removing accumulated gas bubbles in a liquid-carrying line wherein the device is an expanded double-layered chamber designed and adapted to be integrally placed within the flow pathway of a liquid-carrying line. The device allows insertion of tubes and wires through the device while in use without occlusion of the fluid flow path and without interruption of the bubble-removing function. The efficiency of the air venting and bubble-removing process is not dependent on the fluid flow rate under stable flow conditions, and the device works to remove air bubbles under a range of orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventors: Neema Hekmat, Lipkong Yap
  • Patent number: 8187370
    Abstract: A high separation efficacy, compact, bulk oil separator oriented horizontally and used with a scroll-type oil-lubricated compressor unit adapted to compressing helium. The horizontal bulk oil separator contains an integral oil reservoir and removes more than 99.9% of the oil from the helium that exits. The bulk oil separator contains successive chambers where oil separates from the gas by impingement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignees: SHI-APD Cryogenics, Inc., Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Dunn, Ralph C. Longsworth
  • Patent number: 8177975
    Abstract: An apparatus removes air or debris from a flow of liquid. The apparatus includes a shell having an inlet, an outlet, and an elongate inner cavity in fluid communication with each of the inlet and the outlet. A plurality of elongate coalescing medium assemblies are disposed within the cavity of the shell such that the coalescing medium assemblies are oriented substantially parallel to each other. Each coalescing medium assembly includes a plurality of wire mesh tubes oriented substantially parallel to each other. A wire mesh retaining wall substantially surrounds the tubes and holds the tubes together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Thrush Co., Inc
    Inventor: Aaron Schipper
  • Publication number: 20120103189
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for separating a flowing medium mixture into at least two fractions with differing mass density. The device comprises an inlet for the medium mixture to be separated, which connects to first separating means for separating the flowing mixture in at least a first and a second fraction, and that connect to first and second outlet means for discharging the first and second fractions. The device further comprises a feedback loop comprising second separating means between the second outlet means and the inlet means of the first separating means. The invention also relates to a method for separating a flowing medium mixture into at least two fractions with differing mass density, using the claimed device. The device and method allow to obtain a more selective separation, particularly in purifying natural gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: ROMICO HOLD A.V.V.
    Inventors: Reinoud Hoijtink, Melissa Hoijtink, Josef Johannes Hubertus Brouwers
  • Patent number: 8128740
    Abstract: The invention is targeted at the process of separating gas, such as air, from a liquid path. Specifically, the invention provides a means to remove gas from a dynamic liquid path, manage the removed gas and liquid path. The invention provides a means to remove gas from a dynamic liquid path using the buoyant property of gas in a less buoyant liquid, having ingress and egress ports for liquid and gas flow, and separate points of egress for liquid and trapped gas and integral liquid channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Organ Recovery Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David Walter Wright, Jeffrey C. Garland
  • Publication number: 20120048113
    Abstract: A subsea system includes a multiphase pump, configured to transfer a multiphase fluid and a multiphase separator, configured to separate the multiphase fluid into solid, liquid, and gaseous phases. The multiphase separator includes a solid-liquid separation device, which is configured to facilitate separation of the solid phase and the liquid phase from the multiphase fluid. The multiphase separator includes a gas-liquid separation device, which is configured to facilitate separation of the gaseous phase and the liquid phase from the multiphase fluid. The multiphase separator includes a liquid reservoir, which is configured to contain a volume of the liquid phase to be used as a lubricant for the multiphase pump. Finally, the multiphase separator includes a liquid outlet, which is configured to transfer the liquid phase from the liquid reservoir to the multiphase pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Deloyd Anderson, Vasanth Srinivasa Kothnur, Hrishikesh Vishvas Deo, Johan Kristian Sveen, Ove Saele
  • Patent number: 8097172
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for recovering organic compounds from plant waste water. A saturator (10) is coupled to a feed gas stream (70) and a heated makeup water stream (54) which includes recoverable organic compounds. The saturator provides a saturated feed gas stream (70) which includes feed gas, steam and recovered organic compounds. A pump (30) recycles saturator water (56) and the makeup water stream (50) is added to that recycle stream (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Aker Kvaerner, Inc.
    Inventors: Muhammad Nazrul Islam, Gwo-Jang Abraham Liou, Stephen D. York
  • Publication number: 20110308391
    Abstract: Described herein are a method and apparatus for analyzing a gas sample that is conveyed in a drilling fluid, and a method and apparatus for liberating gases from drilling fluid. The gas sample contains one or more of methane, ethane, propane, and butane; optionally, the gas sample may also contain pentane. The gas sample is first liberated from the drilling fluid, following which it is irradiated with infrared radiation in the near-infrared range. Absorption spectra resulting from absorption of the infrared radiation by the one or more of methane, ethane, propane and butane is simultaneously detected. From the absorption spectra, the composition of the gas sample can be determined. The composition includes a concentration of any one or more of the methane, ethane, propane and butane. Linearity of absorption is increased by using relatively short wavelength infrared radiation centred on, for example, about 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: PASON SYSTEMS CORP.
    Inventors: Jason Alexander DeGreeve, Sean William Lyons Unrau, Marceau Ernest van Beurden, Ryan Henricus van Beurden
  • Patent number: 8057580
    Abstract: A method of processing a multiphase well effluent mixture comprises: transferring the multiphase well effluent mixture (G+L) via a multiphase well effluent flowline (3, 23) to a gas liquid separator (5, 24) in which the multiphase well effluent mixture is separated into substantially gaseous and liquid fractions; transferring the substantially liquid fraction L into a liquid flowline (7, 25) in which a liquid pump (8, 29) is arranged; transferring the substantially gaseous fraction into a gas flowline (6, 26) in which a gas compressor (10, 30) is arranged; protecting the gas compressor (10, 30) against pressure and/or liquid surges by recirculating a recycled gas stream (Ghot) via a gas recycling conduit (14, 44) through the gas compressor in response to detection of a pressure and/or liquid surge in the multiphase well effluent mixture; cooling the recycled gas stream by injecting cooled recycled liquid (Lcold) from the liquid flowline (7, 25) into the recycled gas stream (Ghot) which recycled liquid is cool
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Edwin Poorte, Ola Skrøvseth, Asbjørn Eriksen, Karl Olav Haram, Julian Van Der Merwe
  • Patent number: 8051907
    Abstract: The desander (10) for positioning downhole includes a generally tubular desander body (16) and a generally sleeve-shaped vortex body (39, 94). The desander with a seal or packer may be positioned in a well below the casing perforations. The desander with an ESP may be used with gas separator (60), which may include a seal (24) for positioning above the producing formation. The separator (60) may be used independent of the desander for some applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventor: Delwin E. Cobb
  • Patent number: 8043396
    Abstract: The present invention relates to propellant tanks for space platforms, launchers and every sort of space transport craft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Finmeccanica SpA
    Inventor: Mario Pessana
  • 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: 8016206
    Abstract: An air conditioning system for automobile having a heater core capable of heating the interior in good efficiency is to be provided. Such a heater core is supplied with the coolant having bubbles removed, and thereby the efficiency of heat exchange is enhanced and the noise is reduced. On the internal combustion engine is mounted a water outlet (bubble separating means) 3 having a receiving chamber 8 that the coolant after cooling the engine flows in. In the downstream position of the chamber 8 is formed a communicating portion 9 of narrowed sectional area and a feeding chamber 10 of increased sectional area in turn. The flowing velocity of the coolant is increased in the communicating portion 9 and decreased in the feeding chamber 10 and thereby it is possible to make bubbles in the coolant float up and separate out. As a result, the coolant without bubbles may be fed to the heater core 7 through a feeding portion 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignees: Aichi Machine Industry Co., Ltd., Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norio Ito, Takayoshi Ichihara
  • Patent number: 7993425
    Abstract: The present invention provides a free vortex air-oil separator that may be used in systems for separating oil from air oil mixtures. The free vortex air-oil separator comprises a free vortex chamber having a first chamber wall, a second chamber wall located axially aft from the first chamber wall and a rim located in a radially outer region from an axis of rotation, a plurality of vent holes in the rim and a cavity formed by the first and second chamber walls, and the rim, wherein a free vortex is created when there is a flow into the cavity through the plurality of vent holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bala Corattiyil, Duane Howard Anstead, Mark Eden Zentgraf, Stephen Anthony Wilton, Ramon Themudo, Gary Paul Moscarino, Kenneth Lee Fisher
  • Patent number: 7964029
    Abstract: A device and process for separating liquid and gas phases in a flowstream containing a liquefied gas or supercritical fluid under pressure mixed with a liquid. A splitter vessel separates the liquid from gas phases and transfers liquid to a collection container while conducting the gas phase out of the splitter. Separation of liquid phase out of the flowstream is provided without additional pressure schemes or solvent extractions imposed on the stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Thar Instrument, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimber D. Fogelman, Vincent Worley, Peter Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7947158
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatuses for removing bubbles from a process liquid. The process liquid can comprise a plating solution used in a plating tool. The process liquid is supplied to a tank. A plurality of streams of the process liquid are directed towards a surface of the process liquid from below. This can be done by feeding the process liquid to a flow distributor comprising a plurality of openings providing flow communication between an inner volume of the flow distributor and a main volume of the tank. Before leaving the tank through an outlet, the process liquid flows through a flow barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: GlobalFoundries Inc.
    Inventors: Helge Hartz, Markus Nopper, Axel Preusse
  • Patent number: 7938874
    Abstract: A system and method for supplying clean dry gas to gas seals of a compressor. The system uses a rotary separator magnetically coupled to a source of rotational power, along with a gas stream cooling unit configured to condensate liquids out of a wet gas stream before the wet gas stream is supplied to the rotating separator. The system may further include a gas stream pressure booster, a heating unit to heat a dry gas stream generated by the rotary separator, and a controlled recirculation loop configured to continually recirculate the wet gas through the driven rotary separator until a desired amount of condensates are removed from the wet gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Dresser-Rand Company
    Inventor: Philippe Auber
  • Patent number: 7892325
    Abstract: A process for controlled conversion of at least two gases which form ignitable and/or explosive mixtures with one another, in which the gases are absorbed either separately or together in a carrier liquid which is inert in relation to the gases; the carrier liquid with the absorbed gases is fed to a degasser which comprises a closed degassing vessel (2) which comprises at least one feed line for the gas-laden carrier liquid (1) and at least one gas outlet (3) at its upper end, and also one or more drains for the carrier liquid below the feed line for the carrier liquid and in each case connected to a drain pipe (4), and in such a manner that the liquid flow rate in the degassing vessel (2) is less than 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Christ Water Technology AG
    Inventors: Thomas Menzel, Grigorios Kolios, Monique Bissen, Jürgen Johann
  • Publication number: 20110036241
    Abstract: A fluid storage tank has an internal spill containment chamber and a separator having a fluid inlet, a gas outlet and a liquid outlet passing into the storage tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: PEARL POINT HOLDINGS LTD.
    Inventor: Russ HEBBLETHWAITE
  • Patent number: 7883561
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the tangential introduction of a gas-loaded liquid stream into the top of a column in which gas and liquid are separated. Entry into the column top proceeds through a conventional radially arranged port, to which, however, a special tube construction connects which ensures as smooth as possible non-turbulent flow and its tangential exit into the column top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Volker Schuda, Rupert Wagner
  • Patent number: 7871586
    Abstract: The present invention provides a mercury removal system and method for effectively removing a mercury component, which is present in a gas stream in an extremely small amount in wet gas cleaning. The mercury removal system in wet gas cleaning includes a water washing tower for introducing therein a target gas containing a mercury component and transferring the mercury component into an absorbing solution, a flash drum (10) for flashing the absorbing solution discharged from the water washing tower to separate the absorbing solution into a gas component and waste water, an oxidation treatment means (1) for adding an oxidizing agent to the absorbing solution at the preceding stage of the flash drum, and a waste water treatment means for subjecting to coagulation sedimentation treatment the separated waste water containing the mercury component at the following stage of the flash drum to dispose of the mercury component as sludge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Clean Coal Power R&D Co., Ltd., Hokkaido Electric Power Company, Inc., Tohoku Electric Power Co., Inc., The Tokyo Electric Power Company Inc., Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc., Hokuriku Electric Power Company, The Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc., The Chugoku Electric Power Co., Inc., Shikoku Electric Power Co., Inc., Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc., Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry
    Inventors: Masahiro Harada, Makoto Susaki, Shintaro Honjo, Shuji Kameyama, Masaki Nakahara, Akira Kisei
  • Patent number: 7851211
    Abstract: An alga microbe photosynthetic reaction system is used to circularly cultivate alga microbes and a culture medium infused in the system. The system comprises a photosynthetic reaction unit, a communicating unit, a pressure liquid infusion unit, an injection and oxygen discharging device, and a regulation area. The photosynthetic reaction unit is a light permeable pipeline. The injection and oxygen discharging device is assembled with an oxygen discharge can and a liquid collection can. By the connection and the functioning of the photosynthetic reaction unit, the communicating unit, the pressure liquid infusion unit, the injection and oxygen discharging device, and the regulation area, the alga microbe culture solution can circularly cultivate good quality algae in the system. The system further comprises a heating unit, a watering unit, and a light complement unit to control the ambient temperature and the light source to suit all kinds of algae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventor: Chao-Hui Lu
  • Patent number: 7851406
    Abstract: Disclosed are a nano-sized palladium-doped anion exchange resin catalyst or palladium-doped cation exchange resin catalyst, a preparation method thereof and a method of removing dissolved oxygen in water using the same. The palladium-doped anion exchange resin catalyst exhibits high dissolved oxygen removal efficiency of 99˜99.99%, and the palladium-doped cation exchange resin catalyst exhibits high dissolved oxygen removal efficiency of at least 97%, and further, dissolved oxygen in water can be removed through a catalytic reaction without the use of additional chemicals, thereby discharging no secondary pollutants. This catalyst is environmentally friendly, can be continuously developed, and can prevent the loss of the palladium catalyst, which is expensive, and thus can be efficiently applied to various fields, including semiconductors, power plants, microbial culture, food and pharmaceutical production, and the fermentation industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Chemical Technology
    Inventors: Kew-Ho Lee, Min-Joung Kim, Yeon Kyung Sung, Chang-Yeol Yoo
  • Publication number: 20100269702
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an air separator for an extracorporeal blood circuit for separating out air from a fluid flowing through the air separator, comprising an air separation chamber having at least one inflow passage and at least one outflow passage. It further relates to an external functional apparatus, a blood circuit, and a treatment apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Christoph BRUECKNER, Martin LAUER, Manfred WEIS
  • Patent number: 7785084
    Abstract: A pumping apparatus for pumping a liquid from a source to a target includes a pump having a pump housing and a pump piston. The pump housing defines a central longitudinal bore, a transverse bore communicating with the central bore for conveying a liquid through the pump housing and a liquid reservoir communicating with the central bore and the transverse bore for retaining an amount of the liquid conveyed through the transverse bore. The pump piston is axially and rotatably slidable within the central longitudinal bore for pumping the liquid through the transverse bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Fluid Metering, Inc.
    Inventors: David Rawlings, Harry E. Pinkerton, III
  • Patent number: 7785400
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating natural gas from production streams comprising a liquid dispersion of water, sand, and natural gas is provided for. The separator comprises a vessel having an interior surface defining a spherical interior space. The interior space allows a production stream introduced therein to experience a velocity drop sufficient to allow separation of the natural gas from the sand and water components. The separator also comprises a stream inlet port in the vessel, a liquid drain in the lower end of the vessel, and a gas outlet port at the upper end of the vessel remote from the stream inlet port. A baffle is mounted in the interior of the vessel in the path of the production stream between the stream inlet port and the gas outlet port. The baffle is effective to spread and direct a high pressure production stream introduced into the interior space via the stream inlet port downward toward the liquid drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Sand Separators LLC
    Inventors: Emmett Ronald Worley, Shirley Royce Green
  • Patent number: 7769549
    Abstract: A method for on-line acoustic detection of the quality of foams and aerated fluids whereby at least one emitter/receiver pair is placed in a close vicinity to the foam flow. At least one acoustic pulse is emitted and the time within which the acoustic pulse travels from the emitter to the receiver is recorded. Sound speed in the foam is determined by analyzing an acoustic response of the receiver and a pressure in the foam is also measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Arkady Yurevich Segal, Marc Jean Thiercelin
  • Patent number: 7727315
    Abstract: A condensed water discharging apparatus for a fuel cell system is disclosed. The condensed water discharging apparatus includes: a drain tank installed around a hydrogen discharging line comprising an inlet portion, an outlet portion formed on both distal ends of the drain tank, and a intermediate portion having at least a drain hole installed wherein the intermediate portion is disposed inside the drain tank so that condensed water is separated from hydrogen flowing in through the intermediate portion by gravity and is drained downwardly; and a drain pump connected to the drain tank to discharge condensed water drained through the drain holes of the intermediate portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Youngjin Son, Youngbum Kum, Sungho Lee
  • Patent number: 7713331
    Abstract: An elongated flow-through degassing apparatus includes an elongated gas and liquid impermeable outer member and a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable inner barrier extending within the outer member and at least partially along a first chamber defined within the outer member. The apparatus also includes inlet and outlet connection structures operably coupled to respective portions of the outer member and a second chamber defined by the inner barrier to further enable a sealed engagement between the outer member and the inner barrier, and to provide for connection devices to operably couple the degassing apparatus of the present invention to respective spaced apart components. The degassing apparatus may be sufficiently flexible so as to be readily manipulatable into desired configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Rheodyne, LLC
    Inventors: Yuri Gerner, Carl W. Sims, Thomas J. Thielen
  • Patent number: 7709129
    Abstract: Disclosed is a gas-liquid separating device comprising: a main body in which an internal space is formed, and an injecting hole and a discharging hole which reach the internal space are formed; an electric osmosis material housed inside the internal space, and delimits the internal space into a first and a second region, the first region being reached by the injecting hole and the discharging hole; a first electrode joined to the electric osmosis material on a first region side; and a second electrode joined to the electric osmosis material on a second region side, wherein gas including moisture vapor is injected to the first region from the injecting hole, water obtained by condensing the moisture vapor in the first region electrically osmosis through the electric osmosis material from the first region to the second region by applying voltage in between the first and the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasunari Kabasawa
  • Patent number: 7686797
    Abstract: An improved biological fluid filtration system is shown having, seriatim, a blood container, a biological fluid filtration device downstream of the blood container, and a blood receiving container downstream of the biological fluid filtration device; a bypass line is provided to allow fluid communication between the blood container and the blood receiving container, the bypass line includes a loop, the loop of the bypass line being configured to be disposed above the blood container at a sufficient height to prevent the passage of fluid around the leukocyte depletion device; the loop of the bypass line being disposed in a tube support device, the tube support device being configured to support substantially the entire weight of the biological fluid filtration system without substantially crimping said bypass line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Hemerus Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Majid Zia, Anthony J. Angelo, Craig M. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7682430
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device which is used to separate gas or liquid from microfluidic flow-through systems. The gas or liquid separation is achieved independently of the spatial orientation of the device. In addition the invention concerns a microfluidic flow-through system in which a device according to the invention enables bubble-free fluid transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Kraemer, Carlo Effenhauser, Karl-Heinz Koelker, Gregor Ocvirk
  • Publication number: 20100024724
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatuses for removing bubbles from a process liquid. The process liquid can comprise a plating solution used in a plating tool. The process liquid is supplied to a tank. A plurality of streams of the process liquid are directed towards a surface of the process liquid from below. This can be done by feeding the process liquid to a flow distributor comprising a plurality of openings providing flow communication between an inner volume of the flow distributor and a main volume of the tank. Before leaving the tank through an outlet, the process liquid flows through a flow barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Helge Hartz, Markus Nopper, Axel Preusse
  • Patent number: 7648682
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improvement in apparatus and process for effecting storage and delivery of a gas. The storage and delivery apparatus is comprised of a storage and dispensing vessel containing a medium capable of storing a gas and permitting delivery of the gas stored in the medium from the vessel, the improvement comprising: (a) a reactive liquid having Lewis acidity or basicity; (b) a gas liquid complex in a reversible reacted state formed under conditions of pressure and temperature by contacting the gas having Lewis acidity with the reactive liquid having Lewis basicity or the gas having Lewis basicity with the reactive liquid having Lewis acidity; (c) a non-reactive wick medium holding and dispersing the reactive liquid and the gas liquid complex therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Thomas McDermott, Daniel Joseph Tempel, Philip Bruce Henderson, Ronald Martin Pearlstein
  • Patent number: 7621982
    Abstract: A liquid-gas separator for a direct liquid feed fuel cell includes a tube having an opening portion at a sidewall thereof; liquid extracting members that selectively transmit the liquid in the tube and located at both ends of the tube; a gas extracting membrane that selectively transmits the gas and covers the opening portion; an inlet that guides the liquid and the gas into the tube; chambers that surround an outer side of the liquid extracting member; and outlets that guide the liquid in the chambers to the outside by being connected to the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-kyun Kang, Xiaobing Luo, Dong-kee Sohn, Hae-kyoung Kim
  • Patent number: 7611568
    Abstract: A liquid-gas separator for a direct liquid feed fuel cell includes: a housing having an open hole; a gas extracting membrane that covers the open hole and transmits only the gas; a liquid extracting member that defines a first chamber that contacts the gas extracting membrane and a second chamber that does not contact the gas extracting membrane, and selectively transmits the liquid in the first chamber to the second chamber; an inlet that guides the liquid and the gas into the housing; and an outlet that is connected to the second chamber and guides the liquid in the second chamber to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-kyun Kang, Dong-kee Sohn, Woong-ho Cho, Sang-hyeon Choi
  • Patent number: 7604781
    Abstract: Multiphasic reactions, especially those reactions using a phase transfer catalyst, are conducted in microchannel apparatus. Advantageously, these reactions can be conducted with two, planar microlayers of reactants in adjacent laminar flow streams. Microchannel apparatus and methods for conducting unit operations such as reactions and separations in microchannel apparatus is also described. Microchannel apparatus can provide advantages for controlling reactions and separating products, solvents or reactants in multiphase reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: John H. Brophy, Bruce F. Monzyk
  • Publication number: 20090241779
    Abstract: The invention provides a process and system for regenerating a solvent used to remove carbon dioxide from feed gases, such as natural gas and synthesis gas. The process and system employ a biphasic turbine to recover energy following pressure let down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: William J. Lechnick, Paul A. Sechrist, Douglas E. Kuper, Lamar A. Davis
  • Patent number: 7594801
    Abstract: The amount of chemical liquids dispensed by a chemical liquid supply apparatus is stabilized and dispensing accuracy is remarkably improved. A pump discharges a liquid accommodated in a liquid tank. A filter is connected to the pump through a pump outlet flow path to which a pump discharge-side valve for opening/closing the flow path is provided. A dispensing nozzle (liquid dispense portion) is connected to the filter through a liquid discharge flow path to which a discharge valve for opening/closing the flow path is provided. A vacuum source communicates with the filter through an exhaust flow path to which a deaeration valve for opening/closing the flow path is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Koganei Corporation
    Inventor: Seiichiro Udagawa
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7578870
    Abstract: A fluid separator device allows for introducing air entrained in a liquid flow to a centrifugal pump in a manner that will not allow the pump to become gas bound. One example device designed according to this invention includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet downstream of the inlet. An air chamber is positioned on an opposite side of the inlet from the outlet. An air flow passage allows air from the air chamber to be introduced near a rotor assembly input of a centrifugal pump such that relatively small air bubbles are introduced to the liquid flow through the rotor assembly in a manner that prevents the air bubbles from recollecting into a larger bubble that would otherwise interfere with the centrifugal pump operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: W. Clark Dean
  • Publication number: 20090200218
    Abstract: A sump arrangement for use with an aquarium. The sump arrangement including a dedicated skimmer area that maintains a constant water level to increase operational efficiencies of protein skimmers. The sump arrangement further including a sump tank having an elongated water flow pathway that aspirates air bubbles and improves the clarity of filtered water returning to the aquarium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel A. Newman
  • Patent number: 7559978
    Abstract: A system for gas-liquid separation in electrolysis processes is provided. The system includes a first compartment having a liquid carrier including a first gas therein and a second compartment having the liquid carrier including a second gas therein. The system also includes a gas-liquid separator fluidically coupled to the first and second compartments for separating the liquid carrier from the first and second gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Grigorii Lev Soloveichik, David Brandon Whitt
  • Publication number: 20090120289
    Abstract: A process for controlled conversion of at least two gases which form ignitable and/or explosive mixtures with one another, in which the gases are absorbed either separately or together in a carrier liquid which is inert in relation to the gases; the carrier liquid with the absorbed gases is fed to a degasser which comprises a closed degassing vessel (2) which comprises at least one feed line for the gas-laden carrier liquid (1) and at least one gas outlet (3) at its upper end, and also one or more drains for the carrier liquid below the feed line for the carrier liquid and in each case connected to a drain pipe (4), and in such a manner that the liquid flow rate in the degassing vessel (2) is less than 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas Menzel, Grigorios Kolios, Monique Bissen, Jurgen Johann
  • Patent number: 7517391
    Abstract: An integrated ship mounted system for loading a gas stream, separating heavier hydrocarbons, compressing the gas, cooling the gas, mixing the gas with a desiccant, blending it with a liquid carrier or solvent, and then cooling the mix to processing, storage and transportation conditions. After transporting the product to its destination, a hydrocarbon processing train and liquid displacement method is provided to unload the liquid from the pipeline and storage system, separate the liquid carrier, and transfer the gas stream to a storage or transmission system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: SeaOne Maritime Corp.
    Inventors: Bruce Hall, Micahel J. Mulvany, Tolulope O. Okikiolu