Richard John Hebert

US Patent:

58040617, Sep 8, 1998

Filed:

Dec 18, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/993474

Inventors:

Richard P. Hebert - Cherry Valley MA
David B. Grimes - Greenfield MA

Assignee:

Beloit Technologies, Inc. - Wilmington DE

International Classification:

B03D 124
B03D 114

US Classification:

209170

Abstract:

A mixture of air and paper stock made from recycled paper from which the ink particles have been chemically released is injected into a cylindrical processing vessel. Added surfactants create a foam from the air as it rises through the stock and cause the ink particles to adhere to the air bubbles, resulting in a foam containing a concentrated fraction of the ink particles with some included fibers. The foam rises to the top of the vessel, and carries with it ink particles. Additional air injection ports can be used to increase the amount of foam generated and the amount of ink removed. Flow of stock and foam from the vessel can be controlled by adjusting valves on the stock and foam outlets. Flotation sensors allow the foam head to be maintained at the stock level by controlling the rate foam is withdrawn through the foam outlets.

US Patent:

58401563, Nov 24, 1998

Filed:

Apr 14, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/834606

Inventors:

Richard P. Hebert - Cherry Valley MA
David B. Grimes - Greenfield MA

Assignee:

Beloit Technologies, Inc. - Wilmington DE

International Classification:

D21C 502

US Classification:

162 4

Abstract:

A mixture of air and paper stock made from recycled paper from which the ink particles have been chemically released is injected into a cylindrical processing vessel. Added surfactants create a foam from the air as it rises through the stock and cause the ink particles to adhere to the air bubbles, resulting in a foam containing a concentrated fraction of the ink particles with some included fibers. The foam rises to the top of the vessel, and carries with it ink particles. Additional air injection ports can be used to increase the amount of foam generated and the amount of ink removed. Flow of stock and foam from the vessel can be controlled by adjusting valves on the stock and foam outlets. Flotation sensors allow the foam head to be maintained at the stock level by controlling the rate foam is withdrawn through the foam outlets.