m STAGED COMPLEMENTARY PSA SYSTEM FOR LOW ENERGY FRACTIONATION OF MIXED FLUID By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 18 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT A staged complementary pressure swing adsorption system and method for low energy fractionation of a mixed fluid. Two beds in a four-column PSA system are selective for component A, and another two columns are selective for component B. The cycle creates an intermittent A and B product, using the purge effluent from the complementary product fed at an intermediate pressure. This intermittent product is used as purge gas for low-pressure purged elsewhere in the cycle using appropriate storage tanks. The use of an intermediate pressure in this cycle enables continuous production of purified component A and B without the use of compressors. Columns may also be configured to enable pressure to equalize between complementary columns. Full Article
m Adsorbent Materials And Methods of Adsorbing Carbon Dioxide By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 18 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT Methods of designing zeolite materials for adsorption of CO2. Zeolite materials and processes for CO2 adsorption using zeolite materials. Full Article
m METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR DETECTING PARAMETER FOR AIR PURIFIER By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 25 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT Methods and apparatuses are provided for detecting parameter. The method includes: acquiring at least one intake air quality parameter of an air intake area of an air purifier and at least one output air quality parameter of an air discharging area of the air purifier; determining a purification parameter corresponding to the intake air quality parameter of the air intake area and the output air quality parameter of the air discharging area; and outputting the purification parameter. Full Article
m METAL-ORGANIC MATERIALS (MOMS) FOR CO2 ADSORPTION AND METHODS OF USING MOMS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 25 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for metal-organic materials (MOMs), systems that exhibit permanent porosity and using hydrophobic MOMs to separate components in a gas, methods of separating CO2 from a gas, and the like. Full Article
m Gas Concentration Method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 25 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT Provided herein is a method for improving a gas recovery rate during generation of a high-purity gas. The method includes providing three or more adsorption towers filled with an adsorbent that adsorbs an adsorption target gas. Performing a pressure lowering equalization process in a first adsorption tower in which an adsorption process has been finished, and in a source gas supply state in which a source gas is supplied to at least a second adsorption tower in which a pressure increasing equalization process has been finished and the adsorption process is to be subsequently performed; and transferring a non-adsorbed gas from an upper portion of the first adsorption tower to the upper portion of the second adsorption tower, thereby performing an adsorption and pressure lowering equalization process in the first adsorption tower and an adsorption and pressure increasing equalization process in the second adsorption tower. Full Article
m METHOD AND DEVICE FOR TREATING A SYNTHESIS GAS FROM A BIOMASS GASIFICATION STEP By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 25 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method for treating a synthesis gas from a gasification step. The synthesis gas is cooled to condense heavy organic impurities and water. At the end of the cooling step, light organic impurities and inorganic impurities are adsorped by at least one adsorption bed. The water and heavy tars are separated by decantation from the step of cooling the synthesis gas. At least one adsorption bed is regenerated by temperature-modulated or pressure-modulated desorption. Full Article
m Compact Subsea Dehydration By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 25 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT Systems and methods for dehydrating a natural gas stream are provided herein. The system includes a lean solvent feed system, including a line from a topsides facility, wherein the line is configured to divide a lean solvent stream to feed lean solvent to each of a number of co-current contacting systems in parallel. The co-current contacting systems are placed in series along a wet natural gas stream, wherein each of the co-current contacting systems is configured to contact the lean solvent stream with the wet natural gas stream to adsorb at least a portion of the water from the wet natural gas stream to form a dry natural gas stream. A rich solvent return system includes a line to combine rich solvent from each of the plurality of co-current contacting systems and return a rich solvent stream to the topsides facility. Full Article
m SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BACKLUSHING A VACUUM FILTER By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 01 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A vacuum filter backflushing system having an air recapturing adapter coupled to a vacuum motor's air exhaust port which recaptures a portion of exhaust air and introduces the air into a recaptured air passage. The recaptured air passage is coupled to an air flow director which is configured to direct air to an air filter. The air flow director is configured to selectively prevent air from flowing through the filters in a normal air flow direction and allow the air in the recaptured air passage to backflush the filter by dislodging particles from air filter media. The recaptured air passage can terminate after a last air filter, such that the recaptured air passage is pressurized, or the recaptured air passage can recouple back into the air exhaust port or the air recapturing adapter, such that the air is in constant motion in the recaptured air passage. Full Article
m REGENERATION OF A HYDROGEN IMPURITY TRAP USING THE HEAT EXITING A HYDRIDE TANK By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 08 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The storing and destocking of hydrogen in a hydride tank (10) comprises purification performed in at least one trap (1, 1A, 1B) filtering the impurities contained in the hydrogen entering the tank to be stored and regeneration of said at least one trap, using the heat carried by the hydrogen exiting the tank after it has been destocked. Full Article
m ELECTROMECHANICAL WATER SEPARATOR By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 08 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A water separator comprises an axially extending airflow passage, an airflow mixer, a plurality of electric plates of alternating charge, and a mechanical separator. The airflow mixer, the plurality of electric plates, and the mechanical separator are disposed within the airflow passage. The airflow mixer imparts a non-axial flow component on airflow through the airflow passage. The electric plates are situated downstream of the mixer, and create an electric field region within the airflow passage. The mechanical separator is situated at or downstream of the electric field region, and is disposed to separate water droplets from air. Full Article
m THERMAL DRYING SYSTEM FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 08 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An additive manufacturing device includes at least one liquefier assembly that receives filament material from at least one feedstock and extrudes the material in a flowable form. A thermal drying system removes water vapor and heats compressed air to a preselected temperature set point to form conditioned air. At least one enclosed filament path houses and guides the filament material from a supply to the at least one liquefier assembly. The enclosed filament path is exposed to the conditioned air from the thermal drying system so as to keep the filament material dry as it is fed to the at least one liquefier assembly. Full Article
m Wellhead platform systems for use in extracting and testing multi-phase raw mixtures By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 08 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Example embodiments include systems for use in a wellhead platform. The system may comprise a separator subsystem, a scrubber subsystem, a first stage compressor subsystem, and a second stage compressor subsystem. The separator subsystem may comprise a separator inlet section for receiving multi-phase raw mixtures, a separator container body for housing the received multi-phase raw mixture, and a separator gas outlet section for separating gas. The scrubber subsystem may comprise a scrubber inlet section connected to the separator gas outlet section, a scrubber container body, and a scrubber gas outlet section for separating gas. The first stage compressor subsystem may be operable to receive gas separated from the scrubber subsystem, compress the received gas, and output the compressed gas. The second stage compressor subsystem may be operable to receive compressed gas from the first stage compressor subsystem, further compress the received compressed gas, and output the further compressed gas. Full Article
m Methods and Systems for Selective Hydrogen Gas Extraction for Dissolved Gas Analysis Applications By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Systems and methods for selectively extracting hydrogen gas dissolved in oil are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a selectively permeable membrane provided at a point of contact between oil and a sensor chamber. The selectively permeable membrane has a hydrogen specificity and a thickness selected to minimize detection of further gasses dissolved in the oil by a hydrogen gas sensor cross-sensitive to the further gasses. The selectively permeable membrane can include polyimide. The further gasses include carbon monoxide, acetylene, and ethylene. The system can include a further membrane and a porous metal disc. The porous metal disc is bound to the selectively permeable membrane by using the further membrane as an adhesive layer and by applying pressure and temperature. The porous metal disc supports the selectively permeable membrane and the further membrane against pressure of the oil when exposed to a vacuum. The further membrane includes fluorohydrocarbons. Full Article
m METHOD FOR SEPARATING SAND FROM A HYDROCARBON STREAM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus and method for separating a natural gas production stream from hydrocarbon well operations into a gas component and a sand and liquid component is described. More specifically, a sand separator comprising a cylindrical body, a production stream inlet port, a gas outlet port and a solid and liquid drain port is described. The cylindrical body has an inner cavity with an inner cone having one-way gas vents and a stationary auger wrapped around the inner cone. The production stream inlet port includes a pipe having a curved tip that directs the production stream into the body and around the inner cone and stationary auger, causing the production stream to slow down and the components to separate. Full Article
m CARBON DIOXIDE CAPTURE SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF OPERATING A CARBON DIOXIDE CAPTURE SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A carbon dioxide capture system includes a first capture system and a second capture system. The first capture system including a first absorber that causes carbon dioxide contained in a combustion exhaust gas to be absorbed in a first absorbing liquid. The second capture system causes carbon dioxide contained in a combustion exhaust gas to be absorbed in a second absorbing liquid. The second rich liquid releases carbon dioxide at a lower temperature than the first rich liquid. Full Article
m COMPRESSED-AIR DRYING DEVICE, METHOD FOR CONTROLLING COMPRESSED-AIR DRYING DEVICE, AND VEHICLE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A compressed air drying device that dries compressed air discharged from a compressor includes a dryer and a controller. The dryer includes a drying container, which is filled with a desiccant, and a discharge valve arranged in a discharge port that discharges drainage produced by regeneration of the desiccant. The controller obtains an ambient temperature and controls opening and closing of the discharge valve. When the ambient temperature is a temperature at which freezing occurs, the controller moves the compressed air, which is discharged from the compressor and heated, into the dryer and restricts opening of the discharge valve. Full Article
m COLUMN FOR THERMAL TREATMENT OF FLUID MIXTURES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a column (1) for thermal treatment of fluid mixtures, having a cylindrical, vertically aligned column body (2) which forms a column cavity (3), having a sequence of vertically spaced-apart dual-flow mass transfer trays (8) which are mounted in the column cavity (3) and which have orifices for passage of liquid and gas in countercurrent, and having at least one gas entry orifice (5) disposed below the lowermost of the sequence of dual-flow mass transfer trays (8). It is a characteristic feature of the column of the invention that a gas distribution tray (9) which is disposed between the lowermost of the sequence of dual-flow mass transfer trays (8) and the gas entry orifice (5) has orifices (32) for vertical passage of gas which can be introduced into the column cavity (3) via the gas entry orifice (5), the orifices (32) being formed so as to bring about equal gas distribution over the column cross section. The invention further relates to a process for thermal treatment of fluid mixtures in such a column (1). Full Article
m SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONDENSING MOISTURE IN A BIOREACTOR GAS STREAM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed herein is a system and method for condensing moisture in a gas stream entering or leaving a bioreactor, the system comprising: a contact condenser container fluidically coupled to the bioreactor through an exhaust line; a condensate accumulator fluidically coupled to the contact condenser container through at least a first condensate line and a second condensate line; the condensate accumulator further fluidically coupled to the bioreactor through a condensate overflow line; a first condensate control device disposed on the first condensate line and configured to control a flow of condensate leaving the contact condenser container and entering the condensate accumulator; and a second condensate control device disposed on the second condensate line and configured to control a flow of condensate leaving the condensate accumulator to be mixed with the gas stream. Full Article
m METHODS FOR PRODUCING OZONE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method for producing ozone is disclosed. The ozone is separated by an adsorbent separation system from a mixture of oxygen and ozone. The adsorbent separation system operates by adsorbing ozone at higher pressures, then desorbing the ozone at normal pressures. Increased ozone concentrations result from these steps while the oxygen component can be recovered and used in producing the mixture of oxygen and ozone. Full Article
m FACILITY AND METHOD FOR PURIFICATION BY ADSORPTION OF A GASEOUS FLOW COMPRISING A CORROSIVE IMPURITY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a facility for purification by adsorption of gaseous flow comprising at least one impurity which has a corrosive effect on carbons steel, comprising a radial adsorber comprising a housing with an outer envelope made of carbon steel; a vertical perforated inner grating consisting of a corrosion-resistant material, a vertical perforated outer grating, an adsorbent which is held vertically by the outer grating and the inner grating, and allows at least partial blockage of the corrosive impurity, and a means for allowing a centrifugal circulation of the gaseous flow. Full Article
m APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CAPTURING TARGET COMPONENT FROM GAS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Provided is an apparatus for capturing a target component from a gas including a rotating packed bed and a packed bed. The rotating packed bed has a first absorbent inlet, a first absorbent outlet, a first gas inlet and a first gas outlet. The packed bed has a second absorbent inlet, a second absorbent outlet, a second gas inlet and a second gas outlet. The first absorbent outlet is in connection with the second absorbent inlet to form an absorbent flow path that sequentially passes through the rotating packed bed and the packed bed. The second gas outlet is in connection with the first gas inlet to form a gas flow path that sequentially passes through the packed bed and the rotating packed bed. Full Article
m FLOW MANAGEMENT AND CO2-RECOVERY APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus and method for flow management and CO2-recovery from a CO2 containing hydrocarbon flow stream, such as a post CO2-stimulation flowback stream. The apparatus including a flow control zone, a gas separation zone, a pretreatment zone, and a CO2-capture zone. The CO2-capture zone is in fluid communication with the pretreatment zone to provide CO2-capture from a pretreated flowback gas stream and output a captured CO2-flow stream. The CO2-capture zone includes a flow splitter to direct a first portion of the pretreated flowback gas stream to a CO2-enricher to provide an enriched CO2-stream for mixing with a second portion of the pretreated flowback gas to form a mixed stream. The CO2-capture zone further includes at least one condenser to output the captured CO2-flow stream. Full Article
m CARBON DIOXIDE SEPARATION AND CAPTURE APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING OPERATION OF CARBON DIOXIDE SEPARATION AND CAPTURE APPARATUS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A carbon dioxide separation and capture apparatus includes an absorption tower configured to cause an absorbing liquid to absorb a carbon dioxide gas contained in a process gas and a regeneration tower configured to cause the absorbing liquid from the absorption tower to release the carbon dioxide gas. The carbon dioxide separation and capture apparatus further includes an inlet concentration meter configured to measure concentration of an acid component in the process gas supplied to the absorption tower and an outlet concentration meter configured to measure concentration of the acid component in the process gas discharged from the absorption tower. Also included in the carbon dioxide separation and capture apparatus are a supplementary absorbing liquid supply mechanism configured to supply a supplementary absorbing liquid to the main unit and a controller configured to control an amount of the supplementary absorbing liquid supplied to the main unit by the supplementary absorbing liquid supply mechanism based on the concentrations of the acid component measured at the inlet concentration meter and the outlet concentration meter. Full Article
m DUCTLESS FUME HOOD GAS MONITORING AND DETECTION SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A ductless fume hood suitable for the removal of various chemical materials including toxic and non-toxic gases, vapors, particles, dust and unpleasant odors from a fluid stream. The ductless fume hood uses electronic devices and software to enable real time monitoring of gas levels in parts per million. Full Article
m CAPPED CARBON FILTER ASSEMBLY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A carbon filter is disclosed. Such a carbon filter includes a carbon-based core having a central cavity, a layer of a polymer-based filter material surrounding the carbon-based core, and at least one end cap fixedly attached to the carbon-based core. Full Article
m METAL-ORGANIC FRAMEWORK-BASED SORBENTS AND METHODS OF SYNTHESIS THEREOF By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A carbon dioxide capture and release method of forming a MOF matrix material including at least one metal-organic-framework crystal that includes at least one metal ion or metal ion cluster coordinated to polydentate organic ligands. The method includes forming a positive moisture swing CO2 host by application of at least a portion of the MOF matrix material to at least a portion of a good, and exposing the good to a feed gas. The method also includes altering the absorption and desorption of CO2 in the CO2 host through a swing absorption/desorption process of moisture content, where an equilibrium pressure of CO2 over the CO2 host is based at least in part on the moisture content. The metal-organic-framework crystal can be UIO-66 including Zr6O4(OH)4(CO2)12 clusters linked by terephthalate acid ligands, and/or Zr6O4(OH)4(CO2)12 clusters linked by amino-terephthalic acid ligands, and/or Zr6O4(OH)4(CO2)12 clusters linked by nitro-terephthalic acid ligands. Full Article
m SORPTION DRYING SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Sorption drying system for dehumidification of a moist gas stream, comprising a mass (1) of absorbing material, a moist gas stream (2) arranged to flow through at least a part of the absorbent mass, and a heated stream of regeneration gas (3) arranged to flow through at least a part of the absorbent mass. The sorption drying system further comprises means (4) for deflecting a part of the dehumidified gas stream after flowing through the absorbent mass, a cooler (5) for cooling the deflected dehumidified gas stream, and means (6; 7) for returning the cooled deflected dehumidified gas stream to the moist gas stream at the inlet into the absorbent mass. At least a part of the cooled deflected dehumidified gas stream is arranged to flow through the absorbent mass in a channel separated from the moist gas stream. Full Article
m POLYHYDRIC ALCOHOL COMPOSITIONS FOR GAS DEHYDRATION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a dehydration composition and method of use thereof for drying gas streams, in particular natural gas streams, wherein the dehydration composition comprises one or more polyhydric alcohol. Said polyhydric alcohol preferably has a hydroxyl content equal to or greater than 31 percent and equal to or less than 75 percent of the formula weight of the compound. Said polyhydric alcohol dehydration compositions are particularly suitable for dewatering and desalting gas stream comprising water and one or more salt. Full Article
m DEVICE FOR EXTRACTING WATER FROM THE ENVIRONMENT By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention corresponds to a device for extracting water from the environment by means of a liquid desiccant. The device comprises a means for capturing water from the environment using a liquid desiccant, an extraction chamber, a first duct through which liquid desiccant with water flows from the capture means to the extraction chamber, a second duct through which liquid desiccant flows from the extraction chamber to the capture means, a reservoir for depositing water extracted from the liquid desiccant in the extraction chamber, a third duct through which water flows from the extraction chamber to the reservoir, a means to create a vacuum within the extraction chamber, and a control device that controls the heating element. The extraction chamber comprises a container located at the bottom of the extraction chamber, in which the water captured by the liquid desiccant is extracted and a heating element located within the container Full Article
m Means for covering the flange of a waste water strainer By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A waste water insert has a wall surrounding a vertical bore. A horizontal flange extends outwardly from the upper end of the wall and has a lip formed on its outer periphery. The horizontal flange of the waste water insert is super-imposed over the horizontal flange of a waste water strainer located in a bathtub, sink or the like. The wall of the insert extends downwardly through the cylindrical wall of the waste water strainer with the two walls being spaced from each other by virtue of the cylindrical wall of the insert having a smaller diameter than that of the strainer. Full Article
m Manual-automatic flush driving device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A flush driving device for a toilet includes a mounting bracket, a control panel that includes a sensing window and manual buttons, and a manual operating mechanism that includes bars cooperating with the manual buttons and rotating mechanisms connected with the bars. Rotating shafts of the rotating mechanisms are mounted in the mounting bracket. An automatic operating mechanism includes a driving motor, a rod controlled by the driving motor, and lifting mechanisms cooperating with the rod. The flush driving device also includes pull arms connected to both the rotating mechanisms and the lifting mechanisms for controlling the flush of the toilet. Full Article
m System for flushing a vacuum toilet By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system for flushing a vacuum toilet in an aircraft, with a bowl drain for removing toilet waste water from a bowl, a drain line, a bypass flow line for feeding-in air, a drainage valve and a waste water line. The bowl drain and the bypass flow line are connectable to the drain line, and the drainage valve on the input side is connectable to the drain line, and on the output side is connectable to a waste water line. In an implementation of the vacuum toilet as a vacuum urinal, the system may provide either water flushing or waterless flushing. Full Article
m Drain sump By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A drain sump includes a secondary chamber for providing an alternate source of water for the main drain to pull water from, thereby limiting the suction force created when the flow of water is obstructed. In a preferred embodiment, the two chambers within the drain sump are partitioned by a septum wall, which provides a passage for a drain pipe extension at the center of the septum wall and further includes a plurality of venting channels for ideal water flow between the two chambers. Each chamber is in open fluid flow communication with the pool water via the drain grate. Relief hole passages are included on the drain pipe extension for providing open fluid communication between the secondary chamber and the water flow passage. The drain pipe extension may further include two 90 degree bends for restricting access to the water flow passage of the drain pipe extension. Full Article
m Clamping device, systems, and methods By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A clamping device for mounting a sink to a counter, includes a clamp having a clamp body and a binding tab, a binding post for insertion through a first opening in the clamp body and into a hole in a surface of the sink adjacent to a clamped article, the clamp and binding tab connected to the post and extending away therefrom at least partially over an edge of the clamped article, and a clamp screw for insertion through a second opening in the clamp body and against a solid portion of the binding tab interposed between the clamp screw and the edge of the clamped article. Full Article
m Cover and method for covering the flange of a waste water strainer By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A waste water insert has a wall surrounding a vertical bore. A horizontal flange extends outwardly from the upper end of the wall and has a lip formed on its outer periphery. The horizontal flange of the waste water insert is super-imposed over the horizontal flange of a waste water strainer located in a bathtub, sink or the like. The wall of the insert extends downwardly through the cylindrical wall of the waste water strainer with the two walls being spaced from each other by virtue of the cylindrical wall of the insert having a smaller diameter than that of the strainer. Full Article
m Automatic air evacuation appratus for swimming pool and spa filters By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention is an air evacuation apparatus that prevents the accumulation of air inside a swimming pool or spa filter by allowing any air to be removed from inside the filter every time the swimming pool pump is turned on. By allowing air to be removed from the filter, the present invention prevents the build-up of dangerous levels of potential energy caused by compressed air inside the filter that can lead to the violent separation of the filter. More important, the air evacuation apparatus of the present invention allows air to be safely and automatically removed from inside of the filter without interfering with the functionality of the filter. Full Article
m Method and apparatus for controlling odors By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Methods and apparatus for controlling odors in an enclosed space, such as a pit latrine, include providing an oxidizer, such as a catalytic heater and an optional mechanical ventilation unit, such as an inline fan, both flow connected to a vault (pit) of the latrine. The heater is also connected to a source of fuel, for example, propane. Fresh air is drawn through vents in the latrine housing and thereafter through toilets in the latrine and through the vault, providing oxygen for the reaction. The fan and/or oxidation process draws both fresh air and accompanying odorous compounds directly from the latrine and into the oxidizer wherein the odorous components are substantially destroyed. Full Article
m Manhole odor eliminator By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A sewer gas odor absorption apparatus for a manhole having a perforate manhole cover disposed in the manhole which includes an imperforate housing having a seal dimensioned and configured for sealing engagement with the manhole, the housing has a first extremity and a second extremity and a passageway in fluid communication with ambient air above the manhole cover at the first extremity and in fluid communication with sewer gases at the second extremity thereof. A sub-assembly including a porous absorption media and a variable volume device disposed in mutual fluid communication in a subassembly having first and second axial extremities, the first and second extremities of the subassembly being disposed in fluid communication respectively with the first and second extremities of the imperforate housing. Full Article
m Cantilevered brace assembly for wall-mounted toilet By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A brace for a wall-mounted toilet, particularly useful for wall-mounted porcelain toilets in hospitals and other health care facilities. The brace a weight receiving structure supported by cantilevered struts that attach the brace to the wall, preferably using the same bolts that attach the toilet to the wall. The weight receiving structure may be seat portion that overlies the rim of the toilet bowl, so that the weight of the user is transmitted from the toilet seat to the seat structure and then to the walls through the struts. Alternately, the weight receiving structure may include an under-bowl support that extends underneath the toilet bowl so that the user's weight is transmitted from the bowl to the wall through the struts. Thus, the cantilevered brace increases the weight-bearing capacity of the wall-mounted toilet. A plastic shroud may be included for enclosing the brace and toilet bowl. Full Article
m Device for preparing shower water for a water closet having an under-shower and method for operating such a device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The device has a line arrangement (2), which possesses an inlet (3) connectable to a supply line and an outlet (4) connectable to a shower arm (5). A heating element (6) serves for the provision of warm water. An energy store (7, 8) is provided, with which the power range for the provision of shower water can be extended. The heating element (6) for the provision of warm water is, in particular, a continuous-flow heater. The energy store (7, 8) is, in particular, a thermal, electrical, electrochemical or chemical energy store. During the shower process, the energy store is available as an additional energy source for the preparation of shower water. Full Article
m Lavatory pan device and non-water lavatory flushing system with the device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A lavatory pan device for separating stool and urine includes a stool and urine tray, a supporting device, and a moment force producing device. The stool and urine tray consists of a flat plate and the rib inclining upward and extending outward from the whole or partial edge of the flat plate. The lavatory pan has an opening or an entry way at the longitudinal side and is connected on the supporting device. Through the moment force produced by the prescribed moment force producing device, the stool and urine tray can roll over on the supporting device. The described moment force producing device is set on the stool and urine tray and it is between tow supports of the above supporting device and the opening or entry way. Full Article
m Domed swimming pool cover By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A pool cover for above ground swimming pools includes a cover with an elevated central area, a plurality of rods to support the cover, and a plurality of clip assemblies to couple the rods to the swimming pool. The cover is a waterproof textile having a plurality of sleeve members allowing for insertion of the support rods to secure and support the cover. Each clip assembly includes hook which removably attaches to an upper perimeter edge of the pool and a pocket to receive an end of the support rod. When assembled, the support rods form a dome-like structure circularly arranged about the edge of the pool. Full Article
m Device and method for use in a shower system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Provided is a device for use in a shower system and a related method. The device may include an appliance for adding a medium to shower water. The appliance may be designed such that it works according to the principle of a water jet pump. Advantageously, the medium added to the shower water may contain one or more fragrance media. Full Article
m Trap and drain assembly for draining waste liquids while blocking odors By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention provides a flush free drain trap system. The trap of the invention may be used in any trap system intended to block a back flow of odors from the waste line. A sealant liquid floats on top of the waste liquid in the trap to block odors. The trap uses one passageway to pass liquids to the sewer line, similarly to a conventional drain system, for preventing overflow and allowing cleaning. A second passageway allows the trap to dispose of small amounts of the waste liquid though an opening and a valve operated by the buoyancy caused by the accumulation of waste liquid in the trap. In normal use, waste liquid is passed to the sewer line without loss of sealant liquid. Furthermore, the performance of the trap is not affected by the evaporation of the waste liquid when the trap is unused. Full Article
m Toilet training devices for small children By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A toilet training device includes an odor remediation system for absorbing or masking odors that may be created during toilet training. The odor remediation system may include a modular odor remediating insert that may be releasably positioned within a recess that is provided within the toilet training device. The odor remediating insert may include an odor absorbing substance such as sodium bicarbonate, an odor masking substance such as a fragrance or a combination of an odor absorbing substance and an odor masking substance. The toilet training device also includes a system for dispensing wipes that may utilize a recess that is defined in a side wall of the main body portion of the toilet training device. A wipes cartridge is designed so that it can be used to conveniently dispense wipes regardless of whether it is separated from the toilet training device or mounted within the recess of the toilet training device. Full Article
m Method for controlling automatic head care system and automatic hair washing system, and automatic head care system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Provided is an automatic head care system and an automatic hair washing system for caring a person's head in a safe and effective manner without applying a straining force on the person's neck. In order to achieve the object, the following steps are performed in turn: a head receiving step in which a pair of arms 114L, 114R are placed at positions for receiving a person's head 10 on a suppotring body 112; a water washing step in which water ejected from a plurality of nozzles 110 is poured to the head 10 while the pair of arms 114L, 114R are swung; a shampoo step in which washing liquid ejected from the plurality of nozzles 110 is poured to the head 10 while the pair of arms 114L, 114R are swung; and a head care step in which the head 10 is cared by performing the push-rotating of the pair of arms 114L, 114R in the direction of approaching the head 10 so as to bring the plurality of contacts 109 into contact with the head 10 and by swinging the pair of arms 114L, 114R while moving the plurality of contacts 109. Full Article
m Shower door assembly with an integral directional draining system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A shower door assembly with an integral directional draining system including a shower door frame having a frame body defining a horizontal drain channel and a plurality of drain holes, at least one side panel having a first end and a second end, the first end of the side panel being sized and configured to be fixedly attached to the frame body and the second end of the side panel further including a hinge mount, and at least one door defining a hinge mount rotatably connected to the hinge mount of the side panel and a door drain channel, the door having an upper portion and lower portion. The door of the present invention flares upward and bows outward such that the upper portion of the door is farther away from the shower door frame than the lower portion of the door. Full Article
m Adjustable flush system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A flush valve assembly having a handle assembly positioning bushing for spacing a handle assembly within an opening of the flush valve assembly. The handle assembly positioning bushing having an eccentric opening for receiving the handle such that rotation of the handle assembly positioning bushing with regard to the flush valve assembly body alters the height of the handle assembly and, thus, the volume of water passing through the flush valve assembly during a flush cycle. Full Article
m Multi-flush mode toilet By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An actuation mechanism comprising a first handle, a second handle, a housing, a link arm member provided within the housing and pivotally coupled to the handles, and a moveable stop member provided within the housing. The first handle may be mounted to a first side of a toilet tank, and the second handle may be mounted coaxially relative to the first handle on the first side. The housing may be mounted to a second side of the tank. A rotation of one of the first and second handles results in rotation of the link arm member being limited by the moveable stop member such that the link arm member is permitted to rotate a first amount. Rotation of both the first and second handles results in movement of the moveable stop member such that the link arm member is permitted to rotate a second amount greater than the first amount. Full Article
m Lever control mechanism of a drain valve of a toilet tank By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A lever control mechanism of a drain valve of a toilet tank has a lever assembly assembled in the wall of the toilet tank and a lever linked to the revolving shaft of the lever assembly. The lever assembly is connected to a deviator, which is disposed with a drive arm; the drive arm is connected to the revolving shaft. The deviator is disposed with a joint portion and at least a leading hole to limit the lever revolving vertically. One end of the lever is run through the leading hole to rotationally connect to the joint portion; the drive arm is revolved by the driving of the revolving shaft to drive the lever revolved in the fan shaped vertical surface limited formed by the joint portion and the leading hole. Full Article