With Spaced Non-particulate Separating Means Patents (Class 210/266)
  • Patent number: 7229552
    Abstract: The invention relates to a two-stage design for a water purification system, with water to be purified first passing through a first stage containing particulate filtration media, and a second stage containing a porous filtration block. The particulate filtration media can be the same as, or different from, material included in the porous block. Either material may be any material that removes contaminants from water by, e.g., absorption, adsorption, ion exchange, sequestration, or other mechanism, or any combination of these.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Selecto, Inc.
    Inventor: Ehud Levy
  • Patent number: 7226536
    Abstract: A portable water filtration device includes a liquid-tight filter container and a filtration device mounted in the liquid-tight container. The filtration device includes an inlet opening extending through one of the walls and a first filtration device in liquid transfer connection with the inlet opening operative to receive and filter liquid flowing therethrough. A second filtration device is operative to receive liquid from the first filtration device and further filter the liquid flowing therethrough. The first and second filtration devices are selected from the group including ultraviolet, activated carbon and reverse osmosis filters, and an outlet opening extending through one of the walls then receives the treated water and releases the water from the filtration device. Finally, the liquid-tight filter container is operative to prevent liquid from entering the interior volume thereof thereby preventing contamination of the filtration device from accidental incursion of contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: Tyran Adams
  • Patent number: 7211320
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a nanostructured material comprising defective carbon nanotubes chosen from impregnated, functionalized, doped, charged, coated, and irradiated nanotubes, and combinations thereof. The defective carbon nanotubes contain a defect which is a lattice distortion in at least one carbon ring. Also disclosed is a method of purifying fluids, such as liquids, including water, as well as gases, including the air using, this nanostructured material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Seldon Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher H. Cooper, Alan G. Cummings, Mikhail Y. Starostin, Charles P. Honsinger
  • Patent number: 7195707
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a filter media tower assembly is provided comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is suspended within the second portion. The first portion is a removable media tower or cage for holding filter media, whereas the second portion is a media tower guide support structure that is mounted to a surface of a tank. In a second embodiment, a load cell or a weighing assembly is disposed above the removable media tower. The deployment of this weighing mechanism above the removable media tower provides constant monitoring of biomass build-up on the filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: Michael J. Ruppel
  • Patent number: 7182863
    Abstract: An oil-conditioning filter, for use with an internal combustion engine, includes a filter element and an additive cartridge, for gradually dispensing an oil additive over time. The additive cartridge has a beneficial oil-conditioning agent contained therein. Placement of the cartridge allows for fluid filtration through the filter element before fluid communication with the additive of the additive cartridge. An additive dispersing member is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Eilers, Gerard W. Bilski, Daniel J. Auxter, Gary B. Zulauf, Michael S. Lynch, Philip Treier
  • Patent number: 7172694
    Abstract: The filter assembly is adapted for use in filtering fluid flow in turbomachinery. The filter assembly includes a cylindrical housing, and a filter element disposed within the housing. The housing is adapted for fluid connection to a turbomachine. The filter element is adapted to filter fluid passing to the turbomachine. The filter element includes a fluid permeable core element defining a central core element flow channel through the filter element, a fluid permeable ion exchange resin layer disposed about the core element and adapted to remove mineral and organic acids from the fluid passing through the filter element, and a pleated filter media disposed about the ion exchange resin layer and core element. In another embodiment, the filter element has the pleated filter media disposed about the core element, and the fluid permeable ion exchange resin layer disposed about the core element and pleated filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Schroeder Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher B Bortnik
  • Patent number: 7172695
    Abstract: A liquid treating apparatus includes a treating tank having at least two walls formed with a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet through each of which a liquid to be treated flows, respectively, and a filtering layer unit including an antibacterial filtering layer, an adsorptive filtering layer and a filtering layer, the filtering layer unit being disposed between the liquid inlet and outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Akechi Ceramics Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinari Kato, Satoshi Kameshima, Mitsuro Hyakumachi, Yoshihiro Taguchi, Hideki Watanabe, Hayato Horinouchi
  • Patent number: 7160444
    Abstract: A system for treating storm water in situ within a storm water drainage system includes a process chamber and treatment material that is contained within the process chamber. Preferably, the treatment material is a material that is effective in removing heavy metals from storm water, such as zeolite. A first passageway is provided for admitting storm water from the storm water drainage system into the process chamber. A second passageway is provided for returning storm water from the process chamber back to the storm water drainage system. Also disclosed is a method of retrofitting conventional storm water drainage systems so as to render them capable of effectively removing heavy metals from storm water passing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventors: John Peters, Jr., John Markee
  • Patent number: 7160441
    Abstract: The apparatus and methods of the present invention enable efficient and appropriate treatment of Urban Water Runoff, so that the treated Urban water Runoff can be can be introduced into public waterways without contaminating such waterways. The system apparatus utilizes adsorptive Organoclay media, mechanical filtration and ultraviolet sterilization. The methods and apparatus of the present invention remove contaminants from Urban Water Runoff to a level which enable the resulting effluent to meet appropriate standards for introducing the treated Urban water Runoff in to public waterways. The method and apparatus of water treatment of the present invention does not utilize chlorine containing compounds which, when combined with organic compounds can produce THM's that can become problematic when re-introduced to the downstream environment. The systems of the present invention can be made sufficiently compact so as to enable their use in remote locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Clear Creek Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Guy Timothy Gannon, Joseph Charles Gannon
  • Patent number: 7156994
    Abstract: A drinking water filter for filtering major water contaminates from tap water and other drinking water sources. The water filter a cylindrical cartridge for receiving a plurality of sponge filters used as dividers between different layers of filtration material and along a length of the cartridge. The sponge filters are designed to remove large and small sediments in the water from 1 to 100 microns in size and greater when the water is introduced through the cartridge. The layers of filtration material includes a layer of granulated zinc and copper alloy, a fine mesh carbon block, a layer of granulated ion exchange resin, a layer of granulated activated carbon and layer of granulated activated calcite. The carbon block and the granulated carbon material is used for removing chlorine, odor, color, cysts, protozoa and organic contaminants such as pesticides, herbicides, arsenic, mercury, and trihalomnethanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Virgil L. Archer
  • Patent number: 7156982
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a filter media tower assembly is provided comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is suspended within the second portion. The first portion is a removable media tower or cage for holding filter media, whereas the second portion is a media tower guide support structure that is mounted to a surface of a tank. In a second embodiment, a load cell or a weighing assembly is disposed above the removable media tower. The deployment of this weighing mechanism above the removable media tower provides constant monitoring of biomass build-up on the filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Michael J. Ruppel
  • Patent number: 7153424
    Abstract: An apparatus for purifying water, that includes a frame, in connection with which is arranged a primary space for water to be filtered, secondary space for filtered water and a filter. The filter is arranged to filter water, that is driven by gravity from the primary space existing in the frame to the secondary space, wherein the filtering influence of the filter is based essentially on a thin filtering film made of plastic based material. Essentially underneath the primary space is arranged an accessory space for the filtering means, that is in connection with the primary space and that has an essentially smaller cross-section than the same, in order to keep the filter surrounded by unclean water in the auxiliary space of the primary space, being limited from the secondary space, totally separate from the secondary space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventors: Kari Aalto, Valery Antipov, Alexander Melnikov
  • Patent number: 7150829
    Abstract: An embodiment is directed to a water treatment cartridge for treating drinking water. The water treatment cartridge may comprise a housing, an inlet for introducing water into the water treatment cartridge, an outlet port for egress of water from the water treatment cartridge, and a first treatment material. The first treatment material may have a core region. The water treatment cartridge also may have a second treatment material. The second treatment material may be contained within the core region of the first treatment material, such that the first treatment material and the second treatment material are in direct contact and direct communication. The second treatment material may be a calcium source. The water treatment cartridge also may have a liquid-pervious retainer. The retainer may cap the outlet port and may extend into the second treatment material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Pur Water Purification Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Cheng Na, Joseph T. Funk
  • Patent number: 7122116
    Abstract: A water treatment system that includes a water storage tank fluidly connected to a water source through an inlet, a chlorination device fluidly connected to the water storage tank and the inlet, a media filter vessel at least partially contained within the water storage tank and a pump fluidly connecting the media filter vessel with the water storage tank. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the chlorination device includes a chlorination device configured as a chlorination vessel containing a chlorine tablet. Flow through the chlorination device is regulated to provide decontamination treatment. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the water treatment system includes a media filter vessel contained at least partially within the water storage tank and completely within a footprint or diameter of the water storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: R-Kind Water Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony D. Hackett, Samuel P. Kingrey
  • Patent number: 7112274
    Abstract: A filtration system is provided which generally includes a filter assembly and a connector assembly coupled to the filter assembly and structured to position the filter assembly in a drain, for example a storm drain. The connector assembly may include adjustable connectors in order to accommodate various flow conditions. The system may further include a diversion element designed to effectively direct an inflow of water into the filter assembly and a removable contaminant removal pillow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Peter S. Sanguinetti
  • Patent number: 7108784
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for the removal and destruction of ammonia from an aqueous medium. The methods and apparatuses include the removal of ammonia from an aqueous medium by contact with either natural or synthetic zeolite. The spent zeolite is re-generated for continuous use, while the ammonia is concentrated as ammonium sulfate, and ultimately destroyed via combustion. A system for monitoring and maintaining an ammonia removal system by an off-site provider is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: WRT International LLC
    Inventors: John E. Litz, Charles S. Williams
  • Patent number: 7101480
    Abstract: A water treatment apparatus in which the various components that constitute the apparatus (prefilters, osmotic membrane filters, pump, et cetera) are contained in an enclosure. The enclosure includes a body provided with compartments that accommodate the components of the apparatus and at least one cap provided internally with channels for conveying the water in output from one compartment to the next. In this manner, the components of the apparatus are mutually connected without the need to use piping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Franco Carlotto
  • Patent number: 7097765
    Abstract: A water heater filter is provided for the removal of minerals and sediments from water, comprising a cylindrical filter housing element comprising an upper chamber and a lower chamber linked by a small diameter section, an inlet fitting, a conical fine mesh stainless steel wire screen positioned within the upper chamber, a first cotton filter positioned within the lower chamber, a second carbon filter comprising activated carbon enclosed in a porous element positioned within the lower chamber, and an outlet fitting. The water heater filter has particular utility in connection with a household water heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventors: Walter John Jackiw, Aaron Dean Bolin
  • Patent number: 7097763
    Abstract: An ion exchange filter apparatus to reduce ions contained in a liquid medium used in a fuel cell system is equipped with an ion exchange filter 6 to receive an ion exchange resin 38. The ion exchange filter 6 includes a flow passage 27 to introduce the liquid medium to the ion exchange resin 38, a bypass passage 7 to flow the liquid medium by bypassing the ion exchange resin 38, and an orifice 21 disposed at a branch section where the bypass passage 7 is branched from the flow passage 27, to determine a flow volume ratio of the liquid medium flowing in the ion exchange resin 38 and the bypass passage 7, wherein a hole diameter of the orifice is set so that a pressure loss generated when all the amount of the liquid medium flows in the bypass passage 7 becomes substantially equal to an allowance maximum pressure loss of the ion exchange filter 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Toyo Roki Seizo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinichiro Takemoto, Koji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7087158
    Abstract: Filtration-function-equipped cooling water equipment that includes: filtration equipment connected to water-purifying, oxygen-supply-capable cooling water equipment, wherein the filtration equipment includes a filtration space for a filter, wherein the water-purifying, oxygen-supply-capable cooling water equipment comprises a cooling oxidation unit disposed inside of a tank body and comprising a honeycombed or latticed porous material, wherein the filtration-function-equipped cooling water equipment operates to enlarge a contact area between water and air when untreated water drips onto the cooling oxidation unit and flows through the cooling oxidation unit while forced air flows in a counter current against the flow of water in the cooling oxidation unit, thereby facilitating solubility of oxygen in the untreated water and augmenting a cooling capability due to evaporation provided by the water-purifying, oxygen-supply-capable cooling water equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Fujikin Incorporated
    Inventors: Hisashi Miyamoto, Akira Nakano
  • Patent number: 7081201
    Abstract: An encapsulated filter cartridge is disclosed, which includes a filter assembly including a carbon block filter element and a microporous filter element. The filter cartridge has a permanently sealed sump defining an interior chamber configured to accommodate the filter assembly, the sump having an inlet for permitting unfiltered fluid to enter the interior chamber for communicating with the radially outer surface of the filter assembly and an outlet for permitting filtered fluid to exit the interior chamber from the axial portion of the filter assembly. The microporous filter element of the filter assembly may include a hollow fiber subassembly housed within the axial cavity of the carbon block element, said fiber subassembly including a plurality of hollow microporous fibers, or a pleated filter element surrounding the radially outer surface of the carbon block element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Laurence W. Bassett, Martin Blaze, Thomas Hamlin
  • Patent number: 7067055
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a filter media tower assembly is provided comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is suspended within the second portion. The first portion is a removable media tower or cage for holding filter media, whereas the second portion is a media tower guide support structure that is mounted to a surface of a tank. In a second embodiment, a load cell or a weighing assembly is disposed above the removable media tower. The deployment of this weighing mechanism above the removable media tower provides constant monitoring of biomass build-up on the filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: South Monmouth Regional Sewerage Authority
    Inventor: Michael J. Ruppel
  • Patent number: 7032503
    Abstract: A hygiene device for a coffee or espresso machine comprises an upper surface for receiving hot water from the machine, a lower surface adapted to be contaminated by flavor-containing materials in a basket while preventing the flavor-containing materials from contaminating the machine, a sufficiently small opening for allowing hot water to pass through to the flavor-containing materials and preventing the flavor-containing materials from reaching the upper surface, and a handle for allowing a user to move the hygiene device to allow the flavor-containing materials contaminated on the lower surface to be washed away. The hygiene device may comprise a seal member for forming an airtight seal with the rim or side wall of basket to enable a vacuum building-up therein to prevent dripping when disposing the wet flavor-containing materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Household Technology Group LLC
    Inventor: Edward Z. Cai
  • Patent number: 7025877
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed for treating a biological fluid with light. A container of biological fluid is introduced into a fluid treatment chamber where it is contacted with light provided by one or more light sources in proximity to the fluid treatment chamber. A drawer for holding containers of biological fluid introduces the containers into the chamber. Containers for holding the biological fluid are marked by the apparatus to indicate the status of the treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Cerus Corporation
    Inventors: Serge de Gheldere, Mahmood Mohiuddin, Peyton S. Metzel, George D. Cimino, Derek J. Hei, Michael S. Clarke
  • Patent number: 7018529
    Abstract: The ultrapure water producing system produces ultrapure water with high purity and remarkably low content of metals even just after restart of operation thereof. Water sent through the pump 3 or 4 into a line 8 flows through a heat exchanger 10, a line 12, a UV oxidation apparatus 20, a line 22, an ion exchange device 30, a line 32 and a membrane filtering device 40 and is treated in each device in this order to be ultrapure water. The devices 10, 20, 30, 40 have bypass lines 11, 21, 31, 41, respectively. In the sterilizing process, bactericide water is fed only to the membrane filtering device 40 via the bypass lines 11, 21 and 31. In the following sterilizing process of the heat exchanger 10 and the UV oxidation apparatus 20, the bactericide water flows the line 41 bypassing around the membrane filtering device 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihiro Furukawa, Masatake Okumura
  • Patent number: 7018531
    Abstract: An oil-conditioning filter, for use with an internal combustion engine, includes a mechanical filter element and a central additive cartridge, for gradually dispensing an oil additive over time. The additive cartridge has a beneficial oil-conditioning agent contained therein. The additive may be provided as a solid block within a storage chamber of the cartridge, or may be a plurality of pellets. Central placement of the cartridge allows for fluid filtration through the mechanical filter element before the additive is added thereto, reducing the likelihood that the additive will be filtered out prematurely upon its initial release. An additive cartridge for installation in an oil filter is also described, including a baffle portion and a storage chamber. Alternative exemplary embodiments of the additive cartridge may include a cylindrical shell, a basket which is operatively attached to an oil filter center tube, or a porous center tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Eilers, Daniel J. Auxter, Michael S. Lynch, Gerard W. Bilski, Gary B. Zulauf
  • Patent number: 7014755
    Abstract: A filter/plug drain assembly for insertion into a drain so as to prevent the passage of selected contaminants through the drain is disclosed. The filter/plug assembly includes stacked layers of filter, filtering/plugging and plugging material. The filter/plug assembly has alternative internal flowpaths configured to provide different plugging speeds when exposed to ongoing low levels of selected contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventors: Iain Muir, Fiona Elizabeth Barrett
  • Patent number: 7014762
    Abstract: A device for the deionization of incoming water is disclosed. The device includes a tank and a generally hollow distributor tube in the tank for ingress into and downward movement of unpurified water through the tank. An opening adjacent the bottom of the generally hollow distributor tube and near the bottom of the tank distributes the unpurified water out of the generally hollow distributor tube. A mixed bed of purifying resin is within the tank, and surrounds the generally hollow distributor tube. The unpurified water travels upwardly through the tank where it is deionized to a high purity water by the mixed bed of purifying resin, after egress from the opening. The deionized water passes through a distributor and a filter before leaving the tank through an outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Calco, Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael M. Barlow
  • Patent number: 6998044
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for purifying effluent wastewater utilizing electrophoretic cross-flow filtration and electrodeionization. The method first comprises filtering the water in a cross-flow direction with a filter membrane (120) in the presence of an electric field that is operative to drive suspended particles away from a surface of the filter membrane (120). The permeate (134) containing dissolved solids is next passed through a mixture (188) of at least one cation-exchange resin and at least one anion-exchange resin disposed between a cation-selective membrane (184) and an anion-selective membrane (181) in the presence of an electric field. The electric field drives cations in the permeate through the cation-selective membrane (184), and drives anions in the permeate through the anion-selective membrane (181), thereby to form deionized water (192). The apparatus includes cell modules adapted to be used in plate-and-frame or radial flow configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Juzer Jangbarwala
  • Patent number: 6984319
    Abstract: An environmentally friendly acid neutralizing filter cartridge is adapted to be mounted in a cartridge mounting body of an engine oil circuit for filtering particulates and neutralizing acid in oil. The filter cartridge comprises a support housing that comprises substantially no metal parts such that the filter cartridge can be readily incinerated. A full flow particulate filter and a bypass particulate filter are arranged in the support housing. A bed of acid neutralizing particles is contained in the support housing. The housing is configured such that a predetermined primary flow path is defined through the filter cartridge that passes through the full flow particulate filter and bypassing the bed of acid neutralizing particles; and a predetermined bypass path is defined through the filter cartridge that passes, in sequence, through the bed of acid neutralizing particles and the bypass particulate filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Baldwin Filters, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Merritt, Gene W. Brown
  • Patent number: 6972091
    Abstract: An ion exchange resin plant for the demineralizing or softening water with an arrangement that allows the plant to operate continuously. The plant tank is divided into to two separate compartments that work simultaneously. One compartment effects water demineralization while the other compartment regenerates the ion exchanging resins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: TM.E. S.p.A. - Termomeccanica Ecologia
    Inventor: Piero Becucci
  • Patent number: 6962652
    Abstract: The invention provides a skin-care liquid preparing unit comprising: a main container which contains raw water; a cartridge container which is placed in the main container, and which contains different kinds of cation exchange resins; and a sprayer which is attached to an upper end mouth portion of the main container, and which has a suction pipe connected to an upper portion of the cartridge container. The unit is configured so as to pass the raw water in the main container through the cartridge container from a lower portion of the cartridge container and spray the water from the spray. In the unit, in order to easily prepare skin-care liquid of a pH value that is useflil for moisture retention and health of the skin, an Na type or K type cation exchange resin layer and an H type cation exchange resin layer are formed to be arranged in upper and lower positions in the cartridge container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Suisei Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Maeno, Rie Nakata
  • Patent number: 6955761
    Abstract: Filters, more particularly to multifunctional filters that are capable of removing as well as adding components to a filtered material are provided by the present invention. In addition to a multifunctional filter, the present invention relates to the use of such a multifunctional filter in an apparatus, to process a filtrate and to the filtrate produced by the process of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Paul Amaat Raymond Gerald France, Arseni Valervich Radomyselski, Dewey Edward Burton
  • Patent number: 6953523
    Abstract: A portable, refillable water dispenser serving batches of water purified of organic and inorganic pollutants includes a portable, refillable and hand-holdable vessel for holding and pouring water having a spout and, inside the portable, refillable and hand-holdable vessel, moving water and still water processing module cooperative to remove inorganic and organic pollutants from water received batchwise by the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Headwaters Research & Development, Inc
    Inventors: Rudy A. Vandenbelt, Jeremy Hamilton, Troy G. Anderson, Charles R. Lanning
  • Patent number: 6951609
    Abstract: A module filled with an organic porous ion exchanger is placed midway on a pipe for transporting high-purity water to be supplied to a point-of-use. As the organic porous ion exchanger is used an organic porous ion exchanger having a three-dimensional mesh structure with mesopores, having an average diameter of 1 ?m to 1000 ?m, in a wall between interconnected macropores and in which an ion exchange group is uniformly distributed and an ion exchange capacity is 0.5 mg equivalent weight/gram of dried porous body or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Organo Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Yamanaka, Hiroshi Inoue
  • Patent number: 6919023
    Abstract: An acid neutralizing filter construction is provided that may be used as a bypass type filter. The filter includes a canister having an open end. An end plate is secured to the canister at the open end and includes an inlet port and an outlet port to provide for fluid communication with a mounting adaptor of an oil circuit. A reactor housing is arranged inside the canister and comprises a bowl and a lid. The reactor housing defines an entrance port and an exit port. An acid neutralizing bed of acid neutralizing particles is deposited in the reactor housing. The acid neutralizing particles comprises primarily of calcium carbonate compound or other suitable medium which may be provided by crushed limestone. A particulate filter is also arranged in the reactor housing between the acid neutralizing bed and the exit port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Baldwin Filters, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Merritt, Gene W. Brown, Allan Roush, John H. Beard
  • Patent number: 6908549
    Abstract: An insert for use in a sewer system to remove oils and solvents carried by surface water runoff. The insert includes a holder and a quantity of water permeable, hydrophobic, oil and solvent absorbing material such as melt blown polypropylene. The holder has two functions. It holds an effective quantity of the absorber and holds it in such a way that the surface water is exposed to the absorber to allow oils and solvents to be absorbed. The insert in preferably placed, cartridge-like, at the inlet or outlet of the sewer system so that it may be quickly checked, replaced and serviced. In one embodiment, the insert also contains a leaf trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Waterpollutionsolutions.com, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard G. Middleton, Marion H. Lessene, III
  • Patent number: 6902666
    Abstract: A aquarium filter for filtering water being introduced into an aquarium. The aquarium filter includes a body member comprising a perimeter wall. The perimeter wall defines a bore extending through the body member. The body member is designed for being coupled to a hose whereby the bore of the body member is for permitting water from the hose to pass through the body member. A filtering material is positioned in the bore of the body member. The filtering material is designed for contacting the water whereby the filtering material is for filtering contaminants and chemicals from the water when the water passes through the body member. A tip member is coupled to the body member. The tip member is positioned opposite the hose whereby the tip member is designed for reducing air bubbles in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: Gregorio C. Foronda, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6899809
    Abstract: A water filtering device suitable for locally, under atmospheric pressure, purifying contaminated water, and which comprises a container that is provided with an inlet opening and an outlet opening, which container is provided with at least: a preliminary filtration element for the removal of particles, if present, of a particle size more than 10 micrometers; a filtration element provided with activated charcoal; and an ultrafiltration element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Prime Water Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Johan Jan Scharstuhl, Eric Scharstuhl
  • Patent number: 6887379
    Abstract: A water purification device that can be inserted into a canteen full of impure water that allows a user to drink purified water directly from the canteen, without the need of a pump. The canteen insert is a multistage purification device that has an inlet section at one end and a canteen insert flange mouthpiece at the other end. After the present purification device has been inserted in the canteen, the user tips the bottom of the canteen upward, holding the flange mouthpiece to their mouth and squeezes gently on the sides of the canteen. This forced gravity action pushes water sequentially through the multiple purification sections of the preferred embodiment and subsequently out of the flange mouthpiece for consumption by the user. The canteen flange mouthpiece can also be replaced by a flute straw mouthpiece that allows the user to withdraw water from the canteen via the straw. The same multiple water purification stages are also used in a straw and an inline purifier embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: Beryl B. Schiltz
  • Patent number: 6878269
    Abstract: A device for body fluid purification, comprising a container having an inlet and an outlet for a fluid and a means for preventing an adsorbent from flowing out of the container and an adsorbent charged in the container, the adsorbent comprising a spherical hydrogel, the spherical hydrogel having an average particle size in a range of from about 460 to 600 ?m and having a substantially uniform particle size and comprising an epoxidated cellulose having hexadecylamine immobilized thereon in an amount of 100 to 300 ?mol per gram of dry weight of said epoxidated cellulose, and water, wherein the weight ratio of said epoxidated cellulose having hexadecylamine immobilized thereon to the water is 2:8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Kaneka Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiki Nanko, Shigeo Furuyoshi, Satoshi Takata, Masaru Nakatani
  • Patent number: 6872303
    Abstract: The water treatment cartridge is a cartridge adapted to fit into a conventional water filter housing to release a sanitizing dose of a water-treating chemical, and in particular chlorine dioxide, into a water treatment system or unit process. The cartridge is filled with a water treating media, comprised preferably of a mixture of an inert filler material and a chemical composition that releases chlorine dioxide on contact with water. The concentration of the chlorine dioxide released into the water, as well as the duration of the release, may be varied by the selection of the filler material and amount of the filler material in the water treating media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventors: Ian M. Knapp, David B. Morris
  • Patent number: 6866775
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating metal-working fluid comprises: a heating vessel for receiving and holding metal-working fluid for treatment; a heater for heating the metal-working fluid in the heating vessel; an agitator for agitating the metal-working fluid within the heating vessel; an aerator for aerating the metal-working fluid within the heating vessel; and a holding vessel for receiving from the heating vessel and holding treated metal-working fluid. During heating, heated ambient air may be drawn through air inlets and through the fluid agitate and aerate the fluid, thereby ensuring uniform heating and extracting gaseous contaminants. Mist and/or gaseous contaminants may be removed from the airflow prior to its release into the environment. Concentration in the metal-working fluid of at least one metal may be reduced using an using-exchange filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventors: Anthony H. Gonzalez, Michael D. Birran, Michel Jammal
  • Patent number: 6860993
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a pump for flow rates from about 1 to 1000 nl/min in which liquid transport takes place by evaporation of a transport liquid through a wettable membrane. The pumps according to the invention are particularly suitable for applications in the field of medical diagnostics such as microdialysis or ultrafiltration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Corporation
    Inventors: Carlo Effenhauser, Herbert Harttig, Peter Kraemer
  • Patent number: 6846407
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering wastewater from laundry operations. A substantially closed loop series of tanks, conduits and pumps hold and transfer water output from a wash machine through a series of filters, including a lint pulloff filter, a multimedia pressure filter, a clay filter, and a carbon filter. The water is ozonated to coagulate suspended solids and to disinfect and is subjected to ultraviolet light to disinfect and to reduce residual ozone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: EMI, LLC
    Inventors: Harold Randoph Anderson, Jeffrey Stuart Lebedin
  • Patent number: 6841067
    Abstract: A filtration device for liquids is provided and includes a filtration beaker filled with a filtration material and a lid. The lid is connected to the filtration beaker in a liquid-tight manner to define an inner volume, and includes at least one liquid inlet and at least one air vent. A sieve-like textile fabric is disposed in between the filtration beaker and the lid. In order to guarantee secure operation and ensure a good retaining effect with respect to particles having a size of approximately 200 micrometers at different filtration-material fill heights in the filtration beaker, the sieve-like textile fabric has at least one formed part protruding into the inner volume of the lid, whereby air can be found on both sides of the part of the textile fabric which is located farthest away from the filtration beaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Brita GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Hofmann, Detlev Weyrauch, Ernst Reder
  • Patent number: 6841068
    Abstract: A domestic nanofiltration membrane based water purifier without a storage tank. The water purifier according to the present invention uses a nanofiltration membrane filter as a main filtering section and does not have a storage tank for containment of purified water. Although conventional reverse osmosis membrane based water purification systems provide good quality water, they have problems in that installation of the storage tanks due to insufficient flow rate results in the increased volumes of water purifiers, and at the same time, secondary pollution may be caused by microorganism propagation upon prolonged storage. In this regard, the present invention provides a domestic nanofiltration membrane based water purifier without a storage tank, in which a nanofiltration membrane filter with a pore size of approximately 0.1 to 10 nm is used as a main filtering section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Saehan Industries Incorporation
    Inventors: Sung Ro Yoon, Soon Sik Kim, Hoon Hyung, Young Hoon Kim
  • Publication number: 20040256302
    Abstract: There is disclosed a device adapted to provide water purified to human consumption level, and arranged for connection to a water supply. The device comprises a water purifier, a container for purified water and connections between the water purifier and the purified water container, The water purifier includes a filtering system that removes particles present in water to be purified as well as any undesirable adsorbable material, The filtering system is in fluid communication with the water supply on the one hand, and the container, on the other hand. The device also includes an ozone generator and a venturi for injecting ozone into filtered water downstream of the filtering system, but before introduction of the purified water into the container. A pump is arranged to draw water from the water supply, to feed same to the filtering system, and thereafter to the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: AQUAGENEX INC.
    Inventors: Gilles Marquis, Maxime Beaulieu
  • Publication number: 20040251190
    Abstract: A filter medium capable of removing microorganisms from a fluid such as water. The filter medium includes particles of activated carbon, particles of a substantially insoluble inorganic material having an isoelectric point greater than the fluid being filtered. A low melt index binder, preferably with a melt index of less than about 1 gram per 10 minutes, binds the particles of activated carbon and particles of inorganic material, such that the binder will become tacky at elevated temperatures without becoming sufficiently liquid to substantially wet the particles of activated carbon and inorganic material. An antimicrobial material can be incorporated into the filter to prevent biofilm growth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: THE CLOROX COMPANY
    Inventor: Scott L. Cumberland
  • Publication number: 20040245170
    Abstract: A composite water filter for reducing the cyst content for drinking water utilizing a non-woven microfiber layer prefilter wrapped over a porous carbon block filter to retain at least 99.95% of cyst-size particles while retaining a relatively low pressure drop and high flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Tara L. Koele, Michael D. Steinhardt