Structural Installation Patents (Class 210/153)
  • Patent number: 11959907
    Abstract: A device and method for analyte detection and analytes in a particulate bearing fluid such as whole blood having an instrument for partitioning the particles from the fluid that is integrated with a detector for analyzes of one or more particulate bearing fluid analytes while the particles in the particulate bearing fluid are partitioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: INSTRUMENTATION LABORATORY COMPANY
    Inventors: Hansong Zeng, Gert Blankenstein
  • Patent number: 11072916
    Abstract: Embodiments of a drain comprise three primary components that can be provided in a preassembled configuration: a drain body, which includes an integral upper flange; a lower clamping collar that forms a lower flange; and a waterproof membrane that is fixedly sandwiched between the upper and lower flanges and extends outwardly therefrom. The drain is further characterized through the use of a plurality of fins that extend into the cylindrical interior of the drain body's throat and act to position and hold a drain cover assembly in place replacing the use of threads that are common in the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Inventor: Carl D Coy
  • Patent number: 11020691
    Abstract: An apparatus restricts access to an above-ground conduit outlet extending from an exterior wall of a building. The access restricting apparatus comprises a pipe cap defining a fluid passage open at both a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the pipe cap is adapted to be connected in fluid communication with the conduit outlet. A screen is disposed across the opening at the distal end of the pipe cap for enclosing the interior fluid passage of the pipe cap within an enclosed space defined at least partially by the screen. Apertures in the screen restrict access to the conduit outlet of items larger than the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Inventor: Douglas W. Banks
  • Patent number: 10604920
    Abstract: A drainage system for use in a bathtub, sink, or the like. A bathtub may include a bath basin and a basin drain that drains water from the bath basin. The drainage system forms a p-trap. The drainage system includes an inlet elbow having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is fluidly connected to an outlet of the basin drain. The drainage system also includes a u-bend conduit having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is fluidly connected to the outlet of the first elbow. The drainage system also includes a second elbow having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is fluidly connected to the outlet of the u-bend conduit. The outlet is configured to connect to an inlet of a fluid drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Schumacher
  • Patent number: 10385557
    Abstract: A seal for a connector is provided for connecting a bathtub tailpipe to a drain pipe. The connector has an inlet end to receive the tailpipe and an outlet end that is mountable to the drain pipe, and has a passage extending therebetween. A seal extends about the passage for slidably engaging the tailpipe in a fluid sealing manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Oakville Stamping & Bending Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher Adam McLeod, Robert Evans
  • Patent number: 10300525
    Abstract: This filtration device 10 has a can body 20 having a reservoir 3 that connects to an opening 9 at the top, and a filtration unit 40 which is detachably installed in the reservoir. The filtration unit has a support plate 42, and filtration tubes 41 of bottomed cylindrical shape fastened to the support plate. The side wall 22 of the can body 20 has a protruding locking part 30 for installation of the filtration unit so that the filtration tubes are suspended from the support plate 42, with the openings 43 thereof facing upward. With the support plate 42 locked into the locking part 30, pressing members 70 for pressing the support plate 42 downward from the upper surface side in sections thereof lying towards the peripheral edge S in relation to the fastening locations of the filtration tubes 41 are deployed, making it possible for the support plate 42 to be fastened in clamped fashion by the locking part 30 and the pressing members 70.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: MITSUI MINING & SMELTING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeo Arita, Minoru Kubota, Kazuhiko Kawaguchi, Eiki Tsutsumi
  • Patent number: 10196800
    Abstract: A mineral water supply module may include a water supply pipe configured to supply water in a first direction, a mineral supply pipe configured to supply minerals in a second direction, a discharge pipe configured to discharge water or mineral water in the first direction, a resistance body case configured to connect to the mineral supply pipe and including a resistance body defining a micro channel in which minerals flow in the second direction, and a connector configured to connect the water supply pipe and the discharge pipe such that the resistance body case is provided between the water supply pipe and the discharge pipe and configured to allow the mixing of water from the water supply pipe and minerals from the resistance body case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jinpyo Hong, Myounghoon Lee
  • Patent number: 9970184
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for recycling domestic greywater. Greywater is drawn from a greywater waste pipe through an overflow pipe of a sanitary fixture, thereby, permitting greywater to be collected for reuse without the need for complicated and expensive retrofitting and/or reconfiguration of existing plumbing infrastructure. The system and method of the present invention can easily operate independently or be integrated with domestic utility systems to supply these utility systems with greywater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Marrett Alexander Green
  • Patent number: 9752024
    Abstract: A comprising includes one or more polyethylene, one or more polypropylene, one or more polyolefin elastomer, and a crystalline block composite having the following three components: (i) a crystalline ethylene based polymer, (ii) a crystalline propylene based polymer, and (iii) a block copolymer having a crystalline ethylene based block and a crystalline propylene block. The composition of component (i) is the same as the crystalline ethylene based block of the block copolymer and the composition of component (ii) is the same as the crystalline propylene block of the block copolymer. The composition is useful for forming rotomolded articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Russell P. Barry, Yushan Hu, Kim L. Walton, Gary R. Marchand, Colin LiPiShan, Raymond L. Laakso, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9644299
    Abstract: A clothes treating system includes a treating chamber for receiving clothes and a treating fluid therein, and a piston having a piston head. The piston can be adapted for reciprocating linear motion. Reciprocating motion of the piston head within the chamber agitates the clothes. An inner false wall can be contained within the chamber, and can have a corrugated surface providing frictional agitation of the clothes as the clothes are moved against the corrugated surface by the reciprocal motion of the piston head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: CleanLOGIC LLC
    Inventors: David N. Berglund, Eskil Eriksson, Robert Smerling
  • Patent number: 9334183
    Abstract: A process has been developed to selectively dissociate target molecules into component products compositionally distinct from the target molecule, wherein the bonds of the target molecule do not reform because the components are no longer reactive with each other. Dissociation is affected by treating the target molecule with light at a frequency and intensity, alone or in combination with a catalyst in an amount effective to selectively break bonds within the target molecule. Dissociation does not result in re-association into the target molecule by the reverse process, and does not produce component products which have a change in oxidation number or state incorporated oxygen or other additives because the process does not proceed via a typical reduction-oxidation mechanism. This process can be used for the remediation of water, particularly ballast water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Fahs Stagemyer, LLC
    Inventors: Richard W. Fahs, II, Matthew D. W. Fahs
  • Patent number: 9034180
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved water treatment cavitation reactor cone. The tank operates on a continuous flow of fluids which are subjected to ultrasonic waves in combination with a high level of injected ozone. The treatment tank includes a tangential inlet that induces a rotating flow into the tank thereby increasing the mixing of the ozone within the effluent. The effluent is further treated with DC current. The treatment tank provides a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling fluids as contaminated as frac water, used to stimulate gas production from shale formations, as well as other types of fluids having various levels of contaminants such as aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and suspended solids. The calcium carbonate scaling tendency is reduced to an acceptable level without the use of acids, ion exchange materials, or anti scaling chemicals which is of economical and environmental significance and benefit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Ecosphere Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis McGuire
  • Patent number: 9034194
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating a flow of fluid with microwave radiation, the apparatus comprising: a vessel having a sidewall and opposed first and second end walls defining a substantially cylindrical chamber, the first end wall being disposed a predetermined distance d1 from the second end wall; a pipeline for flowing fluid through, the pipeline passing through the first end wall towards the second end wall of the vessel, the chamber and the pipeline being substantially co-axial and the pipeline being substantially transparent to microwave radiation; and a microwave radiation inlet in the side wall of the vessel for admitting microwave radiation of wavelength ? into the chamber, wherein the distance d1 is substantially equal to an integral multiple of ?/2 so that the chamber is a microwave resonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: ADVANCED MICROWAVE TECHNOLOGIES LTD
    Inventors: Yuriy Vladimirovich Zadyraka, Sergey Ivanovich Gritsinin, Mamikon Aramovich Misakyan, Igor Antonovich Kossyl, Eduard Mikailovich Barkhudarou
  • Patent number: 9028689
    Abstract: An aqueous fluid treatment method and system is provided which preferably uses a 3 step electro-chemical oxidation process to remove organic contaminates from water. A high surface area electro-chemical reaction cell can be employed to remove organic particles and precipitate hardness salts from the aqueous solution. Several 3-phase spark arcs generated mixed oxidants and acoustic cavitations to remove dissolved organic compounds and oxidize organic metal compounds in the next step. Finally, a dielectric discharge in aqueous foam is used to eliminate recalcitrant organic compounds such as, but not limited to, polychlorinated aromatics, disinfectants, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals before release to environment or recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Global Water Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Fraim, Sanjeev Jakhete
  • Patent number: 9023215
    Abstract: A low energy water treatment system and method is provided. The system has at least one electrodialysis device that produces partially treated water and a brine byproduct, a softener, and at least one electrodeionization device. The partially treated water stream can be softened by the softener to reduce the likelihood of scale formation and to reduce energy consumption in the electrodeionization device, which produces water having target properties. At least a portion of the energy used by the electrodeionization device can be generated by concentration differences between the brine and seawater streams introduced into compartments thereof. The brine stream can also be used to regenerate the softener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Gary C. Ganzi, Li-Shiang Liang, Frederick C. Wilkins
  • Patent number: 9011698
    Abstract: A method and devices comprise a low frequency high energy ultrasound system having at least one sonotrode projecting into a reactor vessel through which the liquid passes via at least one inlet orifice and at least one outlet orifice. To avoid cavitation at the sonotrode, in a close region of the oscillation-transducing sonotrode surface a pressure/amplitude combination close to or above the pressure-amplitude characteristic line is generated at which considerably reduced or no cavitation occurs and in the adjacent region in the vessel at least in a region and at least at times a pressure/amplitude combination is maintained below the pressure-amplitude characteristic line at which cavitation is generated. A device has an inlet orifice arranged such that the liquid impacts directly onto the oscillation-transducing sonotrode surface, and is shaped that in the close region of the oscillation-transducing sonotrode surface a pressure close to or above the pressure-amplitude characteristic line prevails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Dr. Hielscher GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Hielscher, Holger Hielscher, Thomas Hielscher
  • Patent number: 9005452
    Abstract: A device for purifying a fluid is disclosed. The aforesaid device comprises: (a) a passage adapted for conducting a flow of the fluid, said passage provided with input and output openings; (b) a plurality of elongate members coated with a titanium oxide disposed within the passage; (c) fastening means for mechanically fixating terminals of the elongate members within the passage; (d) at least one source of ultraviolet radiation adapted for illuminating the elongate members; (e) pumping means adapted for generating the fluid flow through the passage from the input opening to the output opening. The fastening means comprises at least two fasteners. Each fastener comprises two mutually orthogonal spaced apart pluralities of parallel rods. The rods are adapted for restricting lateral displacement of the elongate members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventors: Alex Arenshtam, Pinchas Maman
  • Patent number: 9005443
    Abstract: An anaerobic digestion device includes a digester body configured to receive organic waste and a plurality of plates coupled to one another so as to divide an interior volume of the digester body into a plurality of compartmentalized chambers. The compartmentalized chambers are movable relative to the digester body to advance a slurry of said organic waste along a length of the digester body. A plurality of ports spaced along the digester body and arranged to vent biogas from the digester body. A storage vessel is configured to receive and store biogas received from the digester body via the ports, and a heating system configured to heat the digester body. The heating system is fuelled by the biogas vented from the digester body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventors: Ronald E. Arnoldsen, Jr., Debra A. Arnoldsen
  • Patent number: 8999154
    Abstract: Disclosed is a water treatment apparatus for treating Lake Okeechobee water. The treatment apparatus operates on a continuous flow of water which is subjected to hydrodynamic waves, acoustic ultrasonic waves in combination with injected ozone and electrolysis. The treatment system provides a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process for cleaning contaminated water that is directed into estuaries, lagoons, intracoastal waterway, everglades, and the ocean. Treatment includes addressing various levels of contaminants such as aerobic bacteria, often called a green slime that produces a bio-film. The apparatus can be mounted on a vessel to permit targeting of algae blooms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Ecosphere Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis McGuire
  • Patent number: 8999173
    Abstract: An electrochlorination and electrochemical system for the on-site generation and treatment of municipal water supplies and other reservoirs of water, by using a custom mixed oxidant and mixed reductant generating system for the enhanced destruction of water borne contaminants by creating custom oxidation-reduction-reactant chemistries with real time monitoring. A range of chemical precursors are provided that when acted upon in an electrochemical cell either create an enhanced oxidation, or reduction environment for the destruction or control of contaminants. Chemical agents that can be used to control standard water quality parameters such as total hardness, total alkalinity, pH, total dissolved solids, and the like are introduced via the chemical precursor injection subsystem infrequently or in real time based on sensor inputs and controller set points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Global Water Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: David T. Schwartzel, Michael L. Fraim
  • Patent number: 8986550
    Abstract: A method and a modular system for performing a sterilizing treatment of ballast waters (12) onboard of a ship (10), for reducing and/or removing the contents of invasive living micro-organisms. A water loading pump (13) and a water preliminary filtering stage (14) are operatively connected to a plurality of ballast water storing tanks (11); a UV sterilizing apparatus (18) for the ballast water is submerged into the ballast water in each water storing tank (11), and is operatively connected to a local control unit (QE). Each UV sterilizing apparatus (18) comprises a UV radiation source (28). The ballast water (12) inside each storing tank (11) is recirculated although the UV radiation source (28), for a required time and mixed with the ballast water inside the water storage tank (11) to enable the living micro-organisms to be substantially reduced or eliminated, during the navigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Artes Ingegneria S.p.A.
    Inventors: Pasquale Punzo, Giuseppe Balzano
  • Patent number: 8986549
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the treatment of liquids, comprising a filter module with a filter, an inlet for liquid, a first outlet for liquid and a second outlet for filtered liquid, wherein the inlet and the first outlet are positioned on a first side of the filter, and the second outlet is positioned on the second side of the filter, a first UV-treatment module with a first UV-light source, wherein the first UV-treatment module is connected with the first outlet of the filter module and adapted to receive liquid from the filter module, and to expose said liquid to UV-light from the first UV-light source, and a second UV-treatment module with a second UV-light source, wherein the second UV-treatment module is connected with the second outlet of the filter module adapted to receive filtered liquid from the filter module, and to expose said liquid to UV-light from the second UV-light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: GEA Westfalia Separator Group GmbH
    Inventor: Wilfried Riggers
  • Publication number: 20150041378
    Abstract: A device for purification of water sink is provided to remove radioactive substances in a water sink of nuclear facilities. The device for purification of water sink of the present invention relates to a detachable structure for repeating process, changing the height of the device according to the water level, and moving the device. The device is filled with filter agent or adsorbent in each basket assemblies and put into a water sink for purification process. After purification process of water sink, the highly contaminated waste filter agent or waste adsorbent within the basket assemblies is easy to be removed from the device for drying. The number of basket assemblies is able to be reduced in accordance with the water level drop for draining fluid from the water sink at lower level water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Chun-Ping Huang, Jhih-Jhong Huang
  • Publication number: 20150021249
    Abstract: A screen intake apparatus has a concrete platform resting on a water source floor. A screen intake anchors on the platform and forms a half cylinder thereon. A barrier at one end of the platform in divides the flow of water. The screen intake has a half-cylindrical body and half-cylindrical screens. Transition walls in the screen intake divide the body's hollow and the screens' interiors, and at least one flow modifier communicates the interior with the hollow. These flow modifiers also form a half cylinder with the platform. A manifold in the screens receives a supply of air to clear debris. Forming a half-cylinder, the screen intake on the platform can have a much lower profile for the water source than the normal cylindrical screens, which require half of its diameter in clearance above and below.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Mark Watson
  • Patent number: 8926791
    Abstract: A tank or bed has a plurality of sidewalls that create a bed cavity and a Fresnel panel frame that includes at least one Fresnel panel. The Fresnel panel frame may be adjacent to the bed cavity and may cover at least a portion of the bed cavity. An amount of sludge may be contained within the bed cavity. When placed in sunlight, the heat enhanced by the Fresnel panels may heat the sludge sufficiently for the sludge to be used as fertilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Gary Hammond
  • Patent number: 8865003
    Abstract: A method for separating, or removing, particulate material, e.g., blood cells, from a sample of fluid, e.g., whole blood of a patient, in which the particulate material is suspended. In the case of separating blood cells from blood plasma or blood serum, the resulting samples of blood plasma or blood serum can be used for in vitro diagnostic applications. In normal practice, a whole blood sample of a patient are provided and then introduced into an apparatus that contains a flow channel. An acoustic field, which contains acoustic standing waves from external ultrasonic transducers, is located within the flow channel. Laminar flow is maintained in the flow channel. Blood cells and platelets are separated from blood plasma or blood serum at the end of the flow channel and collected. The method described herein allows fluid components to differentially migrate to areas of preferred acoustic interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventor: Tahua Yang
  • Patent number: 8840845
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for the treatment and purification of fluids (e.g., water) using a light-emitting diode (LED) light source. In one embodiment, for example, there is provided a fluid flow conduit having an LED light source and a photo-catalytic material disposed therein. The LED light source emits ultraviolet light with a peak wavelength between about 265 nm and about 400 nm. In operation, the photo-catalytic material absorbs the ultraviolet light from the LED light source, and releases free radicals into the fluid. The free radicals then degrade organic substances (e.g., bacteria) in the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Biological Illumination, LLC
    Inventors: Robert R. Soler, Fredric S. Maxik, David E. Bartine, Valerie Ann Bastien, James Lynn Schellack, Eliza Katar Grove
  • Publication number: 20140202565
    Abstract: A deployable water management unit is disclosed that includes a fixture configured to be secured along an outer surface of a container in fluid communication with a water outlet port. In some embodiments, a water purifier may be positioned within an inner volume of a container and disposed along a water flow path between a water inlet port and a water outlet port. The water purifier may be configured to increase the temperature of inlet water to a preferred temperature. In still other embodiments, a plurality of interfaces may be configured to couple a panel to an outer surface of a container. The systems of the present disclosure may reduce the prevalence of disease associated with sanitation in various communities around the world. Further, the systems may heat water to provide a more enjoyable washing experience thereby encouraging a local community to engage in regular personal hygiene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Warm Spring Foundation
    Inventor: Erin J. BITTNER
  • Patent number: 8784657
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel method for cleaning a filter surface using a plasma discharge self-cleaning filtration system. The method involves utilizing plasma discharges to induce short electric pulses of nanoseconds duration at high voltages. These electrical pulses generate strong Shockwaves that disintegrate and dislodge particulate matter located on the surface of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Drexel University
    Inventors: Young I. Cho, Alexander Fridman, Alexander F. Gutsol, Yong Yang
  • Patent number: 8758630
    Abstract: A method for reducing fecal coliforms in waste water wherein the flow of water is directed through a reactor having removable cover, inlet and outlet, two UV lamps, six irradiating chambers, each interconnected by apertures, a UV lamp control box, and a heat a conducting pipe to transfer heat from the control box into the flowing water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Britenstine Incorporated
    Inventor: Eric Britenstine
  • Patent number: 8758606
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser device including an outlet duct through which fluid can pass, a dispenser that can be actuated so as to cause fluid to be dispensed through said outlet duct, and an irradiation device that is adapted to irradiate the fluid while said fluid is passing through said outlet duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: L V M H Recherche
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Tranchant, Marc Chevalier, Jacques Gerbron
  • Patent number: 8753505
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating a liquid includes a first flow generator having an outlet for generating a first flow stream and a reaction chamber positioned in proximity to the outlet of the first flow generator and having a cavity adapted to receive the first flow stream from the first flow generator and reverse its direction within the confined space of the cavity. The flow generator may be a cavitation generator for producing multiple cavitation bubbles in the first slow stream, or a nozzle for generating a flow stream devoid of cavitation bubbles. A method for treating a liquid includes directing the liquid into a first flow generator configured to generate a first flow stream of the liquid, and directing the first flow stream from the first flow generator into a cavity of a reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Fluid-Quip, Inc.
    Inventor: Allison Sprague
  • Patent number: 8747764
    Abstract: An inline intravenous (IV) fluid sterilization system can be located within directly upstream of the patient's access point, downstream of any breach points, so as to ensure fluid sterility. The chamber space between the walls is accessed by a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port between which the fluid flows. The inlet port is connected to a conduit/tubing from the fluid source and the outlet port is interconnected with a conduit/tubing that is free of breach points and interconnects to the patient access point. The inner wall allows for transmission of UV light into the fluid space. The walls define a space therebetween that is relatively small radially, allowing for a sufficient flow rate, but providing a large surface area and small fluid depth for exposure to the UV light. The UV light is provided by an elongated lamp within a cavity of the inner wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic
    Inventors: Corey A. Burchman, Steven D. Reinitz, Kathryn E. Boucher, Renee N. Cottle
  • Patent number: 8721898
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved water treatment cavitation reactor cone. The tank operates on a continuous flow of fluids which are subjected to ultrasonic waves in combination with a high level of injected ozone. The treatment tank includes a tangential inlet that induces a rotating flow into the tank thereby increasing the mixing of the ozone within the effluent. The effluent is further treated with DC current. The treatment tank provides a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling fluids as contaminated as frac water, used to stimulate gas production from shale formations, as well as other types of fluids having various levels of contaminants such as aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and suspended solids. The calcium carbonate scaling tendency is reduced to an acceptable level without the use of acids, ion exchange materials, or anti scaling chemicals which is of economical and environmental significance and benefit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Ecosphere Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis McGuire, Sanjeev Jakhete
  • Patent number: 8709261
    Abstract: Some demonstrative embodiments of the invention include a system and a method for disinfection of a liquid including monitoring the disinfection process. The system may include a conduit to carry flowing liquid to be disinfected, wherein the conduit comprises an inlet to receive the liquid, an outlet to discharge the liquid and walls transparent to ultraviolet radiations; an illumination source located within a transparent sleeve, wherein the transparent sleeve is immersed in the flowing liquid and the illumination source is to disinfect the liquid when passing through the conduit, a first light detector located externally to the conduit to detect light emitted by the illumination source and a second light detector located externally to the conduit to detect light emitted by the illumination source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Atlantium Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Uri Levy
  • Patent number: 8696898
    Abstract: A device is proposed for the UV disinfection of liquids in an open or closed channel, having an inflow for the liquid to be disinfected, at least one UV irradiator arranged downstream of the inflow in a main flow direction and also having an outflow arranged downstream of the UV irradiator, in which a mixing device, driven by an electric motor, is arranged between the inflow and the at least one UV irradiator, which mixing device is set up for generating a cross-flow having at least one velocity component transverse to the main flow direction in order to improve mixing of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: XYLEM IP Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Wolf-Dietrich Meese, Geoff Jones-Prichard
  • Patent number: 8685237
    Abstract: An improved draft tube spout fluid bed (DTSFB) mixing, handling, conveying, and treating apparatus and systems, and methods for operating are provided. The apparatus and systems can accept particulate material and pneumatically or hydraulically conveying the material to mix and/or treat the material. In addition to conveying apparatus, a collection and separation apparatus adapted to receive the conveyed particulate material is also provided. The collection apparatus may include an impaction plate against which the conveyed material is directed to improve mixing and/or treatment. The improved apparatus are characterized by means of controlling the operation of the pneumatic or hydraulic transfer to enhance the mixing and/or reacting by controlling the flow of fluids, for example, air, into and out of the apparatus. The disclosed apparatus may be used to mix particulate material, for example, mortar; react fluids with particulate material; coat particulate material, or simply convey particulate material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: Howard Littman, Joel L. Plawsky, John D. Paccione
  • Patent number: 8685236
    Abstract: A method of removing contaminates from sour water is provided. The method includes producing raw sour water within a syngas production system, and removing the contaminates from the raw sour water using a chemical reaction within a treatment unit to produce treated sour water. The treatment unit is in flow communication with the syngas production system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Gary Daniel Miller
  • Patent number: 8685238
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for a solar and/or AC current powered water disinfection system that is sized for portable use and is specifically tailored for use in under-developed areas of the world or in areas where natural disasters have occurred. Embodiments herein disclosed provide for a system that utilizes an ultraviolet light that is operatively coupled to a pump, inverter, battery, and a charge converter that is adapted for use with a solar panel or AC current. The system is placed into a storage container, or the like, and the water in the storage container is pumped through the ultraviolet light, which kills most waterborne, water-washed, and water-based diseases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Andrew Gunter
  • Patent number: 8679351
    Abstract: A water decontaminization system and method which utilizes an apparatus for producing hydroxyl ions through hydrolysis of water molecules to oxydize contaminents in the water. The apparatus includes a water chamber with an input water conduit and an output water conduit to establish a water flow in the chamber, in which electrodes positioned in the water chamber apply a voltage potential which causes electric current to flow through the water to create hydroxyl ions in the water, in a manner effective to kill contaminents such as viruses, bacteria, algae, organic substances, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Hydrover Holding S.A.
    Inventor: Sergio Gabriel Capettini
  • Patent number: 8673157
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reactor for the photocatalytic treatment of liquid or gaseous streams, which reactor comprises a tube through which the stream to be treated flows, wherein, in the tube, there are arranged at least one light source, at least one flat means M1 provided with at least one photocatalytically active material and at least one flat means M2 reflecting the light radiation radiated by the at least one light source, wherein the reflecting surface of the at least one means M2 and the inner wall of the tube are at an angle greater than or equal to 0°, in such a manner that the light exiting from the light source is reflected by the at least one means M2 onto the photocatalytically active material, and to a method for the photocatalytic treatment of liquid or gaseous streams by irradiation with light in the reactor according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Grigorios Kolios, Florina Corina Patcas, Goetz-Peter Schindler, Alexandra Seeber, Gerrit Waters
  • Patent number: 8663464
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for enhanced electrocoagulation processing using enhanced membrane aeration are disclosed for effluent treatment. The apparatus has an enrichment means for establishing an ion rich air/gas stream and a membrane aerator for receiving the ionized air/gas stream and effluent to be treated. An ionized air/gas rich effluent feed stream flows out of the membrane aerator and is received at an electrocoagulation processing assembly for diffused ion enhanced electrocoagulation treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventors: Reginald A. Wiemers, Robert Kohlheb, Peter H. Zahn
  • Patent number: 8663465
    Abstract: A filtration and dispensing system that is particularly suitable for underdeveloped parts of the world is provided for storing, filtering, and dispensing rainwater, surface water, or groundwater. The system includes a bank of ceramic filters, a water retention container for holding water to be dispensed by the system, and at least one header tank to which water supplied from the water retention container is fed. A pump is utilized to withdraw water from a lower portion of the water retention container and supplied to the header tank. The withdrawn water is distributed by way of piping from the header tank to individual ceramic filters in the bank of ceramic filters, and a collection tank receives filtered water discharged from the bank of ceramic filters. Trickle feed nozzles or other discharge elements are used to discharge the filtered water from the collection tank for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: ATOPIA Research
    Inventors: Jane Harrison, David Turnbull, Wole Soboyejo
  • Publication number: 20140042062
    Abstract: There is described a fluid treatment system that is particularly well suited for treating ballast water on a shipping vessel. The present fluid treatment system is characterized by having two general modes of operation. A so-called ballasting mode and a so-called deballasting mode. In the ballasting mode, water is pumped from the sea or other body of water in which the shipping vessel is located to a ballast fluid inlet in the present fluid treatment system. Thereafter, it passes through the filter separation and radiation treatment sections in the fluid treatment zone of the fluid treatment system. Next, the fluid exits the fluid outlet of the fluid treatment system and it is pumped to one or more ballast tanks that are located on the shipping vessel. In the deballasting mode, water contained in the ballast tank(s) is pumped to a deballasting fluid inlet of the fluid treatment system after which it is treated in the radiation section only—i.e.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Trojan Technologies
    Inventors: Matthew DaCosta, Jim Fraser, Glen E. Latimer
  • Patent number: 8647514
    Abstract: A standing wave in a water current, which is subject to purification, is swirled in the lower mass-exchange chamber in order to create negative pressure along the central axis, the atmosphere air intake and crating of two countercurrents interacting with each other, resulting in a standing wave and oxygenation of the water current. A cylindrical mixing chamber, which is divided into the upper mass-exchange chamber and the lower mass-exchange chamber by dividing walls with a coaxial orifice towards the air-supply pipe and peripheral bypass channel. In the lower mass-exchange chamber, water, which is subject to purification, is swirled and under the negative pressure in the center it intakes air from the air-supply pipe, creating hydrosol and reaction area of ion exchange due to forming of the standing acoustic wave. Part of the processed current is outlet into the volume through a permeable wall in the side surface of the upper mass-exchange chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Leonid Jurievich Vorobiev
  • Patent number: 8591730
    Abstract: An ultraviolet reactor for treating a fluid. The reactor includes a vessel having an inlet for receiving fluid and an outlet for discharging fluid. The reactor further includes an ultraviolet light source and baffle plates. The baffle plates include holes arranged in a predetermined pattern for providing plug flow in areas in the reactor near the ultraviolet light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhee Min Jimmy Yong, David Stibitz, Bruce Lee Coulter, Michael Scott Hoosier
  • Patent number: 8585908
    Abstract: A ceramic structure for water treatment, a water treatment apparatus and method are provided. Immersion efficiency of a photo catalyst and a specific surface area of the immersed photo catalyst can be improved using a ceramic medium including a ceramic paper prepared of a ceramic fiber. Accordingly, it is possible to provide the water treatment apparatus and method capable of increasing decomposition efficiency of contaminated materials due to irradiation of ultraviolet light, and so on, enabling continuous purification treatment, and remarkably reducing preparation, management and water treatment expenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: LG Hausys, Ltd.
    Inventors: Moonsuk Han, Ju-Hyung Lee, Seongmoon Jung
  • Patent number: 8574435
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an advanced treatment system processing contaminated water or fouled water/waste water, and particularly, a system for membrane fouling control and reduction in the amount of sludge producing in a membrane combined-type fouled water/waste water advanced treatment system, and more particularly, a system capable of making sludge soluble using plasma and then re-utilizing cell byproducts of destructed sludge as a supply source of external carbon source, and possibly capable of removing a cake layer formed on a membrane using each kind of radical and ozone generated by plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignees: Hoseo University Academic Cooperation Foundation, Kumkang Environmental Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: In Soung Chang, Ji Sun Lee, Seun Young Joung, Cheol Ku Lee
  • Patent number: 8535542
    Abstract: A method of separating a mixture of liquid and insoluble solids in a filter press may comprise: pumping the mixture into a chamber between two filter plates in the filter press to form a filter cake, wherein the chamber is lined by filter cloths, and wherein, during the pumping, filtrate is forced through the filter cloths and out of the chamber; heating the filter cake in the chamber, wherein, during the heating, filtrate is forced through the filter cloths and out of the chamber, and wherein the heating is by radio frequency irradiation of the filter cake in the chamber; and releasing dried filter cake from the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel J. Simpson, Ferdinand Kogler
  • Patent number: RE45415
    Abstract: An oxygen emitter which is an electrolytic cell is disclosed. When the anode and cathode are separated by a critical distance, very small microbubbles and nanobubbles of oxygen are generated. The very small oxygen bubbles remain in suspension, forming a solution supersaturated in oxygen. A flow-through model for oxygenating flowing water is disclosed. The use of supersaturated water for enhancing the growth of plants is disclosed. Methods for applying supersaturated water to plants manually, by drip irrigation or in hydroponic culture are described. The treatment of waste water by raising the dissolved oxygen with the use of an oxygen emitter is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Oxygenator Water Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James Andrew Senkiw