Appeal No. 2003-2033
Application No. 09/154,130
Keller discloses a pan-type liquid distributor that is
particularly adapted for liquid distribution in a packed column
fractionator but “may find utility for liquid distribution in
other environments” (col. 1, lines 48-51; col. 2, lines 31-32).1
Keller’s liquid distributor has liquid distribution
elements (62), each comprised of a hollow tube (90) extending
through the floor of a distribution trough (29) (col. 4,
lines 39-41; figure 4B). Each hollow tube has a longitudinally
extending slot (96) in the part of the hollow tube above the
floor of the trough, and has a discharge opening (98) below the
floor of the trough (col. 4, lines 47-51; figure 4). A piston
(92) which has an outer diameter closely approximating the inner
diameter of the hollow tube is slidably mounted within the hollow
tube such that the fit is snug but permits the piston to slide
within the tube (col. 4, lines 41-47). Sliding movement of the
piston within the hollow tube is effected by a flexible drive
rod (94) attached to the upper end of the piston (col. 4,
lines 52-53). Sliding the piston downwardly within the hollow
1 No particular other environments are disclosed.
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