Electrical Property Sensing Patents (Class 210/746)
  • Patent number: 11696386
    Abstract: A renal failure therapy system having an electrically floating fluid pathway is disclosed. The example system includes a dialyzer, a blood circuit in fluid communication with the dialyzer, and a dialysis fluid circuit in fluid communication with the dialyzer. The system also includes an electrically floating fluid pathway comprising at least a portion of the blood circuit and at least a portion of the dialysis fluid circuit. The only electrical path to ground is via used dialysis fluid traveling through the renal failure therapy system to earth ground. The disclosed system enables at least one electrical component in the at least a portion of the dialysis fluid circuit of the electrically floating fluid pathway to be electrically bypassed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventors: Sture Hobro, Erik Torgny, Par Lofgren
  • Patent number: 11458237
    Abstract: A blood purification apparatus that detects dislodgement of a puncture needle is provided. The apparatus includes an arterial electrode, a venous electrode, a power source capable of causing a current to flow through an arterial puncture needle and a venous puncture needle that are stuck in a patient, a body-surface electrode closely attached to a body surface of the patient, a detection device capable of acquiring a heart rate of the patient in accordance with an electrical signal detected by the body-surface electrode, a monitoring device capable of monitoring in real time the current flowing through the arterial electrode or the venous electrode and a change in an impedance in a body of the patient that is detected by the detection device, and an identifying device capable of identifying a dislodged state where the arterial puncture needle or the venous puncture needle is dislodged from the patient, in accordance with the change in the impedance that is an object of monitoring by the monitoring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Nikkiso Company Limited
    Inventors: Hitoshi Goto, Kunihiko Akita, Masahiro Toyoda
  • Patent number: 11273392
    Abstract: The invention relates to a separating device (1) for fluid-collecting sumps, in particular of filter or water separators, comprising a line pipe (10) which has a connection opening (11) and an outlet opening (12), wherein the line pipe (10) is equipped with a flow restrictor (20), a phase detection sensor (30) for detecting a phase boundary (G) between a light fluid (F1) and a heavy fluid (F2), and an electronically actuatable outlet valve (40) between the phase detection sensor (30) and the outlet opening (12). The outlet valve (40) is actuated by a regulating device (45) such that the outlet valve (40) is brought from an open position into a closed position when a phase boundary (G) is detected by the phase detection sensor (30). The invention additionally relates to fluid container devices (100) comprising a fluid-collecting sump (101) and such a separating device (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: FAUDI Aviation GmbH
    Inventor: Uwe Lauber
  • Patent number: 10945916
    Abstract: A foot spa includes a body and an electrolysis device. The body has a receiving space for containing water. The electrolysis device is mounted on a bottom of the body and includes a case, a control module and two electrolyte plates. The control module is mounted inside the body. The two electrolyte plates are mounted on a top portion of the case and are electrically connected to the control module. When the foot spa is operated, salt water is added to the receiving space for the two electrolyte plates to be soaked into the salt water in generation of an electrolytic reaction, such that sodium hydroxide and hypochlorous acid can be generated from the salt water to sterilize and deodorize the feet of users and provide the hygienic advantage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Inventor: Mei-Yun Wang
  • Patent number: 10399876
    Abstract: Total ammonia nitrogen in a volume of sludge in an aeration tank is measured and compared to a target ammonia nitrogen setpoint to calculate an airflow target for adjusting the measured total ammonia nitrogen toward the target ammonia nitrogen setpoint. The airflow target may be an airflow rate or, for an SBR, an airflow duration, and airflow into the aeration tank is adjusted according to the airflow target. A target solids retention time setpoint is also calculated from information relating to the airflow target and the solids retention time is adjusted toward the target solids retention time setpoint. The waste activated sludge flow rate for the aeration tank may be adjusted to adjust the solids retention time for the aeration tank toward the target solids retention time setpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: inCTRL Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Oliver Schraa, Leiv Rieger
  • Patent number: 10046995
    Abstract: A method of operating a waste water treatment plant (WWTP) having at least one of an aerobic digester (AD) and a membrane bioreactor (MBR) is described. The method of operating AD is comprised of monitoring and controlling AD in real-time using an online extended Kalman filter (EKF) having a online dynamic model of AD. The EKF uses real-time AD measured data, and online dynamic model of AD to update adapted model parameters and estimate model based inferred variables for AD, which are used for AD control by AD control system having supervisory and low-level control layers. The method of operating MBR is similar to that of AD. The supervisory control ensures the WWTP satisfying the effluent quality requirement while minimize the operation cost. A WWTP having at least one of AD or MBR is disclosed. The method of operating a WWTP can be implemented using a computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Aditya Kumar, Anthony John Murray, Ruijie Shi, Zhaoyang Wan, Mustafa Tekin Dokucu, Vijaysai Prasad
  • Patent number: 9975798
    Abstract: A sludge dehydration method includes a recovery process of recovering specific material as a dewatering aid from sludge generated in a sewage treatment process and a dewatering process of performing solid-liquid separation on sludge in which the dewatering aid recovered in the recovery process and dewatering target sludge are mixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: ISHIGAKI COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Manabu Yamashita, Masakazu Morita, Hiroyuki Mino, Yasuaki Nishihara, Atsushi Yanai, Ryosuke Tamauchi, Yasutaka Suetsugu, Masayoshi Katayama
  • Patent number: 9878269
    Abstract: A fresh water generation method by which product water satisfying target water quality can be stably and efficiently obtained even when raw water quality fluctuates, is provided by branching at least a part of a water flow line through which raw water 1 flows into a plurality of branch lines including a branch line A1 and a branch line A2 and differentiating retention times from branching to joining together between the branch line A1 and the branch line A2, in a fresh water generation method for obtaining product water by treating raw water 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Masahide Taniguchi, Tomohiro Maeda
  • Patent number: 9757693
    Abstract: The invention comprises a control system for monitoring and operating an existing supply water pre-treatment system for supplying de-chlorinated water to dialysis purification systems. The invention includes a controller and an operator interface for programming and interacting with said control systems. The invention further includes an injection assembly having a flow turbine sensor, a reducing agent injector, and an ORP/pH sensor for monitoring and controlling ORP/pH levels of said supply water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventor: Kevin C. Gillespie
  • Patent number: 9708822
    Abstract: The invention discloses a process to implement and maintain water bodies larger than 15,000 m3 for recreational use, such as lakes or artificial lagoons, with excellent color, transparency and cleanness properties at low cost, which comprises the following steps: a.—providing a structure able to contain a large water body larger than 15,000 m3; b.—feeding the structure of step (a) with inlet water having iron and manganese levels lower than 1.5 ppm and turbidity lower than 5 NTU; c.—measuring water pH, ideally it should be within a range lower than 7.8; d.—adding an oxidizing agent to the water contained in the structure of step (a), with which a 600 mV minimal ORP is controlled in water for a minimal period of 4 hours and in maximal cycles of 48 hours; e.—adding a flocculating agent in concentrations within 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Crystal Lagoons (Curacao) B.V.
    Inventor: Fernando Benjamin Fischmann Torres
  • Patent number: 9452457
    Abstract: A composition for treating a water system to remove scale, microorganisms and biofilm, and corrosion by-products. The composition comprises chelating agents and a surfactant. Depending on the water system being treated, the composition may be a solid dissolved by water in the system being treated or may be a pre-mixed foam or aerosol. A treatment system particularly suitable for flowing water systems comprises a container for holding such a treatment composition and mixing it with a portion of water from the water system, a filter for removing solids dislodged during treatment, and a corrosion monitor. A method for using such a treatment composition comprises draining substantially all existing water in the water system, filling or rinsing the system with fresh water, contacting the treatment composition with substantially all parts of the water system, and draining the treatment composition from the system before resuming normal operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: NCH Corporation
    Inventors: Adrian Denvir, David F Vela, Christina B Burton, Katrell D Copeland, Scott M Boyette, Robert C Pearce, III
  • Patent number: 9346694
    Abstract: One or more reactor and one or more control methods are used for nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment to achieve measured control of maintaining high ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) oxidation rates while achieving nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) out-selection, using various control strategies, including: 1) ammonia and the use of ammonia setpoints; 2) operational DO and the use of DO setpoints; 3) bioaugmentation of anammox and lighter flocculant AOB fraction; and 4) implementation of transient anoxia in several reactor configurations and conditions for removal of oxidized nitrogen using anammox or heterotrophic organisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignees: D.C. Water & Sewer Authority, Hampton Roads Sanitation District
    Inventors: Bernhard Wett, Ahmed Omari, Pusker Regmi, Mark Miller, Charles B. Bott, Sudhir N. Murthy
  • Patent number: 8968575
    Abstract: Ballast and/or cooling water biocidal treatment and disinfection systems and techniques are provided. The systems utilize oxidation reduction potential control to regulate addition, or concentration of an electrocatalytically generated biocidal agent to disinfection levels in ship buoyancy and to biofouling levels in ship cooling water systems. The disinfection and biofouling control systems provide suitable treatment while reducing the potential for corrosion of ship components and, in some cases, undesirable disinfection byproducts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Vadim Zolotarsky, Irina A. Ivanter, Louis J. Lombardo, Robert Weddle, Michael Upjohn
  • Patent number: 8961770
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of operating a flow-through capacitor and a related controller for performing the method. The method includes establishing a summed-current capacity of the flow-through capacitor. In an operational cycle, the flow-through capacitor is operated to transfer ions between the pair of electrodes and water. A current is monitored during operation of the flow-through capacitor. This current is integrated over time to calculate a monitored-current value. To determine an end of the operational cycle, the monitored-current value is compared to the summed-current capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Pentair Residential Filtration, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Averbeck, Rebecca M. Tallon, Brett A. Boedeker
  • Patent number: 8951219
    Abstract: A method includes initiating a blood fluid removal session of a patient; monitoring an indicator of tissue fluid volume of the patient, or a portion thereof, during the blood fluid removal session; monitoring an indicator of blood fluid volume of the patient during the blood fluid removal session; determining whether a ratio of the indicator of tissue fluid volume to indicator of blood fluid volume is outside of a predetermined range; and altering the rate of fluid removal during the blood fluid removal session if the ratio is determined to be outside of the predetermined range. A blood fluid removal system may be configured to carry out the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Gerber, John Burnes, Suping Lyu, Manda R. VenKalesh, Bryant Pudil
  • Publication number: 20150034564
    Abstract: A fluid (i.e., generally water or wastewater) treatment system and associated methods provide for effectively treating the fluid (i.e., generally water or wastewater containing at least a plurality of salts) to provide a separated pure fluid (i.e., generally water) and a separated impurity (i.e., generally a salt). Also provided are a method for detecting or determining the need for a controlled process intervention to prevent the plugging of system components in a fluid (i.e., generally water) treatment system, and a process for preventing the plugging of the system components in the fluid (i.e., generally water) treatment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: SALT WATER SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Jay N. Smtih, Samuel W. Gowan
  • Patent number: 8926542
    Abstract: A method includes monitoring an indicator of fluid volume of a patient via a sensor device, and setting an initial fluid volume removal prescription for a blood fluid removal session based on the monitored indicator of fluid volume. The method may further include transmitting data regarding the indicator of fluid volume from the implantable sensor device to fluid removal device. In some embodiments, the fluid removal device sets or calculated the initial fluid volume removal prescription based on the data received from the implantable sensor. The indicator of fluid volume may be an indicator of tissue fluid volume or an indicator of blood fluid volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Gerber, John Burnes, SuPing Lyu, VenKatesh R. Manda, Byant Pudil
  • Patent number: 8920657
    Abstract: A grey water dividing and treatment system is provided. A drain system of the grey water dividing and treatment system receives grey water from a grey water producing source. A grey water dividing apparatus of the grey water dividing and treatment system divides the grey water received from the drain system into a number of cells, and determines a contamination level of each of the cells. Grey water treatment tanks of the grey water dividing and treatment system receive the grey water from the grey water dividing apparatus based on the determined contamination level of each of the cells and treat the grey water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventor: Hideki Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 8920356
    Abstract: A coupler includes a conductive polymer material that is so constructed and arranged to join tubing, wherein the conductive polymer material includes a conductive polymer component selected from the group consisting of polyaniline, polypyrrole, polythiophenes, polyethylenedioxythiophene, poly(p-phenylene vinylene) and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Sherwin Shang, Ramesh Wariar, Angel Lasso, George Lamberson, Dan F. Marcquenski, Jr., Jan Jensen, David Kuhn, Raf Castellanos
  • Patent number: 8906240
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to early detection of low bicarbonate level. In certain aspects, a method includes receiving a first signal from a conductivity detector connected to a line through which a solution of salt concentrate and fluid flows and determining a first conductivity of the solution based on the first signal. The method also includes receiving a second signal from the conductivity detector at a time after receiving the first signal, determining a second conductivity of the solution based on the second signal, and determining whether the second conductivity is less than the first conductivity by at least a threshold amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Joseph Crnkovich, Aiyuan Wang, Fei Wang
  • Publication number: 20140339175
    Abstract: An automated self-propelled robotic pool cleaner having a housing and drive means for moving the pool cleaner over at least the bottom wall of a pool, is provided with an integral on-board electrochemical chlorine generator for producing chlorine from a chlorine compound, e.g., sodium chloride, that is dissolved in the pool water, a source of electrical power operatively connected to the electrochemical chlorine generator, control means for initiating and terminating the operation of the chlorine generator, and an outlet for discharging water containing chlorine ions produced by the electrochemical generator to thereby distribute the chlorine into the water proximate the exterior of the pool cleaner housing as the pool cleaner follows a programmed operational mode across the bottom and/or side walls of the pool. The operation of the chlorine generator is in response to a manually operated switch and/or signals transmitted directly or indirectly to the control means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph PORAT
  • Publication number: 20140311991
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in a hot water system to inhibit corrosion in the hot water system. The method includes defining one or more operational protective zones in the hot water system. One or more of the operational protective zones includes an oxidation-reduction potential probe that is operable to measure a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in the hot water system at operating temperature and pressure. The probe transmits the measured real-time potential to the controller, which assesses and interprets the transmitted potential to determine whether it conforms to an oxidation-reduction potential setting. If the measured potential does not conform the oxidation-reduction potential setting, the controller is operable to feed or remove one or more active chemical species into or from the hot water system and further operable to change at least one system parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Peter D. Hicks, David A. Grattan
  • Publication number: 20140291253
    Abstract: A method and system of treating a liquid stream is provided. The water is treated by utilizing a free radical scavenging system and a free radical removal system. The free radical scavenging system can utilize actinic radiation with a free radical precursor compound, such as ammonium persulfate. The free radical removal system can comprise use of a reducing agent. The water may be further treated by utilizing ion exchange media and degasification apparatus. A control system may be utilized to measure and regulate addition of the precursor compound, the intensity of the actinic radiation, and addition of the reducing agent to the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: Bruce Lee Coulter
  • Patent number: 8845906
    Abstract: The current invention provides a novel process for the treatment and reclamation of drilling frac flowback and produced wastewater from the drilling industry. The wastewater is delivered to the EMC/F System from a frac tank or other reservoir. The wastewater is pumped into the system and is treated sequentially by passing through a mechanical hydrocavitation unit, an electromagnetic unit, an electrocoagulation unit and/or a hydrocyclone and a flocculation-sedimentation tank. Polishing of the final effluent is accomplished by passing the water through a mixed media tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Don E. Henley and Associates, LLC
    Inventor: Donald E. Henley
  • Patent number: 8827942
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for assessing a patient's sensitivity to fluid removal from the patient's vascular system or to fluid replacement or addition with regard to the patient's hydration state, the method comprising the step of determining a value reflecting the distribution of fluid between at least two distribution spaces of the body of the patient or changes thereof from measured or calculated values, and assessing whether the value fulfils at least one criterion. It also relates to a controller, an apparatus, a device, a digital storage device, a computer program product, and a computer program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Chamney, Ulrich Moissl, Peter Wabel, Volker Nier, Sebastian Wieskotten
  • Patent number: 8801646
    Abstract: An extracorporeal blood system includes: an extracorporeal blood machine; an arterial line extending from the extracorporeal blood machine; a venous line extending from the extracorporeal blood machine; and an access disconnection circuit for detecting a disconnection of at least one of the arterial or venous lines from a patient, the access disconnection circuit including (i) a signal generation source having first and second signal generation source electrical lines each in electrical communication with blood traveling through one of the arterial or venous lines, (ii) a conductive pathway electrically communicating blood traveling through the arterial line with blood traveling through the venous line, and (iii) a signal processing unit positioned and arranged to process a signal generated by the source to detect the disconnection of the at least one of the arterial and venous lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: James Han, Thomas P. Hartranft, Thomas D. Kelly, Angel Lasso
  • Patent number: 8784669
    Abstract: A batch process for the treatment of an aqueous solution so that the treated product is more desirable for disposal includes obtaining an influent batch of aqueous solution for treatment, treating the batch of solution by an advanced oxidation process. The advanced oxidation process including causing ozone to be mixed with the solution, maintaining the mixture of solution and ozone at a pressure above atmospheric for a time of at least two seconds. In a preferred embodiment of the process, the process includes continuously recirculating the fluid to be treated, through a recirculation conduit, the recirculation conduit including an ozone injector and the ozone injector is adapted to inject ozone into the aqueous solution as the aqueous solution circulates through an ozone injector. Influent to be treated may be selected from the group including sewage, septage, leachate, ballast or other aqueous solutions where it is desirable to treat the fluid prior to disposal, further treatment, or reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas W. Bain, Graham Edward Swales
  • Patent number: 8771593
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in a hot water system to inhibit corrosion in the hot water system. The method includes defining one or more operational protective zones in the hot water system. One or more of the operational protective zones includes an oxidation-reduction potential probe that is operable to measure a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in the hot water system at operating temperature and pressure. The probe transmits the measured real-time potential to the controller, which assesses and interprets the transmitted potential to determine whether it conforms to an oxidation-reduction potential setting. If the measured potential does not conform the oxidation-reduction potential setting, the controller is operable to feed or remove one or more active chemical species into or from the hot water system and further operable to change at least one system parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventors: Peter D. Hicks, David A. Grattan
  • Patent number: 8764987
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for the determination and regulation of the concentration of at least one dissolved substance in a fluid circuit, in which the fluid circuit includes at least two partial circuits separated by a filter in a semi-permeable manner, includes a detection unit for determining a concentration difference of at least one first dissolved substance, a determination unit for determining the influence of at least one second dissolved substance which is not identical to the at least one first dissolved substance, and a regulation unit for regulating the concentration of the at least one dissolved substance in the fluid circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Malte Gross, Andreas Maierhofer
  • Patent number: 8758627
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a twin tank water treatment system and method. The water treatment system includes first tank with a first set of sensors and a first resin bed, a second tank with a second set of sensors and a second resin bed, and a valve assembly with a flow meter and a controller in communication with the first set of sensors, the second set of sensors, and the flow meter. The method includes determining when the resin beds are exhausted based on input from the flow meter, the sensors, and a water hardness setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Pentair Residential Filtration, LLC
    Inventors: John A. Stewart, Andrew F. Tischendorf, Kenneth J. Sieth, Rahul Sadashiv Kamble
  • Patent number: 8758628
    Abstract: A sensor assembly for a water softening system and includes a first treatment tank having a first valve assembly, a first flow meter and a sensor probe, a second treatment tank having a second valve assembly and a second flow meter and a brine tank independently connected to each of the first treatment tank and the second treatment tank. A controller is configured for communicating with the sensor probe and the first flow meter in the first treatment tank, and the second flow meter in the second treatment tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Culligan International Company
    Inventor: Kerry Quinn
  • Publication number: 20140166590
    Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) liquid disinfection system and method are described. The system includes a conduit to carry liquid to be disinfected, the conduit having an inlet to receive the liquid and an outlet to discharge the liquid; a UV source configured to illuminate the liquid within the conduit; a liquid salinity detector to measure a value indicative of the liquid salinity; and a controller coupled to the salinity detector and configured to receive from the liquid salinity detector the measured value and to determine a desired salinity-adjusted UV dose level based on the measured value and predetermined data correlating salinity levels to respective UV dose levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Atlantium Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Ytzhak ROZENBERG, Mike KERTSER, Tovit LICHI, Zohar VARDIEL, Itay KREISEL
  • Patent number: 8741155
    Abstract: A method and system of providing ultrapure water for semiconductor fabrication operations is provided. The water is treated by utilizing a free radical scavenging system and a free radical removal system. The free radical scavenging system can utilize actinic radiation with a free radical precursor compound, such as ammonium persulfate. The free radical removal system can comprise use of a reducing agent. The ultrapure water may be further treated by utilizing ion exchange media and degasification apparatus. A control system can be utilized to regulate addition of the precursor compound, the intensity of the actinic radiation, and addition of the reducing agent to the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Bruce Lee Coulter
  • Patent number: 8708946
    Abstract: An extracorporeal blood machine includes a blood circuit; an access device enabling the blood circuit to be connected to a patient; first and second coupling devices for connecting to first and second tubes of the circuit; first and second electrodes held by the first and second coupling devices to contact blood flowing through the blood circuit, the electrodes enabling an electrical signal to be injected into the circuit; first and second contact members contacting the first and second electrodes, wherein at least one of the coupling devices includes a stem portion enabling at least one of the first and second contact members to contact at least one of the first and second electrodes, respectively, on an outer portion of the at least one electrode without disturbing blood flowing through the coupling device; and electronics coupled operably to the first and second contact members for applying the electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: James Han, Thomas P. Hartranft, Thomas D. Kelly, Angel Lasso
  • Patent number: 8685255
    Abstract: A method of operating a capacitive deionization cell using a regeneration cycle to increase pure flow rate and efficiency of the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Voltea B.V.
    Inventors: Sean Knapp, Marshall L. Leffew, II
  • Publication number: 20140083950
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating on skimmed oil/water picked up from a body of water to separate the oil from the water and discharge the oil-free water back into the body of water, first feeds the skimmed oil/water into a gravity settling tank wherein the oil tends to settle above the water, removing relatively oil-free water from the bottom of the tank and measuring its oil content with an oil concentration sensor, and either returning the oil/water flow to the settling tank for further processing if the measured concentration of oil exceeds predetermined limits or discharging the water back into the body of water if the oil concentration is measured to be less than the predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventor: David Usher
  • Patent number: 8668830
    Abstract: A method for operating a water softening system (1) comprising an automatically adjustable blending means for mixing a blended water flow V(t)blended from a first, softened partial flow V(t)part1soft and a second untreated water partial flow V(t)part2raw and comprising an electronic control means (11), wherein the control means (11) readjusts the adjustment position of the blending means by means of one or more experimentally determined instantaneous measured values in such a fashion that the water hardness in the blended water flow V(t)blended is adjusted to a predetermined desired value (SW), is characterized in that the control means (11) ignores at least one of the one or more instantaneous measured values for readjustment of the adjustment position of the blending means in one or more defined operating situations, and instead uses the respectively last corresponding measured value that was valid prior to occurrence of the defined operating situation, or a standard value for the corresponding measur
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Judo Wasseraufbereitung GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Soecknick, Klaus Neidhardt, Alexander Haug, Siegfried Melcher
  • Publication number: 20140048491
    Abstract: A method of filtering a fluid, including flowing a fluid from a first side of a filter member to a second side of the filter member, the fluid containing dissolved impurities. In addition, the method includes inducing fluid cavitation within the fluid to precipitate out at least a portion of the dissolved impurities. Further, the method includes controlling a pressure differential across the filter member. Still further, the method includes, maintaining or further inducing the fluid cavitation within the fluid in response to controlling the pressure differential. Related systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: GREEN AGE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Arthur Johnson, Brandon Johnson, Martin Margulies
  • 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: 8617402
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of raising the pH of a body of water having a pH of less than 4.5 by introducing neutralizing agent, the raising of the pH taking place in at least two stages thus: at pH levels below 4.5, a first neutralizing agent having a final conductivity of not more than 100 ?S/cm, and, after attainment of a pH of at least 4.5, a second neutralizing agent, having a final conductivity of more than 100 ?S/cm, is introduced into the body of water, the final conductivity of the neutralizing agents being defined as the conductivity of an aqueous suspension or solution of neutralizing agent in solution equilibrium at 25° C., having a neutralizing agent content of 0.015% by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Rheinkalk GmbH
    Inventors: Christopher Pust, Günter Scholz, Helma Honig, Wolfgang König
  • Publication number: 20130341285
    Abstract: A system delivers water with at least a threshold concentration of ozone to an exit point. Ozone is injected into water flowing into a tank. The ozone concentration in the tank is monitored by a first sensor. Once the water in the tank has at least the threshold concentration of ozone, the water may be pumped to an exit point. A second sensor in proximity to the exit point monitors the ozone concentration of the treated water in proximity to the exit point. If the water in proximity to the exit point has at least the threshold concentration of ozone, the system allows a portion of the treated water to exit the system to a point of use. The second sensor in proximity to the exit point assures the treated water that is actually delivered to the exit point has at least the threshold value of ozone concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Chadwick D. Marion
  • 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: 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: 8562841
    Abstract: One possible embodiment of the invention could be a continuous flow separator for biodiesel formation and a method of operating same. The separator could comprise tank with hollow interior forming a main compartment, a weir-formed compartment, and a sump, the weir being formed at one end of the tank, the sump being formed in the tank bottom, the main compartment being located over the sump; a set of horizontally stacked plates received within the main compartment over the sump, each plate features a series of conical structures, cone apertures, and trough apertures; wherein the plates are so configured and stacked that the cone apertures align to form series of cone aperture columns while the trough apertures align to form series of trough aperture columns. The biodiesel moves up the cone aperture columns over a weir into the separate compartment while glycerine descends the trough aperture columns to the sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: James Philip Hygate
  • Patent number: 8545691
    Abstract: A super absorbent polymer material is contacted with an aqueous medium to absorb at least a portion of the aqueous medium. At least portion of the aqueous medium absorbed super absorbent material is subsequently regenerated to release water therefrom and to form a regenerated super absorbent material suitable for the contacting with a second quantity of an aqueous medium. Also disclosed are layered composites including an electrically conductive metal support layer, a layer of super absorbent material disposed thereon, and a layer of a selective semi-permeable material disposed adjacent the layer of the super absorbent material and spaced apart from the electrically conductive metal support layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Fouad Teymour, Said Al-Hallaj
  • Patent number: 8545704
    Abstract: Provided is a method for recovering high-concentration and high-purity amine from amine-containing waste water generated from nuclear power plants and thermal power plants. The method includes: capturing amine and concentrating waste water using a cation exchange resin; separating amine from the concentrated amine-containing waste water; and carrying out further separation of amine via distillation. The method may be applied to treat amine, which causes an increase in biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and total nitrogen concentration, drastically at the time of its generation from waste water of nuclear power plants and thermal power plants. In this manner, the method may prevent an increase in load of existing waste water treating plants and avoid a need for modifying the equipment in the existing plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Soonchunhyang University Industry Academy Cooperation Foundation
    Inventors: In H. Rhee, Byung G. Park, Hyun J. Jung
  • 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: 8529490
    Abstract: An access disconnection method for a machine employing a blood circuit, the blood circuit having a machine segment and a patient access segment, the method comprising: injecting an electrical signal into the blood circuit between the machine segment and the patient access segment; attempting to cause the electrical signal to flow through only the patient access segment and to bypass the machine segment; and measuring the signal in the patient access segment and determining that an access disconnection event has occurred upon a threshold change in the measured signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Ramesh Wariar, James Han, George Lamberson, Thomas P. Hartranft, Thore Falkvall
  • 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: 8496824
    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: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Gerard Remkes, Gerhard Wiesen