Vent Control Patents (Class 210/120)
  • Patent number: 8608954
    Abstract: Liquid tank comprising: a first or storage volume for storing the liquid, bounded at least in part by a wall; a second or venting volume for venting the tank, bounded at least in part by the same wall; means of communication between the storage and venting volumes, situated in the top of these volumes; at least one orifice situated in the top of the venting volume, normally placing the venting volume in communication with a venting circuit; and means capable of closing off the means of communication, when the liquid in the venting volume reaches a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (S.A.)
    Inventors: Frederic Jannot, Barbara Mabed, Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen, Thomas Eltzer
  • Publication number: 20130306530
    Abstract: A is a drinking water server includes a raw water storage unit that stores raw water containing chlorine and a cover that defines an inner space of the raw water tank by blocking an upper opening of the raw water tank; a purification unit that receives and filters the raw water and discharges the filtered raw water as purified water into a purified water tank which stores or discharges purified water in response to closing or opening of the purified water discharge path; a drinking water storage unit in which a drinking water discharge path is provided and which stores or discharges purified water in response to closing or opening of the drinking water discharge path by a float valve body based on an amount of the purified water by floating on the purified water, an inner space of the drinking water tank (40) being closed; and an air tube portion that communicates between the raw water tank and the drinking water tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: UCHIMURA CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Satoshi Sasaki
  • Patent number: 8568585
    Abstract: A water distribution system including a water storage tank, a water treatment unit, a diverter valve, and interconnecting water conduits arranged so that the same water treatment unit can be used to treat water supplied from a fill port to the storage tank during a fill operation, as well as water leaving the storage tank for supply to one or more points of water use during a supply operation. A diverter valve is provided which is movable between a fill position wherein the water treatment unit is in fluid communication with the fill port and not the point of water use device, and a supply position wherein the water treatment unit is in fluid communication with the at least one point of water use device and not the fill port. When the diverter valve is in the fill position, water supplied to the fill port can thus flow through the diverter valve and to the water treatment unit for treatment then to the storage tank for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: International Water-Guard Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Daniel Nolan
  • Patent number: 8551334
    Abstract: A filter capsule has a filter housing which, on at least one end face, has an end cap with an air release valve. A protective wall is formed on the end cap at a distance from the air release valve and protrudes beyond the air release valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH
    Inventors: Guenter Pradel, Maik Roehl
  • Patent number: 8540875
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for filling a container containing a dry powdered salt concentrate for use in dialysis with purified fluid and removing the trapped air or gases generated during the filling of the container, while maintaining the required fluid level in the container and without the need for evacuating gases from the container prior to filling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holding, Inc.
    Inventors: Roland Levin, Wayne Raiford
  • Patent number: 8518246
    Abstract: A device for continuously, periodically monitoring water for microbial germs, comprising a reactor and at least one reagent feed line into the reactor and at least one metering device for reagents as well as at least one measuring device for detecting the presence of microorganisms, wherein the reactor comprises a reactor chamber and a filtrate chamber, which is separated from said reactor chamber by means of a filter, a water feed line as well as a reagent feed line empty into the reactor chamber and at least one water discharge line leads out of the filtrate chamber, and a controller is set up to use pump/valve means to lead a predefinable quantity of water into the reactor chamber and through the filter as well as to introduce a predefinable quantity of reagent into the reactor chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: mbOnline GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Lendenfeld
  • Patent number: 8500994
    Abstract: This invention relates to dialysis systems and methods. In some implementations, a method includes applying vacuum pressure to a device of a dialysis system, and then determining, based on a detected fluid level or measured pressure, whether the device is functioning properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin Weaver, Martin Joseph Crnkovich
  • Patent number: 8480908
    Abstract: An apparatus, process and system for treating a hydrocarbon feedstock having a specific gravity differential between components of the feedstock is disclosed and includes a treatment vessel having an inlet for receiving the feedstock. A primary separation container may be located in the treatment vessel to accumulate feedstock to cause a low specific gravity portion of the feedstock to separate and rise to an upper surface of the accumulated feedstock. A secondary separation container may be located in the treatment vessel to receive the collected low specific gravity portion from the primary separation container, to accumulate the collected low specific gravity portion to cause hydrocarbon products to separate and rise to an upper surface of the accumulated low specific gravity portion of the feedstock, producing a hydrocarbon product stream at a product outlet. The operating pressure of the treatment vessel may be regulated to remain within a desired range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Suncor Energy Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Charles Hann
  • Patent number: 8425780
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to dialysis venting devices and related methods. In some aspects, a dialysis system includes a fluid inlet line, a venting device in fluid communication with the fluid inlet line, and a fluid outlet line in fluid communication with the venting device. The venting device can include a housing defining a fluid chamber, a valve member disposed above the fluid chamber between a lower seat and an upper seat, and a pump that is operable to draw fluid into the fluid chamber from the fluid inlet line and to force fluid out of the fluid chamber into the fluid outlet line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael James Beiriger
  • Patent number: 8377293
    Abstract: A dialysis fluid cassette that includes a base and a flexible membrane attached to the base. The flexible membrane and the base cooperate to at least partially define a venting chamber and a fluid channel fluidly connected to the venting chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Beden, Uwe Hahmann, Martin Herklotz, Martin Lauer, Joachim Manke, Peter Scheunert, Manfred Weis
  • Publication number: 20130037462
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for filling a container containing a dry powdered salt concentrate for use in dialysis with purified fluid and removing the trapped air or gases generated during the filling of the container, while maintaining the required fluid level in the container and without the need for evacuating gases from the container prior to filling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventor: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130032533
    Abstract: Integrated membrane treatment systems for treatment of an aqueous solution. In embodiments, components, such as an MBR, are integrated with means to recover energy from the system, for example from an RO concentrate, to operate the other components. In embodiments including biological treatment, RO is integrated with other components, such as an MBR with the ROs ability to remove inorganic nitrogen enabling biological treatment to be performed with only partial nitrification and the MBR operated without active pH control. In embodiments, RO is integrated with a chlorine generator to convert chlorides present in the RO concentrate for an in-situ source of oxidizing biocides for disinfection purposes. Chloramines may be generated in-situ from residual ammonia and chlorides in the RO reject. In embodiments, carrier media is employed in a membrane tank to enhance removal of residual organics by the MBR and to also improve effectiveness of membrane scouring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Vyacheslav Libman, Boris Eliosov
  • Patent number: 8308946
    Abstract: Systems and methods for performing anaerobic digestion of biomaterials using a clarifier, a batch reactor, and/or a digester are disclosed. The clarifier performs pretreatment processing of biomaterial to improve anaerobic digestion. The batch reactor and/or the digester are coupled to the clarifier and are configured to digest the processed biomaterial. A control system for an anaerobic digestion process includes a flow control system, a temperature control system, and a totalization system. The flow control system controls the flow of biomaterial and the delivery of chemical agents to the biomaterial based on conductivity, temperature, pressure, and/or composition of the biomaterial. The temperature control system includes a heat source and heat exchangers that control the temperature of the biomaterial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Epcot Crenshaw Corporation
    Inventor: Charles Satish Smith
  • Patent number: 8298407
    Abstract: Embodiments of the Gas Vent are comprised of a horizontal float assembly, and a vertical gas valve assembly. The horizontal float assembly is connected via a fluid connection to a surge tank or any other connection to the overall gas processing system. The horizontal float assembly is comprised of a housing; a horizontal float; a flange; a sight glass; one or more sight glass valves; a horizontal float lever arm; a vertical valve hinge arm, and a hinge. The housing of the horizontal float assembly is essentially a large hollow process vessel with various openings and fittings formed by the housing to accept the various devices and. The horizontal float is a large, hollow vessel that partially floats on top of any liquid contained within the horizontal float assembly. As the horizontal float rises and falls in conjunction allowing gas to vent as it is accumulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Dennis Paul Caldwell
  • Patent number: 8287727
    Abstract: A filter element in a fuel filter has an annularly arranged filter medium that is sealed at the end faces by end plates wherein a venting unit for venting gases out of the filter element area is provided. The venting unit comprises a securing ring that clamps, in the mounting position, a filter body, wherein in the securing ring a through opening as well as additionally an expansion opening are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Mann+Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Steffi Kiedaisch, Thorsten Schmid, Norbert Strassenberger
  • Patent number: 8268167
    Abstract: Separating apparatus, for separating a substance from a liquid on which the substance can float, comprises: a separation chamber; an inlet adapted to convey a supply comprising the substance and the liquid into the separation chamber; and an outlet adapted to convey liquid collected in the separation chamber out of the separation chamber. The inlet is arranged such that, in use, the supply emerging from the inlet into the chamber is directed upwardly into the chamber, and the apparatus further comprises venting means arranged to convey gas out of the chamber. The apparatus may further comprise a floating pick up connected to a pump for pumping the supply to the separation chamber. In certain examples a non-floating pick up is used, comprising an elongate hollow body with a pick up inlet mouth in the form of a vertical slot extending along a length of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Safety-Kleen Europe Limited
    Inventors: Richard Dawes, Steven Ellis
  • Patent number: 8246818
    Abstract: A syphon filtration system is a low head, small foot print, long operating cycle, gravity filtration system for treatment of water and wastewater, with one-stage or two-stage filtration in one vessel with different filtration media of sand, anthracite, granular activated carbon or other proprietary filtration media. The one-stage filtration system removes suspended solids or dissolved impurities and the two-stage filtration system removes suspended solids and dissolved impurities. In the two-stage filtration system, each filtration stage can be backwashed independently or both stages can be backwashed simultaneously. Novel syphon piping and controls design extend the filtration operating cycle and reduce the filter apparatus headroom, and the filter backwash water volume requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Jan A. Korzeniowski
  • Patent number: 8232096
    Abstract: A diffusion controlling bioreactor that selectively controls the molecular diffusion between fluids through at least one microchannel in fluid communication with a reaction reservoir. Length and cross-sectional area of the microchannel may be selected to obtain a predetermined rate of molecular diffusion between fluids. When the fluids are liquids, flow through the microchannel is laminar and the capillary action of the microchannel and fluid is such that the fluid flow is regulated, and may have a structure configured to minimize the chances of fluid leakage from the bioreactor, even if the bioreactor is turned in various directions. In certain embodiments, one or more diffusion control chambers regulate fluid flow and diffusion between a reaction reservoir and an outside atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Emilio Barbera-Guillem
  • Patent number: 8206648
    Abstract: A liquid container with an upper opening and a tube-shaped withdrawal chimney is disclosed. The withdrawal chimney extends into the container through the upper opening which has a liquid-permeable zone in the form of a finely-porous flow resistance element in its lower end region such that liquid exchange can take place between the withdrawal chimney and the container inner space which surrounds it via the flow resistance element. A venting groove formed by a radial recess of the casing wall of the withdrawal chimney in its upper region may be provided to ensure adequate venting of the space above the liquid level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephan Sattler
  • Patent number: 8192259
    Abstract: A sludge receiving facility is provided with upper and lower structures respectively having inner spaces communicating with each other, wherein sludge tanks each having a sludge charging port are provided in the lower structure, and a partition wall configured to partition a carrying-in space of the upper structure from the inner space is provided, the sludge receiving facility including: outside air blowing means; air circulating means configured to enable the inner space and the carrying-in space to communicate with each other; first exhausting means configured to exhaust air from an upper part of the carrying-in space; second exhausting means configured to exhaust air above the sludge charging port; and third exhausting means configured to exhaust air inside the sludge tanks, wherein opening/closing means are respectively provided in the circulating means and the first to third exhausting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Materials Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Nagamizu, Akihisa Koga, Akinori Kimura, Hiroyuki Kosumi, Hiroyuki Terunuma, Akihiro Ogata, Yusuke Nakai, Koyuru Horiike, Yoshihiro Ishibashi, Nobuyuki Otani, Takahiro Shikazaki, Naoki Deguchi, Hideomi Yoshida, Masafumi Itoh
  • Patent number: 8182688
    Abstract: A biogas generator employs an anaerobic digestion process to convert organic waste material within a sealed reservoir to a biogas. A solar thermal panel connected to the reservoir heats a fluid traveling through a conduit, which is connected to a heat exchanger within the reservoir. The heated fluid travels through the heat exchanger and heats the waste material to facilitate the anaerobic digestion process. Solar cells produce electricity to operate one or more pumps that pump the heated fluid through the conduit, and pump the waste material and the generated biogas, into and out of the reservoir. A rotating lid structure has elongated agitators which extend into the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Robert E. Simmons
  • Publication number: 20120118820
    Abstract: Septic system design, installation, maintenance and use are described and provided. In embodiments, design, installation, and maintenance of pressure gradients in a septic system serve to transport treatment tank gases, or other gases, downstream, towards or into a leach field, bio-filter, drain field, or other environment. Such transport may promote the displacement of gases or the remediation of gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: David A. Potts
  • Patent number: 8168071
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for treating a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock having a specific gravity differential between components of the feedstock is disclosed. The apparatus includes a treatment vessel having an inlet for receiving the feedstock. The apparatus also includes a primary separation container located in the treatment vessel, the primary separation container being operable to accumulate feedstock to cause a low specific gravity portion of the feedstock to separate and rise to an upper surface of the accumulated feedstock. The apparatus also includes a first weir for collecting the low specific gravity portion from the surface of the accumulated feedstock in the primary separation container. The apparatus further includes a first outlet in the primary separation container, the first outlet being operably configured to receive settling solids in the accumulated feedstock and to produce a first discharge stream at the first outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Suncor Energy Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Charles Hann
  • Publication number: 20110303589
    Abstract: A portable water treatment system includes at least one sub-system to treat water including a flocculation system, a chlorination system, and a bio-sand filter system. The water treatment system may include multiple sub-systems for treating water that feed into one another. The sand filter system may include a mini bio-sand filter, a foam filter, or a pressed block filter. The flocculation system may include a tank bottom that urges settling particles toward a sump and a ladle that removes settled particles. A manual pump or siphon may be included in the water treatment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, Terry L. Lautzenheiser, Roy M. Taylor, JR., William T. Stoner, JR., Kenneth E. Conrad, Karen J. VanderKooi, Brian S. Beals, Ryan D. Schamper
  • Publication number: 20110284435
    Abstract: A fluid filter may include a collecting chamber for collecting separated fluid and a draining device having an elongated protrusion projecting into the collecting chamber. The draining device, in response to being in an open state, may allow air to flow into the collecting chamber for reducing a surface tension of the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Erich Hanno Moser, Adolf Markus Ramusch, Thomas Rudolph
  • Patent number: 8057665
    Abstract: Disclosed are a cold water tank and a water treatment apparatus. The cold water tank includes a tank body, a water inlet pipe provided at the tank body to convey water into the tank body, a water outlet pipe provided at the tank body to convey the water out of the tank body, and including an air vent hole, and a floating member movably provided at the water outlet pipe to block the air vent hole when the water filling the tank body reaches a height of the air vent hole. The water in the upper portion of the tank body is prevented from passing through the air vent hole and draining through the water outlet pipe, thereby preventing the cooler water in the lower portion from mixing with the hotter water in the upper portion. Only the cooler water in the lower portion can be supplied to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Woongjin Coway Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Man Kim, In Du Choi
  • Publication number: 20110220562
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to dialysis venting devices and related methods. In some aspects, a dialysis system includes a fluid inlet line, a venting device in fluid communication with the fluid inlet line, and a fluid outlet line in fluid communication with the venting device. The venting device can include a housing defining a fluid chamber, a valve member disposed above the fluid chamber between a lower seat and an upper seat, and a pump that is operable to draw fluid into the fluid chamber from the fluid inlet line and to force fluid out of the fluid chamber into the fluid outlet line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventor: Michael James Beiriger
  • Publication number: 20110203978
    Abstract: A water softener including a water softener tank having an inlet and an outlet. A cation exchange media is positioned within the tank through which water, passing from the inlet to the outlet, is flowed. A valve pedestal is connected to the top of the tank. The valve pedestal includes a dome hole adapter that is screwed into the top of the water softener tank and establishes fluid communication between the inside of the tank and the atmosphere. A downcomer is connected to the dome hole adapter so as to establish an air/water contact within the tank. A variable coupling is connected to the dome hole adapter and extends upwardly therefrom. A pressure release valve is connected to the variable coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Scott R. Handy
  • Patent number: 7993531
    Abstract: Biological fluid filtration methods are provided for the treatment of gas within a biological fluid filtration system. A quantity of biological fluid is flowed under the force of gravity through a leukocyte removal filter and into a post-filter container. The post-filter container has a maximum vented volume that is approximately the same as the quantity of biological fluid flowed through the filter and into the post-filter container. At least a substantial portion of the gas in the post-filter container is vented therefrom without separately restricting expansion of the post-filter container and without manually manipulating the post-filter container to expel gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Oleszkiewicz, Bryan Blickhan, Mark B. Jones
  • Publication number: 20110163018
    Abstract: A hydrogen cooled generator includes a lubricant drain system. The lubricant drain system includes a hydrogen detraining tank having a hollow interior portion. A sensor is operatively mounted in the hydrogen detraining tank. The sensor is configured and disposed to detect an interface zone between an amount of lubricant and an amount of hydrogen gas in the hollow interior portion. A drain line is fluidly coupled to the hydrogen detraining tank. The drain line includes a first end portion that is exposed in the hollow interior portion and a second end portion. A valve is mounted in the drain line. A controller is operatively connected to the sensor and the valve. The controller is configured to selectively open the valve allowing a portion of the amount of lubricant to flow from the hollow interior portion when the interface zone is above the first end portion of the drain line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: James Daniel Antalek, Jeffrey James Andritz, Anthony James George, Hans Knuijt, Abby Magro, Kevin Jon O'Dell, Fotios Raftelis, Steven Paul Scarlata
  • Publication number: 20110163030
    Abstract: This invention relates to dialysis systems and methods. In some implementations, a method includes applying vacuum pressure to a device of a dialysis system, and then determining, based on a detected fluid level or measured pressure, whether the device is functioning properly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin Weaver, Martin Joseph Crnkovich
  • Patent number: 7955501
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for filtering liquid using a filter platform that is not rigidly affixed to a container containing the liquid to be filtered. The platform may be buoyant so that as liquid flows from one side of the platform, through a filter, and then to the other side of the platform, the platform may move, thus reducing the volume of a container or portion of a container that holds the unfiltered liquid. Alternatively, the platform may be heavier than the liquid to be filtered, may be either set in place on a support structure or else set on top of unfiltered liquid and allowed to sink downward as liquid is filtered. The system may further comprise a flexible membrane that allows two sections of liquid to be separated, even while the platform is moveable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Kelce Steven Wilson
  • Publication number: 20110120946
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for filling a container containing a dry powdered salt concentrate for use in dialysis with purified fluid and removing the trapped air or gases generated during the filling of the container, while maintaining the required fluid level in the container and without the need for evacuating gases from the container prior to filling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Roland Levin, Wayne Raiford
  • Patent number: 7947180
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the air-free filling of the blood side of a hemodialysis apparatus with a physiological electrolyte solution and for the venting of the blood side of a hemodialysis apparatus during operation includes using a chamber in a blood-removing line system. The blood-removing line system, including the chamber arranged therein, is filled with a physiological electrolyte solution, with a valve arranged above the chamber and connected thereto being opened to fill the chamber completely with the physiological electrolyte solution until it comes into contact with a hydrophobic filter arranged above the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Joern Apel, Max Fischer
  • Publication number: 20110089092
    Abstract: An apparatus for filtering water has an interface and a filtration/purification canister removably mountable thereon. Connecting the canister to the interface automatically opens a check valve in the interface to permit water to flow from the interface into and through the canister, and then back to and through the interface to an outlet port. Disconnecting the canister from the interface automatically closes the check valve, stopping the flow of water. An end cap may be substituted for the canister to permit fluid to flow through the interface when the canister is not mounted on the interface. The outlet port may be directly connected to an appliance that uses water, to eliminate possible contamination that may occur when water is brought indirectly form the outlet port to the appliance instead. A flapper valve is provided in the canister to prevent back flow of fluid from the inlet port of the canister when the canister is not mounted on the interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Richard T. Williams, Carl Beiswenger
  • Publication number: 20100288024
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a deaerator 2 including: a liquid flow space; reduced-pressure spaces 25A, 25B, and 25C; gas permeable films 21A, 21B, and 21C that separate these spaces; and a pump for discharging gas from within the reduced-pressure spaces 25A, 25B, and 25C to the outside, and to a liquid chromatograph equipped with the deaerator 2. The deaerator 2 further includes gas partial pressure variation suppression means 23A, 23B, 23C, 25Ab, 25Bb, 25Cb, 29A, 29B, and 29C for suppressing variations in partial pressures of a specific gas in the reduced-pressure spaces 25A, 25B, and 25C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: ARKRAY, INC.
    Inventors: Koji Sugiyama, Akira Sezaki, Takanori Kamada, Yoshikiyo Hongo
  • Publication number: 20100270218
    Abstract: A syphon filtration system is a low head, small foot print, long operating cycle, gravity filtration system for treatment of water and wastewater. The filtration system is an apparatus and process with one-stage or two-stage filtration process in one vessel. The filtration system can use different filtration media of sand, anthracite and activated carbon or other proprietary filtration media. The one-stage filtration system is applicable to removal of suspended solids or dissolved impurities. The two-stage filtration system can provide a combination of two different filtration processes for removal of suspended solids and dissolved impurities. The one-stage filtration system has low head room requirements, and the two-stage filtration system has small foot print requirements. In the two-stage filtration system, each filtration stage can be backwashed independently or both stages can be backwashed simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Jan A. Korzeniowski
  • Patent number: 7767087
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for filtering liquid using a filter platform that is not rigidly affixed to a container containing the liquid to be filtered. The platform may be buoyant so that as liquid flows from one side of the platform, through a filter, and then to the other side of the platform, the platform may move, thus reducing the volume of a container or portion of a container that holds the unfiltered liquid. Alternatively, the platform may be heavier than the liquid to be filtered, may be either set in place on a support structure or else set on top of unfiltered liquid and allowed to sink downward as liquid is filtered. The system may further comprise a flexible membrane that allows two sections of liquid to be separated, even while the platform is moveable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: Kelce S. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20100170857
    Abstract: An apparatus for filtering water has a valve head and a filtration/purification canister removably mountable thereon. Connecting the canister to the valve head automatically opens a check valve in the valve head to permit water to flow from the valve head into and through the canister, and then back to and through the valve head to an outlet port. Disconnecting the canister from the valve head automatically closes the check valve, stopping the flow of water. A bypass valve is provided in the valve head to permit a sanitizing solution to flow through the valve head and along the lines of the water distribution system to sanitize the system, while bypassing the canister. The outlet port may be directly connected to an appliance that uses water, to eliminate possible contamination that may occur when water is brought indirectly from the outlet port to the appliance instead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Richard T. Williams, Carl Beiswenger
  • Publication number: 20100155313
    Abstract: A new approach is proposed that contemplates systems and methods to support an environmentally-friendly, “green” thermophilic anaerobic digestion system. The system includes a thermophilic anaerobic digester as well as various independent modular anaerobic units to generate bio-methane from certain organic energy sources, including but not limited to, among other things, green municipal waste, restaurant and organic waste and effluents from industries such as breweries, grocery stores, food processing plants, granaries, wineries, pulp and paper mills, ethanol and biodiesel plants, fat and animal rendering, agricultural field crops, organic sludge accumulation within lagoons and waterways, marine organic matter and animal manure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Keith Wilson, Jeff Stubbings, Rod Wade, Robert Knoop
  • Publication number: 20100140183
    Abstract: This invention refers to a filtering system for water and other liquids, which includes different filtering stages in the same element, with its cleaning being done automatically by a new procedure. The filtering system is comprised of a cylindrical outer casing with the pipe of the water to be filtered penetrating tangentially through its base, using centrifugal force in the first filtering stage to separate the particles with greater density. Then the liquid takes a helicoidal path and passes through different filtering devices, such as mesh, rings, etc., with the filtered and, therefore, clean water finally being collected in an appropriately perforated central pipe that comes out of the filter through the centre of its lower base. The system is used for the cleaning of liquids, basically water, in agriculture for localised irrigation, in industry, environment, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: UNIVERSIDAD POLITECNICA DE MADRID
    Inventor: Alfonso Cobos De La Fuente
  • Publication number: 20100140150
    Abstract: A biological fluid processing or fluid filtration system is provided having novel open and closed loop processing systems wherein the gases transferred into and out of the system during processing pass through a porous medium in upstream and/or downstream gas inlet or outlet housings or vents in a manner which precludes the fluid being processed or filtered from ever contacting the housings or vents. Each housing or vent is separated from the fluid by a column of gas in its respective transfer line. The upstream gas inlet housing or vent is in communication with the unfiltered biological fluid, and the downstream gas inlet housing or vent is in communication with the filtered biological fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Majid Zia, Chaouki A. Khamis
  • Publication number: 20100133175
    Abstract: A method and device is provided for collecting filterable material to perform assays on a filtration apparatus by applying negative-pressure to the inlet chamber of the filtration apparatus which is independent of negative or positive pressure applied to its fluid path. The negative-pressure applied to the inlet chamber serves to actively aspirate fluid and promote flow into the inlet chamber via the fluid pathway. The negative-pressure applied to the inlet chamber facilitates the use of either negative or positive-pressure based fluid-filtration approaches. Use of the invention improves the functionality and scope of applications that can be performed with enclosed filtration apparatuses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: Photonic Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. PUTNAM, Jason A. Putnam, Todd W. Hubbard
  • Publication number: 20100093551
    Abstract: A mechanically simple, small, hand held device is provided based on filtering and pressure equilibration techniques involving a unique hand-operating sequence that produces air pressure within the collection tube and the device, to enable simple and rapid extraction of blood serum or plasma or other filtrate in milliliter quantities from a collected sample. The device can also provide dilution of the serum, plasma or filtrate, capture of unwanted molecular constituents or dispensing of desired reagents. Pipette extraction of diluted or undiluted blood plasma, serum or filtrate from the device can also be achieved via a septum. The device permits all functions to be performed rapidly and with minimum danger of exposure of the operator or contamination of the sample while enabling standard evacuated collection tubes to be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Jean I. Montagu
  • Patent number: 7695615
    Abstract: The invention relates to a filtering device for liquid filters, mainly for potable water jug-type filters. The filtering device consists of a body filled with a filtering material and is provided with at least one outlet in the base of thereof, a lid having a water inlet and an air outlet, and at least one fixing means disposed between the body and the lid, wherein the fixing means is provided with at least one valve. The technical result achieved by use of declared the present is improving reliability and operating characteristics of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: OOO “Aquaphor”
    Inventors: Marina Alekseevna Vinogradova, Valery Victorovich Goryunov, Alexei Leonidovich Kuzmin, Alexander Vsevolodovich Pimenov, Joseph Lvovich Shmidt
  • Publication number: 20100078369
    Abstract: The invention relates to the food industry. Vodka (liquid product) is treated and purifies by passing through a sorbing component mixture which is placed between filtering materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Valeriy Evgenyevich Kisterev, Pavel Dmitrievich Zherdev
  • Patent number: 7661539
    Abstract: A liquid filtration device that efficiently filters a filter element and vents pressurized vapors from inside the filter element. The liquid filtration device is comprised of a vent valve apparatus that is furnished within the main body of the filter head and a plug which is located on the filter housing. The main body has a first opening that is located on the outside of the filter housing, a second opening that communicates with the inside of the filter element, an opening that communicates with the second opening and the first opening and a third opening. The third opening permits communication between the filter element and the filter housing as well as between space and the passage found within the third opening. The plug is installed within this passage, and can move between a first position that does not vent pressurized vapors that are within the housing and a second position that vents pressurized vapors that are within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Yamashin-Filter Corp.
    Inventors: Akiyoshi Komine, Mitsunobu Okamoto
  • Patent number: 7658839
    Abstract: A device for purifying liquid in a reservoir and including a vacuum chamber (1) having an inflow opening (2) and an outflow opening (3) adapted to communicate with the liquid in the reservoir through a feed conduit (4) and a return conduit (5), respectively. The return conduit (5) is provided with a pump (6) and the vacuum chamber is connected with a vacuum pump (7). The device further includes a filter cartridge (8) provided with a plurality of filter elements, each having a flow side communicating with a central passage (26) and a flow side opening into the periphery of the filter cartridge (8). The filter cartridge (8) is arranged inside the vacuum chamber, the central passage (26) of the filter cartridge communicating with the inflow opening (2) of the vacuum chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: C.C. Jensen A/S
    Inventor: Carl Aage Jensen
  • Patent number: 7655140
    Abstract: A fuel water separator system includes a fuel tank for storing fuel and a fuel water separator fluidly coupled to the fuel tank for separating water from the fuel. A fuel pump has a suction side that is fluidly coupled to the fuel water separator for pumping fuel from the fuel water separator. The fuel pump has a high pressure side where the fuel has a higher pressure than at the suction side. A water pump, such as a venturi or a jet pump, is fluidly coupled between the fuel water separator and the fuel tank for pumping the water from the fuel water separator into the fuel tank. The water pump is fluidly coupled to the high pressure side of the fuel pump to receive the fuel at the higher pressure to drive the water pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Wieczorek, Peter K. Herman, Ricky England, Jean-Yves Picard, Benoit Le Roux, Jean-Luc Guichaoua
  • Publication number: 20100012559
    Abstract: An aquarium overflow device capable of simplifying the structure and reducing the cost is provided. The present invention is directed to an aquarium overflow device for supplying the water W in an aquarium to an external device outside the aquarium and for supplying the water W in the external device into the aquarium. The device is equipped with an inverted U-shaped siphon pipe 55 for introducing the water W in the aquarium to an outside of the aquarium, the siphon pipe having an inlet side end portion to be disposed in the aquarium and an outlet side end portion to be disposed outside the aquarium, an inverted U-shaped discharge pipe 56 having an inlet side end portion to be disposed outside the aquarium and an outlet side end portion to be disposed in the aquarium, water conveyance means for discharging water from the external device to introduce the water into the discharge pipe 56, and a connection tube 8 connecting an upper portion of the siphon pipe 55 and an upper portion of the discharge pipe 56.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Ryuzo Arita, Kazutoshi Tominaga, Kenichi Shibutani