Gravitational Separator Patents (Class 210/513)
  • Publication number: 20020179506
    Abstract: Catalyst particles are separated from the wax in a reactor slurry reactor by feeding a portion of the slurry to a dynamic settler. Heavier catalyst particles settle and are removed as the slurry at the bottom of the settler is recycled back to the reactor. Clarified wax is removed at the top of the settler. A multi-channel baffle prevents turbulence, improving retention of the desired heavier catalyst particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Mark S. Bohn, James E. Siebarth
  • Publication number: 20020177837
    Abstract: Devices and kits for intracranial and other perfusions and methods of using the same including a container having a top and bottom including a flexible bag adapted to be suspended in top to bottom orientation and to hold, in a main chamber, a solution, suspension or emulsion filled up to a fill line, a first opening to the bag located below the fill line and adapted to be fitted to conduit, a second opening located below the fill line and adapted to be fitted to conduit, and a first fluid pathway incorporated into the bag adapted to conduct fluid pumped into the second opening from below the fill line to an outlet within the bag located above the fill line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: James C. Barnitz
  • Patent number: 6468574
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide a method for the skimming of whey, resulting in better whey cream fat quality and allowing for automatic regulation of the concentration of whey cream. Raw whey is fed into a skimming separator and broken down into a skimmed whey phase and a whey cream phase. Whey cream is discharged through a discharge line and a part thereof corresponding to 0.5-2% of the volumetric flow of the raw whey that is fed into the skimming separator is returned to the feed line of the skimming separator by means of a recirculating device. A density transmitter can be arranged in the recirculating device so that density measurements can be carried out. The density values are transmitted to an evaluation device, enabling regulation of a control valve which is placed in the whey cream discharge line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Zettier
  • Publication number: 20020112999
    Abstract: An oil recovery system, designed to recover oil from oil-contaminated water of a river, lake or sea due to a difference in specific weight between oil and water, is disclosed. The system has an oil-contaminated water inlet unit (10), a segregation tank (15), an oil level sensing unit (100), a movable panel (24), a panel sensing unit (110), and a controller. The system remarkably improves oil recovering efficiency in comparison with typical recovery systems. The system performs the oil recovering process without using any chemicals, so that the system is free from causing environmental pollution. In an embodiment, the segregation tank (15) comprises a plurality of or four chambers (51 to 54), so that the flow of oil-contaminated water in the segregation tank (15) is stabilized. The system also has a plurality of oil floating units (59) and a plurality of horizontal shielding diaphragms (63) in the segregation tank (15), thus reducing the processing time for separating oil from water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Bo-Young Lee
  • Patent number: 6427848
    Abstract: An improved dual fabrication liquid circulatory system for an electric discharge fabrication machine, having an oily-water separation system of single, dual, or triple-tank types. The single-tank oily-water separation system utilizes a water level sensor to control the switch of an electric magnetic valve and the discharge of oily-water fabrication liquid from an oil discharge pipe and a water discharge pipe. The dual-tank oily-water separation system directs fabrication liquid into a filtration tank such that fabrication liquid enters a water storage tank through a water discharge pipe and the floating oil flows into an oil storage tank from an oil discharge pipe. The triple-tank oily-water separation system includes a water filtration tank and an oil filtration tank with the water filtration tank divided into two tanks by a separation board. The floating oil in the upper oil layer enters an oil filtration tank through a flow pipe and enters the oil storage tank through an oil discharge pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Chiao-Chin Shih
  • Patent number: 6413429
    Abstract: Claimed are a process and an apparatus for extracting a component dissolved in a liquid by means of liquid-liquid extraction using an extraction liquid which is immiscible or only partially miscible with the liquid, in which process the extraction liquid is dispersed in the liquid in a dispersion apparatus and then coalesced in a coalescer, after which the ex traction liquid, the specific weight of which differs by at least 5% from the specific weight of the liquid to be extracted in which the component to be extracted is to be found, is separated from the liquid by gravity in a phase separator in which process in order to obtain an efficiency per extraction stage of at least 0.9 at an average residence time of at most 15 seconds in the dispersion apparatus and of at most 300 seconds in the phase separator, at a linear velocity in the coalescer related to its cross-section of at least 30 m/hour: a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Akzo Nobel NV
    Inventors: Berthold Berend Breman, Jan Visser
  • Publication number: 20020064484
    Abstract: A device and method for separating heavier and lighter fractions of a fluid sample. The device includes a flexible collapsible inner container disposed within a substantially rigid outer container. A closure seals the open top end of the outer container. A filter assembly is sealingly mounted to the open top end of the inner container. The filter assembly includes a filter that permits lighter fractions to pass therethrough, while substantially blocking the heavier fractions. The filter assembly further includes a filter support having a slit valve registered with the filter. The slit valve opens in response to fluid pressure created by the lighter fractions for permitting the lighter fractions to flow therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Fu-Chung Lin, Paul C. DiCesare, Jeffrey Radziunas
  • Patent number: 6395173
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for biologically treating a fluid sufficiently charged with organic materials, the method being performed in a tank and the fluid being: first subjected to a mixing and acidifying step (A), subsequently in a heavy load step (B) during which activated-sludge is re-circulated and then in a light load step (C) subjected to anaerobic degradation whilst producing methane gas, and subsequently treated in a secondary sedimentation step (D) from where the sludge can also be re-circulated, and the biogas which is produced in the heavy load step (B) and the light load step (C) is collected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Reinhart Von Nordenskjöld
  • Publication number: 20020046968
    Abstract: Device and process for separation of absorbent/floating material from product mixes by means of float/sink separation with a float/sink separator which exhibits a separator tank filled with a liquid separating medium, in which context there are provided devices for generation of a surface flow in the separating medium, which propel the absorbent/floating material as a floating fraction from a pickup point mix to an output point for the floating fraction, along the surface of the separating medium at such a speed as to inhibit absorption of the separating medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventors: Bernhard Hartleitner, Siegfried Kreibe, Thorsten Pitschke, Josef Wagner, Xaver Deisser
  • Patent number: 6375843
    Abstract: A liquid solid separation apparatus having a porous metal pipe sealed inside a non-porous metal pipe which allows a portion of the liquids, e.g., hydrocarbons and water to pass through the first pipe into the non porous pipe from which they are removed while solids are retained within the porous pipe. In the process there is a system pressure which aids in the filtration and a circulating velocity which removes the detained solids. Preferably a portion of these solids with reduced liquid content are recycled back to the system, mixed with fresh feed. By recycling a porion of the recovered solid concentrate the velocity of the flow in the system kept constant and the system itself is stabilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Environmental Safeguards, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Leon Potter, Ross D. Roberts, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6372129
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for effecting the recovery of grease and oils from an aqueous waste stream is disclosed. This is accomplished by a combination of steps which include removing coarse food solids from the waste stream, allowing the oils to separate from the water in a separation zone, removing the oil layer to a storage zone, removing the water layer to a heat recovery zone and transferring heat values from the recovery zone to the separation zone with vapor compression refrigeration. The invention saves energy by recycling the heat of the kitchen waste stream to the separation zone. The recovered oil is useful as a marketable product that can be converted into many useful products. When a fines filter is used in the process, the discharged water can be used for non-agricultural uses such as lawn watering or can be used in water closets and urinals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Steven R. Moody
  • Patent number: 6368498
    Abstract: A liquid separator (10) for separating two immiscible liquids having different specific gravities, for example, a first liquid comprising water and a second liquid comprising oil. The liquid separator (10) has a housing (12) that defines a separation chamber (14) and liquid inlet (16), a first liquid outlet (18) and a second liquid outlet (20) mounted above the first liquid outlet (18). A float 26 is positioned within separation chamber 14 to translate in the vertical direction and has a specific gravity between that of the first and second liquids so that it floats at approximately the interface (28) between the two liquid phases (30 and 32). Valve closure devices (38 and 40) contact valve seats in the valves 46 and 56 of first and second liquid outlets (18 and 20) to control the flow of separated liquids from separation chamber 14 as determined by the level of the interface (28) and the length of the valve rods (34 and 36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Paul Guilmette
  • Publication number: 20020030013
    Abstract: Claimed are a process and an apparatus for extracting a component dissolved in a liquid by means of liquid-liquid extraction using an extraction liquid which is immiscible or only partially miscible with the liquid, in which process the extraction liquid is dispersed in the liquid in a dispersion apparatus and then coalesced in a coalescer, after which the extraction liquid, the specific weight of which differs by at least 5% from the specific weight of the liquid to be extracted in which the component to be extracted is to be found, is separated from the liquid by gravity in a phase separator, in which process in order to obtain an efficiency per extraction stage of at least 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: Berthold Berend Breman, Jan Visser
  • Publication number: 20020023869
    Abstract: The invention is concerned with apparatus for the purification of liquids which can be used in communal, agricultural and industrial applications. The apparatus provides containment of backwashing liquid within the apparatus with subsequent purification of backwashing liquid and supply of purified liquid to the consumer. The apparatus comprises a filter with a filtering element made of, for example, floating bead material (expanded polystyrene with bead size 0.5-3.0 mm) and a filtrate discharge pipe. A pipe-type settler is positioned below the filter, and the upper ends of settler pipes are connected to a partition which separates the settler from the filter. In the upper part of settler, an interpipe working space is formed and is connected to the filter through pipes, and a pipe for the supply of liquid to be purified is connected to filter under floating bead media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: Aleksandr Dmitrievich Remizov
  • Publication number: 20020011441
    Abstract: A sludge digester comprises a mixing tank providing an integral ceiling, interior wall surface and a floor surface. A vertical beam supports a mixing device engaged for movement along the vertical beam. A plurality of sparger jets protrudes from the wall surface for delivering an oxygen gas flow directly into the interior of the sludge. A second plurality of sparger jets terminates at the mixing tank floor surface for delivering oxygen gas into the mixing tank and a plurality of bubbling diffusers protrudes upwardly from the floor surface for delivering further oxygen gas flow into the mixing tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventor: Gerhardt Van Drie
  • Publication number: 20020000408
    Abstract: A settling tank for clarifying washing fluids with one or more walls disposed within the tank, each wall having a plurality of passages and defining a settling chamber. Preferably there is a too mounted fluid runoff opening into the tank disposed above the innermost settling chamber and at least one pump inlet disposed in an upper part of the tank outside the outermost settling chamber. Passages in the inner wall are in a lower region of the wall, and the passages in the second wall are in an upper region of the wall, and at least some of the passages are hooded to enhance a flow velocity change for fluid passing through the passages. There is optionally a sump pump having a one way valve for discharging sump sediment from the sump into a portable waste can. There is also preferably a sump tube generally curved upwardly and away from a bottom of the sump, and to which the pump is connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventors: Joseph Koreis, Monte Koreis, Karl Thomas
  • Publication number: 20010054585
    Abstract: A solvent separator apparatus having a vertical accumulator tank with a top end and a bottom end, the accumulator tank being serially connected to a vertical reservoir tank having a top end and a bottom end; a down tube vertically positioned in the accumulator tank having a top end nearest the top end of the accumulator tank and a bottom end nearest the bottom end of the accumulator tank, with an inlet at the top end of the down tube and an outlet at the bottom end of the down tube; an inlet conduit connected to the inlet of the down tube, the inlet conduit entering the bottom end of the accumulator tank and defining an upward flow path within the accumulator tank to the inlet at the top end of the down tube; a heat exchanger in communication with the down tube for withdrawing heat therefrom; and a transfer conduit defining a downward flow path from the top end of the accumulator tank to the bottom end of the reservoir tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventor: William A. Hayday
  • Publication number: 20010052493
    Abstract: A header conduit assembly for a sediment collecting apparatus includes a tubular member having a plurality of mutually spaced (suction) orifices disposed in a linear array extending parallel to an axis of the tubular member. The conduit assembly further includes at least one elongate deflector member mounted to the tubular member in effective proximity to at least some of the orifices to guide sediment toward the orifices during a sediment evacuation process. Preferably, the deflector member extends parallel to the axis of the tubular member. Inasmuch as the tubular conduit member extends perpendicularly to a direction of movement of the conduit assembly on the floor of a clarification basin or tank, the deflector is oriented orthogonally to the path of the conduit assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: William B. Bryan, Brad Hansen, Patrick Laidlaw, Terry R. Price, John W. Thorum
  • Publication number: 20010013489
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic gravitational separator and an attending drainwater filtration section positionable within a horizontal flow passage of a drainage system utilizes a circular-walled collection cavity into which drainwater is directed so that a swirling motion is imparted to the drainwater collected within the collection cavity. Furthermore, a baffle plate is supported within the collection cavity adjacent the exit opening thereof to isolate the exit opening from the swirling motion of the drainwater collected within the cavity. The filtration section includes a filter disposed downstream of the exit opening of the collection cavity so that drainwater which exits the collection cavity is subsequently routed through the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Inventor: J. Kelly Williamson
  • Patent number: 6274375
    Abstract: A commercial and institutional kitchen retrofit system for 1. the automatic daily cleaning of commercial kitchen exhaust hoods and flues, 2. a low pressure, low volume, recirculating cleaning system designed for the removal of oily residue from hard surfaces and the accelerated bioremediation of the resulting collective hydrocarbon waste, 3. the collection and elimination of roof-top grease accumulations, 4. the systematic on site incubation and enhanced propagation of cultured, hydrocarbon specific, bacterial microorganisms in an automatically mixed aqueous solution containing PH neutral oxidizers and hydrocarbon base emulsifiers altogether, producing a regenerative, recyclable cleaning solution specifically developed for use in 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Allied Directives, LLC
    Inventor: Pearson Vernie McMinn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6267901
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treatment of oil-containing water before discharge into a surrounding body of water from an offshore structure includes the use of an oil sump, an inlet pipe, an oil collection tube and an oil discharge tube, all carried by and within a caisson, with the oil sump having a side wall extending above the vapor/oil interface formed within the caisson.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Albert G. Franklin
  • Patent number: 6244602
    Abstract: This invention relates to a Seal Element particularly for sealing the junction between the settler of an extraction apparatus and the overflow launder located at the far end of the settler. The essential factor is that the junction between the overflow launder and actual settler, which is a non-circular profile joint, is sealed with an elastic seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Outokumpu Oyj
    Inventors: Kari Färm, by Seppo Blomqvist
  • Patent number: 6238578
    Abstract: A method of dispensing gel for separation of the serum and coagulum portions of a blood sample in a blood collection tube is disclosed. The present invention of dispensing the gel preferably comprises utilizing a gel dispensing apparatus with a nozzle head having a plurality of openings. The gel dispensing apparatus dispenses either a continuous band of gel around the central portion of the collection tube or a plurality of discrete stripes that forms a circumferential pattern thereto. Once the gel is dispensed, the tube is ready for accepting a blood sample for eventual separation in a centrifuge where the dispensed gel will form a barrier that exhibits strong adhesive properties after separation of the blood sample has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Sherwood Services AG
    Inventor: William R. Fiehler
  • Patent number: 6165360
    Abstract: A method and a device for dehydrating a heavy oil wherein an emulsion of water and a heavy oil is mixed in a stirring chamber together with a suitable amount of an emulsion breaker, the mixture is subjected to separation in a two-phase separation tank to a heavy oil-rich component and a water-rich component, the heavy oil-rich component is then fed to a dehydrator of a high voltage charge type in which separation to a dehydrated heavy oil and a water-rich component is effected, the water-rich component fractions supplied from the two-phase separation tank and the dehydrator are mixed in a pipeline, the mixture thus obtained is admixed with an O/W emulsion breaker and then, fed to a stirring chamber and finally separated to a heavy oil-containing component and a heavy oil-free water layer in a second separation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Suzumura, Masato Kaneko, Isao Matsuura, Masami Fukunaga, Masaki Iijima
  • Patent number: 6132615
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for settling the dispersion formed in the mixing unit of liquid-liquid extraction, for controlling solution flows and for creating pure solutions in the separation part. According to the method, the flow speed of the organic solution phase is adjusted to be clearly higher than the flow speed of the aqueous solution phase, in which case in order to prevent border flow turbulence caused by the speed difference of the solution phases, the water drop dispersion layer left in between the separating solutions is adjusted to extend as far as the discharge end of the separation part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Outokumpu Technology OYJ
    Inventors: Bror Nyman, Launo Lilja, Stig-Erik Hultholm, Juhani Lyyra, Raimo Kuusisto, Petri Taipale, Timo Saarenpaa
  • Patent number: 6106712
    Abstract: A vehicle liquid waste collection system for collecting fluids from a vehicle and separating non-water soluble materials from water soluble materials. The vehicle liquid waste collection system includes a support member having an upper surface. A ramp assembly extending from the support member. A containment wall extending upwardly from the upper surface. The support member includes an aperture in the upper surface such that the upper surface is angled downwards towards the aperture. A collection member having a hollow interior. The hollow interior has a first chamber and a second chamber in environmental communication. A duct in environmental communication between the aperture and the first chamber of the collection member. The duct is elevated relative to the first chamber whereby liquid waste collected passes through the duct and into the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Gerald R. New
  • Patent number: 6071395
    Abstract: Described is an apparatus for the contamination-free isolation of nucleic acids from biological fluids and suspensions containing nucleic acids comprising: a reaction compartment for holding an adsorption medium laden with nucleic acids; connected via a channel to a removal compartment; wherein the nucleic acids can be moved by an electrophoresis device from the reaction compartment into the removal compartment and enriched there; and the reaction compartment can be charged via a charging orifice and drained via a draining orifice being located essentially opposite of the charging orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Hans Lange
  • Patent number: 6051134
    Abstract: A flow through bubble trap comprises a chamber-defining wall having a flow inlet/outlet tube extending through the chamber and open at opposed tube ends. The tube has its bore closed with a partition, with ports in the side wall communicating with the chamber interior on opposite sides of the partition and adjacent to the bottom wall of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Medisystems Technology Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Schnell, David S. Utterberg
  • Patent number: 6010623
    Abstract: A flow through bubble trap for fluid flow lines comprises a chamber having a substantially flat, lateral side, a first port tube, and a second, opposed port tube. A flow directing baffle system is positioned in the chamber to direct incoming fluid from one of the port tubes into a first, lateral flow direction to allow substantially horizontal fluid flow circulation in the chamber. Fluid flow from the circulating fluid in the chamber enters into the other of the port tubes in a lateral flow direction that is generally the same as the first lateral flow direction, while the baffle system prevents direct flow between the first and second port tubes. The chamber is adaptable to fit with a large variety of conventional dialysis machines and the like, having multi-purpose supplemental access ports, for a simplification of the number of codes necessary for product distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Medisystems Technology Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Schnell, David S. Utterberg
  • Patent number: 5948258
    Abstract: A waste water settling apparatus includes a closed cylindrical vessel supported on and vertically extending above a base, two vertical vibrators joined to the closed vessel for vibrating the vessel, and a drive spring assembly joined between the vibrators and the vessel for multiplying the vertical force of the vibrators. The closed cylindrical vessel includes a rotary valve joined to the lower portion of the vessel for discharging densified solids settled out of the waste water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas C. Daugherty
  • Patent number: 5944998
    Abstract: Rotary filtration devices and processes are disclosed. The devices have at least one inner member and at least one outer member, one or both of which rotate so that they rotate with respect to one another and which define a fluid filtration gap therebetween. There are one or more filters facing the fluid filtration gap and which are located either on the inner member or on the outer member or on both. During the filtration process, permeate passes from the feed fluid in the fluid filtration gap through the one or more filters. The inner member has an internal pathway for the flow of feed fluid. Fluid from the body of fluid to be filtered flows from the body of feed fluid to be filtered through the internal pathway, reverses direction, and then flows through the fluid filtration gap back to the body of feed fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Membrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip M. Rolchigo, Leonard T. Hodgins
  • Patent number: 5785927
    Abstract: A system for holding laboratory or reaction vessels useful for performing combinatorial chemistry, particularly parallel array synthesis. The system includes a holder having O-ring lined apertures which retain reaction vessels inserted therein. The vessels each have an internal filter dividing the vessel interior volume into first and second chambers that are sealed and unsealed with separately operable caps. The system also includes a collection rack having vessel guides adapted to accommodate collection vessels used to collect materials within the reaction vessels. The vessel guides are arranged on the collection rack in the same pattern as the apertures are arranged on the holder such that the vessel guides align with the holder apertures when the collection rack and the holder are positioned in a stacked relationship. The system also includes a drain tray for convenient emptying of reaction vessels retained on the holder, and a machine for rotating the holder to rotate vessels retained on the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Eli Lilly and Company
    Inventors: William L. Scott, Robert A. Schonegg, Cynthia L. Cwi
  • Patent number: 5770051
    Abstract: A container for housing body fluids, preferably blood in its component form. The container comprises a body defined by flexible walls having an interior for housing the body fluid. Additionally, a means for allowing selective fluid flow allows the blood components to be expressed from one chamber of the container into another to separate and separately house the blood components. The present invention also provides a method for separating blood into its components and individually storing same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Michel Joie, Jack Debrauwere, Jean-Claude Bernes
  • Patent number: 5731513
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapid determination of erythrocyte sedimentation rates for a bloodspecimen (29) which can be linearly transposed to Westergren sedimentation rates. The method includes the steps of inducing accelerated rouleaux formation in the specimen (29) in an amount sufficient to begin settling at substantially the decantation rate for the specimen. In one embodiment a structure (27) which produces a very thin cross-sectional region (37) of the specimen (29) inside the lumen (23) of a specimen container (21) is provided to accelerate rouleaux formation. In an alternative embodiment (120), accelerated rouleaux formation is accomplished using a centrifuge (122). A third embodiment employs a movable rod (223) mounted inside the specimen tube (221) to induce accelerated rouleaux formation. All embodiments of the process next employ gravity settling the specimen in a near horizontal oriented container (21, 121, 221). Thereafter, the amount of settling occurring is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventor: Brian S. Bull
  • Patent number: 5731512
    Abstract: An improved method for the estimation of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), with capillary tubes lined with preformed anticoagulant, in an oblique position, on a specially designed stand. The method utilizes the property of whole blood to sediment faster in an oblique position but avoids cumbersome mixing of blood and requirements for special equipment. Standard anticoagulant coated capillary tubes are allowed to fill with blood to a predetermined length by capillary action and the tubes are then placed on a specially designed stand for standardized readings of the final blood plasma/erythrocyte cell interface level after 10 minutes. The method enables the physician to obtain information with regards to the ESR within a short time as during consultation or a house call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventors: Henry Lewy, deceased, by Elsa Lewy, heiress
  • Patent number: 5711875
    Abstract: A cell strainer assembly useful for filtering and collecting suspensions for use in immunological studies and more particularly in flow cytometry procedures. The assembly comprises a container and a cap with means for filtering and collecting a suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: John J. Kayal, Seiji Fukushima, Thomas Fleming
  • Patent number: 5705056
    Abstract: A separator (10) for separating a heavier liquid from a lighter liquid is disclosed which is intended to operate between a fuel tank (12) and a fuel pump connected to the fuel outlet (24) of the separator (10). The separator includes a float (30) which is light enough to float on the heavier liquid and which is heavy enough to sink in the lighter liquid. The float controls opening and closing of a valve (44, 46) through which heavier liquid is disclosed from the separator. As heavier liquid accumulates, the float lifts to open the valve (44, 46). A plate (34) subjected to a force caused by fuel flowing into the separator through the inlet (16) prevents the float opening the valve whilst the separator is in sub-atmospheric pressure. The plate can be replaced by a diaphragm which is subject on one side to atmospheric pressure and on the other side to the pressure in the separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventor: John Edgar Scragg
  • Patent number: 5667963
    Abstract: An anticoagulant solution of sodium citrate for use in blood chemistry-related techniques and apparatus is disclosed. The anticoagulant solution should include an effective concentration of sodium citrate sufficient for preventing the coagulation of a sample of blood employed in the technique or added to the apparatus. The sodium citrate-based anticoagulant solution should have a pH ranging from above 6.0 to about 8.5 and a sodium citrate concentration preferably ranging from about 0.05M to about 0.2M.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Ward C. Smith, Richard L. Carroll
  • Patent number: 5601711
    Abstract: A filter device or apparatus is provided for the separation of materials, especially biomaterials from a fluid sample, under a force such as centrifugation, positive pressure, vacuum, or gravity. The device comprises two or more in-line tubular elements, one or more of which is a module that houses a filter media. The elements have complementary connection structures (e.g., elastomeric seal, O-ring, threads, Luer fittings, compression fittings, bayonet fittings, snap fittings, and the like) such that they can be assembled or reassembled in a train to form a conduit structure for leak-proof passage of a fluid sample volume. The assembly can be disassembled for collection and processing of retentate and filtrate material resulting from the filtration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Gelman Sciences Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Sklar, Peter L. Graham, Jane Larson
  • Patent number: 5597492
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for discharge limitation and simultaneous temporary storage of waste water and also separation of settleable and floating matter from foul water and is notable for the fact that it comprises a cyclone chamber (2) which is connected to an inlet (1), which is constructed in accordance with the natural spiral shape of the vortex and which comprises round openings (4; 6) at the top and bottom, and in that a rotationally symmetrical container (8) seamlessly adjoins the top opening (6), in which container (8) a guide pipe is disposed which extends centrally from the top opening (6) to just below the upper edge (10) of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventor: Anton Felder
  • Patent number: 5547577
    Abstract: Gel formulations including a polydimethylsiloxane-polyethyleneoxide copolymer gelled with dibenzylidine sorbitol in the presence of water or alcohol, The gel formulations are useful for facilitating the separation of blood serum or plasma from the cellular portion of blood or as a thermoreversible shear sensitive substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Erwin A. Vogler, Thomas A. Shepard, Jane C. Graper
  • Patent number: 5543048
    Abstract: A blood collection assembly with gel formulations including a polydimethylsiloxane-polyethyleneoxide copolymer gelled with dibenzylidine sorbitol in the presence of water or alcohol. The gel formulations are useful for facilitating the separation of blood serum or plasma from the cellular portion of blood or as a thermoreversible shear sensitive substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Erwin A. Vogler, Thomas A. Shepard, Jane C. Graper
  • Patent number: 5525227
    Abstract: Method for forming blood compatible, shear sensitive gel formulations including a polydimethylsiloxane-polyethyleneoxide copolymer gelled with dibenzylidine sorbitol in the presence of water or alcohol. The gel formulations are useful for facilitating the separation of blood serum or plasma from the cellular portion of blood or as a thermoreversible shear sensitive substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Erwin A. Vogler, Thomas A. Shepard, Jane C. Graper
  • Patent number: 5518615
    Abstract: Gel formulations including a polydimethylsiloxane-polyethyleneoxide copolymer gelled with dibenzylidine sorbitol in the presence of water or alcohol. The gel formulations are useful for facilitating the separation of blood serum or plasma from the cellular portion of blood or as a thermoreversible shear sensitive substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Erwin A. Vogler, Thomas A. Shepard, Jane C. Graper
  • Patent number: 5518612
    Abstract: A cell strainer assembly useful for filtering and collecting suspensions for use in immunological studies and more particularly in flow cytometry procedures. The assembly comprises a container and a cap with means for filtering and collecting a suspension and with means for removably securing the cap and the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: John J. Kayal, Seiji Fukushima, Thomas Fleming
  • Patent number: 5505861
    Abstract: A gravity cartridge filter for filtering fine particles from a fluid comprises a cartridge for disposition in a contaminated fluid tank. The cartridge comprises a plurality of layers that include a fluid passage in vertical juxtaposition with a filter medium, such as a mat, in each layer whereby gravity effects settling of particles suspended in the fluid onto the medium within each respective layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventor: Gene Hirs
  • Patent number: 5497627
    Abstract: Improved methods for purification and recovery of individual refrigerants from refrigerant mixtures without chemical destruction of the contaminating refrigerant. Aqueous solutions are employed in extraction methods by relying on differences in water solubilities and partition coefficients at ambient temperatures. All refrigerants can be recovered and the aqueous solutions reused to form a cyclic process. Methods include countercurrent extraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Commodore Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan F. Heyduk, Robert W. Mouk, Albert E. Abel
  • Patent number: 5466370
    Abstract: A novel apparatus for isolating solids or wetcakes from fluids is disclosed. Said apparatus is closed to the atmosphere and comprises a torque sensor and movable cap which allows for solid recovery under pressure without requiring substantial solvent volatilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Day, Ganesh Kailasam, Godavarthi S. Varadarajan
  • Patent number: 5456824
    Abstract: An apparatus for extracting liquids different in kind from a flexible primary container storing therein liquid components fractionated into three layers to some satellite containers, by virtue of forming a adhering portion inside the primary container, and communicating with a first outlet and a second outlet, and guiding the upper liquid component to either outlets and the lower liquid component to the remaining outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masashi Misumi, Susumu Fujikawa, Nobukazu Tanokura
  • Patent number: 5422019
    Abstract: Water-based industrial cleaning solutions are stripped of mixed oil and high density particulate (dirt) contamination by a full or partial flow system through, first, a centrifugal separator to produce two effluent flow streams respective to low and high density contamination. Each centrifugal separator effluent stream is conducted to and through respective gravimetric separators producing three effluent streams each. The two purified cleaning solution streams are combined for recycling. The two oil effluent streams are combined for disposal. The two particulate dominated streams are combined for screen or matrix filtration.A small side stream such as effluent from the screen or filter is treated with ozone for bacterial control prior to recombination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Lyle Carman