US4246116A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Degreaser freeboard control
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1979-10-22
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Granted: 1981-01-20
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Expires: 1999-10-22
Abstract
Abstract A vapor degreaser with solvent tank, a liquid heated at the bottom of the tank to produce vapor, condensing coils at the wall of the tank defining a vapor level, and a condensate collector and return, with a freeboard or open space between the vapor level and the open top of the tank for insertion and removal of articles to be cleaned. Inserts are installed at each side of the interior of the tank at the freeboard level to increase the freeboard depth-to-width ratio to meet air pollution control requirements.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert G. Cormack
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 11:13
CPC Classifications
D; D06; D06F; D06F43/00; D06F43/06; B; B01; B01D; B01D3/00; B01D3/02; C; C23; C23G; C23G5/00; C23G5/02; C23G5/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
190 words
In a vapor degreaser having a rectangular tank for a solvent, condensing means at the wall of said tank defining a vapor level with a freeboard between the vapor level and the open top of the tank of depth D and width W, having a fixed design freeboard ratio defined as the ratio of the debth of said tank between said open top and a predetermined vapor level within said tank, to said width W, condensate collecting means for returning condensed solvent vapor to the lower portion of the tank, and means for heating the liquid solvent, the improvement for increasing the tank freeboard depth-to-width ratio D/W and comprising: means to be inserted into said degreaser, dimensioned for increasing said design freeboard ratio sufficient to satisfy predetermined air pollution control requirements, including, a tank insert mounted within said tank and having a substantially vertical wall extending from adjacent said tank top to said vapor level, spacer means for positioning said insert wall inward from the tank wall reducing the freeboard width W, and stop means positioned between said insert wall and tank wall blocking vapor flow upward between said walls.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
190 words
In a vapor degreaser having a rectangular tank for a solvent, condensing means at the wall of said tank defining a vapor level with a freeboard between the vapor level and the open top of the tank of depth D and width W, having a fixed design freeboard ratio defined as the ratio of the debth of said tank between said open top and a predetermined vapor level within said tank, to said width W, condensate collecting means for returning condensed solvent vapor to the lower portion of the tank, and means for heating the liquid solvent, the improvement for increasing the tank freeboard depth-to-width ratio D/W and comprising: means to be inserted into said degreaser, dimensioned for increasing said design freeboard ratio sufficient to satisfy predetermined air pollution control requirements, including, a tank insert mounted within said tank and having a substantially vertical wall extending from adjacent said tank top to said vapor level, spacer means for positioning said insert wall inward from the tank wall reducing the freeboard width W, and stop means positioned between said insert wall and tank wall blocking vapor flow upward between said walls.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
A vapor degreaser as defined in claim 1 wherein said insert wall projects downward past said condensing means with said insert wall including apertures therein for vapor flow to said condensing means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A vapor degreaser as defined in claim 2 with the lower end of said insert wall positioned in said condensate collecting means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
A vapor degreaser as defined in claim 1 having one of said tank inserts at each side.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
A vapor degreaser as defined in claim 1 wherein said condensate collecting means includes a trough projecting into said tank from the wall thereof, with said insert wall positioned in said trough.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
41 words
A vapor degreaser as defined in claim 1 wherein said tank has a lower smaller portion and an upper larger portion joined at a trough forming a portion of said condensate collecting means, with said insert wall positioned in said trough.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2351704A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-01-20 | 1984-07-21 | 1985-01-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-01-20 | 1988-07-21 | 1989-01-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-01-20 | 1992-07-21 | 1993-01-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |