Pressure Reducing Means Patents (Class 96/193)
  • 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: 7959715
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to limiting a presence of air bubbles in fluidic media in a reservoir. Air passages may allow air to escape from fluidic media in a reservoir. Membranes may allow for trapping air bubbles in fluidic media before fluidic media enters a reservoir. A membrane may allow air to flow from a first reservoir containing fluidic media to a second reservoir while plunger heads within each of the reservoirs are moved within the reservoirs. An inner reservoir with a membrane may be moveable within an outer reservoir to allow air to move from the outer reservoir to the inner reservoir. An inner reservoir containing pressurized gas may allow fluidic media to be transferred to an outer reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Julian D. Kavazov, Rafael Bikovsky, Arsen Ibranyan, David Hezzell, Christopher G. Griffin, Mike Lee, Truong Gia Luan, Benjamin X. Shen, Thomas Miller
  • Patent number: 7927482
    Abstract: A dental waste containment and removal system and method for containing and removing dental waste produced at a dental services facility involves transferring dental waste containing a contaminant such as mercury from a patient's mouth into a dental waste container under a vacuum pressure such that the dental waste is temporarily retained within the dental waste container. The dental waste may then be removed from the dental waste container from a remote location, such as from the exterior of the dental facility, by pumping or suctioning the dental waste, and transported to a treatment facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: G & S Mercury Recovery Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen A Luke, Grayle D Woodruff
  • Publication number: 20110072970
    Abstract: A medical ultrasound system. A base unit is included having system electronics, a user interface and ultrasound control electronics. An ultrasound therapy head is in electronic communication with the base unit. The therapy head includes a replaceable, sealed transducer cartridge with a coupling fluid therein. A cooling system is provided for cooling the coupling fluid. A plurality of guide indicators are positioned around the therapy head to align with crossed lines on a patient so as to properly align the therapy head prior to use. The therapy head can provide variable treatments to an area while the therapy head is in contact with a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Medicis Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan K. Slobodzian, Gregory T. Wing
  • Patent number: 7905945
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing system includes a dispensing pump that receives a flow of material and a dispense tip coupled to the dispensing pump. The dispense tip delivers the material to a substrate. The fluid dispensing system further includes a vacuum unit that draws a vacuum on the material in the fluid dispensing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: DL Technology, LLC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Fugere
  • Patent number: 7892325
    Abstract: A process for controlled conversion of at least two gases which form ignitable and/or explosive mixtures with one another, in which the gases are absorbed either separately or together in a carrier liquid which is inert in relation to the gases; the carrier liquid with the absorbed gases is fed to a degasser which comprises a closed degassing vessel (2) which comprises at least one feed line for the gas-laden carrier liquid (1) and at least one gas outlet (3) at its upper end, and also one or more drains for the carrier liquid below the feed line for the carrier liquid and in each case connected to a drain pipe (4), and in such a manner that the liquid flow rate in the degassing vessel (2) is less than 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Christ Water Technology AG
    Inventors: Thomas Menzel, Grigorios Kolios, Monique Bissen, Jürgen Johann
  • 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: 7882896
    Abstract: A seafloor pump assembly is installed within a caisson that has an upper end for receiving a flow of fluid containing gas and liquid. The pump assembly is enclosed within a shroud that has an upper end that seals around the pump assembly and a lower end that is below the motor and is open. An eduction tube has an upper end above the shroud within the upper portion of the caisson and a lower end in fluid communication with an interior portion of the shroud. The eduction tube causes gas that separates from the liquid and collects in the upper portion of the caisson to be drawn into the pump and mixed with the liquid as the liquid is being pumped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Brown Lyle Wilson, Christopher K. Shaw
  • Patent number: 7837769
    Abstract: Disclosed is a compressed air powered vacuum mechanism and method for enabling a user to lower atmospheric pressure in enclosed containers and thereby remove carbon dioxide and other entrained gasses from fluids, in this instance wine, in multiple enclosed containers. In a short time, the resulting wine will improve in taste and aroma and clarity, an improvement normally associated with wine that has been naturally aged for many months. A compressed air driven vacuum generator reduces the atmospheric pressure above the wine. When the atmospheric pressure is low enough the entrained gasses will quickly boil off the enclosed wine at room temperatures, disassociating from the fluid, without harming the wine. There are instances in the processing of wine and in keeping containers of food and drink fresh, where following the removing of gasses from the enclosed containers that the vacuum must be retained. This is optionally accomplished with a vacuum retaining on/off mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: Rhone Daniel Lahr
  • Patent number: 7811420
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus is disclosed for water desalination including steps of transferring water vapor from salt-water in a vaporization zone 7, via a water vapor transfer zone 12, to a condensation zone 11, and condensing the water vapor into fresh-water. The water vapor transfer zone 12 is maintained substantially free of any gas other than water vapor. Heat is supplied to the vaporization zone 7 and extracted from the condensation zone 11, at relative rates such that there is a net transfer of water from the vaporization zone to the condensation zone. Also disclosed is a method of and apparatus for degassing salt water using at least two degassing chambers 17A, 17B each provided with a valved vent 47 and a valved inlet 21,29,90,91, with a valved pipe circuit 17a, 72-82,85-87, having a pump 71.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Sven Olof Sonander
  • Publication number: 20100252492
    Abstract: A method of treatment of water in an aquatic environment. Water is first pumped from a reservoir to a first mixing station. An inert gas is introduced into the pumped water at the first mixing station to provide inert gas saturated water, which inert gas saturated water will displace undesired gasses in the water in the reservoir. The inert gas saturated water is then pumped to a sparging column such that the inert gas and undesired gasses will be released from the inert gas saturated water to provide depleted water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: MICRODIFFUSION, INC.
    Inventor: ANTHONY B. WOOD
  • Publication number: 20100242736
    Abstract: A fuel gas removal system includes a venturi for reducing a pressure of the fuel, a bubble separator containing media to assist in the formation of gas bubbles within the fuel to separate the gas bubbles from the fuel, and a port to remove gas bubbles created by the reduction of pressure of the fuel and the bubble separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Neal R. Herring, Arindam Dasgupta, Haralambos Cordatos, Thomas G. Tillman, Jeremiah C. Lee
  • Patent number: 7803216
    Abstract: A compact pressurized high-temperature gas cooler having superior heat exchange performance and excellent economical efficiency is provided. A return-flow structure is formed in which a flue through which high-temperature gas flows is formed in a pressure container, a heat exchanger is disposed in the flue, and a partition dividing the internal cross-sectional area of the flue is provided so that the high-temperature gas supplied from a bottom or a top portion of the pressure container flows back in a return direction. The cross-sectional-area division ratio dividing the internal cross-section of the flue is set so that the flow rate of the high-temperature gas flowing in one direction matches that flowing in the direction opposite thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Koyama, Katsuhiko Yokohama, Osamu Shinada, Hiromi Ishii, Yuichiro Kitagawa, Kosei Manabe
  • Publication number: 20100236409
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a removal device for removing gas, dirt and/or particles from a contaminating liquid from a liquid in a liquid conduit system. The removal device includes a housing, a supply opening and a discharge opening, a resistance zone, at least one quiet zone and at least one return opening. The quiet zone allows dirt and/or particles of a relatively heavy contaminating liquid to settle to a bottom of the housing, and/or gas bubbles and/or particles of a relatively light contaminating liquid to rise to an upper end of the housing at least one bifurcation opening in the resistance zone and subsequently returns into the main flow at the merge point through the return opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: Flamco B.V.
    Inventor: Jan Henk Cnossen
  • Patent number: 7767008
    Abstract: A vapor/liquid separation apparatus for treating a flow of vapor/liquid mixtures of hydrocarbons and steam comprises a vertical drum with a side inlet to introduce hydrocarbon/steam mixtures, an overhead vapor outlet, and a lower section in communication with a cylindrical boot of less diameter than the drum, the boot comprising sufficient gas-liquid contact surface, e.g., that provided by one or more sheds, baffles and/or distillation trays, to provide at least a partial theoretical distillation stage, and a lower portion for receiving liquid from the drum, a lower outlet for removing the liquid, and an inlet for introducing a stripping gas such as steam, hydrogen, light crackable hydrocarbon, and/or methane, below the distillation tray and preferably above the level of liquid in the boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Frye, David Beattie, Richard C. Stell, Subramanian Annamalai, Alok Srivastava
  • Publication number: 20100139491
    Abstract: A unit (1) for accumulating and degassing oil in an oil system comprising a reservoir (2) provided with a first chamber (3) in which the oil is subjected to atmospheric pressure and in which the oil volume is allowed to vary, a second chamber (4) which is intended to be at least nearly completely filled with oil and in which the oil is kept separated from direct contact with surrounding air, and a flow passage (7) between the chambers. A air-tight flexible member (11) is arranged in the first oil accumulation chamber in order to keep the oil therein separated from direct contact with surrounding air. The unit also comprises an apparatus (20) for degassing oil, which is connected to the reservoir and comprises an entrance (21a) for feeding oil into the apparatus (20), an exit (22a) for oil connected to the reservoir, and a degassing room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Håkan Ingvast, Andreas Norberg
  • Patent number: 7708811
    Abstract: A degassing apparatus is provided that accomplishes the connecting of a degassing element and a connecting member and/or the joining of a vacuum (reduced-pressure) chamber and the connecting member without using a fastening structure screwed together with the connecting member. A degassing apparatus includes: a reduced-pressure chamber having a through port for flowing a degassing target liquid therethrough; a degassing element, accommodated in the chamber, for passing the liquid therethrough; and a tubular connecting member joined to the chamber at the through port. The degassing element includes a gas-permeable tube, for passing the liquid therethrough, being covered with a joint piece at an end portion of the gas-permeable tube. The degassing element is fixed to the chamber by heat sealing the connecting member and the joint piece together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventor: Hajime Ooya
  • Patent number: 7708814
    Abstract: Carbon dioxide contained within exhaust gas is combined with bivalent metal ions such as calcium ions or the like in concentrated salt water to form precipitated calcium carbonate and then can be expelled out. Such an environmental friendly design is realized by a bottle upside down device with a bottle neck exit on a bottom. A piston inside the device can be elevated to a top portion to produce a near vacuum air pressure inside the device. All the brine, exhaust gas, and oxygen, ozone drawn together into the device can be accelerated to form, at least, precipitated calcium carbonate to reduce carbon dioxide contained within the exhaust gas. Chemical reaction is accelerated by a high voltage discharger below the piston and by flashing a portion of water to atomize the brine. A heater can heat up the near vacuum device to accelerate chemical reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Chia-Chang Liu
  • Patent number: 7648569
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for injecting two-phase (gas+solid) carbon dioxide into a gas stream. Liquid carbon dioxide is cryogenically expanded into two-phase carbon dioxide, which is then injected into the center of the stream. An inerting gas is also injected into the stream along with the two-phase carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes George Claude
    Inventors: Dominique Bras, José Buil
  • Patent number: 7635410
    Abstract: A photo-resist dispensing apparatus is disclosed and comprises; a tank adapted to hold a photo-resist solution, a pump unit adapted to pump the photo-resist solution from the tank, a filter unit adapted to receive the photo-resist solution from the pump unit, and at least one of a first gas discharge unit connected to the tank and adapted to remove gas bubbles from the photo-resist solution held in the tank, and a second gas discharge unit connected to the filter unit and adapted to remove gas bubbles from the photo-resist solution in the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-Jun Park, Suk-Fill Yun
  • Publication number: 20090301303
    Abstract: Coating material is fed into a vacuum container inside which are apparatus for separating gas from the coating material. The degassing apparatus (10) has two separate compartments (11, 12) so that degassing is carried out in two different stages by using a single apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: METSO PAPER, INC.
    Inventors: Eero Kesti, Esa Forsten
  • Publication number: 20090249955
    Abstract: A system for separation of gas from liquid disposed in a liquid source. The system comprising a liquid conveyance unit, a separation tank, a bubbler and a compressor. The liquid conveyance unit is adapted to convey liquid from the liquid source to the separation tank. The system further comprises a supersaturation device adapted to provide conditions for supersaturation of liquid disposed therein. The bubbler is adapted to produce gas bubbles and inject them into liquid supersaturated by the supersaturation device. The separation tank is adapted to cause a pressure reduction on liquid and gas therein to separate the gas from the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Alan Izhar Bodner
  • 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: 20090133579
    Abstract: Disclosed is a compressed air powered vacuum mechanism and method for enabling a user to lower atmospheric pressure in enclosed containers and thereby remove carbon dioxide and other entrained gasses from fluids, in this instance wine, in multiple enclosed containers. In a short time, the resulting wine will improve in taste and aroma and clarity, an improvement normally associated with wine that has been naturally aged for many months. A compressed air driven vacuum generator reduces the atmospheric pressure above the wine. When the atmospheric pressure is low enough the entrained gasses will quickly boil off the enclosed wine at room temperatures, disassociating from the fluid, without harming the wine. There are instances in the processing of wine and in keeping containers of food and drink fresh, where following the removing of gasses from the enclosed containers that the vacuum must be retained. This is optionally accomplished with a vacuum retaining on/off mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Rhone Danier Lahr
  • Publication number: 20090111954
    Abstract: The polymer degassing apparatus includes a barrel-shaped horizontal container 41 having a supply port 42 for supplying a reactant, a discharge port 43 for discharging a reactant, a stirring means 45 for stirring a reactant, and a degassing means for drawing a gas via a degassing port 44 of the horizontal container. The supply port is positioned below the molten liquid level of the reactant. A recovery container 37 that is connected to the degassing port for recovering a volatile substance in the gas and a vacuum pump 36 are provided. The stirring means includes a plurality of stirring rods 46 oriented along the same direction as the axis in the horizontal container and coupling members 47 for coupling the stirring rods along the same direction as the axis, provided that the coupling members are placed at a distance from the virtual rotation center of the stirring means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Toshiaki MATSUO, Masayuki KAMIKAWA, Kenichiro OKA, Naruyasu OKAMOTO, Ryuji KAJIYA
  • Patent number: 7513937
    Abstract: A device and method for reconditioning oil or vaporizing volatile fluids from oil of internal combustion engines in order to extend the oil service life is provided. Such a device can include a housing which defines a substantially enclosed open chamber which can receive heated engine oil. An engine oil inlet, a vapor outlet, and a reconditioned oil outlet may be coupled to the housing. In addition, the disclosed oil reconditioning device may be free of direct heating or supplemental heating sources other than the intrinsic heat of the heated engine oil as it enters the open chamber. The reconditioning devices can be configured to introduce engine oil into the open chamber prior to contact with any interior surfaces. Separation of volatile fluids can be affected using either spraying or thin film. The reconditioned oil has a significant reduction in water and fuel content thus allowing for increased service intervals and increased useful oil life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Refined Global Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Luntz
  • Patent number: 7488371
    Abstract: Degassing device for degassing matrix material in the manufacture of fiber-composite components with a support device, a distribution fabric, a gate device, a discharge device, a matrix-material-impermeable barrier layer, which is sealed with respect to the support device by a seal and thus forms a first chamber of the degassing device located around the gate device, as well as a degassing device for degassing matrix material in the manufacture of fiber-composite components with a first connection, for conducting the matrix material to be degassed into the degassing device, a second connection for conducting the degassed fluid out of the same, and a third connection for applying negative pressure to the interior of the same, an inner body, a resin-impermeable and air-permeable film, and an outer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: EADS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Lippert, Hans-Wolfgang Schröder, Franz Stadler, Stefan Utecht
  • Patent number: 7481871
    Abstract: A vapor/liquid separation apparatus for treating a flow of vapor/liquid mixtures of hydrocarbons and steam comprises a vertical drum with a side inlet to introduce hydrocarbon/steam mixtures, an overhead vapor outlet, and a lower section in communication with a cylindrical boot of less diameter than the drum, the boot comprising sufficient gas-liquid contact surface, e.g., that provided by one or more sheds, baffles and/or distillation trays, to provide at least a partial theoretical distillation stage, and a lower portion for receiving liquid from the drum, a lower outlet for removing the liquid, and an inlet for introducing a stripping gas, such as steam, hydrogen, light crackable hydrocarbon, and/or methane, below the distillation tray and preferably above the level of liquid in the boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Frye, David Beattie, Richard C. Stell, Subramanian Annamalai, Alok Srivastava
  • Publication number: 20090013868
    Abstract: A process for separating carbon dioxide from a compressed, dried and cooled carbon dioxide containing fluid comprises separating the fluid into at least a carbon dioxide enriched stream, and a carbon dioxide depleted stream, expanding at least part of the carbon dioxide lean stream in an expander, compressing a process stream wherein the power for the compression step is at least in part provided by the power generated by the expander.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Arthur Darde, Bao Ha, Jean-Pierre Tranier
  • Publication number: 20080264261
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to limiting a presence of air bubbles in fluidic media in a reservoir. Air passages may allow air to escape from fluidic media in a reservoir. Membranes may allow for trapping air bubbles in fluidic media before fluidic media enters a reservoir. A membrane may allow air to flow from a first reservoir containing fluidic media to a second reservoir while plunger heads within each of the reservoirs are moved within the reservoirs. An inner reservoir with a membrane may be moveable within an outer reservoir to allow air to move from the outer reservoir to the inner reservoir. An inner reservoir containing pressurized gas may allow fluidic media to be transferred to an outer reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Julian D. Kavazov, Rafael Bikovsky, Arsen Ibranyan, David Hezzell, Christopher G. Griffin, Mike Lee, Truong Gia Luan, Benjamin X. Shen, Thomas Miller
  • Patent number: 7427312
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing gas bubbles from a fluid includes a fluid inlet and a separation chamber that is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet. The separation chamber has first and second end portions, with the first end portion being operably oriented gravitationally above the second end portion. The apparatus further includes a first gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane disposed in the separation chamber and extending substantially along a first axis defined as extending between the first and second end portions. A permeate side of the membrane is exposed to an environment having a second partial pressure of a target gas, which second partial pressure is lower than a first partial pressure of the gas in the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Rheodyne, LLC
    Inventors: Yuri Gerner, Carl W. Sims, Jonathan Thompson
  • Publication number: 20080223214
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing carbon dioxide from a synthesis gas stream containing hydrogen is disclosed. The method includes absorbing the carbon dioxide using a physical solvent under high pressure and then liberating the carbon dioxide in a series of expansion stages where the pressure on the solvent is reduced. The expansion ratio increases with each expansion stage. The apparatus includes expansion stages having throttling devices and expansion tanks operated at increasing expansion ratios. Carbon dioxide is liberated in this manner so as to minimize the energy required compress for transport via a pipe line for sequestration of the gas. Sequestration of the carbon dioxide is preferred to atmospheric venting to curb the release of greenhouse gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: John Eugene Palamara, Kevin Boyle Fogash
  • Patent number: 7413596
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for the production of liquids and vapors that are free of, or substantially free of, dissolved or trapped gases. In one embodiment, a liquid is placed in a sealed vessel and subjected to a temperature below the freezing point of the liquid for sufficient time to substantially, if not completely, turn the liquid into a solid. Concurrent with or subsequent to the cooling of the liquid, the interior of the vessel is subjected to a vacuum so as to evacuate all or substantially all of the gaseous atmosphere. Thereafter, the vessel is heated to a temperature above the melting point of the liquid, allowing the frozen material to return to its liquid form or sublimate to form a vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Wilhelm P. Platow, John B. Cracchiolo, Stanislav S. Todorov, Jaime M. Reyes
  • Patent number: 7399345
    Abstract: A pump for use in operably evacuating a chamber in a vacuum degassing apparatus includes one or more pumping cavities that are in fluid communication with the chamber, and a continuous vent channel that has an outlet disposed in fluid communication with a respective one of the one or more pumping cavities. The vent channel is configured to provide dilution gas flow into the pumping cavity of the pump at a rate sufficient to prevent solvent condensation in the pumping cavity during operation of the pump in liquid degassing applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Rheodyne LLC
    Inventor: Yuri Gerner
  • Patent number: 7380416
    Abstract: The present invention provides a A metal conduit for molten glass and a vacuum degassing apparatus are disclosed, which are capable of coping with extension and contraction, and vibration. By disposing at least one convex portion 20 so to have a height of 4 mm or above in a radial direction and continuously extend in a peripheral direction, it is possible to absorb thermal expansion and contraction without changing the entire length of the metal conduit 10 and to suppress from the metal conduit 10 from vibrated even when molten glass 121 is conveyed by the metal conduit. By employing the metal conduit 10 stated earlier in an upstream conveying pipe 130A, an uprising pipe 122U, a vacuum degassing vessel 120, a downfalling pipe 122L, a downstream conveying pipe 130B or the like in a vacuum degassing apparatus 30, it is possible to cope with thermal expansion and contraction, and vibration caused when conveying molten glass 121.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Naruaki Tomita, Yasuharu Hirahara, Kazuo Hamashima, Koji Obayashi
  • Patent number: 7332018
    Abstract: The deaerator for liquid, comprises: a flow path in which the liquid flows; a pressure reducing deaerating device which removes dissolved gas contained in the liquid inside the flow path by reducing pressure of a deaerating section surrounding at least a portion of the flow path; and a variation device which varies a length of the flow path inside the deaerating section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Inoue
  • Publication number: 20070214964
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method for removing bubbles from a slurry and a device therefor capable of efficiently optimizing the removal of bubbles from a slurry and the viscosity of the slurry as well as dramatically reducing the bubble removing time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Applicant: NGK INSULATORS, LTD.
    Inventors: Koichi Miyashita, Yukihito Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 7198715
    Abstract: A device for separating fluid mixtures, in particular for separating water from oil, includes a vacuum container (10) with several sub-chambers (26, 44, 40). At least one liquid constituent of the fluid mixture can be transported from the vacuum container after separation, by a transport device (12). The other constituents can be extracted from the vacuum container (10) in the form of gas and/or steam, using a vacuum pump (20). One of the sub-chambers (26) of the vacuum container (10) houses a heating device (28, 30), which heats the fluid mixture. The fluid mixture is guided into an additional sub-chamber (40), and is separated into its constituents by traversing a packed bed. Even cold and consequently viscous fluid mixtures can be supplied, due to the heating device, for separation inside the aforementioned vacuum container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Hydac Filtertechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Knut Herges, Andreas Busch
  • Patent number: 7160430
    Abstract: In a sewage treatment plant, dissolved ammonium is extracted from the waste-water stream, and is transferred to a body of secondary water. The secondary water is passed through an electrolysis station, where the ammonium is transformed to nitrogen gas. The capture and transfer can be done by ion-exchange, the electrolysis then being done on the regenerant water. Or the capture and transfer can be done by first transforming the dissolved ammonium to ammonia gas by raising the pH of the waste-water, then passing the ammonia gas through acidic secondary-water, in which the ammonia dissolves, the electrolysis then being done on the acid-water. The electrolysed, ammonium-diminished, secondary-water can be re-used in further capture/transfer episodes. The secondary-water does not mix with the waste-water stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: ENPAR Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Gene Sidney Shelp, Leonard Paul Seed
  • Patent number: 7144442
    Abstract: A degassing device capable of regulating an amount of air dissolved in a liquid. A device for measuring amounts of dissolved oxygen measures the amount of oxygen dissolved in one of a coating liquid which has yet to be degassed, and is to be fed to a film degassing device, and a coating liquid which has been degassed and discharged from the film degassing device. Based on measured results, a control unit regulates the degree of opening of a vacuum valve so as to change the degree of degassing performed by the film degassing device, thereby suppressing fluctuations in an amount of oxygen dissolved in the coating liquid. A load never constantly acts on the film all the time, the film life can accordingly be extended, thus resulting in reductions in running costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7125438
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for continuously deaerating a liquid. The method comprises the step that the liquid is led into a closed container (1) so that a liquid surface (7) is formed within the container (1). The space above the liquid surface (7) is under vacuum. The method further includes the step that a gas is led into the liquid at a level below the liquid surface (7). The invention also relates to an apparatus which comprises a closed container (1). The container (1) has an inlet (5) for the liquid which is to be deaerated, as well as an outlet (6) for the liquid which has been deaerated, both placed in the lower region of the container (1). The container (1) further has a connection (13) to a vacuum pump (14) placed in the upper region of the container (1), as well as an inlet (15) for a gas placed in the lower region of the container (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Tomas Skoglund, Christer Lanzingh
  • Patent number: 7101418
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for degassing of suspension, specifically fiber stock suspension. The method according to the invention is characterized in that separated excess suspension is discharged sideways through an overflow having an overflow edge that is located in the tank outside wall and is positioned parallel to the tank axis. The device according to the invention is characterized in that the overflow includes at least one overflow having an overflow edge that is located in the tank outside wall and is positioned parallel to the tank axis and that at least one overflow system, for the purpose of discharging the separated excess suspension, is located following the overflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Voith Paper Patent GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Beuermann
  • Patent number: 7090716
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method for reducing pattern distortions in imprinting layers by reducing gas pockets present in a layer of viscous liquid deposited on a substrate. To that end, the method includes varying a transport of the gases disposed proximate to the viscous liquid. Specifically, the atmosphere proximate to the substrate wherein a pattern is to be recorded is saturated with gases that are either highly soluble, highly diffusive, or both with respect to the viscous liquid being deposited. Additionally, or in lieu of saturating the atmosphere, the pressure of the atmosphere may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignees: Molecular Imprints, Inc., Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Ian M. McMackin, Nicholas A. Stacey, Daniel A. Babbs, Duane J. Voth, Michael P. C. Watts, Van N. Truskett, Frank Y. Xu, Ronald D. Voisin, Pankaj B. Lad
  • Patent number: 6997972
    Abstract: A gas liquid separator comprising at least two containers, a first container for separating gas from a gas liquid mixture and a second container for receiving gas reduced or gas free liquid. The first container has an outlet port to the second container below the level of the gas for the gas reduced or gas free liquid and a separate outlet port for the separated gas. The second container has a height taller than the height of the first container to enable it to hold enough volume of the gas reduced or gas free liquid that can exert pressure on the liquid inside the first container so that the separated gas is forced to escape from the gas outlet port of the first container while allowing the gas reduced or gas free liquid to exit at a separate outlet port of the second container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Skydon Corp.
    Inventor: Anthony Tseng
  • Patent number: 6981997
    Abstract: Liquid such as water is deaerated by dissolving stripping gas such as carbon dioxide into the water while maintaining pressure, reducing the pressure, and then feeding the liquid into a vessel wherein a gas space is maintained over said water, wherein the pressure of said gas space is less than the pressure upstream, and separately withdrawing degassed liquid and evolved gas from said vessel at rates which maintain the pressure of said gas space below the pressure upstream of said means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: William Robert Williams, Marcilio Paiva Prado, Luis Claudio Dias Nogueira
  • Patent number: 6964696
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering a clean liquid condensate from a synthesis gas at elevated temperatures and pressures. The apparatus includes at least one heat exchanger for reducing the temperature of the synthesis gas down to below 200° F. (93° C.) so as to form a syngas condensate at elevated pressure. The syngas condensate is flashed so that it separates into a liquid phase condensate and a gas phase. The liquid phase condensate comprises water, dissolved ammonia and particulates. The gas phase contains carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, various sulfur containing compounds and trace amounts of other compounds that may have been dissolved in the syngas condensate. The gas phase is removed from the flash tank and sent to a sour gas treatment unit and/or flare. The liquid phase condensate is then filtered so as to remove larger sized particulates. Clean liquid condensate is reused in the gasification process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Texaco, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Malatak, Brad X. Pan
  • Patent number: 6962626
    Abstract: Disclosed is a venting assembly for a dip coating system, a dip coating system utilizing such venting assembly, and related method for dip coating. These aspects are particularly directed for the production of organic photoconductor layers in imaging devices, and more particularly to drum photoreceptors. The venting assembly eliminates or significantly reduces coating defects otherwise occurring in the production of drum photoreceptors. Also disclosed are the drum photoreceptors produced by this assembly, apparatus and coating process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Steven D. Bush, Michael J. Duggan, Mark E. Klino, Peter Schmitt
  • Patent number: 6955706
    Abstract: A system for producing and maintaining high purity degassed layup water for use in a power plant system during a layup period is disclosed. The liquid degassing system includes a degassing assembly for removing a predetermined amount of the undesired gases under vacuum pressure from the layup solution such that the amount of desired gases within the layup solution remains at or below standard values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Dominion Engineering INC
    Inventors: Robert D Varrin, Jr., Sotaro Kaneda
  • Patent number: 6811591
    Abstract: An autonomous pushed liquid recirculation system (APLRS) is installed in a vessel, such as an electroplating tank. It situates around the interior perimeter and adjusts to changes in the level of liquid, maintaining the same location and orientation respective to the liquid's surface. It establishes a current near the surface that pushes liquid across the narrow horizontal dimension of the tank from a front wall to a rear wall. The current serves to push any bubbles resultant from operations within the tank to the rear wall. Over the rear wall is mounted an abbreviated exhaust hood covering only a short width of the surface of the tank along the rear wall. Because the exhaust system has to scavenge only a portion of the surface since all bubbles now burst along the rear wall, a much smaller air handling apparatus may be specified with an attendant savings in energy costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Kent James Hay, Shaoying Qi
  • Patent number: RE39944
    Abstract: A natural gas dehydrator wherein a portion of the wet glycol from the absorber is pumped under pressure as circulating wet glycol which is used as a coolant for effluents removed from a reboiler and a power source for an educator to form a vacuum in a first chamber of a liquid water removal separator apparatus. The cooled effluents, comprising liquid water, liquid hydrocarbons and uncondensed vapors, move in to the first chamber wherein the liquid water is separated therefrom. The liquid hydrocarbons and the uncondensed vapors are removed from the first chamber and move into the eductor wherein they are combined into the circulating wet glycol. The separated liquid water is transferred to a second chamber of the liquid water removal separator apparatus and then removed therefrom. Also, gases from gas emitting level control apparatus in the natural gas dehydrator are collected and fed into the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Rodney T. Heath