Including Controlling Process In Response To A Sensed Condition Patents (Class 210/739)
  • Publication number: 20140001126
    Abstract: A system and method for dosing additives to an aquatic environment. The rate of addition of an additive is monitored by an aquatic environment monitoring device as the additive is added to the aquatic environment. Stored information related to aquatic environment parameters is utilized to generate a rate correction instruction that may be used to make changes in a rate of addition by an automatic dosing device and/or provide an alert to a user of the aquatic environment. A user interface may be provided for entry of certain aquatic environment parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: STEP AHEAD INNOVATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Step Ahead Innovations, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8617393
    Abstract: A method and a device for supply of a dialyser in a dialysis unit with dialysis fluid is disclosed. At least one dialysis fluid concentrate is mixed with water to produce the dialysis fluid. The dialysis fluid concentrate is prepared in a reservoir unit in a given amount. A control and arithmetic unit calculates the dialysis fluid rate (Qd) such that, after a given treatment time (TB) has passed, a given residual amount of dialysis fluid concentrate or no residual amount remains in the reservoir unit. It is preferable to empty the reservoir unit by the end of treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Gerard Remkes, Gerhard Wiesen
  • Patent number: 8617397
    Abstract: The present invention relates to reverse osmosis filtration devices, and more particularly, to membrane filtration devices (10, 11, 12) that have flow meters and fluid conductivity meters powered by RFID tags. Embodiments of the present invention comprise reverse osmosis filters and filtration systems comprising measuring devices, including flow and conductivity meters. The meters of the present invention are preferably located on or within permeate core tubes (16) of filtration devices and systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignees: Hydranautics, Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Norio Ikeyama, Mark Wilf
  • Patent number: 8617400
    Abstract: A method for treating wastewater using a ballasted flocculation technique includes continuously measuring the concentration of suspended solids, organic matter or other impurities in the water to be treated prior to directing the water to be treated to a flocculation tank. Based on this measurement, the amount of ballast necessary to obtain treated water of a predetermined quality is then calculated. In the flocculation tank, ballast and a flocculating reagent are added to the water to form a water-floc mixture. The water-floc mixture is directed to a settling tank where a sludge-ballast mixture is settled. The sludge-ballast mixture is directed to a mixing tank and then to a separator to separate the ballast from the sludge. The separated ballast is directed to the flocculation tank. The separated sludge is directed to the mixing tank when the level of sludge-ballast mixture in the mixing tank is lower than a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies Support
    Inventors: Philippe Sauvignet, Claus Dahl, Valey Ursel, Celine Levecq, Jean-Francois Beaudet
  • Publication number: 20130341284
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pool cleaning apparatus and a method for controlling such an apparatus comprising a body, a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet, a drive device, a pumping device, a hydraulic circuit between a liquid inlet and a pumping outlet and via a cleaning device, a monitoring device providing electronic signals which are representative of a state of the apparatus, an electronic signal processing unit receiving and analyzing the signals of the monitoring device and controlling the pumping device, wherein, on detection of a removal event of the body from the liquid, the processing unit stops the pumping device after a predetermined emptying time in order to allow active emptying of the hydraulic circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Thierry Michelon, Louis Favie
  • Publication number: 20130327718
    Abstract: A device comprising a measuring device for determining the flow rate of a water stream, a measuring device for determining the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the water stream, a measuring device for determining the concentration of peracetic acid in the water stream, a metering device for metering a reducing agent into the water stream downstream of the measuring devices for the concentrations, and a control device which, from the flow rate of the water stream, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the water stream and the concentration of peracetic acid in the water stream, calculates an amount of reducing agent for reducing the content of hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid to a desired value and actuates the metering device for metering the reducing agent, makes possible reliable reduction of the content of hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid in a water stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicants: Katayama Chemical, Inc., Evonik Degussa GmbH
    Inventors: Walter Adami, Hubert Angert, Bernhard König, Steffen Krück, Frank Dieter Kuhn, Martin Lietzenmayer, Egon Walzer, Corinna Schmidt, Nobuhiro Muraoka
  • Patent number: 8603342
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for collecting solid microparticles floating in water, and more particularly, to a safe, ease to use, and environmental friendly collecting apparatus and method adapted for collecting radioactive solid microparticles floating and depositing in a cooling water tank of nuclear facility or a tank for storing radioactive materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research Atomic Energy Council, Executive Yuan
    Inventors: Chun-Ping Huang, Kuo-Yuan Chang
  • Publication number: 20130319945
    Abstract: A device for field flux fractioning comprises a sensor to determine the presence of particles in a liquid and a channel impermeable for particles and permeable for liquid. A pump conveys the liquid to first and second paths to the channel, where the second path connects in a first position to the pump outlet and in a second position to the sensor. An injection device injects a sample comprising particles into the liquid flowing through the first path. A distribution device distributes the flow volume conveyed by the pump in a first position at a predetermined ratio to the first and second paths. A control device comprises a valve and a measuring device to measure the flow volume. The valve controls the flow volume in the first path in consideration of the measuring device measurement and the pump conveys the liquid in a flow volume, which can be precisely dosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: WYATT TECHNOLOGY EUROPE GMBH
    Inventors: Ulrich Rosch, Christoph Johann
  • Publication number: 20130319952
    Abstract: A method of controlling a hydrocyclone system for separating a fluid mixture wherein the system includes a separator vessel for receiving the fluid mixture and performing a primary separation of the more dense and the less dense fluid phase thereby forming an interface within the separator, and a hydrocyclone apparatus having a first and second hydrocyclone compartments to separate the phases. The method includes alternating the flow rate through the hydrocyclone apparatus, alternating the interface or fluid mixture level in the separator vessel between a first level and a second level; and alternating the second hydrocyclone compartment between an open state in flow communication with the first hydrocyclone compartment and a closed state in isolation from the first compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P.
    Inventor: Mark E. Wolf
  • Publication number: 20130313204
    Abstract: A system for monitoring water chemistry of a recreational water installation includes a sensor configured to detect bather load in the recreational water installation and a controller configured to determine a required adjustment to the water chemistry of the recreational water installation based upon the detected bather load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: Tadmor Shalon, Gregory Robert Cerny
  • Patent number: 8591745
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a process of running the system that allows for the long term filtration of product without loss of filtration capability due to clogging or fouling. The system is a normal flow filtration system having one or more filter cartridges attached to an outlet of a housing in the system. The filter cartridge(s) are contained within a bowl and depend preferably vertically from the outlet. Liquid enters the bowl of the housing and contacts the outer surfaces of the one or more cartridges. Impurities are trapped on or in the surface of the filter and the filtered liquid flows through the filter and through the outlet. One or more parameters such as flow rate, transmembrane pressure drop and/or time are measured and when the desired parameter(s) are met, the filtration ceases. A backflushing occurs back through the filter cartridges so as to remove the trapped impurities on or in the filter surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Filipe Merino, Luis Penacho, Miquel Iribarren, Antonio Vicente, Angel Cabria, Juan Carlos Pineiro
  • Publication number: 20130306571
    Abstract: A method of controlling a froth flotation cell in a froth flotation circuit for separating substances comprises periodically carrying out a control routine to maximise froth stability during the operation of the cell. The control routine comprises changing the gas flow rate to the cell in a series of steps and assessing the froth stability at each gas flow rate and continuing the step changes in the gas flow rate until the froth stability is a peak froth stability or is within a predetermined range of the peak froth stability of the cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: TECHNOLOGICAL RESOURCES PTY. LIMITED
    Inventors: Grant Ashley Wellwood, Damien Harding, Andrew Thorntan, Bruce Northway, Kevin Kropf
  • Publication number: 20130306569
    Abstract: A water treatment device may comprise a photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) element, an oxide generation module, a flow switch, and a plurality of water-conveying elements. The oxide generation module may comprise a housing, an oxide generator, and a fan arranged such that, when the fan is powered on, a ducted flow of air passes along the oxide generator. The plurality of water-conveying elements may comprise a vacuum generation element. While the flow switch indicates that water is not flowing through the plurality of water-conveying elements, the PCO module and the oxide generator may be configured in an OFF state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventor: Allen Johnston
  • Patent number: 8585907
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for filling a container containing a dry powdered salt concentrate for use in dialysis with purified fluid and removing the trapped air or gases generated during the filling of the container, while maintaining the required fluid level in the container and without the need for evacuating gases from the container prior to filling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Raiford, Robert E. Hassard
  • Publication number: 20130299434
    Abstract: A system for removing ammonia from wastewater includes a series of interconnected reactor tubes that each comprise an outer cathode and an inner cathode that is centrally positioned within the outer cathode to form a spacing of between 3 mm and 10 mm through which wastewater may flow. At least one of the reactor tubes includes an inner cathode having a MMO coating. Hypochlorite or another chlorine based element can be supplied to wastewater prior to passing through the reactor tubes. The presence of the hypochlorite within the wastewater and the generation of chlorine by the MMO coated cathode result in an increased level of hypochlorite being present in the wastewater which speeds the breakdown of ammonia. A portion of the wastewater processed through the reactor tubes can be diverted through a feedback path to the input to the reactor tubes to increase the amount of hypochlorite present in the unprocessed wastewater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Jose Sanchez, Andrew Davies, Nicholas Eckleberry
  • Patent number: 8580118
    Abstract: A water softening system includes apparatus and process that recycles a substantial percentage of the brine. This system conventionally includes a brine tank and a softening tank through which hard water from a source passes during normal operation. During the regeneration cycle, the brine solution in the brine tank passes through the softening tank acquiring hardness ions, and then through a nanofilter that passes a much higher proportion of the brine ions than the hardness ions. The hardness ions flow from the upstream end of the nanofilter into a drain. The liquid passing through the nanofilter contains salt that returns to the brine tank for reuse. A preferred embodiment includes a pump to force the brine solution through the nanofilter and a throttling valve connecting the upstream side of the nanofilter to a drain, and through which the hardness ions flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Peter S. Cartwright
  • Patent number: 8580121
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a means of monitoring and controlling a process step, or steps for a treatable fluid being processed, whereby a sampled volume of the treated fluid is delivered to a vessel, within which the sampled treated fluid emulates the expected reaction or reactions of the treatable fluid being processed within the process step. The sampled volume of the treated fluid is detained, monitored, recorded and analyzed by the present invention. The resulting data is translated into commands that are conveyed to process control devices which control the processing of the treatable fluid. Sampling and analyzing of the treatable fluid is automatically repeated on a cyclical basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventors: Cesar Ladron de Guevara, Leonard Davidson
  • Patent number: 8580125
    Abstract: A method and system for control of a gas or chemical. In one embodiment, the system comprises a reactor for receipt of a fluid and the gas and/or chemical for dissolving, mixing, diffusing, or infusing the gas and/or chemical into the fluid, and a controller to control the flow of the fluid and the gas and/or chemical into the reactor. In some embodiments, the system may also monitor the operation of the system in accordance with predetermined operating conditions. In at least one embodiment, the system also comprises a gas/chemical generation system for generation of the gas and/or chemical to be introduced into the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Eco Oxygen Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Clidence, Richard E. Speece
  • Patent number: 8574440
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and article for manipulating an amount of organic material entrained in an aqueous phase of a solvent extraction process. The method includes estimating an interfacial shear stress between an aqueous phase and an organic phase of a solvent extraction apparatus, estimating an amount of organic material entrained in the aqueous phase based on the estimated interfacial shear stress, and manipulating one or more solvent extraction process parameters to manipulate the amount of organic material entrained in the aqueous phase. The method and apparatus can be used to improve performance of and reduce operating costs associated with the solvent extraction apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Freeport-McMoran Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Lorenzo Bryce, Jason Moore Morgan, Willian Ryan Sircy, Rosemary Dawn Blosser
  • Patent number: 8574435
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an advanced treatment system processing contaminated water or fouled water/waste water, and particularly, a system for membrane fouling control and reduction in the amount of sludge producing in a membrane combined-type fouled water/waste water advanced treatment system, and more particularly, a system capable of making sludge soluble using plasma and then re-utilizing cell byproducts of destructed sludge as a supply source of external carbon source, and possibly capable of removing a cake layer formed on a membrane using each kind of radical and ozone generated by plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignees: Hoseo University Academic Cooperation Foundation, Kumkang Environmental Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: In Soung Chang, Ji Sun Lee, Seun Young Joung, Cheol Ku Lee
  • Patent number: 8574441
    Abstract: A method for providing for the use of underground aquifers for water storage for municipalities or recharge. Water is treated and injected for storage in the aquifer by the addition of a small amount of a sulfide compound to remove dissolved oxygen and prevent dissolution of negative valence sulfur bearing minerals, such as pyrite, in the subsurface. The stored water may be subsequently withdrawn from the aquifer and treated to remove residual amounts of sulfide ions. The withdrawn water being suitable as potable water, irrigation water, industrial use water, and aquifer water level enhancement water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Entrix, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark S. Pearce
  • Publication number: 20130284678
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for measuring the concentration of an additive are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a treatment stream (1) and a dosing stream (2). An additive is added to the dosing stream using a metering device (3). In some embodiments, the dosing stream is mixed after adding the additive using a first mixing device (4). Downstream from the metering device and the mixing device, the concentration of the additive in the dosing stream is measured using a monitor flow cell (5). In some embodiments, the dosing stream and treatment stream are combined (6) and mixed using a second mixing device (7). The concentration of the additive in the treatment stream can be calculated as a function of the volumetric flow rate ratio of the dosing stream to the treatment stream and the measured concentration of the additive in the dosing stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: FERRATE TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Luke J. Daly, Craig S. Alig
  • Patent number: 8568596
    Abstract: Provided are a membrane filtering device managing system by which the membrane filtering device can be managed with a better precision and membrane filtering device for use therein, as well as to a membrane filtering device managing method. At least two sensors of an electric conductivity sensor 11, a flow rate sensor 13, and a pressure sensor 15 are provided in at least two membrane elements 10 provided in a membrane filtering device 50. A managing device 200 obtains data from the at least two sensor, and compares the data with comparison data that represents a correlative relationship between a position along the axial line direction in the membrane filtering device 50 and a standard value obtained from the at least two sensor. Accordingly, it is possible to specify the cause of change occurring in the membrane filtering device 50 more definitely, and to carried out a suitable maintenance in accordance with the cause, so that the membrane filtering device 50 can be managed with a higher precision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Takahisa Konishi, Norio Ikeyama, Kouji Maruyama, Yukio Fujiwara, Akira Ootani, Toshiki Kouno
  • Patent number: 8568595
    Abstract: A method for determining or predicting the adequacy parameters that will be achieved at the end of a kidney substitution treatment during said kidney substitution treatment wherein the kidney substitution treatment is provided by a machine, which has an extracorporeal blood system pumping the patient blood through the blood chamber of a dialyzer, wherein the dialyzing fluid collects the waste products from the patient after flowing through the dialyzing fluid chamber of the dialyzer and wherein a device able to measure a adequacy parameter is coupled with the kidney substitution treatment machine and wherein the slope of a preferable linear guideline for the adequacy parameter is compared to the slope of the delivered adequacy parameter and if the slope of both are equal a linearization is performed to determine or predict the adequacy parameter at the end of the kidney substitution treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: B. Braun Avitum AG
    Inventor: Alex Castellarnau
  • Patent number: 8562796
    Abstract: Control systems for use of electrolysis solutions for automated recirculating or single-pass cleaning systems, such as clean-in-place (CIP) applications are disclosed. Control systems and methods for using automated chlorine output solutions for various cleaning applications are measurable over broad pH ranges. The control systems generate consistent and predictable electrolytic solutions and include a measurement system that identifies chlorine oxyanion concentration across broad ranges of pH, overcoming the sensitivity of chlorine monitors to pH and permitting use of the control systems to control cleaning systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Herdt, Robert Ryther
  • Publication number: 20130270183
    Abstract: A system, components of the system and methods for processing, combinations of hydrocarbons, water, solids and contaminants, to separate extract, recover, filter and treat the constituent elements to enable the recovery of valuable hydrocarbons, the treatment of solids for environmentally sustainable discharge, the filtration and treatment of water for reuse, or environmentally sustainable discharge, and the extraction of contaminants. The integrated method and system incorporates alternative processing modes, each of which is optimized for the intake and processing of a materials stream which is predominately solids, or predominately water or predominately hydrocarbons, respectively. The system can dynamically adjust to accommodate variations in the composition of the intake materials stream in any particular mode. The system can be implemented in a portable, modular configuration which is cost effective, energy efficient and scalable to enable processing of any volume of materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Jason Craig Snydmiller, Stuart Allan Snydmiller
  • Publication number: 20130264290
    Abstract: Methods and systems for improving pumping or conveyance efficiencies of wastewater within a wastewater treatment system of described. In an embodiment, an effective amount of a magnesium compound may be added to wastewater within a wastewater treatment system to increase at least one of a pumping and a conveyance efficiency of the wastewater within at least a portion of the wastewater treatment system. In an embodiment, the method may also include measuring at least one or the pumping efficiency and the conveyance efficiency of the wastewater within the portion of the wastewater treatment system. A concentration of the added magnesium compound may be adjusted to increase at least one of the pumping and the conveyance efficiency within the portion of the wastewater treatment system. Other methods and systems are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: Premier Magnesia, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew P. Madolora
  • Patent number: 8551341
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system is provided comprising a biological reactor having a separation subsystem, a suspension system and a membrane operating system. The separation subsystem is constructed and arranged to maintain adsorbent material in the biological reactor with a mixed liquor. The suspension system is positioned in the biological reactor and is constructed and arranged to maintain adsorbent material in suspension with mixed liquor. The membrane operating system is located downstream of the biological reactor and is constructed and arranged to receive treated mixed liquor from the biological reactor and discharge a membrane permeate. In addition, a wastewater treatment system is provided comprising a first biological reaction zone, a second biological reaction zone and a membrane operating system. The first biological reaction zone is constructed and arranged to receive and treat the wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignees: Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: William G. Conner, Mohammed A. Al-Hajri, Thomas E. Schultz, Michael Howdeshell, Chad L. Felch, Matthew Patterson, Samuel Shafarik, Curt Cooley
  • Patent number: 8551342
    Abstract: The present invention proposes a method of operating a blood treatment apparatus for the extracorporeal blood treatment of a patient, a blood volume monitor for monitoring an extracorporeal blood treatment of the patient by means of a blood treatment apparatus, and a blood treatment apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Moissl, Paul Chamney, Peter Wabel
  • Publication number: 20130248457
    Abstract: A control valve assembly including a water meter usage assembly including discs which are relatively positionable to adjust the frequency at which regeneration in a water treatment system starts. A regeneration control disc mounted coaxially with the meter disc assembly includes structure for releasing a drive mechanism associated with the meter disc assembly to rotate it back to a start position under a predetermined operating condition. The discs are releasably held in their relative positions by at least one pawl and at least one of the discs is rotatable relative to the other disc. The regeneration frequency is determined by an initiation slot in one of the discs and its operative position is determined by disc positions. The regeneration control disc is rotated by a pawl mechanism that is activated when an associated cam follower is received by the regeneration initiation slot formed in the water meter usage assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: Stuart L. Park, Jerome Kovach
  • Patent number: 8540882
    Abstract: One embodiment of a method to system for enhancing TOC removal while maintaining membrane filter performance is the implementation of a dual pH control system. This embodiment will enhance the ability to maximize TOC removal while maintaining optimum membrane filter performance. By adjusting pH, dosing a chemical coagulant and incorporating liquid-solids separation, a considerably higher degree of TOC removal is possible. By adjusting pH again after liquid-solids separation this embodiment can drastically increase the efficiency of the membrane microfiltration/ultrafiltration system. Thus pH control for soluble organic removal is critical. This pH level however may not be the ideal set point for minimizing membrane fouling which is the basis for this embodiment. An example: the pH set point for optimum soluble organic removal is designated to be 5.5. However, the optimum pH set point for optimum membrane performance is 7.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregg A. McLeod
  • Publication number: 20130233796
    Abstract: A method for controlling treatment of an industrial water system is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing an apparatus for controlling delivery of at least one treatment chemical, the apparatus comprising at least one sensor and an electronic input/output device carrying out a protocol; measuring a parameter of the industrial water system using the at least one sensor; relaying the measured parameter to the electronic device; adjusting the protocol based on the measured parameter; delivering a concentrated treatment chemical into a stream of the industrial water system according to the adjusted protocol, the concentrated treatment chemical comprising an active ingredient, the active ingredient traced as necessary, the active ingredient having a concentration; repeating the measuring, the adjusting, and the delivering; and optionally repeating the steps for n-number of parameters, n-number of active ingredients, and/or n-number of concentrated treatment chemicals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Narasimha M. Rao, Steven R. Hatch, William A. Von Drasek
  • Patent number: 8529486
    Abstract: A hemofiltration system and method for pumping blood from a patient's blood stream into an access line, introducing an anticoagulant solution into the pumped blood, filtering the pumped blood and delivering it to a return line, introducing a substitution fluid into the pumped blood, introducing a calcium and magnesium solution into the blood traveling through the return line, and returning the blood back to the patient's blood stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Lannoy
  • Patent number: 8529761
    Abstract: A reverse osmosis system includes a plurality of feed pumps each having a feed pump input and a feed pump output, an input manifold in fluid communication with the feed pump inputs and a membrane feed manifold in fluid communication with the feed pump output. The system also includes a plurality of membrane chambers each in fluid communication with the membrane feed manifold and generating a permeate output and a brine output, each brine output in fluid communication with a brine manifold. The system further includes a plurality of booster devices each having a turbine portion with a turbine input in fluid communication with the brine manifold and a pump portion having a booster device pump input and a booster device pump output, each booster device pump output in fluid communication with the membrane feed manifold. The system includes a pump input manifold in fluid communication with the booster device pump input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Fluid Equipment Development Company, LLC
    Inventor: Eli Oklejas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8529767
    Abstract: The method according to the invention and the apparatus according to the invention are characterized in that the substitution rate QS is modified by a predefined amount upstream or downstream of the dialyzer or filter while the flow rate QFM of the liquid withdrawn through the dialyzer membrane is modified. The blood volume RBV(t) or a variable correlated with the blood volume, e.g. the hematocrit Hct(t), is determined before and after modifying the substitution rate or the flow rate of the liquid withdrawn through the dialyzer or filter membrane in order to calculate fistula recirculation RA. In addition, the total recirculation R is determined. The percentage of fistula recirculation (RA) and/or cardiopulmonary recirculation (RCP) relative to the total recirculation is calculated from the determined fistula recirculation (RA) and the sum R of fistula recirculation (RA) and cardiopulmonary recirculation (RCP).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Wei Zhang
  • Patent number: 8529765
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for the hydrolyzation of ensiled biomass is disclosed. Ensiled biomass is processed in multiple phases, resulting in a liquid precursor hydrozate and a solid precursor hydrozate. The liquid precursor having significant economic value, and being suitable for uses such as, for example, lower cost and improved efficiency ethanol production. A method for lower cost, improved efficiency alcohol production that uses the resulting liquid precursor hydrozate being produced at distributed sources is further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Sweetwater Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry Wayne Horton
  • Patent number: 8524088
    Abstract: Scaling is controlled in a cooling water system with CO2 based upon measurements of the cooling water's pH, alkalinity and Ca2+concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: American Air Liquide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Arbogast, Meenakshi Sundaram, Daniel D. Duarte
  • Patent number: 8523798
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring recirculation of blood in a catheter designed for implantation in a human is described. In one variation, the system comprises an artificial circulatory system and an ultrasonic detection device for measuring and comparing the density of a circulated blood simulant with a later introduced bolus saline. The system may be configured to simulate a human heart by providing the flow, pressure and dimensions of a typical human heart. In addition to simulating the circulatory system of a normal human heart, the system may also be configured to simulate particular negative conditions of a patient, such as stenotic condition, which would affect the recirculation measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Bard Access Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Attilio E. Difiore
  • Publication number: 20130220938
    Abstract: A method of operating hydrocyclone comprising a separation chamber which in use is arranged to generate an internal air core for affecting a material separation process, comprises measuring both a vibrational parameter of the separation chamber and a stability parameter of the internal air core during operation of the hydrocyclone. The measurements are compared against predefined corresponding parameters which are indicative of a stable operation of the hydrocyclone and an operational parameter of the hydrocyclone is adjusted dependent on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: Eduardo Francisco Olivares Castro
  • Publication number: 20130220939
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method of controlling addition rate of an odor control chemical to a wastewater line comprising means for adding odor control chemical to the wastewater. The method comprises measuring a level of dissolved sulfides in the wastewater line using a sulfide probe placed in said wastewater line, transferring data on the level of dissolved sulfides to a computing unit, determining a required odor control chemical addition rate in said computing unit based on said level of dissolved sulfides, and instructing the means for adding odor control chemical to add the odor control chemical at said required addition rate. The invention allows for accurate on-line control of the level of H2S in the wastewater line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: KEMIRA OYJ
    Inventor: KEMIRA OYJ
  • Patent number: 8518260
    Abstract: A method of controlling diffusive sodium transport from the dialysate solution to the blood of a patient undergoing hemodialysis treatment or from the blood to the dialysate solution includes calculating SNa+average, an average of the patient's historic serum sodium concentrations, and estimating SNa+estimated, the patient's pre-dialysis serum sodium concentration, based on the average of the patient's measured historic pre-dialysis serum sodium concentrations, SNa+measured. The method enables adjusting DNa+, the sodium concentration of the dialysate solution, based on the average of the patient's historic serum sodium concentrations, SNa+average, if needed, and performing the dialysis treatment of the patient using a dialysate solution containing a sodium concentration DNa+.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Jochen G. Raimann, Erik Lars Penne, Stephan Thijssen, Peter Kotanko, Nathan W. Levin
  • Patent number: 8518261
    Abstract: The present invention provides a water purification apparatus and method using a pressurized micro-filter preprocessed with a coagulation inclined-plate sedimentation reservoir and a pore-control fiber filter for improvement of a recovery rate, which removes the dissolved organic materials and the turbidity of raw water through a preprocess by a flash mixer, a two-stage coagulation reservoir and an inclined-plate sedimentation reservoir, thereby making it possible to reduce the use of coagulants, the generation of sludge by-products, the inflow load of membranes, and the facility size in comparison with the conventional standard water purification processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Daewoo E&C Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eui-Sin Lee, Bum-Goo Lee, Hee-Kyong Oh, Jung-Yeol Eom
  • Patent number: 8518262
    Abstract: A method of integrating individual water treatment assemblies into a seamless water treatment control system. A Reverse Osmosis assembly contains a controller wherein all other pretreatment and post-treatment assemblies are electrical coupled thereto. The controller is preprogrammed for use in recognizing the coupling of the pretreatment and/or post treatment assemblies wherein and for receiving all control commands for operation thereof. The controller employs cells that allows and installer to interconnect assemblies by coupling low voltage control signal wiring having predefined inputs, set up as PnP, or by use of a personal wireless network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventors: Scott Watkins, Raymond Perdue
  • Patent number: 8518252
    Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved system for on-site and on-demand production of sterile water for injection (SWFI) from potable water or water that meets the EPA drinking water quality upon preconditioning, in conjunction with reconstitution of IV fluids using dry chemicals or concentrate pre-filled bags, suitable for use at a site under non-clean room environment conditions, and capable of adjusting feed water temperatures. The present invention includes a water temperature conditioning module, a water preconditioning module, a hydrothermal processor, a fluid staging compartment, and combinations and variations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Applied Research Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Lixiong Li
  • Patent number: 8512564
    Abstract: It is disclosed a controller for a blood treatment equipment comprising at least a treatment unit including a semipermeable membrane separating the treatment unit in a first compartment for the circulation of blood and in a second compartment for the circulation a of a treatment liquid; the controller is adapted to receive one or more entries of measured information measured during the course of a treatment procedure, calculate from said measured information a value of at least a significant parameter indicative of the progress of an extracorporeal blood treatment carried out by the equipment, wherein the controller is also adapted to compare said calculated significant parameter to at least a prescribed reference value for the same parameter, and to generate at least one output control signal responsive to said comparison for automatically controlling one or more operations performed by the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventors: Bernard Bene, Georges Vantard, Carl W. Reitz
  • Publication number: 20130206696
    Abstract: An aspect of the present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for treating and disposing of wastewater produced by a facility. This aspect of the present invention is particularly well suited to manage and dispose of wastewater produced by an agricultural processing facility. Treated wastewater is selectively blended with untreated wastewater of the facility and the blended mixture is provided to a disposal unit for disposal. Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a system for maximizing the efficiency of an impurity removal unit designed to remove at least one impurity from a liquid. More specifically, this system is preferably designed to blend influent entering the impurity removal unit with another source of liquid to ensure that the liquid treated by the impurity removal unit has an impurity concentration approximately equal to the maximum impurity concentration that the impurity removal unit can satisfactorily process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: R. Lee Roberts, Matthew Duross Roberts, Mark Robert Battaglia, Robert Stanley Chrobak, Donald John Mackay
  • Publication number: 20130206699
    Abstract: A method for the open-loop control and/or closed-loop control of a filter system for the filtration of an untreated fluid with a media filter, particularly with a gravel bed filter, multilayer filter or activated charcoal filter, whereby the open-loop control and/or closed-loop control takes place on the basis of the fuzzy logic and/or artificial neural networks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventor: KRONES AG
  • Patent number: 8506825
    Abstract: A method of washing blood mixed with undesirable elements not normally found in healthy whole blood to remove the undesirable elements, the method comprising: separating the blood into components according to relative densities of the components with a rotating centrifuge bowl; providing a port through which fluid exits the bowl, the exiting fluid having a concentration of undesirable elements; flowing washing solution into the centrifuge bowl at an initial flow rate; monitoring the fluid exiting the bowl with an optical sensor having an output signal indicative of the composition of the exiting fluid; and increasing and decreasing the flow rate of the wash solution as a function of the output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Sorin Group Italia S.r.l.
    Inventors: Matteo Fortini, Stefano Reggiani, Ivo Panzani
  • Patent number: 8501009
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods of preparing dialysate for use in a home dialysis system that is compact and light-weight relative to existing systems and consumes relatively low amounts of energy. The method includes coupling a household water stream to a dialysis system; filtering the water stream; heating the water stream to at least about 138 degrees Celsius in a non-batch process to produce a heated water stream; maintaining the heated water stream at or above at least about 138 degrees Celsius for at least about two seconds; cooling the heated water stream to produce a cooled water stream; ultrafiltering the cooled water stream; and mixing dialysate components into the cooled water stream in a non-batch process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignees: State of Oregon acting by and through the State Board of Higher Education on behalf of Oregon State University, Home Dialysis Plus, Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard B. Peterson, James R. Curtis, Hailei Wang, Robbie Ingram-Goble, Luke W. Fisher, Anna E. Garrison
  • Publication number: 20130193079
    Abstract: A water purification system disinfects incoming water by filtering the water before creating ozone from the water and directly into the water. After the water is disinfected by exposure to ozone, excess ozone is removed prior to providing the disinfected water to an end user. Some embodiments divide the incoming water into a divided water flow, and provide only one of the flows to the ozonating electrode. Some embodiments include a feedback network for controlling the system to produce purified water, and/or to maintain the purity of previously-purified water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: ELECTROLYTIC OZONE INC.
    Inventor: Electrolytic Ozone Inc.