Cyclonic, Or Centrifugal (e.g., Whirling Or Helical Motion Or By Vortex, Etc.) Patents (Class 210/787)
  • Publication number: 20080272066
    Abstract: A method of introducing solution into the wells of a multiwell plate comprised of a substrate having multiple wells on at least one principal surface thereof. The wells are imparted dimensions, shapes, and surface configurations such that when said multiwell plate is positioned in stationary fashion with the openings of said wells facing upward, said solution does not enter said wells even when the openings of said wells are covered by said solution, and the solution is positioned on said principal surface of said multiwell plate having wells and a centrifugal force oriented from the well opening toward the bottom is applied to introduce said solution into said wells. Provided is a method for conveniently filling vessels (wells) with a solution such as a reaction solution, even when the vessels (wells) number in excess of 1,000, and even when the dimension, shape, and surface configuration of the vessels (wells) do not permit fluid to flow into the vessels (wells).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Koichi Nishigaki, Takahiro Tayama, Yasunorl Kinoshita, Hidekazu Uchida
  • Publication number: 20080251468
    Abstract: A cyclone separator (40) includes a housing (42), in which a cyclone assembly (10) is contained. The housing (42) has an inflow chamber (44), an overflow chamber (46) and a discharge chamber (48). The cyclone assembly (10) has an inner cyclone liner (16) positioned concentrically within a cyclone chamber (12). A displacement means (52) is provided for displacing the inner cyclone liner (16) axially from an operative position in the cyclone chamber (12) to an inoperative position in the overflow chamber (46) of the housing (42). The cyclone chamber (12) has a larger internal diameter than the inner cyclone liner (16), therefore, when the inner cyclone liner is moved to the inoperative position, the flowrate through the cyclone assembly is increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: David John Parkinson
  • Publication number: 20080251467
    Abstract: A strainer device for a fluid flow circuit removes debris and solid particles from the fluid flow to prevent plugging and reduce fouling of the system. The assembly includes a chamber that can be hydrocyclonic, a collection area, a screen assembly and a distributor that allows selective connection to a flushing fluid. The fluid flows through the chamber past the strainer device, with large particles collecting in the collection area under the influence of gravity and smaller solid particles being collected in the screen assembly. Particles can be flushed from the system by selectively activating the distributor to back flush the screen assembly and sweep the collection area free of solid particles without disassembling the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Amar S. Wanni, Thomas M. Rudy, Claude A. Lafleur, Clifford A. Hay, Tomas R. Melli
  • Publication number: 20080245749
    Abstract: A powerplant and method for production and use of synthesis gas from a hydrocarbon fuel is disclosed in a combination of a triple helical flow vortex reactor (100) and a power producer (510). The triple helical flow vortex reactor (100) steam-reforms a hydrocarbon fuel in a rich combustion environment and produces a gas stream with synthesis gas. The triple helical flow vortex reactor (100) has a plasma torch to introduce a central vortex and two swirlers to introduce counterposing vortexes, or circumferential flows, at the periphery of a reaction chamber in the triple helical flow vortex reactor. The synthesis gas fuels the power producer (510).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Igor Matveev
  • Patent number: 7431846
    Abstract: An apparatus to separate solids from drilling slurry, having an inlet positioned over an outlet of a concentration tank to displace water that would otherwise enter the down-stream centrifuges. Baffles are provided to direct solids to the outlet and minimize the time that solids spend in the concentration tank. Fluids having solids removed therefrom are removed from the apparatus at a location remote from the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventor: Robert M. Palmer
  • Publication number: 20080230491
    Abstract: Apparatus for separating liquids, such as oils from solids, such as drill cuttings, comprises a decanter-type centrifuge. In example implementations the centrifuge has a bowl angle of four degrees or less and a low fluid depth of two inches or less. A material conveyor such as an auger is provided to carry material having a relatively high initial solids content, such as 50% or more into the centrifuge. The apparatus may comprise heaters to heat the material. In example implementations the decanter-type centrifuge processes solids from a main centrifuge and/or a shale shaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Rod WICK
  • Publication number: 20080217263
    Abstract: Methods for promoting angiogenesis comprising administering platelet-rich plasma to a site and stimulating the site with an electromagnetic field. Platelets include platelet-rich plasma and compositions can further include stem cells such as adipose stromal cells and cells derived from bone marrow aspirate. Methods also comprise isolating platelets from a patient's blood, forming a composition including the platelets, delivering the composition to a site in need of treatment, and electrically stimulating the site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel C. Higgins, Bruce Simon, Jennifer E. Woodell-May
  • Publication number: 20080217264
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at least three fractions in the apparatus. It also provides for a new method of extracting the buffy coat phase from a whole blood sample. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Michael Leach, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Joel C. Higgins, Brandon Miller
  • Patent number: 7422693
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods of monitoring and controlling the processing of blood and blood samples, particularly the separation of blood and blood samples into its components. In one aspect, the invention relates to optical methods, devices and device components for measuring two-dimensional distributions of transmitted light intensities, scattered light intensities or both from a separation chamber of a density centrifuge. In embodiment, two-dimensional distributions of transmitted light intensities, scattered light intensities or both measured by the methods of the present invention comprise images of a separation chamber or component thereof, such as an optical cell of a separation chamber. In another aspect, the present invention relates to multifunctional monitoring and control systems for blood processing, particularly blood processing via density centrifugation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Caridianbct, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee F. Carter, Jeremy P. Kolenbrander, James R. Ladtkow, Joseph A. Scibona, Jeffrey A. Steward, Chris Fletcher
  • Patent number: 7419603
    Abstract: The present invention provides a physical water treatment (PWT) method and apparatus to treat liquid coolants. Electrodes (22, 24) are provided in a coolant stream (21), and an alternating voltage is applied across the electrodes (22, 24) to produce an electric field through the coolant. The alternating voltage creates an oscillating electric field in the coolant that promotes the collision of dissolved mineral ions. The ions collide to form seed particles that precipitate out of solution. Bulk precipitation of seed particles decreases the availability of ions in solution which can crystallize on heat transfer surfaces. The seed particles adhere to additional ions that separate out of solution and form larger particles that may be removed from the coolant stream (21) using a variety of treatment measures. In addition to precipitating mineral ions, the electric field may be applied to destroy bacteria, algae and microorganisms that accumulate in the coolant stream (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Drexel University
    Inventor: Young I. Cho
  • Patent number: 7419608
    Abstract: The present invention falls within the field of purifying oil-laden wastewater, which provides a method for purifying coke-cooling wastewater in a delayed coking process in petroleum chemical field. The method comprises the following steps: (a) cooling the coke-cooling wastewater produced in a delayed coking process to 5-55° C. under 0.1-0.25 MPa absolute pressure, to obtain cooled coke-cooling wastewater; (b) subjecting the cooled coke-cooling wastewater to solid-liquid separation, to obtain a coke breeze phase and a liquid phase; (c) further separating the obtained liquid phase, to obtain an oil phase and a water phase; and (d) further discharging water from the obtained oil phase, to obtain the separated oil phase. The present invention also provides an equipment for carrying out the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignees: East China University of Science and Technology, Sinopec Zhenhai Refining & Chemical Company Limited, Luoyang Petrochemical Engineering Corporation (LPEC) Sinopec
    Inventors: Hualin Wang, Zhuoqun Qian, Jianwen Wang, Baohua Dai, Jiangqing Hu, Shuilong Yu, Chengyu Xu, Tianming Hou, Hejie Li, Jianghua Xu, Lixin Zhang
  • Patent number: 7416671
    Abstract: A process for the separation of bitumen oil from tar sands and the like. Slurry is supplied to a mixing chamber of a jet pump at an input end of the process. The slurry is agitated within the jet pump to effect a partial to full phase separation of the oil fraction from the solids fraction of the slurry. The partially to fully separated slurry is discharged into a pipeline and later into a hydrocyclone to effect a second phase separation of the slurry. One or more hydrocyclone separators may be used to separate the bitumen oil and liquid from the solids fraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: RJ Oil Sands Inc.
    Inventors: Wade Ralph Bozak, Roderick Michael Facey
  • Patent number: 7413665
    Abstract: A system for separating a composite fluid into component parts thereof, including: a centrifuge having a rotor with a separation space and at least two valve members disposed thereon and a container set having a separation container adapted to be disposed in the separation space of the rotor and first and second collection containers connected to the separation container by a first and a second tubes. The tubes are adapted to be disposed in operative relationship with the valve members so that flow through the tubes may be controlled thereby. Three components of the composite fluid may be separated therefrom by the present system and two components may be moved to the collection containers. The container set may further include a third collection container connected to the separation container by a tube, and a third component may thus be moved to this third container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Gambro BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Holmes, Johan-Petter Hagström, Per-Olov Lundberg, Geert Van Waeg, Peter Nordgren
  • Publication number: 20080190844
    Abstract: This invention relates to improved methods, processes and apparatus for the removal of sulfides from a gas, liquid or solid (substance) wherein the substance is contacted with an aqueous solution. The instant invention presents methods and processes wherein at least one of H2S, SO2 and CS2 is chemically converted in an aqueous media to a salt and/or compound comprising sulfur and a cationic moiety. Said salt and/or compound comprising sulfur and a cationic moiety is herein termed a “Sulfur Salt”. After formation of the Sulfur Salt, the Sulfur Salt is converted to elemental sulfur with a bacterium capable of metabolizing sulfur. The preferred bacterium for metabolizing sulfur is a strain from the genus Thiobacillus. The most preferred strain from the genus Thiobacillus is Thiobacillus denitrificans. The instant invention prefers an aqueous operating pH of between 6.0 and 8.0, while the most preferred aqueous pH is between 6.0 and 7.0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Richard Alan Haase
  • Patent number: 7407473
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for setting energy saver sleep modes for use in a centrifuge systems. The centrifuge system contains an energy saver touch screen control which can be either manually set or automatically set to turn the centrifuge on or off at predetermined times. This allows the centrifuge system to be readily available to a user, resulting in lower wear and tear being placed on the major systems of the centrifuge and waste less energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific (Asheville) LLC
    Inventor: Vincent Saviano
  • Patent number: 7404903
    Abstract: A process for the separation of oil from invert mud drill cuttings. Invert mud drill cuttings are supplied to a mixing chamber of a jet pump. The invert mud drill cuttings are agitated within the jet pump to effect transformation of the solids-oil matrix of the invert mud drill cuttings. Oil is then separeated from the transformed solids-oil matrix in a separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: RJ Oil Sands Inc.
    Inventors: Wade Ralph Bozak, Michael E Kessick
  • Publication number: 20080173592
    Abstract: A centrifuge is employed to continuously remove particulates from a fluid. In one embodiment, the centrifuge removes small particles of soot from lubricating oil of large diesel engines. The fluid in introduced into the centrifuge through an inducer so that vortexes are not propagated in the fluid. Flow constrainers and flow straighteners maintain laminar flow of the fluid as it passes axially through the centrifuge. An exducer decelerates the fluid prior to its exit from the centrifuge. The exducer thus contributes to maintaining laminar flow conditions. Laminar flow may contribute to the soot-removal effectiveness of the centrifuge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: VIPUL P. PATEL, ALLEN K. MacKNIGHT
  • Publication number: 20080173593
    Abstract: A concentrator is used for concentrating a fluid, particularly a plasma component out of blood, for treatment of a patient. The concentrator apparatus includes a main housing defining a centrifuge chamber, that also holds the filter. The concentrator allows viewing of the fluid after centrifuging, with an outlet port positionable at a height corresponding to the level of the fraction of the fluid to be further concentrated. Once the fluid is centrifuged, a portion of the fluid is drawn through the outlet, and then pressured past the filter to further concentrate the fluid using the same vessel as used for centrifuging. The same plunger is preferably used to draw centrifuged fluid from the centrifuge chamber as to pressure the centrifuged fluid past the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Millennium Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Coull, Matthew Kyle, Louis S. Kidder
  • Patent number: 7396452
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises an inlet to convey a first fluid comprising first and second components having different density into a rotating chamber such that an interface forms between at least portions of such components at a first location. At least one outlet removes at least one of the first and second components. A controller is adapted to introduce the first fluid and is operable to move the interface from the first location to a second location and to move the interface from the second location in a direction toward the first location and to return the interface to the second location. The controller is operable to determine a flow rate of the first or second component based, at least in part, on the time interval between when the interface moves from and returns to the second location. At least one sensing assembly is adapted to sense the location of the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyungyoon Min, Richard I. Brown
  • Patent number: 7396451
    Abstract: A system for separating a composite fluid into component parts thereof, including: a centrifuge having a rotor with a separation space and at least two valve members disposed thereon and a container set having a separation container adapted to be disposed in the separation space of the rotor and first and second collection containers connected to the separation container by a first and a second tubes. The tubes are adapted to be disposed in operative relationship with the valve members so that flow through the tubes may be controlled thereby. Three components of the composite fluid may be separated therefrom by the present system and two components may be moved to the collection containers. The container set may further include a third collection container connected to the separation container by a tube, and a third component may thus be moved to this third container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Gambo BCI, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Holmes, Johan-Petter Hagström, Per-Olov Lundberg, Geert Van Waeg, Peter Nordgren
  • Publication number: 20080156744
    Abstract: Disclosed is a flow separator, typically for use in separating liquid from gas in a flowing mixture of liquid and gas, e.g. water, oil and gas in a hydrocarbon well production fluid pipeline, the separator having a swirl generator disposed at the inlet to a cylindrical separation chamber and the separation chamber having an elongate liquid extraction slot formed along its wall, such that in operation the swirling flow centrifugally pushes the liquid towards the wall of the separation chamber to exit the separation chamber through the extraction slot into a collection chamber which may allow the return of the extracted liquid back into the main flow using a U-shaped tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Ian Atkinson, Gary Oddie, David Scott
  • Publication number: 20080149572
    Abstract: This invention is directed to systems and methods for removing lipids from a fluid or from lipid-containing organisms from a fluid, such as plasma. These systems combine a fluid with at least one extraction solvent, which causes the lipids to separate from the fluid or from the lipid-containing organisms. The separated lipids are removed from the fluid. The at least one extraction solvent is removed from the fluid or at least reduced to a concentration enabling the fluid to be administered to a patient without undesirable consequences. Once the fluid has been processed, the fluid may be administered to a patient who donated the fluid or to a different patient for therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: Lipid Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Bomberger, Bryan Chavez, Pablo E. Garcia, Eric Hegwer, Thomas P. Low, Ripudaman Malhotra, Jeffrey J. Shimon
  • Publication number: 20080128368
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for reclaiming and recycling developing solvents used in the production of flexographic printing plates. More specifically, the invention relates to reclaiming and/or recycling of the developing solvent through centrifugation and/or filtration. According to the invention, the solvent used in developing printing plates can be reclaimed and/or recycled by simply centrifuging the polymer-contaminated solvent. In certain embodiment, the centrifuged solvent is further filtered. The process involves transferring the contaminated solvent, from a plate processor or a dirty holding tank, to a centrifuge, and centrifuging the contaminated solvent to remove the polymer. The reclaimed solvent can be transfer directly back to the plate processor or to a clean holding tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Constance Marie Hendrickson, David Calvin Bradford
  • Publication number: 20080121594
    Abstract: The invention relates to a filter element consisting of a molded body of porous concrete, which element is arranged in the water stream of a purification system. In particular, the filter element (10) is a molded pervious concrete layer arranged as a partition between a lower compartment (9) and an upper compartment (11) of a treatment chamber (8), wherein the water inlet (12) opens into the lower compartment (9) and a water outlet (17) issues from the upper compartment (11). The pervious concrete filter layer may contain one or more additives to enhance adsorption of pollutants, such as heavy metal ions, phosphorous, hydrocarbons or other target soluble pollutants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: Royal Environmental Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Carsten Dierkes
  • Publication number: 20080116135
    Abstract: A dishwasher with a multi-step filter system includes a coarse filter and a micro filter for cleaning the rinsing solution and also includes a lye pump and a circulatory pump. The dishwasher also includes a comminutor arranged in the path of the flow downstream from the coarse filter for remains contained in the rinsing solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventors: Roland Rieger, Franz-Josef Wagner
  • Patent number: 7373996
    Abstract: A method of separating drilling/production fluids from solid cuttings from a mixture received from down hole, without the use of shale shakers, de-sanders, or de-sanders, through the steps of flowing the mixture from the well bore into a flow line above the surface of a well; next, flowing the mixture into a single separation zone of a size capable of receiving the mixture directly from the flow line on a continuous basis; circulating or centrifuging the mixture to a desired RPM within the separation zone; providing a liquid permeable barrier surrounding the mixture as the mixture is centrifuged within the separation zone; collecting the liquid in a first retrieval zone after the liquid has penetrated permeable barrier; and collecting the solids that could not penetrate the permeable barrier in a second retrieval zone within the barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Centrifugal Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale R. Martin, Perry A. Lopez
  • Patent number: 7371330
    Abstract: A particle sedimentation apparatus includes a rotation body rotatable about a rotation axis and a separation chamber formed in the rotation body, to cause sedimentation of particle suspension in the separation chamber upon rotation of the rotation body. The particles accumulate in a radially outward region of the separation chamber. A flow-rate-determining inflow channel having azimuthal path length with an inflow channel inlet and an inflow channel outlet is formed in the rotation body, the inflow channel inlet being arranged radially further inwardly than the inflow channel outlet, the inflow channel outlet being fluidically connected to the separation chamber and formed to introduce particle suspension into the separation chamber upon rotation of the rotation body. Furthermore, an outflow channel is formed in the rotation body with an outflow channel inlet and an outflow channel outlet, to at least partially drain supernatant liquid formed by sedimentation from the separation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Albert-Ludwigs-Universitaet Freiburg
    Inventors: Jens Ducree, Roland Zengerle, Stefan Haeberle, Thilo Brenner
  • Publication number: 20080099410
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treatment of liquids by generating hydroxyl radicals through the dissolution of water molecules by hydraulic cavitation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: FLUID-QUIP, INC.
    Inventor: Allison Sprague
  • Patent number: 7364658
    Abstract: This invention is directed to systems and methods for removing lipids from a fluid or from lipid-containing organisms from a fluid, such as plasma. These systems combine a fluid with at least one extraction solvent, which causes the lipids to separate from the fluid or from the lipid-containing organisms. The separated lipids are removed from the fluid. The at least one extraction solvent is removed from the fluid or at least reduced to a concentration enabling the fluid to be administered to a patient without undesirable consequences. Once the fluid has been processed, the fluid may be administered to a patient who donated the fluid or to a different patient for therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Lipid Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Bomberger, Bryan Chavez, Pablo E. Garcia, Eric Hegwer, Thomas P. Low, Ripudaman Malhotra, Jeffrey J. Shimon
  • Patent number: 7347944
    Abstract: A method for making super-oxygenated and structured water that includes receiving water from a source, preconditioning the water for electrolysis, performing electrolysis on the preconditioned water to produce alkaline water, combining the alkaline water with oxygen, spinning the alkaline water/oxygen combination, outputting super-oxygenated, tuned and structured water, receiving the super-oxygenated and structured water into a coil system and passing the water therethrough, combining water output by the coil system with structured ozone, inputting the combined water and structured ozone to a multicoil system and passing the water therethrough and outputting super-oxygenated, tuned and structured water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: David Bagley
  • Patent number: 7347948
    Abstract: A rotatable rotor for separating components contained in a fluid, comprising an annular base having a first annular channel and an annular cover having a second annular channel for holding a flexible doughnut-shaped centrifuge bag therebetween. The cover has one or more radially spaced apart concentric indicator lines for monitoring the separation of the components. When the base and cover are superimposed, the first and second channels define an annular interior chamber having an off-centered figure eight configuration. The base and cover each comprise a grooved column axially centered and extending from the base top surface and the cover bottom surface, respectively. The flexible bag comprises inner and outer tubes extending from the core of the bag and which are seated in the column grooves to ensure that the bag is fixably rotatable with the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Ateriocyte Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor D. Dolecek, David Malcolm
  • Patent number: 7341662
    Abstract: A filtration vessel has an inlet for inflow into the filtration vessel of liquid media to be filtered, a body of filter media in the filtration vessel, and a drain to receive filtered liquid media for take off from the filtration vessel. The inlet is configured to induce rotating flow about the vessel of unfiltered liquid present in the vessel; and/or, the drain is configured in backwash mode to force backwash liquid through the filter media in rotating flow about the vessel; and/or the drain includes drain limbs inclined to the horizontal and providing for draining of filtered liquid along the inclined limbs to outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventors: Derek Colin Tolley, Asheley Derek Tolley
  • Publication number: 20080053911
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for separation of a mixture comprising an organic and an aqueous phase making use of a solid phase system. Still further the invention refers to a specific solid phase system, namely a spin column which can be used in order to carry out said method in an easy way. According to preferred embodiments the organic phase is phenol or phenol/chloroform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: QIAGEN GmbH
    Inventor: Ralf Himmelreich
  • Patent number: 7338608
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of achieving a solid-liquid separation of an oil-based mud comprising the step of contacting said oil-based mud with a water-in-oil emulsion comprising a polymer derived from at least one water-soluble monomer, where the polymer is not dissolved prior to contact with the oil-based mud, mixing the water-in-oil emulsion and the oil-based mud and separating the solid phase from the liquid phase in the oil-based mud. In addition, this invention also relates to a composition comprising an oil-based mud with a water-in-oil emulsion comprising a polymer derived from at least one water-soluble monomer, wherein the polymer is not dissolved prior to contact with the oil-based mud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Kemira Oyj
    Inventors: Jorge Adams, Henry Masias, Sun-Yi Huang, Raymond Farinato
  • Publication number: 20080035585
    Abstract: A system and method for separating particles using an elutriation or low density fluid wherein a re-circulation line is provided to re-circulate the elutriation or low density fluid for re-use in the separation system and method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: GAMBRO BCT, INC.
    Inventor: Glen Delbert Antwiler
  • Publication number: 20080035579
    Abstract: A centrifugal micro fluidic system and a centrifugal magnetic position control device used in the centrifugal micro fluidic system for controlling the position of magnetic beads are provided. The centrifugal micro fluidic system comprising, a rotatable platform; a micro fluidic structure which is disposed in the platform; and a plurality of objects which include functional groups on surfaces thereof so as to capture a target material from the fluid and carry the target material while being suspended in and separated from the fluid in the micro fluidic structure, wherein the movements of the objects are controlled by a force affecting the objects differently compared to the force's effect on the fluid. When the objects are made of a magnetic material, the force may be a magnetic force applied by the centrifugal magnetic position control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jeong-gun LEE, Yoon-kyoung CHO, Beom-seok LEE, Jong-myeon PARK
  • Patent number: 7326353
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for reclaiming and recycling developing solvents used in the production of flexographic printing plates. More specifically, the invention relates to reclaiming and/or recycling of the developing solvent through centrifugation and/or filtration. According to the invention, the solvent used in developing printing plates can be reclaimed and/or recycled by simply centrifuging the polymer-contaminated solvent. In certain embodiment, the centrifuged solvent is further filtered. The process involves transferring the contaminated solvent, from a plate processor or a dirty holding tank, to a centrifuge, and centrifuging the contaminated solvent to remove the polymer. The reclaimed solvent can be transfer directly back to the plate processor or to a clean holding tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Nupro Technologies
    Inventors: Constance Marie Hendrickson, David Calvin Bradford
  • Patent number: 7323110
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating inorganic and organic compounds in wastewater, such as leachate. The treatment method involves the use of a amphiphilic particles that consist of hydrophobic cores and amine-containing polymer shells. The method of making the particles and their structures are such that the particles have diameters in the range of 100 to 500 nm and they may be used multiples of times more in treating wastewater, through the process of regenerating the particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventor: Pei Li
  • Patent number: 7320776
    Abstract: A fluid analytical device for separating and analyzing a fluid including a first component and a second component. The specific weight of the first component exceeds that of the second component. A rotating base includes a receiving chamber, a first separation well, a second separation well, a first connection channel, a second connection channel, and a vent channel. The receiving chamber receives the fluid. The first connection channel connects the receiving chamber to the first separation well. The second connection channel connects the first separation well to the second separation well. The vent channel is connected to the receiving chamber. The distance from the first separation well to the receiving chamber exceeds that from the second separation well to the receiving chamber. When the rotating base rotates, the first and second components of the fluid flow into the first and second separation wells by centrifugal force, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignees: Industrial Technology Research Institute, Apex Biotechnology Corp.
    Inventors: Wen-Pin Hsieh, Chin-Tang Chuang, Jian-Je Jian, Iany-H Liau, Ke-Shieng Yang
  • Publication number: 20080011692
    Abstract: A cyclonic separator (10) separates contaminants from liquid fuel. The separator includes a body (12) having a base portion (14) and sidewall structure (16) extending from the base portion. The base portion and sidewall structure define an internal volume (V). An inlet port (18) in the body communicates with the internal volume, and an outlet port (20) in the body also communicates with the internal volume. The sidewall structure is constructed and arranged to cause fuel, containing a mixture of liquid fuel and contaminants, that enters the inlet port, to move in a generally circular manner in the internal volume so that the contaminants (P) separate from the liquid fuel, with the contaminants settling in the base portion and the liquid fuel (F?) moving through the outlet port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffery John Milton
  • Patent number: 7314441
    Abstract: A method for separating particulate matter from a fluid includes feeding a fluid containing a particulate matter into a chamber of a vessel through an inlet, the chamber being at least partially bounded by a peripheral wall and the chamber also communicating with a first outlet and a second outlet. The vessel is rotated such that at least a portion of the particulate matter settles out of the fluid against at least a portion of the peripheral wall. At least a portion of the particulate matter settled against the peripheral is subsequently disturbed so that at least a portion of the particulate matter is resuspend within the fluid. The method further includes removing at least a portion of the fluid having the resuspended particulate matter therein through the first outlet and removing through the second outlet the fluid from which the particulate material has settled out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Econova, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin E. Collier
  • Patent number: 7311849
    Abstract: The invention provides a control device for the separate collection of blood components in output from a blood centrifugation cell. The control device comprises: a support which comprises a recess for containing a duct; a visible-light emitter with a corresponding receiver, which are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the recess for containing the duct; an infrared-light emitter with a corresponding receiver, which are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the recess for containing the duct; and a processor to detect signals acquired by the two receivers, to calculate a ratio between the values of the signals, and to send signals to the means suitable to selectively send the fluid conveyed by the duct into separate collection bags, the means being able to change the bag in which the fluid is collected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Sorin Group Italia S.r.l.
    Inventors: Ivo Panzani, Sergio Romagnoli, Ivan Rossi, Stefano Sarti
  • Patent number: 7311837
    Abstract: In a process for the continuous recovery of free tartaric acid from raw materials containing potassium hydrogentartrate, the same are mixed with water and the potassium hydrogentartrate is dissolved. The process is improved in that the suspension is decanted, the clarified liquid is refiltered, the filtrate is cooled to crystallization temperature under a vacuum, the potassium hydrogentartrate crystals formed are dissolved, the solution is subjected to a cation exchange, and the tartaric acid solution obtained is evaporated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Lurgi AG
    Inventors: Dieter Stein, Rudolf Bonsch, Klaus Erb
  • Patent number: 7311841
    Abstract: The invention concerns a water treatment method which consists in introducing coagulated water in a flocculation zone, to enable flocculation of microflocs in the presence and around a ballast; introducing the mixture in a decantation zone; separating the treated water in overflow and a mixture of sludge and the ballast in underflow; conveying at least part of said mixture to a sludge/ballast separating system and recycling into or upstream of the flocculation zone the ballast and part of the sludge introduced in said separation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: OTV SA S.A.
    Inventors: Patrick Binot, Claus Poulsen Dahl, Joseph Edward Zuback
  • Patent number: 7306741
    Abstract: A flexible, disposable centrifuge bag for receiving and holding a fluid sample, comprising one or more tubes and upper and lower flexible sheets having doughnut shaped configurations. The upper and lower sheets are superimposed and completely sealed together at their outer perimeters to define an outer perimeter of the centrifuge bag. The inner perimeter of the bag defines a central core. The tubes are sandwiched between the upper and lower sheets and extend from the central core of the centrifuge bag. The upper and lower sheets are sealed together at their inner perimeters such that the tubes are sealed between said upper and lower sheets at the inner perimeter. The bag may be used to harvest platelet rich plasma from whole blood in either a batch method or while simultaneously infusing additional aliquots of whole blood into the bag during centrifugation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor D. Dolecek, David Malcolm
  • Publication number: 20070272612
    Abstract: A method for the separation of particles of different densities using a step-wise gradient density extraction method as described herein where a sample is suspended in a liquid volume of an extracting medium of specific density and the particles that have a density less than or equal to that of the extracting medium of specific density can be recovered from a horizonatally rotatable hollow disk or a removable receptacle within a horizontally rotatable hollow disk designed for such purposes while the particles that have a density greater than the extracting medium of specific density form a deposit which can be cycled through the extraction process in an iterative fashion by varying the density of the extracting medium allowing the recovery of discrete particles of differing densities from a test sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: Marcus Joseph Horn, Wenkui Lan
  • Publication number: 20070272596
    Abstract: A process is provided for recovering heavy minerals from aqueous oil sand tailings, the oil sand tailings having heavy minerals, other coarse solids such as silica, fines, residual bitumen and water, including desliming the oil sand tailings in a desliming means by removing a portion of free fines and residual bitumen from the oil sand tailings; attritioning the oil sand tailings in an attritioner to remove adhered fines and residual bitumen from the heavy minerals and other coarse solids; and subjecting the deslimed and attritioned tailings to separation in a separation means to separate the heavy minerals from the other coarse solids present in the deslimed and attritioned tailings and produce a concentrated heavy minerals fraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Applicant: TITANIUM CORPORATION INC.
    Inventors: DANIEL E. ERASMUS, NEIL P. DAWSON, FRANCIS CHACHULA
  • Patent number: 7297272
    Abstract: A separation apparatus and method are employed using a separation channel for rotation about an axis. Such channel includes radially spaced apart inner and outer side wall portions and an end wall portion. An inlet conveys fluid into the channel. A barrier is located in the channel intermediate of the inner and outer side wall portions. A first flow path communicates between upstream and downstream sides of the barrier. A collection region may be located downstream of the barrier for communication with the first flow path. An outer side wall section of the channel may be positioned radially outward of an upstream section thereof. The barrier may join the outer side wall portion along a substantial portion of an axial length of the channel. First and second exit flow paths may allow communication with the channel either upstream or downstream of the barrier or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyungyoon Min, Richard I. Brown, Alp Akonur
  • Patent number: 7291277
    Abstract: A method for cleaning the fountain solution of a printing press with an automatically emptying separator (16), separates the dirt particles and oil residues from fountain solution and supplies them, as a mixture of dirt and fountain solution, to a dirt and fountain solution container (24) and passes the remaining fountain solution into a fountain solution storage tank (20). The dirt and fountain solution mixture in the dirt and fountain solution mixture container (24) is caused to settle in layers and the layer, containing the fountain solution, is transferred by an overflow (26) in to the fountain solution storage tank (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignees: Technotrans AG, Westfalia Separator GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Walczyk, Christian Brüggemann, Jürgen Mackel
  • Patent number: RE40407
    Abstract: A method for entraining and mixing gas with liquids within a conduit or drop structure, comprising the channeling of one or more liquid flows into spiral flows of predetermined radius (radii), reducing the predetermined radius (radii) to increase the centrifugal forces acting upon the spiral flow(s) as the spiral flow(s) enter the conduit, and allowing gas access to the conduit to mix with and entrain within the spiral flow within the conduit or drop structure. The method can facilitate the mixing of gas with one or more fluid flows and/or reduce the release of gas emissions from the fluid(s) into the surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Vortex Flow, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene M. Natarius