Responsive To Fluid Flow Patents (Class 210/87)
  • Publication number: 20130083884
    Abstract: A filter status module for use with a container based filtration device includes a dispensing sensor and a user interface communicatively coupled to a processing unit. The processing unit counts a number of dispensing events, duration and/or angle of tilt signaled by the dispensing sensor and outputs a filter status on the user interface as a function of the number of dispensing events, duration and/or angle of tilt. The processing unit may further track an elapsed period of time from insertion of a new filter and output the filter status as a further function of the elapsed period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: Benjamin Ma, Rick T. Nishijima, John W. Jamieson, Edward M. Buckley, Teruo Hishiki, David Dycher, Ho Pun Chung
  • Publication number: 20130068672
    Abstract: A water filter system includes a filter unit having a body portion adapted to be rotatingly received into a filter head assembly. An engagement protrusion extends from the body portion and is adapted for reception in a complementary receiver in the filter head assembly. An electronic device is disposed on the filter unit having a memory storage unit. A laterally extending key member is disposed on the body portion between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface. The laterally extending key member is adapted to reposition an interference member from an interference position, whereby the body portion can be fully inserted into the filter head assembly to a non-interference position, whereby the body portion can be fully inserted into the filter head assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER A. KRUCKENBERG, JOHN W. MORRISON, PETER J. RICHMOND, JEFFREY A. SPINDLER
  • Patent number: 8372273
    Abstract: There is provided a water purifying filter assembly module that a water purifying filter can be easily released from or assembled with. The water purifying filter assembly module may include: a filter assembly head having a water purifying filter assembled on one side thereof, the filter assembly head configured such that water to be filtered flows into the water purifying filter and the water, filtered through the water purifying filter, is discharged to an outside thereof; and a module body having the filter assembly head rotatably provided therein, the water purifying filter being released from or assembled on the filter assembly head as the water purifying filter is aligned and rotates with the filter assembly head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Woongjin Coway Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Woo Il Joo, In Du Choi, Jung Hwan Lee, Hyun Young Kim
  • Patent number: 8357304
    Abstract: A self-contained storage system for hazardous materials includes a containment envelope enclosing a storage tank containing hazardous materials and forming a containment space between the storage tank and containment envelope. Leaked material is detected by one or more sensors in the containment space and, depending on the concentration or time rate of change in concentration of the leaked material, alarms and corresponding mitigation measures are reversibly activated to remove leaked material from the containment space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Streamline Automation, LLC
    Inventors: Alton Reich, Roberto DiSalvo, Stephen Doherty, H Waite Dykes
  • Publication number: 20120292257
    Abstract: Devices and methods for collecting and treating waste materials. One implementation of the present invention includes a mobile apparatus that continuously collects a waste material and continuously treats the waste material so that it is suitable for disposal, transportation, or reuse at a desired location. Such an apparatus may include a delivery mechanism that delivers a waste material to a motor driven mixing unit at a selectable rate. This delivery mechanism may include a pump or a motor driven blower and separator. The mixing unit may be configured to receive a treating material and to mix the waste material with the treating material. Advantageously, the delivery mechanism and the mixing unit are positioned together on a portable unit (e.g., a trailer, a barge, a railroad car, etc.) so that the apparatus is mobile and portable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Dwight Hartley
  • Publication number: 20120273415
    Abstract: Monitoring of the performance of a blood fluid removal medium of a blood fluid removal device includes monitoring of condition, such as fluid flow rate or concentration of blood waste product, downstream of the medium. Upstream monitoring of the condition may also be performed to enhance the ability to determine whether the blood fluid removal medium is performing within predetermined ranges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: Martin Gerber, SuPing Lyu, Bryant Pudil
  • Patent number: 8298427
    Abstract: A method for controlling an apparatus for treating blood outside the human body, with a view to improving the operation of the apparatus, the apparatus including a semi-permeable membrane carrying out an exchange of solutes, referred to as dialysis, and of liquid, referred to as ultrafiltration, with the blood, the method including at least one iteration of the following steps: determination of a so-called instantaneous value, of an ultrafiltration coefficient corresponding to the ratio of an ultrafiltration flow rate to a difference in pressure, the so-called transmembrane pressure, on either side of the semi-permeable membrane, comparison of the instantaneous value with at least one previously determined characteristic value; and control of the treatment apparatus to reach a maximum value of the ultrafiltration coefficient, the control including a variation of the ultrafiltration flow rate up to a value corresponding to the maximum value of the ultrafiltration coefficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: RD Nephrologie
    Inventors: Alain Ficheux, Angel Argiles Ciscart
  • Publication number: 20120267306
    Abstract: Separation processes using engineered osmosis are disclosed generally involving the extraction of solvent from a first solution to concentrate solute by using a second concentrated solution to draw the solvent from the first solution across a semi-permeable membrane. Enhanced efficiency may result from using low grade waste heat from industrial or commercial sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: OASYS WATER, INC.
    Inventors: Robert L. McGinnis, Joseph E. Zuback
  • Publication number: 20120255934
    Abstract: The liquid-quality adjusting apparatus of the present invention includes: a water purifying part that deionizes a machining liquid; an anticorrosive part that exchanges ions in the machining liquid with anticorrosive ions; a conductivity measuring part that measures a measured value of conductivity of the machining liquid; a storage part that stores in advance a first reference value and a second reference value which are an upper limit value and a lower limit value of conductivity applicable to machining, respectively, and a third reference value which is between the first reference value and the second reference value; and a control part that performs control on the basis of the reference values stored in the storage part and the measured value of the conductivity of the machining liquid measured by the conductivity measuring part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicants: RYODEN KOKI ENGINEERING CO., LTD., MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tamayo Ohata, Tatsushi Sato, Hironori Kuriki, Hisakatsu Kawarai, Jyunji Tanimura, Takashi Yuzawa
  • Patent number: 8282829
    Abstract: A dialysis system includes: a dialysis machine for performing a first dialysis session on a patient at a first time of a day; a remote exchange device for performing a second dialysis session on the patient at a second time of the day, the remote exchange device configured to record an amount of ultrafiltration (“UF”) that is removed from the patient over the second dialysis session; and a communication link between the dialysis machine and the remote exchange device, wherein the dialysis machine is configured to receive the recorded amount UF removed from the remote exchange device via the communication link and determine a total amount of UF removed from the patient over the first and second sessions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Alex Anping Yu, Robert W. Childers, Pete Hopping
  • Patent number: 8272252
    Abstract: A method for determining pore structure characteristics of a filtration cartridge includes the steps of placing a porometry test location isolating device in sealing contact with the filtration cartridge at a desired test location, increasing the porometer test gas pressure until the test gas flows through the cartridge at the test location, measuring the flow rate of the test gas through the test location as a function of differential pressure, reducing the test gas pressure to atmospheric pressure, wetting the test location with a wetting liquid, increasing the test gas pressure again until the test gas flows through the cartridge at the test location, measuring differential gas pressure and gas flow rates through the test location, and converting the measured gas flow rates and differential pressures into through pore throat diameters, largest through pore throat diameter, mean flow through pore throat diameter, pore distribution, and gas permeability of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Porous Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Krishna M. Gupta, Akshaya Jena
  • Patent number: 8252172
    Abstract: There is a water enhancement system coupled to a water conduit, wherein the water enhancement system is configured to enhance a water supply. The water enhancement system includes a filtration system coupled to a water conduit, configured to filter water flowing therethrough. The water enhancement system also includes an enhancement system coupled to the filtration system, configured to treat water flowing therethrough by dispensing a fluid therein. The enhancement system includes a plurality of cartridge sockets and matching cartridges configured to selectably couple together and contain enhancing fluid. The water enhancement system further includes a treatment bracket coupled about the water conduit and to the enhancement system. The water enhancement system additionally includes a treatment device coupled about the treatment bracket and configured to alter a characteristic of the water flowing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: David Hall
  • Patent number: 8252171
    Abstract: A water purifying and enhancement system of a modular construction designed as a built-in appliance located under the countertop or as a free-standing (stand alone) unit. The water appliance has a water inlet for obtaining water from a supply source, scale reduction device, booster or re-pressurization pump, pre-filtration, U.V. sterilization, R.O. filtration, de-ionization (CDI or mechanical), mineral injection system (for adding desired minerals into the purified water), water diagnostic and monitoring cells, post filtration, proprietary water enhancement reactor consisting of specially engineered and blended ores of ceramic components, and/or an electrolytic ionization chamber, and/or a magnetic chamber, a water outlet for delivery of the highly purified enhanced water product, and a outlet to grey water drain for reject water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Paul S. Doran
  • Patent number: 8246826
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to hemodialysis and similar dialysis systems, including a variety of systems and methods that would make hemodialysis more efficient, easier, and/or more affordable. One aspect of the invention is generally directed to new fluid circuits for fluid flow. In one set of embodiments, a hemodialysis system may include a blood flow path and a dialysate flow path, where the dialysate flow path includes one or more of a balancing circuit, a mixing circuit, and/or a directing circuit. Preparation of dialysate by the preparation circuit, in some instances, may be decoupled from patient dialysis. In some cases, the circuits are defined, at least partially, within one or more cassettes, optionally interconnected with conduits, pumps, or the like. In one embodiment, the fluid circuit and/or the various fluid flow paths may be at least partially isolated, spatially and/or thermally, from electrical components of the hemodialysis system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Michael J. Wilt, Jason A. Demers, Kevin L. Grant, Brian Tracey, James D. Dale
  • Patent number: 8240482
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for tangential filtration of a fluid to be treated and to be separated into a filtrate and a retentate, comprising at least one filtration element which comprises at least one inlet for a fluid to be filtered and at least one outlet for the retentate having circulated the filtration element, wherein said element is incorporated in a circulation loop so that at least a part of the retentate is reinjected into the fluid to be treated before being introduced into the filtration element. a module of filtration into which the circulation loop is integrated and realized by a series of filtration elements in forward direction and a series of filtration elements in backward direction, forming forward and backward circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Societe Industrielle de la Vallee de l'Aigues S.I.V.A.
    Inventor: Philippe Lescoche
  • Patent number: 8225684
    Abstract: A ceramic honeycomb filter including trapping holes forming lattices is used to detect particulates trapped in the filter. An electromagnetic wave is transmitted to the filter in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the trapping hole. The electromagnetic wave after the electromagnetic wave passes through the filter is received and the particulates trapped in the filter are detected on the base of a received intensity of the electromagnetic wave. The electromagnetic wave has a frequency of 0.294 c/a or more and c/a or less (a represents a lattice spacing of said trapping holes and c represents the speed of light). The electromagnetic wave is irradiated to the filter wherein the particulates are not trapped and an inclined angle ? of the electromagnetic wave with respect to the lattices is changed so as to increase a received intensity of the electromagnetic wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jungo Kondo, Yuichi Iwata, Tetsuya Ejiri
  • Patent number: 8226823
    Abstract: A salometer and flow rate sensor assembly for a water softener system including a brine tank containing a brine solution including at least one sensor housing provided in the brine tank, a first detector set associated with the housing and configured for indicating whether the brine solution is adequately concentrated and a second detector set associated with the housing and configured for measuring the brine solution flow rate during brine draw and refill cycles of regeneration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Culligan International Company
    Inventors: Kerry Quinn, Gene Wayman, Kumudika Premathilake, Bill Lathouris
  • Patent number: 8215028
    Abstract: A system for slurrifying drill cuttings including a cuttings dryer, a pump, and a transfer line fluidly connecting the cuttings dryer and the pump, the transfer line having a fluid inlet for receiving a fluid. Furthermore, the system for slurrifying drill cuttings including a storage vessel fluidly connected to the pump for storing a slurry. Additionally, a method for slurrifying drill cuttings including drying drill cuttings in a cuttings drying to produce dry cuttings and combining a fluid with the dry cuttings to produce a slurry. Furthermore, the method includes mixing the slurry and the dry cuttings in a mixing pump and transferring the slurry to a storage vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jan Thore Eia
  • Patent number: 8211296
    Abstract: A portable water treatment system and apparatus is disclosed that can effectively and efficiently treat aqueous fluids by quickly and reliably adjusting and controlling the free residual level of disinfectants, contaminants or additives through the addition of one or more treating agents such as oxidizing chemicals and/or other special-purpose additives, and that can continuously store, log, retrieve and report the related fluid composition data and other operating parameters on a real-time basis at either the use site or a remote location. A preferred use for the subject system and apparatus is managing the chemistry of disinfectant, contaminant and/or additive levels in aqueous fluids used in hydraulic fracturing operations, and controlling the free residual levels of the disinfectant or contaminants within the fluids, including fluids maintained in frac tanks during temporary cessation of a hydraulic fracturing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: NCH Ecoservices, LLC
    Inventors: Jerome F. Angelilli, Patrick D. Guccione, Jason M. Melton, Daniel Wai-tak Wong, John H. Williams
  • Publication number: 20120138516
    Abstract: A system for treating ballast water includes one or more electrolytic cells in fluid communication with a salt water source and in fluid communication with one or more ballast water tanks, a means for controlling hypochlorite generation by the one or more electrolytic cells, and a neutralization system in fluid communication with the one or more ballast water tanks. The neutralization system includes a means for measuring presence of oxidizing agents in the ballast water, a reducing agent source in fluid communication with the ballast water, and a means for controlling the amount of reducing agent supplied to the ballast water in communication with the means for measuring presence of oxidizing agents in the ballast water. The system may include a flow meter for measuring a ballast water flow rate and/or a TOC analyzer for measuring a TOC content of the ballast water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: SEVERN TRENT DE NORA, LLC
    Inventors: Harold E. Childers, II, Randolfo Fernandez, Rudolf Matousek, James B. Moore, David W. Hill
  • Patent number: 8182673
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically adjusting a Continuous Cycling Peritoneal Dialysis (“CCPD”) therapy to minimize the potential for excess intra-peritoneal volume. The adjustments are made at the end of the drain, just prior to the next fill. The adjustments short the next fill, if necessary, to limit the intra-peritoneal volume, add a cycle, if necessary, to use all of the available dialysis solution and will average the remaining dwell time to maximize the therapeutic benefit of the therapy in the allotted time. In another embodiment, a tidal therapy using trended patient UF data is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Robert W. Childers, Ying-Cheng Lo, Peter A. Hopping
  • Publication number: 20120111799
    Abstract: The invention relates to an installation (30) for monitoring the quality of water and designed to be installed on a pipe (18) dedicated to distributing water to a consumer. The invention is characterized in that the installation comprises: a probe (32) for measuring at least one parameter of the water flowing in the pipe; a contamination detector device (46) for detecting the presence, if any, of contamination on the basis of measurements performed by the probe; a reverse flow detector device (36) for detecting reverse flow in said pipe; a disinfection device (40) for disinfecting the water in the pipe and/or a cutoff valve for closing the pipe; and a control member (50) for actuating the disinfection device and/or the cutoff valve as a function of data provided by the contamination detector device and the reverse flow detector device, whereby the quality of the water delivered to or returned by the consumer is monitored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: VEOLIA EAU - COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES EAUX
    Inventors: Cyrille Lemoine, Marc Moreau
  • Publication number: 20120115723
    Abstract: A composition for treating waters, e.g. ballast water or injection water for oil recovery, to kill in-situ aquatic invasive species comprises at least one biocide capable of killing both animal and plant micro-organisms. The at least one biocide preferably comprises Brilliant Green, Gentian Violet, and/or erythrosine, and a wetting agent or detergent-like compound such as CTAB or CTAC. The invention also relates to a system for treating ballast water in situ comprising means for injecting a composition for treating ballast water; means for measuring the flow rate or amount of ballast water to be treated; means for controlling the dosing of the composition; and means for storing or receiving the composition. The invention also relates to a method of detecting viable aquatic organisms in ballast water in situ comprising detecting metabolism in viable micro-organisms in ballast water and, therefore, measuring the efficacy of any treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE
    Inventors: William Stimson, Peilin Zhou, Dracos Vassalos, Atilla Incecik
  • Publication number: 20120111777
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing impurities from water and/or wastewater and a method of installing a fluid distribution system in the apparatus. In the most preferred form of the invention, the fluid distribution system is an air scour system for directing air through the filter bed to assist in cleaning of the filter bed to remove impurities trapped in the filter bed during a service run. In the most preferred form, the method of installing the fluid distribution system in the filter bed is performed by imparting a force to the filter bed to permit the fluid distribution system to be installed in the filter bed without removing media. The fluid distribution system is preferably configured to permit the fluid distribution system to be readily installed in the filter bed and at an optimum orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: R. Lee Roberts, Mark Kevin Addison
  • Publication number: 20120097585
    Abstract: A filter canister is described that includes at least one filter element and a casing formed about the filter element and having sufficient strength to be used in place of a pressure vessel. The filter canister can have first and second ends. A collector tube can be disposed within the filter element to collect permeate from the filtered fluid. Two or more of the filter canisters can be fluidly coupled in a filtration system. The filter canister can be produced by spool winding a material about the filter element and an end piece to form a casing that can harden in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: ADVANCED ENERGY SAVING SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Dennis Chancellor, John Blackman
  • Publication number: 20120091045
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system includes independent wastewater treatment facilities. Each of the facilities has a number of wastewater treatment subsystems. A wastewater collection subsystem holds wastewater to be treated. A pump subsystem moves wastewater from a wastewater collector to a filtration subsystem having a bioreacting filter. The filter has a sump and a fluidized-bed filter therein and supports the filter upright. The filter has an upwardly expanding, hollow, conical filter body with filter media. A monitoring subsystem measures wastewater process parameters. Control devices receive control commands and, dependent upon the command received, alter parameters of the wastewater treatment subsystems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Mark B. Robertson, David O'Keefe, John D. Cox, Daniel T. White
  • Publication number: 20120080384
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a method and apparatus to quickly and inexpensively implement advanced filtration to engines and systems using spin-on oil filter by using a system adapter sandwiched between the spin-on oil filter and the engine block affixed by a nipple adapter. The system adapter has the ability to make quick hydraulic connection to the inlet and outlet of a bypass grade or advanced filter, where oil is super cleaned, without modifications to the engine as is the paradigm by traditional bypass filtration systems and without removing any lubricant from the engine or system that the present invention is connected to, as is the paradigm of traditional bypass filtering systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventor: Adan Reinosa
  • Publication number: 20120074069
    Abstract: An enhanced system for monitoring clogging of a fluid filter. A differential pressure sensor connects to fluid lines on opposite sides of the filter to measure a pressure difference across the filter. A viscosity-indicating property sensor connects to one of the fluid lines to measure a viscosity-indicating property of the fluid. A filter monitor in communication with the differential pressure sensor and the viscosity-indicating property sensor issues an operator alert when the pressure difference across the filter exceeds a differential pressure set point. The differential pressure set point is a function of the viscosity-indicating property of the fluid in the fluid line. In one embodiment, a fluid flow rate device in communication with the filter monitor indicates a flow rate of the fluid through the filter. The differential pressure set point is additionally a function of the flow rate of fluid through the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: HANILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: David L. Ripley, Brian E. Hemesath
  • Patent number: 8142660
    Abstract: A filtrate monitoring device and a filtrate monitoring system, which can monitor a membrane-type water filtrating/purifying system at all times and which can flexibly adjust themselves to the contents and sizes of impurities, are provided. The filtrate monitoring device monitors the filtrate having passed through the membrane-type water filtrating/purifying device. The filtrate monitoring device comprises: imaging/detecting means for shooting images in the filtrate having passed through the filtrating/purifying device, on the filtrate flowing in an observation bath of a filtrate observing cell disposed midway of the branched filtrate pipeline, thereby to specify the particles contained in the filtrate, and/or optical detecting means disposed midway of the filtrate pipeline before or after branching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Hirata Corporation
    Inventors: Seigo Murakami, Takenori Hirakawa, Takafumi Iseri
  • Patent number: 8142649
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically adjusting a Continuous Cycling Peritoneal Dialysis (“CCPD”) therapy to minimize the potential for excess intra-peritoneal volume. The adjustments are made at the end of the drain, just prior to the next fill. The adjustments short the next fill, if necessary, to limit the intra-peritoneal volume, add a cycle, if necessary, to use all of the available dialysis solution and will average the remaining dwell time to maximize the therapeutic benefit of the therapy in the allotted time. In another embodiment, a tidal therapy using trended patient UF data is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Robert W. Childers, Peter A. Hopping
  • Patent number: 8142656
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for reducing the demand of wastewater volume flowing through a wastewater collection piping system and thereby increasing the effective capacity of the system. A portion of the wastewater is diverted from a sewer main. The solids are separated from the liquid, for example, by a vortex separator. The recovered liquid can be treated and made available for reuse or can be disposed of, for example, in a body of water or pumped into the ground. The concentrated solids are reintroduced into the main sewage line in a portion that adjusts the wastewater loading in the sewer main to a predetermined amount or predetermined range. Also disclosed is a system capable of reintroducing the concentrated solids into the sewer main in a portion that adjusts the solids loading in the sewer main to a predetermined amount or predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolivegreen Corp.
    Inventor: Paul L. Culler
  • Patent number: 8136388
    Abstract: A method for determining pore structure characteristics of a filtration cartridge includes the steps of placing a porometry test location isolating device in sealing contact with the filtration cartridge at a desired test location, increasing the porometer test gas pressure until the test gas flows through the cartridge at the test location, measuring the flow rate of the test gas through the test location as a function of differential pressure, reducing the test gas pressure to atmospheric pressure, wetting the test location with a wetting liquid, increasing the test gas pressure again until the test gas flows through the cartridge at the test location, measuring differential gas pressure and gas flow rates through the test location, and converting the measured gas flow rates and differential pressures into through pore throat diameters, largest through pore throat diameter, mean flow through pore throat diameter, pore distribution, and gas permeability of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Porous Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Krishna M. Gupta, Akshaya Jena
  • Patent number: 8136386
    Abstract: A method for determining pore structure characteristics of a filtration cartridge includes the steps of placing a porometry test location isolating device in sealing contact with the filtration cartridge at a desired test location, increasing the porometer test gas pressure until the test gas flows through the cartridge at the test location, measuring the flow rate of the test gas through the test location as a function of differential pressure, reducing the test gas pressure to atmospheric pressure, wetting the test location with a wetting liquid, increasing the test gas pressure again until the test gas flows through the cartridge at the test location, measuring differential gas pressure and gas flow rates through the test location, and converting the measured gas flow rates and differential pressures into through pore throat diameters, largest through pore throat diameter, mean flow through pore throat diameter, pore distribution, and gas permeability of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Porous Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Krishna M. Gupta, Akshaya Jena
  • Patent number: 8136387
    Abstract: A method for determining pore structure characteristics of a filtration cartridge includes the steps of placing a porometry test location isolating device in sealing contact with the filtration cartridge at a desired test location, increasing the porometer test gas pressure until the test gas flows through the cartridge at the test location, measuring the flow rate of the test gas through the test location as a function of differential pressure, reducing the test gas pressure to atmospheric pressure, wetting the test location with a wetting liquid, increasing the test gas pressure again until the test gas flows through the cartridge at the test location, measuring differential gas pressure and gas flow rates through the test location, and converting the measured gas flow rates and differential pressures into through pore throat diameters, largest through pore throat diameter, mean flow through pore throat diameter, pore distribution, and gas permeability of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Porous Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Krishna M. Gupta, Akshaya Jena
  • Patent number: 8128821
    Abstract: A reverse osmosis system 110 includes a membrane chamber 112 having a feed line. The chamber 112 generates a permeate stream 114 and a brine stream 116 from the feed line 118. A feed pump 120 pressurizes the feed line 118. A first flow meter generates a first flow signal corresponding to a flow of fluid in the permeate stream 214. A booster device 172 has a turbine 176 in fluid communication with the brine stream 116 and a pump 174 in fluid communication with the feed line 118. A motor 178 is coupled to the turbine device 176 and a variable frequency drive 182 is attached to the turbine device 176 operating in response to the first flow signal. A second flow meter 218 generates a second flow signal corresponding to a flow of fluid in the brine stream 116 and a variable size nozzle 240 operates an opening in response to the second flow meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Fluid Equipment Development Company, LLC
    Inventor: Eli Oklejas, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120031821
    Abstract: A head for a water filter system having a filter element including a three-way valve member movable between a first position, a second position, and a third position. When the valve member is in the first position, incoming water is directed to the filter element to remove sediment and impurities from the water. When the valve member is in the second position, the incoming water is blocked from passing through the filter element and the valve member. Lastly, when the valve member is in the third position, the incoming water passes through the valve member and not the filter element so that the filter element can be removed and replaced without interrupting the incoming water flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Paragon Water Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David Swain
  • Patent number: 8105258
    Abstract: A hemofiltration system and method for pumping blood from a patient's blood stream into an access line, introducing an anticoagulant solution into the pumped blood, filtering the pumped blood and delivering it to a return line, introducing a substitution fluid into the pumped blood, introducing a calcium and magnesium solution into the blood traveling through the return line, and returning the blood back to the patient's blood stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Lannoy
  • Patent number: 8101078
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for reducing the demand of wastewater volume flowing through a wastewater collection piping system and thereby increasing the effective capacity of the system. A portion of the wastewater is diverted from a sewer main. The solids are separated from the liquid, for example, by a vortex separator. The recovered liquid can be treated and made available for reuse or can be disposed of, for example, in a body of water or pumped into the ground. The concentrated solids are reintroduced into the main sewage line in a portion that adjusts the wastewater loading in the sewer main to a predetermined amount or predetermined range. Also disclosed is a system capable of reintroducing the concentrated solids into the sewer main in a portion that adjusts the solids loading in the sewer main to a predetermined amount or predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolivegreen Corp.
    Inventor: Paul L. Culler
  • Publication number: 20120006730
    Abstract: A detachable vented signaling alarm apparatus is provided which is capable of being attached to a skimmer basket commonly used with pool skimming systems. There are many different configurations and sizes of skimmer baskets with which the present apparatus is capable of attachment merely by drilling a hole generally centrally in the skimmer basket bottom. The detachable signaling alarm may be readily removed from the skimmer basket for various reasons such as pool vacuuming or maintenance and includes a vented stem for minimizing damage to the basket when debris has accumulated therein. An alarm of any type can be used with the vent mechanism for indicating when the skimmer basket is substantially blocked by debris by generating of an alarm condition responsive to airflow through the vent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Frank Tesauro, Joseph Tesauro
  • Publication number: 20120000858
    Abstract: A computer based method for generating a pulsating water flow through a faucet in response to a filter status, comprising the steps of: determining a water flow rate through a first filter; determining a duration of water flow at said water flow rate; determining the filtered volume of water filtered by said first filter based upon said water flow rate and duration of water flow; determining the filter status by comparing said filtered volume of water and an expected rated service life value of said first filter; and causing the faucet to expel pulsating water when the faucet is in the on state, when the filter status represents that remaining filter life is below a first threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Andy Butler, Jackie Lai, Todd Pope, Anurupa Rao
  • Publication number: 20110315638
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided that enable the control of a screening operation based on a calculated screen blockage percentage and the velocity throughput of the screen. The apparatus includes an upstream level detector, a downstream level detector and flume or weir placed downstream of the screen. The apparatus may further include a blockage determination unit which determines the percent screen blockage based on the flow level upstream of the screen and the flow level downstream of the screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: JWC ENVIRONMENTAL
    Inventors: Scott KELLY, Kenneth OYLER, James BURKE
  • Patent number: 8066888
    Abstract: A blood cell collection system having means for detecting when a cell separation chamber has filled with white blood cells, and flushing the cells out of the cell separation chamber into a collect bag. A red-green sensor senses the optical characteristics of fluid leaving the cell separation chamber. A baseline value is calculated. The device calculates a ratio of the intensities of red light and green light and a peak-to-peak ratio of intensities. If either ratio exceeds thresholds computed from the baseline, the device flushes the cells into the collect bag. A camera detects white cells passing into the cell separation chamber and the device calculates the number of cells being collected. If the calculated number of collected cells exceeds a certain limit, the cell separation chamber is flushed. If the device is unable to establish a baseline, the donation can proceed, relying solely on the calculated number of collected cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: CaridianBCT, Inc.
    Inventors: William Sweat, Jeremy Kolenbrander, John R. Lindner, Jennifer Hinz
  • Patent number: 8062522
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for reducing the demand of wastewater volume flowing through a wastewater collection piping system and thereby increasing the effective capacity of the system. A portion of the wastewater is diverted from a sewer main. The solids are separated from the liquid, for example, by a vortex separator. The recovered liquid can be treated and made available for local reuse. The concentrated solids are reintroduced into the main sewage line in a portion that adjusts the wastewater loading in the sewer main to a predetermined amount or predetermined range. Also disclosed is a system capable of reintroducing the concentrated solids into the sewer main in a portion that adjusts the solids loading in the sewer main to a predetermined amount or predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Ecolivegreen Corp.
    Inventor: Paul L. Culler
  • Publication number: 20110278207
    Abstract: A water filter system including a base configured for receiving water from a faucet and a filter cartridge seated in the base. The filter cartridge defines a first chamber having at least one filter element, and a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. An enhancement cartridge is removably inserted in the second chamber and includes an enhancement material for adding minerals to the water. The enhancement cartridge is removable from the system separate from the filter cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: Paragon Water Systems
    Inventor: David Swain
  • Patent number: 8057679
    Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system includes: an automated peritoneal dialysis (“APD”) machine configured to remove ultrafiltrate (“UF”) from a patient and record how much UF has been removed; and a logic implementer configured to (i) form a first moving average UF removed trend, (ii) determine a trending range around the first moving average UF removed trend, (iii) determine at least one of an upper and lower UF removed limit from the trending range, (iv) form a second moving average UF removed trend, and (v) alert if the second moving average UF removed trend moves outside of the at least one UF removed limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Anping Yu, James Grayson, Robert W. Childers
  • Patent number: 8052865
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a reverse osmosis (RO) system that includes a housing and a pre-filter within the housing such that feed water flows into the housing and enters the pre-filter. The reverse osmosis (RO) system further includes a membrane element within the housing such that the pre-filtered water flows from the pre-filter and enters the membrane element and permeate exits the membrane element through the housing. In some embodiments, the housing includes a first end cap at one end and a second end cap at an opposing end such that feed water flows through the first end cap into the pre-filter and pre-filtered water flows from the pre-filter into the first end cap. In addition, the pre-filtered water may flow from the first end cap to the membrane element such that permeate exits the membrane element through the first end cap in order exit the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: GE Osmonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Kloos, Philip M. Rolchigo, Christopher J. Kurth, Chia Kung, Thomas J. Cartwright, Richard M. Reckin, Kenneth J. Sieth
  • Patent number: 8038873
    Abstract: A refrigerator comprising a water conduit that is equipped with a socket for an exchangeable water filter and a monitoring unit for detecting the water throughput through the water conduit, said unit generating an alarm if the water throughput exceeds a threshold value. The monitoring unit can be deactivated if a water filter is mounted in the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Buchstab, Hans Ihle, Andreas Kempte, Peter Nalbach, Michael Roth
  • Publication number: 20110240557
    Abstract: The present invention can include a reverse osmosis unit, a control system, a display, and/or a memory. The reverse osmosis unit can include a filtration unit, a liquid utilization system, and/or an instrumentation system. The filtration unit includes a plurality of filter banks which each have a plurality of filter unit. The filtration unit receives a feed liquid and generates permeate and concentrate. The permeate is sent to the liquid utilization system, while the concentrate is removed. The instrumentation system can include a plurality of sensors to detect operational data of the feed liquid, permeate, and/or concentrate. Using the operational data and equations, the control unit can calculate the normalized permeate flow rate indicating whether the filters should be cleaned and/or replaced. The operational data and the equations can be used to determine whether the pressure and/or flow can be manipulated without damaging the filters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: John A. Goodfellow
  • Publication number: 20110220559
    Abstract: There is provided a water purifying filter assembly module that a water purifying filter can be easily released from or assembled with. A water purifying filter assembly module according to an aspect of the invention may include: a filter assembly head having a water purifying filter assembled on one side thereof, the filter assembly head configured such that water to be filtered flows into the water purifying filter and the water, filtered through the water purifying filter, is discharged to an outside thereof; and a module body having the filter assembly head rotatably provided therein, the water purifying filter being released from or assembled on the filter assembly head as the water purifying filter is aligned and rotates with the filter assembly head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: Woongjin Coway Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Won Il Joo, In Du Choi, Jung Hwan Lee, Hyun Young Kim
  • Patent number: 7988849
    Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis machine includes an enclosure; dialysate pump located within the enclosure; a graphical user interface connected to the enclosure and configured to display a parameter associated with the dialysate pump; and a projector configured to project the parameter onto a surface external from the enclosure so as to allow a patient to readily view the parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: John A. Biewer, Andrey Kopychev, Merrick F. Kossack, Philip J. D'Almada Remedios