Maintaining Stream Pressure Or Flow Patents (Class 210/137)
  • Patent number: 11857715
    Abstract: An extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus comprises: a blood treatment device; an extracorporeal blood circuit comprising a blood withdrawal line and a blood return line coupled to the extracorporeal blood treatment device, wherein the blood return line presents a heating zone coupled or configured to be coupled to a blood warmer; a blood pump configured to be coupled to a pump section of the blood withdrawal line; at least a post-infusion line connected to the blood return line upstream of the heating zone; an air trapping device placed on the blood return line upstream of the heating zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventor: Dominique Pouchoulin
  • Patent number: 11633697
    Abstract: A single-use device for filtration of a large volume of medium including a plurality of single-use filter units, at least some of which, preferably all of which, are connected to each other by rigid pipes. The filter units include at least one prefilter and at least one main filter for virus filtration which is configured as a hollow fiber capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Wortmeyer, Maik Sommer, Thomas Friese, Thomas Loewe
  • Patent number: 11572385
    Abstract: It is disclosed an improved multi-step process for the preparation of a highly concentrated liquid formulation containing biomolecules comprising the steps of (a) a first ultrafiltration UF1; (b) a first diafiltration DF1; (c) a second diafiltration DF2; and (d) a second ultrafiltration UF2; wherein an aqueous solution of one or more salts, as liquid medium B, is used for step (b) and water or an aqueous solution of one or more salts, as liquid medium C, is used for step (c), wherein the one or more salts used for step (b) are the same or different from the one or more salts used for step (c) and wherein the liquid medium B has an ionic strength which is higher than the ionic strength of the liquid medium C. The process according to the present invention allows the preparation of well-defined highly concentrated formulations containing biomolecules, particularly proteins, intended for pharmaceutical or non-pharmaceutical use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Patrick Garidel, Sven Bahrenburg, Torsten Schultz-Fademrecht, Andrea Eiperle
  • Patent number: 11554331
    Abstract: The technology generally relates to tailoring a back pressure regulator in a chromatographic system to reduce unswept volume within the back pressure regulator to achieve better sample detection and a reduction in chromatographic band distortion effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael O. Fogwill, Joseph D. Michienzi, Joshua A. Shreve, Scott Kelley, Emily J. Berg
  • Patent number: 11534711
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method to separate solid particle components from a fluid that includes a spherical vessel with a tangential inlet to introduce the fluid and a fluid exhaust and filter arranged on the center line of the interior of the vessel. A combination of pressurized fluid and solid particles enter at the tangential inlet and move primarily in a circular path around the interior of the vessel. The circular path results in the larger mass particles settling at the vessels lower region. Less massive particles may be entrained in the exiting fluid flow toward a filter element where they are removed from the exiting fluid. The vessel has an opening to remove the trapped separated particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Calandra Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Denton, Federico Carlos Resio
  • Patent number: 11358082
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method to separate solid particle components from a fluid that includes a spherical vessel with a tangential inlet to introduce the fluid and a fluid exhaust and filter arranged on the center line of the interior of the vessel. A combination of pressurized fluid and solid particles enter at the tangential inlet and move primarily in a circular path around the interior of the vessel. The circular path results in the larger mass particles settling at the vessels lower region. Less massive particles may be entrained in the exiting fluid flow toward a filter element where they are removed from the exiting fluid. The vessel has an opening to remove the trapped separated particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Calandra Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Denton, Federico Carlos Resio
  • Patent number: 11344846
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for systems for removing contaminants from a leachate, methods of removing contaminants from a leachate, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Townsend, Ronald Bishop, David Wood, James Lloyd
  • Patent number: 11332398
    Abstract: A system for mixing and mixing processes and structures are disclosed. In addition a nozzle used for mixing is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: ENVIROMIX, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Elliott Locklair, Theodore K. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 11300082
    Abstract: A fuel filter element, which may be selectively arranged in a filter housing and may separate in the filter housing an untreated space communicating with an inlet and a return line of the housing from a treated space communicating with an outlet of the housing, may include at least one end disk, and at least one closure element, which in an operationally ready state of the fuel filter may close off the return line. The closure element may protrude eccentrically axially away from the at least one end disk. The closure element may have a seal on a surrounding surface and that, in the operationally ready state, may be in contact with a surface of the return line. In the operationally ready state, a portion of the closure element may be located in a filter chamber of the filter housing and another portion of the closure element may be located in the return line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Inventor: Michael Braunheim
  • Patent number: 11260587
    Abstract: Printhead (10) for a 3D printer, comprising an operational volume (17) for holding feedstock (20), the viscosity of which can change, the operational volume (17) being variable by moving a plunger (31, 31a, 31b) and being provided with an outlet (16) through which the feedstock (20) can be extruded by moving the plunger (31, 31a, 31b), the plunger (31, 31a, 31b) being equipped with temperature control means (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hendrik Jahnle, Norman Lung, Victor Roman
  • Patent number: 11241644
    Abstract: An adapter for use in a filter device is provided, the adapter having a downwardly slanted inner wall including two or more hollow passageways, and a central fluid flow port, wherein the adapter can be welded to a filter device housing head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventor: Tatsuya Hoshino
  • Patent number: 11072545
    Abstract: According to various aspects and embodiments, a system and method for polishing ultrapure water (UPW) is disclosed. The water polishing system includes a source of ultrapure water (UPW), an ultrafiltration (UF) module having an inlet and a permeate outlet, a recirculation conduit communicating the permeate outlet with the inlet and forming a recirculation loop, a recirculation pump disposed along the recirculation conduit upstream from the inlet of the UF module and fluidly coupled to the source of UPW, a supply conduit fluidly coupled to the recirculating conduit and a demand source, the supply conduit positioned downstream from the permeate outlet, and a pressure control valve disposed along the recirculation conduit downstream from the supply conduit and configured to maintain pressure of permeate at a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Boris Eliosov, Glen P. Sundstrom, Bruce L. Coulter
  • Patent number: 10894725
    Abstract: Process steps for monitoring the performance of a wastewater treatment system having a series of filtration units and optionally one or more disinfection units, controlling the operation of the filtration units, and controlling the operation of one or more maintenance operations that can be performed on the filtration units as a result of the monitoring. The wastewater treatment system can be operated without breaking pressure between the filtration units. Monitoring the performance of the wastewater treatment system can include using the water quality at various points in the system as an indicator of clogging or integrity issues within the filtration units. Sensors can be configured to measure properties of wastewater both upstream and downstream of each filtration unit, and the measured properties can be used to determine whether the filtration unit is performing adequately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: TANGENT COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Adam Joseph Arnold, David Alan Barski, Brendan James Matheny, Ray Allen Lillback
  • Patent number: 10866220
    Abstract: In order to achieve a system capable of analyzing a wide range of compounds while saving time and energy consumption, a progressive cellular architecture is presented for vapor collection and gas chromatographic separation. Each cell includes a preconcentrator and separation column that are adapted for collecting and separating compounds only within a specific volatility range. A wide volatility range can therefore be covered by the use of multiple cells that are cascaded in the appropriate order. The separation columns within each cell are short enough to reduce the heating and pumping requirements. The gas flow for vapor collection and separation is provided by low-power gas micropumps that use ambient air. The system is also configurable to incorporate capabilities of detecting and reducing vapor overload. The progressive cellular architecture directly address the compromise between low power and broad chemical analyses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: Yogesh B. Gianchandani, Yutao Qin
  • Patent number: 10835657
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to extracorporeal blood processing or other processing of fluids. Volumetric fluid balance, a required element of many such processes, may be achieved with multiple pumps or other proportioning or balancing devices which are to some extent independent of each other. This need may arise in treatments that involve multiple fluids. Safe and secure mechanisms to ensure fluid balance in such systems are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Burbank, Dennis M. Treu, Daniel J. Rubery, Jr., Scott W. Newell, James M. Brugger, William J. Schnell, William K. Weigel, Steven A. White, Mark T. Wyeth, Jerome James, David Desouza, Joseph E. Turk, Jr., Garrett Casey
  • Patent number: 10744250
    Abstract: A method for operating a portable dialysis device, comprising the following steps: continuously and alternately filling and emptying a hydraulic chamber with hydraulic fluid by a pump, wherein upon filling the hydraulic chamber, an at least partially flexible delivery membrane is moved towards a blood chamber adjoining the hydraulic chamber, in which blood is received, and wherein the blood flows tangentially along an inner wall of the blood chamber through an inlet side, whereby the blood chamber is compressed to eject the blood, and enhancing a return flow of the blood from the blood chamber while avoiding dead points in the flow in the blood chamber, and wherein upon emptying the hydraulic chamber, the delivery membrane is moved away from the blood chamber so that the blood chamber expands to receive the blood, so that a continuous, alternate compression and expansion of the blood chamber by the delivery membrane occurs, such that a continuous uninterrupted exchange of the blood in the blood chamber is per
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: NEPHRODITE, LLC
    Inventors: Wolfgang Schiller, Thomas Schmid
  • Patent number: 10723636
    Abstract: A purification device for water has a housing with a longitudinal axis, an upper and a lower end and a substantially round cross section. The device includes a first receptacle, arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing, for a first purification medium, and a second receptacle, which is also arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing, for a second purification medium. The receptacle for the second purification medium is arranged eccentrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: SARTORIUS LAB INSTRUMENTS GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Fabian Walter, Matthias Grabosch, Roman Ritzka, Sebastian Purmann, Dennis Groesche, Martin Lohrberg
  • Patent number: 10640401
    Abstract: A system and method for algal harvesting and destabilization are provided. The system includes a multifunctional reactive electrochemical membrane (REM). The application of an electrical current generates reactive species at the REM surface and oxidizes algae and soluble organic compounds. This novel type of membrane filtration avoids the use of harmful chemical additives. In addition, it provides the benefits of avoiding polymer aging, membrane fouling, and high costs caused by high transmembrane pressures and frequent membrane cleaning. Traditional membrane separation that significantly suffers from membrane fouling due to either the formation of a cake layer of algal cells, or more commonly due to organic matter adsorption onto the membrane surface is significantly avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: New Jersey Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Wen Zhang, Likun Hua
  • Patent number: 10611700
    Abstract: A digester system comprising a primary digester tank containing a primary feed material portion, a secondary digester tank containing a secondary feed material portion, a first conduit connected between the primary digester tank and the secondary digester tank to define a primary tank lower opening within the primary digester tank and a secondary digester tank lower opening within the secondary digester tank, and a flow control valve configured to allow or prevent flow of fluid through the first conduit. When the flow control valve is configured to allow flow of fluid through the first conduit, a portion of the primary feed material portion flows from the primary digester tank to the secondary digester tank to form the secondary feed material portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Dari-Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: David DeWaard
  • Patent number: 10493378
    Abstract: A method for producing a structure including, on a main surface of a substrate, at least one elongated cavity having openings at opposing ends. The method includes providing a substrate having a main surface. On the main surface, a first pair of features are formed that protrude perpendicularly from the main surface. The features have elongated sidewalls and a top surface, are parallel to one another, are separated by a gap having a width s1 and a bottom area, and have a width w1 and a height h1. At least the main surface of the substrate and the first pair of features are brought in contact with a liquid, suitable for making a contact angle of less than 90° with the material of the elongated sidewalls and subsequently the substrate is dried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: IMEC VZW
    Inventors: Zheng Tao, Boon Teik Chan, XiuMei Xu, Khashayar Babaei Gavan, Efrain Altamirano Sanchez
  • Patent number: 10441904
    Abstract: A freezing resistant liquid filter including a housing having a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet and a freezing compensating filter element disposed within the housing and including a folded filter medium having a plurality of interstices and freezing compressible elements located at the interstices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: A.L. FILTER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Itsik Levi, Niv Markel, Yaakov Ben Shimon
  • Patent number: 10421042
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrafiltration unit for continuous buffer or medium exchange, a method for continuous buffer or medium exchange in the ultrafiltration unit, and a plant in particular for (semi)continuous production of biopharmaceutical and biological macromolecular products in particular, such as proteins, e.g. monoclonal antibodies and vaccines, comprising the ultrafiltration unit according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Peter Schwan, Lutz-Peter Lenz, Kerstin Baumarth, Martin Lobedann
  • Patent number: 10416128
    Abstract: A back pressure valve configured to switch between a pressurized state and a released state open to an atmosphere is used as a back pressure valve in a supercritical fluid chromatograph. Switching from a state of supercritical fluid chromatography analysis to liquid chromatography is performed by stopping a pump that supplies a supercritical fluid, continuously operating a pump that supplies a solvent used as a modifier, and bringing the back pressure valve into the released state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michiaki Owa
  • Patent number: 10398826
    Abstract: A pressure output device (POD) assembly for sensing fluid pressure in a fluid processing system, is provided. This POD assembly includes a shell defining a shell interior, and a movable diaphragm disposed in the shell interior and separating the shell interior into a flow-through chamber and a pressure sensing side. A sensor port is in fluid communication with the pressure sensing side. An inlet port and an outlet port are in fluid communication with the flow-through chamber. The inlet port and the outlet port define an inlet and an outlet, respectively, of a flow-through channel that passes through the flow-through chamber. A boss protrudes from the interior wall of the shell and extends into the flow-through channel to prevent occlusion of flow under different pressure conditions within the flow-through chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: DeLoy Lindley, Jose Antonio Badillo, Michael Parry Smith, Richard Allen Lasher, Troy Calvin Dayton, Lynn E. Jensen
  • Patent number: 10314962
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hemodialysis machine comprising a removably mountable cartridge having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the cartridge defining a fluid pathway between said at least one inlet and said at least one outlet, a sanitisation device having an inlet and an outlet, a conduit connected between an outlet of the cartridge and the inlet of the sanitisation device and, a conduit connected between the outlet of the sanitisation device and an inlet of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Quanta Dialysis Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Clive Henry Buckberry
  • Patent number: 10302059
    Abstract: A fuel injector filter is disclosed. The filter may include an inner ring concentrically surrounded by an outer ring. The inner ring may radially extend between an inner ring inner perimeter and an inner ring outer perimeter, and comprise a first port radially extending between the inner ring inner perimeter and the inner ring outer perimeter. The outer ring may radially extend between an outer ring inner perimeter and an outer ring outer perimeter, and comprise a first aperture radially extending between the outer ring inner perimeter and the outer ring inner perimeter. The first aperture may be circumferentially offset from the first port. A filtration channel may radially extend between the inner ring outer perimeter and the outer ring inner perimeter and be configured to impede movement of a particle toward the first port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Diego Caceres
  • Patent number: 10300436
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for systems for removing contaminants from a leachate, methods of removing contaminants from a leachate, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignees: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc., Alachua County Public Works
    Inventors: Timothy Townsend, Ronald Bishop, David Wood, James Lloyd
  • Patent number: 10258733
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for extracorporeal blood treatment, comprising a treatment unit, an extracorporeal blood circuit and a fluid evacuation line. The apparatus comprises a control unit connected to a pressure sensor and a blood pump, the blood pump generating a variable flow with a constant component and a variable component. The control unit receives, from the pressure sensor, a plurality of values and calculates the average pressure value, acquires an estimated value of volume variation in the expansion chamber connected to the variable flow component, calculates, as a function of the pressure values, an estimated value of pressure variation in the expansion chamber that is representative of an oscillating pressure component and determines a representative magnitude of a blood level in the expansion chamber as a function of the average pressure value, the estimated value of volume variation and the estimated pressure variation in the expansion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventor: Alessandro Vasta
  • Patent number: 10124106
    Abstract: The blood purification apparatus has a control device (19) that performs a venous returning blood process S1, an arterial returning blood process S4 and a negative pressure applying process S1a. The returning of the blood is performed by substituting a physiological saline solution for the blood in the blood circuit. The negative pressure applying process S1a releases a negative pressure after applying the negative pressure to a flow route on an upstream side from an arrangement position of a blood pump 4 in the arterial blood circuit (1). The blood pump (4) is in a normal rotation and an electromagnetic valve V3 switches over the physiological saline solution supplying line 8 from a closing state to a circulating state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Nikkiso Company Limited
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nimura, Kazumi Yokoyama, Tomohiro Furuhashi
  • Patent number: 10099162
    Abstract: A filter cartridge includes a casing. A filter medium is disposed within the casing, and a sleeve is disposed within a port of the casing. The filter cartridge also includes features, such as an annular ring or a flow restriction body, for limiting spillage of water from the filter cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan John Prince, Wade Antoine Powell
  • Patent number: 10092912
    Abstract: A separator device is provided for removing particles from suspension in a fluid comprises a housing having first and second ports for ingress and egress of fluid into and out of the housing, the first and second ports being on the same vertical line; and at least one separation chamber for separating solid particles from the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Adey Holdings (2008) Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Adey, Simon Downie
  • Patent number: 10005036
    Abstract: The object of the invention relates to membrane housing elements that are constructed from an inner element, a fiber wrapping, and a casing, and to a method for its manufacture. Due to their structure, the membrane housing elements provide a high pressure resistance with respect to both radial and axial loading. The continuous manufacturing method allows the manufacture of a large number of piece numbers with high precision and uniformity. The membrane housing elements are used for membrane housings in the application fields of nanofiltration, ultrafiltration, ion exchange, and reverse osmosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Inventors: Holger Knappe, Nils Knappe
  • Patent number: 10001454
    Abstract: Presteralized manifolds having disposable multifunctional sensors are provided which are designed for sterile packaging and single-use approaches. These manifolds, which have disposable tubing and flexible-wall containers and are adapted to interact with other equipment which can be operated by a controller and a flow-imparting unit, provide automated and accurate delivery or purification of biotechnology fluid. The disposable sensor monitors pH, oxygen and electrical conductivity, alone or in combination, that interact with the controller or are connected to a separate user interface. Disposable sensor components and re-usable components can be dockable with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Karl G. Schick, David Uhen
  • Patent number: 9987577
    Abstract: A kammprofile gasket is provided. The kammprofile gasket forms a flow aperture into which an object, such as a strainer or orifice plate, may be machined into the gasket to provide additional functionality. The gasket has a core material with a sealing material overlaying a portion of the core material such that a seal is formed between opposing flanged surfaces. The core material may be machined such that a base plate for an orifice or a plurality of support beams extend into the flow aperture. The plurality of support beams may provide support for a filter or strainer coupled upstream to the core material. The base plate may provide an inclined surface, such as a cone, to an orifice where the cone functions to direct excess flow away from the orifice to self flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Garlock Sealing Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chad Yoder, Matthew Tones, Christopher Tones
  • Patent number: 9903391
    Abstract: A system for storing potential energy includes a hydraulic cylinder, a mass to be lifted, and a sealing ring at the edge of the mass to be lifted. The mass to be lifted is a solid rock mass in the form of a cut-out solid rock. The hydraulic cylinder is formed by the cavity between surrounding rocks and the cut-out solid rock. The cavity is sealed with respect to the surrounding rocks by the sealing ring. A method for producing such a system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Heindl Energy GmbH
    Inventor: Eduard Heindl
  • Patent number: 9873087
    Abstract: Described are water-on-water valves for use in reverse osmosis filtration systems. The water-on-water valves are regulated by the pressure in a product line, which contains fluid from a product line of the filter module and/or the product side of a water-on-water storage tank. Exemplary valves are shuttle valves that are regulated by the pressure downstream of the product side of a reverse osmosis filter module. The valves may comprise a piston within a housing, and an end of the piston may have an enlarged diameter relative to the maximum diameter of the remainder of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Laurence W. Bassett, Dian Zheng
  • Patent number: 9849226
    Abstract: A method is provided for the real time calibration of a pump that is part of a reusable hardware component having a programmable controller during a blood separation procedure where fluid is flowed through a tubing in a tubing set by action of the pump. The method comprises programming the controller with a continuous function defining a relationship between pump inlet pressure and pump stroke volume; commencing the fluid processing procedure to operate the pump to draw fluid through the tubing; measuring fluid pressure in the tubing at the inlet of the pump; calculating a current pump stroke volume with the controller based on the continuous function and the pump rotational rate; and adjusting the pump rotational rate utilized by the controller to control the procedure to achieve a target fluid flow rate. The continuous function defining the relationship between pump inlet pressure and the pump stroke volume may be empirically determined over a predetermined range of inlet pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Samantha M. Planas, Kathleen M. Higginson, Amit J. Patel
  • Patent number: 9833813
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic motor having a bracket, a plate-shaped ultrasonic actuator arranged in the bracket, said ultrasonic actuator having two opposing main surfaces and at least four side surfaces connecting the main surfaces to one another, and an element to be driven, wherein the ultrasonic actuator is pressed against the element to be driven, and the bracket comprises a first frame that supports the ultrasonic actuator and a second frame in which the first frame is supported and guided by bearing elements, and the bearing elements are pressed elastically against the first frame by the second frame. According to the invention, the first frame is pressed against the main surfaces of the ultrasonic actuator via the bearing elements, thus preventing or reducing movements of the ultrasonic actuator in a direction vertical to the main surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: PHYSIK INSTRUMENTE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Mathias Rosenkranz
  • Patent number: 9821275
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system and method for cleaning filters, such as membrane filters. More particularly, a method and system are disclosed for retaining a plurality of small particulates, preferably in the shape of beads, which contact sludge or other despots on the membrane filters to remove unwanted debris that would otherwise form on the cleaning filters. In various embodiments, the plurality of small particulates are retained in a permeable enclosure formed of wedgewire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Meurer Reseach, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Floyd Bersell, Charles Lonnie Meurer
  • Patent number: 9796607
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for desalination of salt water based on an engineered acoustic field that causes constructive and destructive interference at precomputed spatial positions. The engineered acoustic field can cause high-pressure and low-pressure regions where desalination membranes are located. The induced pressure from the acoustic field can force pure water through the membranes leaving ionic and dissolved molecular species behind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: FloDesign Sonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward A. Rietman, Bart Lipkens
  • Patent number: 9757505
    Abstract: A pressure output device (POD) assembly for sensing fluid pressure in a fluid processing system, is provided. This POD assembly includes a shell defining a shell interior, and a movable diaphragm disposed in the shell interior and separating the shell interior into a flow-through chamber and a pressure sensing side. A sensor port is in fluid communication with the pressure sensing side. An inlet port and an outlet port are in fluid communication with the flow-through chamber. The inlet port and the outlet port define an inlet and an outlet, respectively, of a flow-through channel that passes through the flow-through chamber. A boss protrudes from the interior wall of the shell and extends into the flow-through channel to prevent occlusion of flow under different pressure conditions within the flow-through chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: DeLoy Lindley, Jose Antonio Badillo, Michael Parry Smith, Richard Allen Lasher, Troy Calvin Dayton, Lynn E. Jensen
  • Patent number: 9705381
    Abstract: Provided is an electric generator which is capable of being used indoors. The electric generator employs the use of a cooling system which injects water directly into the engine through a domestic water pipe. The cooling system does not require the use of a water pump, radiator, cooling fans, alternator or any associated belts. The electric generator also employs the use of an exhaust system which allows for the passage of cooled exhaust gases and water from the engine in a safe manner without having exhaust fumes enter the home and without posing a fire hazard to the home or building structure. Further advantages of the indoor electric generator are discussed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Origin, LLC
    Inventors: Julious M. Menefee, Bruce Bechhold
  • Patent number: 9687126
    Abstract: The invention is a series-operation seat-lifting and flush system applicable to conventional residential gravity-powered flap-released water-tank toilets. The system first lifts the seat with a hydraulic cylinder and then lowers the seat and flushes the toilet by venting the hydraulic cylinder to a mechanism connected to the flush-flap. Operation of a closed-fluid-circuit floor-trigger causes water to be diverted from the existing source of water to drive the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: John P. Waikas, II
  • Patent number: 9591950
    Abstract: A method for automated dispensing of a fluid. The method includes providing a light pulse to a location proximate a dispensing outlet from which said fluid will be dispensed, sensing a light received from that location, where the sensed light includes at least one of an ambient light or a reflection of said light pulse, generating a signal corresponding to the sensed light, generating a transistor-transistor logic (TTL) signal if the reflection of the light pulse is determined and pumping a fluid to the dispenser outlet in response to said TTL signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Bobrick Washroom Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Branko Bem, Dikran Babikian
  • Patent number: 9493900
    Abstract: A washing machine and a detergent delivery pump assembly thereof are provided. The detergent delivery pump assembly includes a pump defining a plurality of fixed-volume chambers therein for containing detergents respectively, each fixed-volume chamber being provided with a liquid inlet valve and a liquid outlet valve; a plurality of pistons disposed in the plurality of fixed-volume chambers in one-to-one correspondence relationship and each including a piston head, the piston head being controlled to reciprocate in the fixed-volume chamber to draw or push out a fixed volume of detergent; a motor assembly; and a transmission mechanism to associate the piston heads with the motor assembly, such that the piston heads are controlled to move in the fixed-volume chambers by the motor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Wuxi Little Swan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong Ban, Lidong Wang
  • Patent number: 9416795
    Abstract: The invention concerns a reverse osmosis system (1) with a membrane unit (2) comprising an inlet (3), a permeate outlet (4) and a concentrate outlet (5), a high-pressure pump (8) that is connected to the inlet (3), a pressure exchanger (11) connected on its concentrate side (10) to the concentrate outlet (5), and a booster pump between the pressure exchanger (11) and the inlet (3). It is endeavored to make the energy consumption as small as possible. For this purpose, the booster pump is made as a displacement pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Welm Friedrichsen, Palle Olsen, Erik Haugaard
  • Patent number: 9404878
    Abstract: A system for detecting a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration in a cold aseptic filling system that uses a peracetic acid (PAA)-based cleaning solution is shown and described. The system includes a conductivity sensor configured to receive the PAA-based cleaning solution and to provide a signal representative of the electrical conductivity of the PAA-based cleaning solution. The system further includes a controller configured to receive the signal representative of the electrical conductivity of the PAA-based cleaning solution and to compare the signal to a threshold value associated with a setpoint H2O2 concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Detlef Trost, Holger Theyssen
  • Patent number: 9254358
    Abstract: A circulation pump and an electrochemical ozone generator are integrated into the permeate return line of an RO system, and the permeate return line is connected in flow direction behind the circulation pump and the ozone generator by a recirculation line to the permeate supply line, which can form a closed circuit where the ozonized permeate circulates until all organic contaminants have been killed or decomposed by the ozone in that part of the line system. Valves are integrated, respectively, into the recirculation line and the permeate return line downstream of the branch of the recirculation line. During normal operation of the RO system, the recirculation line valve is connected for feeding connected dialysis devices while the permeate return line valve is open, so excessive permeate that was not taken by the dialysis devices can flow into the supply tank. Alternatively, the permeate can be discharged into an outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Manfred Volker
  • Patent number: 9163207
    Abstract: An anaerobic organic substrate treatment system is provided which comprises digester tubes wherein an inner bag of the digester tube is used to collect the solids content of the waste and an outer bag of the digester tube is used to collect the liquid and gas leachate from waste slurry input into the digester tubes. The inner bag is permeable to both gas and liquid while the outer bag is impermeable to both gas and liquid and allows for collection of gas and liquid leachate in the outer bag. Collected gas and liquid leachate may then be drained and collected using a drainage and collection system. Following treatment, the outer bag may opened to retrieve the inner bag for retrieval of the treated solids substrate. The substrate may then be used as needed. In one variant, the outer bag is re-sealable and may be reused in further treatment operations. The anaerobic waste treatment system may be used to carry out such treatment operations as storage/hydrolysis, methanization, and/or digestate treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: CH-FOUR BIOGAS, LLC
    Inventor: Benjamin Strehler
  • Patent number: 9080537
    Abstract: Provided is an in-tank filter, which is a component of a fuel pump module positioned in a fuel tank of a vehicle, etc., to supply fuel to an engine. The in-tank filter includes: a filter media filtering foreign materials; an upper container made of a synthetic resin material and having a filter media insertion space therein, the filter media insertion space having a filter media inserted thereinto; a lower container made of a synthetic resin material and coupled to the upper container to block a lower portion of the upper container; and a deformation prevention reinforcing ring having a container insertion hole formed therein so as to be closely adhered to an outer side of the upper container when the upper container is inserted thereinto and preventing the upper container inserted into the container insertion hole from expanding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: COAVIS
    Inventors: Youngchol Choi, Hayoung Cho, Jinsik Hwang, Chanheum Yoon, Jongman Lee, Younghoon Kim, Haisung Lee