Filters Patents (Class 210/203)
  • Patent number: 11964888
    Abstract: Disclosed is a circular rotary-disc dehydrator with a multi-filter cylinder unit. A dehydrator body is internally provided with a middle plate so that the dehydrator body is separated into a water entrance area and a filtrate area. One side, located in the filtrate area, of the middle plate is provided with a circular rotary disc, a circle of holes is arranged around the circular rotary disc, and one side of the circular rotary disc is provided with a filter cylinder corresponding to the holes; The circular rotary disc is arranged in the filtrate area, and a plurality of filter cylinder units are uniformly distributed on the rotary disc. In the rotation process, it may be fed continuously and sludge may be discharged continuously; the filter cylinders have a self-cleaning function, and consume less water, thus not only the production is increased, but also the dehydrating effect is guaranteed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: YIXIING PIONERE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Daopeng Zhou, Jiwei Lu, Guoqiang Qian
  • Patent number: 11236250
    Abstract: The present application provides switchable, homogeneous paint composition and methods of painting and/or forming films or coatings using the composition. The composition includes a liquid having an aqueous solution and dissolved acid gas (e.g., carbonated water), and a switchable polymer. The switchable polymer converts from a protonated, water-soluble form in the liquid to a water-insoluble unprotonated form following removal or substantial removal of the liquid and acid gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Rui Resendes, Philip G. Jessop, Michael F. Cunningham, Bhanu Prakash Mudraboyina, Adam Michael Ozvald, Timothy James Clark, Brian Mariampillai, Yun Yang, Amy Marie Holland, Charles Howard Honeyman
  • Patent number: 10662060
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing lipid-based nanoparticles using a dual asymmetrical centrifuge, products produced by means of said method, kits for producing said nanoparticles using a dual asymmetrical centrifuge, and accessories for carrying out the inventive method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Inventor: Ulrich Massing
  • Patent number: 10132445
    Abstract: A lubricant additive dispensing apparatus comprising a tubular housing having a fluid supply passageway and a fluid discharge passageway; a filtration element; a fluid additive element (containing a volume of fluid additive); and a biasing element. The filtration element, fluid additive element and biasing element are assembled in a linear arrangement parallel to a central axis of the dispenser main body. The arrangement is such where the biasing element applies a compression force to each of the filtration element and the fluid additive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Inventor: Debra Jacobs
  • Patent number: 9730463
    Abstract: A multi stage process for separating oil, protein, fiber and clean water from a stream containing whole stillage byproduct from ethanol production is disclosed. In a first step, fibers are separated in a two-step process that includes a plate separator and a press. In a subsequent step, the liquid stream separated from the fibers and contains oil, protein and water is treated with a composition that causes the protein to gel. The liquid stream is then processed in a phase separator that drains the oil by gravity, removes the water by an impeller under pressure and removes the solidified protein using a scroll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Inventor: Aicardo Roa-Espinosa
  • Patent number: 9216918
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of wastewater by electrochemical reactions. More particularly, an Electro-Reaction Unit (ERU) is disclosed. The ERU is provided with at least one electrolytic cell comprising a pair of self-cleaned electrodes for purifying wastewater. Along with electro-reactions, electrodes of the ERU are submitted to passivation, i.e. coverage with an oxide layer. The present invention provides a solution for alleviating passivation with a self-cleaning system comprising hard elements, confined in a cage and movable therein, for bombardment of the electrodes and rupture of the oxide layer. The present invention further provides a related process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: PREMIER TECH TECHNOLOGIES LTEE
    Inventors: Pierre Naider Fanfan, Roger Lacasse, Marc-Andre Malenfant
  • Publication number: 20150108055
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sludge dehydration set, in which a sludge filtration belt is positioned at a lower portion of a sludge chamber having an open lower portion, sludge is introduced into the sludge chamber, a pressure applying tube or a membrane is installed above the introduced sludge, water is filtered and discharged through the filtration belt by applying pressure to the sludge so that a dehydration process is performed, a structure is installed under the filtration belt and provided in the form of a steel mesh net or a matrix having many holes to support the filtration belt so that the filtration belt is not bent or sagged while moving down the dehydrated water, and the pressure is applied to the sludge by injecting liquid or air to a membrane positioned above the sludge after the sludge has been introduced into the sludge introduction part, so that the water contained in the sludge is dehydrated and moved down from the filtration belt, and a sludge dehydration apparatus manufactured by assembling a plurality
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Seok-Woong Kang
  • Publication number: 20150101967
    Abstract: A system may include a reactor, in which an anaerobic environment exists, that includes a slurry of at least contaminated water and a mixed bacterial culture of facultative bacteria and anaerobic bacteria. The mixed bacterial culture may be suspended within the slurry. The contaminated water may include contaminants associated with a non-metal, a metal, or a metalloid. The mixed bacterial culture may react with the contaminated water to reduce or remove the contaminants from the contaminated water to create a treated slurry. The reactor may output the treated slurry. The system may also include a filtration device to receive the treated slurry; remove, from the treated slurry, the mixed bacterial culture and the contaminants, reduced or removed from the contaminated water, to create treated water; and output the treated water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Bruce Merrill Thomson, Jean-Claude Yacoub Younan, Joseph D. Chwirka
  • Patent number: 8961752
    Abstract: A filter device purifies fluids, especially fuels contaminated with organic substances. Hydroxyl radicals are formed from water molecules contained in the fluids by a separating device (10, 14, 22). The hydroxyl radicals oxidize the impurities, especially organic substances, as much as possible and convert them into compounds such as CO2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Hydac Filtertechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Richard Eberle, Markus Dewes
  • Patent number: 8940162
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for processing wastewater after de-sizing. The method includes the step of executing a preliminary treatment on the wastewater to intercept slurry and to stabilize the quality of the wastewater, the step of reducing the pH of the wastewater to a range between 6.0 and 7.5, the step of providing a refractory degradation material 30 for hydrolyzing and hence liquidating starch slurry in the wastewater, the step of separating solids from liquid of the wastewater; and the step of recycling the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: New Century Membrane Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Chang Kuo
  • Patent number: 8911687
    Abstract: A miniature sieve apparatus is described and includes a first sieve, a separator and a second sieve from top to bottom. The first and second sieves are formed with at least one first mesh and a plurality of second meshes, respectively. The first and second meshes are misaligned with each other in a vertical direction of the first and second sieves. The miniature sieve apparatus is provided to separate or screen microparticles with different sizes, such as target cells, bio-medical particles, organic or inorganic microparticles. Additionally, the invention also provides a manufacturing method of the miniature sieve apparatus, and the same material is applied to manufacture the sieves and the separators. Thus, the problem caused by the residual thermal stress due to different material can be solved. Therefore, the cost of the miniature sieve apparatus can be lowered as the yield rate thereof is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: National Applied Research Laboratories
    Inventors: Chun-ming Huang, Chen-chia Chen, Chi-sheng Lin, Chien-ming Wu
  • Patent number: 8795531
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention includes: a recycle line that brings a part of salt-enriched membrane separation concentrated water 26 back to the rear flow side of a pretreatment apparatus 12; a water discharge line that discharges the remained concentrated water into a sea area; and a control apparatus 31 that controls to adjust the ratio between the discharging amount of the discharging membrane separation concentrated water to be discharged into a sea area and the supplying amount of supplying seawater. A pH is set to be equal to or less than 7.3 by adding acid 21. The salt 18 is obtained from the dryer 19, and produced water (fresh water) 29 is obtained by combining evaporated water 28 supplied from the evaporator 16 with the permeated water 24 supplied from the reverse osmosis membrane apparatus 25.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhisa Takeuchi, Yoshiaki Ito, Hidemasa Kakigami, Hideo Iwahashi, Katsunori Matsui, Kenji Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20140183107
    Abstract: A portable power generation and water filtration unit includes a first pump system, a second pump system, a power system, and an enclosure for housing and support. The first pump system consists of an inlet, outlet, and pump unit that is capable of connecting and pumping water from a source to a destination such as a plumbing fixture. The second pump system also includes a filter system, reverse osmosis treatment unit, and alkaline treatment unit. In addition to pumping water, the second pump is used to create sanitized water which is safe and healthful for human use and consumption. In order to supply the necessary electricity for the pump systems, a solar panel and convert sunlight to energy for storage in batteries. The batteries are then electrically connected to pumps and other electrical components, allowing the apparatus to be used off the electrical grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventor: Steven J. MEUNIER
  • Patent number: 8758287
    Abstract: A filter and a method treat blood borne carcinomas by inducing apoptosis in carcinoma cells. The filter includes comprises a stent having an interior wall defining a channel containing a packing material and at least one antineoplastic agent. The method includes placing a patient's blood in apposition of the antineoplastic agent by pumping the blood through the stent. The blood remains in apposition to the antineoplastic agent for a sufficient time period to induce an apoptotic cascade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Marv Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Mitchell S. Felder
  • Publication number: 20140124453
    Abstract: Methods and systems for treating contaminated flow-back water produced by hydraulic fracture are provided. The method involves precipitating metals from the flow-back water stream in a first reaction using at least one oxidizing agent, at least one pH adjusting agent, a source of sulfate and carbonate ions, and at least one co-precipitation agent. The precipitated metals may be dewatered using a first filter and may be used as an additive to drilling mud. The flow-back water may be further purified in a second reaction by addition of at least one pH adjusting agent and hydrated lime to precipitate salts. The precipitated salts may be dewatered using a second filter and may be used as an accelerating additive to concrete. The purified flow-back water may be stabilized by the addition of at least one pH adjusting agent to provide a water stream that may be reused in the hydraulic fracture drilling process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Presutti
  • Publication number: 20140116948
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to systems and methods for removal of contaminants from water including, but not limited to, industrial wastewater, brackish water, municipal wastewater, drinking waters, and particularly waters obtained from fracking operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: Stanley M. MEYER
  • Publication number: 20140116928
    Abstract: A water treatment system having an inlet for receiving water to be treated and a manifold that defines a pair of fluid streams communicating with the inlet. A valve module carried by the manifold controls the communication of water at the inlet with treatment cartridges and with a common outlet. The valve module includes a valve member that is movable between two positions such that, in one position, the valve member communicates each fluid stream with an associated cartridge and, in a second position, communicates the inlet with the common outlet and bypasses the cartridges. A remotely mounted cartridge depletion indicator is provided that includes a linkage that is magnetically coupled to a stem assembly located within a flow metering mechanism. Movement in the internal stem assembly is transferred via the magnetically coupled external linkage to a cartridge depletion indicator visible to the operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Stuart L. Park, Jerome P. Kovach, Mark J. Brotman, Jimmie L. Hunt
  • Patent number: 8673208
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for refining iron from high-phosphorus content iron ores. The process involves mixing a high-phosphorus iron oxide ore and an alkaline solution of pH between about 12.5 and 13.5, screening the mixture by gravity to separate an alkaline-high-phosphorus solution from a low-phosphorus iron ore; and treating the low-phosphorus iron ore with lime and a natural gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: C.V.G. Ferrominera Orinoco C.A.
    Inventor: Henry Rafael Bueno Colina
  • Publication number: 20140024826
    Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing fermentation efficiency of a lignocellulosic hydrolysate are disclosed. The system comprises a filter configurable to remove matter having a particle size of larger than about 25 to 100 microns from the liquid component, and at least one nanofilter configurable to remove acids from the liquid component. An apparatus is used to adjust the pH of the nanofiltered liquid component using a calcium hydroxide composition to a pH of about 5.5 to 6.0. The calcium hydroxide composition includes calcium hydroxide alone or in combination with either ammonium hydroxide and/or potassium hydroxide. The biomass comprises lignocellulosic material including at least one of corncob, corn plant husk, corn plant leaves, and corn plant stalks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Neelakantam V. Narendranath, Steven T. Bly
  • Publication number: 20140014584
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method for wastewater purification. The system may include a sludge filtration unit, a screen filtration unit, a multi-media filtration unit, and a soluble hydrocarbon filtration unit. The sludge filtration unit may remove impurities from wastewater. Impurities include hydrocarbons, suspended solids, and/or dissolved solids. The screen filtration unit may remove impurities from the wastewater. The multi-media filtration unit may remove impurities from the wastewater. The soluble hydrocarbon filtration unit may remove impurities from the wastewater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Steven Wayne Cone, Robert Wayne Hayes
  • Publication number: 20130310602
    Abstract: In a process for removing aromatic carboxylic acid from a slurry thereof in solvent, the slurry is split into sub streams and each of said sub streams is supplied to a respective rotary pressure filter such that the sub stream pass through the filters in parallel. Gas is passed through the rotary pressure filters in series in an open-loop arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: DAVY PROCESS TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Andrea Gnagnetti
  • Patent number: 8480886
    Abstract: A multistage immersion type membrane separator includes a liquid air separator, the liquid air separator including an outlet tube, an inlet tube, and a skirt. The outlet tube is cylindrical and has a outlet tube diameter, and the inlet pipe has an inlet pipe diameter of less than the outlet tube diameter. The inlet pipe is attached to and in communication with the outlet tube so that a mixed flow of air and liquid passing through the inlet tube is introduced into the outlet tube and flows circumferentially around the inside of the outlet tube. The inlet pipe is attached to the cylindrical outlet tube so that the inlet pipe is perpendicular to the outlet tube. The outlet tube has two ends, one end being closed and the other end being open. The skirt is attached to the outlet tube and is concentric with the outlet tube. The skirt is attached to the closed end of the outlet tube, and extends to just past the point of attachment of the inlet tube to the outlet tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Ovivo Luxembourg S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Wayne Howard, Andrew Ball
  • Patent number: 8480979
    Abstract: An enhancement water system to produce a serving of enhanced filtered water is described. The present system describes a faucet mount water enhancement system that includes a housing with an inlet and an outlet, a source of water at the inlet, and a filter component within the housing. Source water is converted into treated water as it flows through the filter component under the influence of pressure. The housing further includes an outlet for outflow of treated water. A first enhancement module is disposed outside the housing adjacent the outlet and the first enhancement module is effective to dispense a desired amount of a first enhancement for use in combining with treated water dispensed from the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Edward B. Rinker, Janet Elizabeth Lane, Simon S. Litvin, Ilya Ilyin, Alexander Chaliyan, Dmitry Logatchev, Michael Gershman, Valery Pavlov, Semyon Kogan
  • Patent number: 8460543
    Abstract: A portable water purifier for purifying a liquid to a safe form acceptable for drinking may be provided. The portable water purifier may include a container configured to hold the liquid, a filtering mechanism connected to the container configured to filter out dirt or sediment floc from the liquid, and a transport mechanism in communication with the filtering mechanism configured to transport the liquid into the filtering mechanism. The portable water purifier may also include a mixer inside the container configured to disperse a chemical disinfectant or a flocculating agent tablet within a liquid, for instance water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: George Page, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130105377
    Abstract: A method and system for reversibly converting water between an initial ionic strength and an increased ionic strength, using a switchable additive, is described. The disclosed method and system can be used, for example, in distillation-free removal of water from solvents, solutes, or solutions. Following extraction of a solute from a medium by dissolving it in water, the solute can then be isolated from the aqueous solution or “salted-out” by converting the water to a solution having an increased ionic strength. The solute then separates from the increased ionic strength solution as a separate phase. Once the solute is, for example, decanted off, the increased ionic strength aqueous solution can be converted back to water having its original ionic strength and reused. Switching from lower to higher ionic strength is readily achieved using low energy methods such as bubbling with CO2, CS2 or COS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Philip G. Jessop, Sean M. Mercer, R. Stephen Brown, Tobias Robert
  • Patent number: 8404113
    Abstract: A transportable disaster-relief generating system is a power generated, multi-functional, and compact relief unit with means for providing area lighting via a power generator, purifying and storing potable water from a non-potable water source, and creating ice utilizing purified water. The disaster-relief unit of the present invention may further provide a portable ice storage bin in a knockdown configuration to hold a large quantity of ice. A bladder may be used to hold potable water produced. The equipment is physically protected by the structural framework and base. The device may comprise access doors and suitable paneling on the walls and roof of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Irwin Shapiro
  • Publication number: 20130043189
    Abstract: A device for micro-, ultra-, or nanofiltration that includes one or more flat filter modules having flat filter elements arranged in parallel and at a distance from each other and gas injectors of one or more gas lifting systems for producing a circulating cross flow directed tangentially to the surface of the flat filter elements and having at least one rising area, in which the cross flow flows substantially vertically upward, and at least one falling area, in which the cross flow flows substantially vertically downward, in which the rising area flows through 10 to 100% and the falling area flows through 10 to 100% of an inlet-flow volume of the at least one flat filter module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: MICRODYN--NADIR GMBH
    Inventors: Stefan Krause, Ulrich Meyer-Blumenroth
  • Patent number: 8366929
    Abstract: A membrane element 36 includes filtration membranes 45 on the flat part of the membrane element 36. Spacing members 60 keep spacing S between the filtration membranes 45 between the membrane elements 36 when the membrane elements 36 are arranged with the filtration membranes 45 opposed to each other. The spacing members 60 each have spacer sections 61a and 61b that keep the spacing S between the filtration membranes 45 between the membrane elements 36 in the direction of a membrane surface cleaning stream that flows along the surface of the filtration membrane 45.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Masutani, Yasunobu Okajima, Tadao Shinkai, Yoshio Asakura
  • Publication number: 20130015124
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and method for alternative aeration-effluent wastewater treatment using a ceramic membrane, which allows the biological treatment to be performed sufficiently in an intermittent aeration tank by combining an anaerobic tank with a plurality of intermittent aeration tanks and selectively changing an inflow path of influent water according to an operation status of the intermittent aeration tanks. The present disclosure is directed to providing an apparatus and method for alternative aeration-effluent wastewater treatment, which allows the aeration and treated water to continuously discharge through two intermittent aeration tanks by independently forming an air injection line and a treated water discharge line at a ceramic membrane provided in each intermittent aeration tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Yong Su CHOI, Seok Won Hong, Jae Shik Chung, Yong Bae Park, Gyo Bum Kim, Yun Chul Chung
  • Patent number: 8333893
    Abstract: A filtration separation method for waste resin containing highly radioactive uranium powder and device thereof is mainly used for the waste resin after water treatment process in a nuclear facility. The uranium powder contained in the waste resin is highly radioactive. Thus, prior to the treatment of the waste resin, it is necessary to filter and separate the highly radioactive uranium powder to reduce the radioactivity. It is to put the uranium powder containing waste resin into an underwater holding tank and withdraw the waste resin by an underwater pump into a uranium powder filtration box. Then the uranium powder filtration box is lifted by a hoist to move to an underwater ultrasonic cleaner. High-pressure water flushing is applied and followed by underwater ultrasonic cleaning. Then the cleaning water (containing precipitated uranium powder) from the ultrasonic cleaner is drained to uranium powder collection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research
    Inventors: Kuo-Yuan Chang, Ling-Huan Chiao, Chin-Teng Hsu, Chin-Chun Chu Ko, Bing-Rong Wu
  • Patent number: 8308953
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a filtration system having one or more apparatuses for filtering gases, liquids, or fluids (e.g., water) to remove particulate matter, and methods of making and using the apparatus. More particularly, embodiments relate to apparatuses and methods for applying centrifugal force(s) to push a fluid or gas to be filtered through a porous membrane or filter within the apparatus to separate particulate matter therefrom. The present invention takes advantage of the Coriolis effect within a cylindrical filter radiating out from a rotating central body. The filtration apparatus provides an energy efficient system for microfiltration (or other filtration process) to remove contaminants from gases and fluids, such as waste water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Brent Lee
  • Patent number: 8309030
    Abstract: An enhancement control system that can be used as part of an enhanced water system to produce enhanced filtered water is described. The enhancement control system includes at least one enhancement delivery element that can dispense an enhancement(s) into filtered water in response to an enhancement delivery instruction(s). The enhancement control system can also include an input element that can enable transmittal of the enhancement delivery instruction(s) from a user to the enhancement delivery element(s). The control system can also include a memory element that can store information about the user and the user's preferences and information about the enhanced water system. The control system can also include a communication element that can provide information from the enhanced water system to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Brita LP
    Inventors: Edward B. Rinker, Simon Litvin, Semyon Kogan, Ilya Ilyin, Alexander Chaliyan, Dmitry Logatchev, Valery Pavlov, Michael Gershman
  • Patent number: 8299000
    Abstract: A lubricant additive gel formed by the gellation of two or more lubricant additives for the slow release of the additive components into a fluid. The lubricant additive gel slowly releases into its component lubricant additives when contacted with the fluid such as an oil thereby serving as a lubricant fluid such as an oil thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: The Lubrizol Corporation
    Inventors: James D. Burrington, Bruce H. Grasser, Herman F. George, John R. Martin, John K. Pudelski, James P. Roski, Barbara L. Soukup, Melinda E. Bartlett
  • Patent number: 8252171
    Abstract: A water purifying and enhancement system of a modular construction designed as a built-in appliance located under the countertop or as a free-standing (stand alone) unit. The water appliance has a water inlet for obtaining water from a supply source, scale reduction device, booster or re-pressurization pump, pre-filtration, U.V. sterilization, R.O. filtration, de-ionization (CDI or mechanical), mineral injection system (for adding desired minerals into the purified water), water diagnostic and monitoring cells, post filtration, proprietary water enhancement reactor consisting of specially engineered and blended ores of ceramic components, and/or an electrolytic ionization chamber, and/or a magnetic chamber, a water outlet for delivery of the highly purified enhanced water product, and a outlet to grey water drain for reject water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Paul S. Doran
  • Patent number: 8206592
    Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods of treating water by directing the water to a first reverse osmosis (RO) membrane; separating the water using the first RO membrane; adding a chelating agent to first permeate and/or raising the pH of the first permeate to between about 5.5 and 7.5 before a second RO membrane; and separating the first permeate into a second permeate and a second concentrate using the second RO membrane, thereby separating constituents from the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Bossler, Hari Bhushan Gupta, Kenneth R. Workman, Jospeh C. Jimerson
  • Publication number: 20120138531
    Abstract: A purifying device adapted to perform a method of photochemical elimination of xenobiotics present in water. The purifying device comprises a photochemical reactor unit having at least one inlet for contaminated water and one outlet for purified water, it provides a flow path for continuously flowing water from said inlet to said outlet, and is equipped with a radiation source module providing ultraviolet radiation in a wavelength range ranging from 100 to 280 nm. The purifying device further comprises at least one membrane filtration unit designed to perform ultra filtration and connected upstream of said photochemical reactor unit via said inlet and at least one device for supplying air or dioxygen to the water comprised in the photochemical reactor unit. Further, a purification method is provided, using the device of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: LOIRA
    Inventors: Esther Oliveros, Andre Braun, Marie-Therese Maurette, Florence Benoit-Marquie, Jacques Debuire
  • Patent number: 8186518
    Abstract: A water purification unit to purify potentially contaminated water is provided. The water purification unit is in fluid communication with a water source and has a pump to draw water from the water source. The water is passed through at least a main filter to purify the water and dispensed through an outlet. Power is provided to the water purification unit by a battery bank and a non-grid power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventors: Jack E. Barker, Carmen L. Barker
  • Publication number: 20120091070
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide a multi-stage water treatment and enrichment apparatus with an upper water reservoir, a lower water reservoir, a cartridge that is composed of a porous filter and multiple seep through chambers that treat and enrich water, a water dispensing tap valve, and a preservation cartridge. Collectively, these components function (1) to provide multiple levels of treatment including filtration and purification, (2) to provide enrichment of water via mineralization, magnetization, softening, and alkalinization, (3) to provide for customizability of the treatment and enrichment so that different consumers can adapt these processes to satisfy their own personal preferences, (4) to provide an apparatus that operates using gravitational forces and without the need for external power or pressure to perform the multi-stage treatment and enrichment of water, and (5) to provide an inexpensive apparatus that is suitable for primary usage in the home.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Bernard Sjauta, Grace Hung
  • Patent number: 8158084
    Abstract: An enhancement control system that can be used as part of an enhanced water system to produce enhanced filtered water is described. The enhancement control system includes at least one enhancement delivery element that can dispense an enhancement(s) into filtered water in response to an enhancement delivery instruction(s). The enhancement control system can also include an input element that can enable transmittal of the enhancement delivery instruction(s) from a user to the enhancement delivery element(s). The control system can also include a memory element that can store information about the user and the user's preferences and information about the enhanced water system. The control system can also include a communication element that can provide information from the enhanced water system to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Brita LP
    Inventors: Edward B. Rinker, Janet Elizabeth Lane, Simon S. Litvin, Ilya Ilyin, Alexander Chaliyan, Dmitry Logatchev, Michael Gershman, Valery Pavlov, Semyon Kogan
  • Patent number: 8157995
    Abstract: Systems and associated methods for treating contaminant-containing wastewater are provided. The systems generally include a reducing zone for reducing the oxidation-reduction potential of the water and a clean-up zone comprising zero valent iron for removing at least a portion of the contaminant from the contaminant-containing water. The systems are operable to remove one or more contaminants from the contaminant-containing water and are operable for extended durations without clogging due to the formation of iron hydroxides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Rajat S. Ghosh, Dennis Fulmer, Kevin Kitzman, John Smith
  • Patent number: 8133385
    Abstract: A grey water treatment system for use in conjunction with a water softener, including a grey water holding tank including a first inlet configured to receive grey water and a second inlet configured to receive spent brine from the water softener. The spent brine is mixed with the grey water in the holding tank to flocculate suspended solids in the grey water for subsequent removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Culligan International Company
    Inventors: Kumudika Premathilake, Gene Wayman, Sharyn Schnabel, Kerry Quinn
  • Publication number: 20120024796
    Abstract: A sustainable method and system for treating and maintaining bodies of water at low cost for low density recreational use is disclosed. A system of the invention generally includes at least one containing means, at least one coordination means, at least one chemical application means, at least one non-intrusive mobile suction means, and at least one filtration means. The coordinating means can receive information regarding water quality parameters that are controlled, and can timely activate the processes necessary to adjust the water quality parameters within their respective limits. The disclosed methods and system filter only a small fraction of the total water volume, up to 200 times less per day than the flow filtered by conventional swimming pool filtration systems. The disclosed methods and system also use less chemicals, up to 100 times less than conventional swimming pool water treatment systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: Crystal Lagoons Corporation LLC
    Inventor: Fernando Banjamin Fischmann T.
  • Patent number: 8101072
    Abstract: A phosphorus removal system is operable to remove phosphorus from an influent. The system includes a first section receiving the influent and discharging a first flow. A first coagulant inlet is positioned upstream of the first section and is in fluid communication with the influent to introduce a first coagulant selected to precipitate phosphorus. A second section receives the first flow and discharges a second flow, and a third section receives the second flow and discharges an effluent. A second coagulant inlet is positioned downstream of the first section and upstream of the third section to introduce a second coagulant selected to precipitate phosphorus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Allen Lawrence, Joseph E. Zuback
  • Patent number: 8097153
    Abstract: A device, system and method for exchanging components between first and second fluids by direct contact in a microfluidic channel. The fluids flow as thin layers in the channel. One of the fluids is passed through a filter upon exiting the channel and is recycled through a secondary processor which changes the fluid's properties. The recycled fluid is reused for further exchange. The filter excludes blood cells from the recycled fluid and prevents or limits clogging of the filter. The secondary processor removes metabolic waste and water by diafiltration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia in the City of New York
    Inventors: Edward F. Leonard, Alan C. West, Christian Paul Aucoin, Edgar E. Nanne
  • Patent number: 8083935
    Abstract: A system for recycling a drilling fluid that includes a first cuttings storage vessel, a second cuttings storage vessel, and a module fluidly connected to the first and second cuttings storage vessels, the module having a valve configured to fluidly connect the first and second cuttings storage vessels. The module further includes a filter system configured to fluidly connect to at least the second cuttings storage vessel, and at least one pump to facilitate the flow of a fluid between the first and second cuttings storage vessels. Also, a module for use at a drilling location that includes a valve for directing drilling fluid between at least a first cuttings storage vessel disposed outside the module and a second cuttings storage vessel disposed outside the module. The module further includes a filter system for filtering the drilling fluid and at least one pump for facilitating the flow of the fluid between at least the first and second cuttings storage vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventor: Jan Thore Eia
  • Patent number: 8083706
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices, systems and methods for removing undesirable materials from a sample fluid by contact with a second fluid. The sample fluid flows as a thin layer adjacent to, or between, concurrently flowing layers of the second fluid, without an intervening membrane. In various embodiments, a secondary separator is used to restrict the removal of desirable substances and effect the removal of undesirable substances from blood. The invention is useful in a variety of situations where a sample fluid is to be purified via a diffusion mechanism against an extractor fluid. Moreover, the invention may be used for the removal of components from a sample fluid that vary in size. When blood is the sample fluid, for example, this may include the removal of ‘small’ molecules, ‘middle’ molecules, macromolecules, macromolecular aggregates, and cells, from the blood sample to the extractor fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: Edward F. Leonard, Alan C. West, Nina C. Shapley, Zhongliang Tang
  • Patent number: 8070952
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for simultaneous extrarenal blood purification therapy and respiration support therapy. The apparatus includes a CO2 removing means having a first inlet for receiving a flow of blood for CO2 removal and a first outlet for expelling blood deprived of CO2. The apparatus also includes filtering means having a first inlet for receiving the flow of blood, a first outlet for expelling purified blood, and at least one drain channel. The drain channel directs a diluting liquid obtained from the blood expelled during purification of the blood. The drain channel is directly connected to the first inlet of the CO2 removing means to supply the diluting liquid to the CO2 removing means without submitting the diluting liquid to any filtering treatment during passage along the drain channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Medical Service S.R.L.
    Inventor: Gianni Pasqualini
  • Patent number: 8066874
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating an aqueous solution containing arsenic. The apparatus comprises a container that includes a housing, an inlet located at a first end of the housing and an outlet located at a second end opposite the first end. An outer wall extends between the first and second ends and enclosing a fluid flow path between the inlet and the outlet and an arsenic fixing agent is disposed in the fluid flow path. The arsenic fixing agent can include an insoluble rare earth-containing compound, more specifically, a compound comprising one or more of cerium, lanthanum, or praseodymium. The inlet and the outlet are adapted to be closed during transport and storage. The container is adapted to be sealed for long term disposal after exposure to an aqueous solution containing arsenic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Molycorp Minerals, LLC
    Inventors: John L. Burba, III, Carl R. Hassler, C. Brock O'Kelley, Joseph A. Lupo, Joseph R. Pascoe
  • Patent number: 8062517
    Abstract: A method and system for removing from an aqueous system which is contaminated therewith: (1) mercury present as colloids, ions and/or organically bound compounds, and (2) hydrocarbons solubilized, dispersed, and/or emulsified in the said system. Pursuant to the invention the aqueous system to be treated (such as “produced water”) is passed successively through three filtration stages. The first filtration stage is provided with absorption media which effects reduction/removal of dispersed organically bound mercury species and of the dispersed and partially dissolved hydrocarbon phases, as well as of some colloidal mercury and other dissolved metallic species. The second filtration stage utilizes a salt modified reticulated granular filtration media for reduction/removal of slightly dissolved hydrocarbon phases, mercury in colloidal and ionic form and other dissolved metals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Hal Alper
  • Patent number: RE45385
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system for treating excess wastewater from a sewer system includes a container having first and second portions adapted to receive excess wastewater from the sewer system, and a generally horizontally oriented screen arrangement disposed in the second portion of the container. The system further includes a treating agent dispenser for introducing a treating agent into the wastewater, and an effluent passage in fluid communication with the second portion of the container. During a sufficient rain event, the wastewater flows from the sewer system into the container, through the screen arrangement, and then into the effluent passage, such that the wastewater flows generally in a first direction through the first portion of the container, then generally in a second direction different than the first direction through the second portion of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Saad A. Ghalib