Degasification Of Liquid Patents (Class 95/46)
  • Patent number: 8852324
    Abstract: A venting device for a housing, for example, a battery housing, has a gas-permeable and liquid-impermeable membrane attached to the housing so as to close off a venting opening of the housing. The membrane has a membrane section that overlaps and covers the venting opening. The membrane section has a predetermined bursting pressure. The membrane section deforms without being destroyed when pressure differences between the interior of the housing and the environment occur that are below the bursting pressure and when gas passes through the membrane section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Mann+Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Sascha Bauer, Stefan Maier, Robert Zbiral, Markus Beylich
  • Patent number: 8852668
    Abstract: A mechanism for preventing or inhibiting bubbles of dissolved gasses from outgassing due to phase change phenomenon of the pressure differential inside a liquid-filled incompressible line can be provided. This mechanism may be useful in a variety of applications, such as coating of stents and scaffolds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Hung T. Nguyen, Scott Mueller, Ronald Farnbach, John Papp, Matthew Gillick
  • Publication number: 20140283684
    Abstract: Versions of the invention include methods for reducing microbubbles in liquids treated by heat or mass exchange devices. The exchange devices may be conditioned by having gases in crevices and surfaces displaced by a liquid. The methods can be used to prepare liquids with reduced numbers of microbubbles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Zahka, Aiwen Wu
  • Publication number: 20140260969
    Abstract: A pumping system configured to pump fluid from the ambient environment to a target reservoir, the pumping system including: a fluid pump configured to statically mount to a rotating surface, the pump configured to rotate about an axis of rotation; a pump reservoir statically coupled to the fluid pump and configured to fluidly couple to the target reservoir, the pump reservoir including a collection area defined along a portion of the pump reservoir radially outward of the axis of rotation; and a liquid separation member arranged along a portion of the collection area, the liquid separation member including a membrane configured to preferentially permit liquid flow therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Aperia Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Brandon Richardson
  • Publication number: 20140260968
    Abstract: A method for desorption of one or more gases from a liquid stream in which a liquid stream containing at least one gas is provided to the feed side of a porous membrane and a trans-membrane pressure drop from the feed side to the opposite gas side of the membrane is created, resulting in a portion of the liquid stream filling at least a portion of the pores of the porous membrane and desorption of at least a portion of the at least one gas from the liquid stream to the gas side of the porous membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Shiguang LI, Dennis Rocha, Shaojun Zhou, Howard Meyer, Benjamin Bikson, Yong Ding
  • Publication number: 20140260970
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for debubbling or degassing a liquid. The apparatus includes a tube with a hollow lumen and a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable wall surrounding the lumen. Also disclosed is a method for performing the debubbling or degassing, wherein the liquid is passed through the tube and gas is allowed to escape through the wall of the tube. The application additionally discloses a system for debubbling or degassing a liquid, wherein a pump is connected to the upstream end of the tube and a device to impede the flow of liquid out the tube is connected to the downstream end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Wrench, William Mainwaring-Burton
  • Publication number: 20140255636
    Abstract: Disclosed are blended polymeric membranes that include at least a first polymer and a second polymer that is UV treated, wherein the first and second polymers are each selected from the group consisting of a polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM), a polyetherimide (PEI) polymer, a polyimide (PI) polymer, and a polyetherimide-siloxane (PEI-Si) polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: SAUDI BASIC INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ihab Nizar Odeh, Lei Shao
  • Patent number: 8821731
    Abstract: A method is provided of regenerating solvents used to remove gaseous contaminants from gaseous mixtures of various compositions with significantly reduced energy required, where one exemplary method includes directing a solution with the solvents and the preferentially absorbed and/or dissolved gaseous contaminants through a filter comprising a membrane having pre-determined diffusion rates so that a substantial portion of the gaseous contaminants pass through the filter, permitting the passage of the gaseous contaminants through the membrane for further processing, and recirculating the separated solvent so that it may be used again to remove new gaseous contaminants. In some cases, it may be desired to permit some of the solvent to pass through the membrane along with the gaseous contaminant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Subramanian Iyer
  • Publication number: 20140224119
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of removing an absorbate from gases or gas mixtures containing absorbate, in which the gas or gas mixture is contacted by a liquid mixture of absorption agent and absorbate or of liquid absorbate-free absorption agent, wherein the absorbate is absorbed at least partially by the liquid mixture of absorption agent and absorbate and is concentrated therein or is absorbed by the liquid absorbate-free absorption agent while forming a liquid mixture of absorption agent and absorbate. It is characteristic in the method in accordance with the present invention that the absorption agent used and the absorbate used have a miscibility gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Uhde Inventa-Fischer GmbH
    Inventor: Steffen Kujath
  • Publication number: 20140216250
    Abstract: A degassing module for removal of air and other gases during operation of a medical therapy device that delivers any one of hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration and hemofiltration. The degassing module has a flow-through first chamber that has a hydrophobic vent membrane that has an exterior and interior side forming a portion of the flow-through chamber. The hydrophobic vent membrane is positioned at a higher elevation on the flow-through chamber than a fluid outlet. Fluid flows through the flow-through chamber in a downward direction relative to the hydrophobic vent membrane. A flow-through chamber has a cross sectional area configured to provide for a downward flow velocity of the fluid to be less than the upward rise velocity of a smallest bubble to be removed from the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Meyer, David B. Lura, Bryant J. Pudil, Martin T. Gerber
  • Publication number: 20140216252
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (10, 100, 200) for removing carbon dioxide from an extracorporeal flow of blood. The arrangement (10, 100, 200) comprises a filter (12) which has a membrane (16) that separates a blood region (14) from a gas region (18). The extracorporeal flow of blood is passed through the blood region (14) of the filter (12). Likewise, a gas flow of a purge gas is passed through the gas region (18), the purge gas being an inert gas or a mixture of inert gases. Further, the invention relates to a method for removing carbon dioxide from an extracorporeal flow of blood in which likewise an inert gas or a mixture of inert gases is used as a purge gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: MAQUET VERTRIEB UND SERVICE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Thilo Joost, Rainer Kobrich
  • Patent number: 8784532
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to recovery of carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen sulfide from a gas mixture. Separating of the carbon dioxide, for example, from the gas mixture utilizes a liquid sorbent for the carbon dioxide. The liquid sorbent contacts the gas mixture for transfer of the carbon dioxide from the gas mixture to the liquid sorbent. The carbon dioxide then desorbs from the liquid sorbent using hollow-fiber contactors as a source of heat to liberate the carbon dioxide further separated by the hollow-fiber contactors from the liquid sorbent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Phillips 66 Company
    Inventors: Imona C. Omole, George F. Schuette
  • Patent number: 8778055
    Abstract: In accordance with at least selected embodiments of the present invention, an improved liquid degassing membrane contactor or module includes a high pressure housing and at least one degassing cartridge therein. It may be preferred that the high pressure housing is a standard, ASME certified, reverse osmosis (RO) or water purification pressure housing or vessel (made of, for example, polypropylene, polycarbonate, stainless steel, corrosion resistant filament wound fiberglass reinforced epoxy tubing, with pressure ratings of, for example, 150, 250, 300, 400, or 600 psi, and with, for example 4 or 6 ports, and an end cap at each end) and that the degassing cartridge is a self-contained, hollow-fiber membrane cartridge adapted to fit in the RO high pressure housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Celgard LLC
    Inventors: Gareth P. Taylor, Amitava Sengupta
  • Publication number: 20140157983
    Abstract: A modular degassing device (40) is disclosed. The modular degassing device (40) comprises outer clamping plates (330, 340) with at least one degassing module (200) arranged therebetween, wherein the degassing module (200) comprises two modular plates (310, 320) adjacently arranged, both modular plates (310, 320) having a first channel on sides facing a membrane (46) placed therebetween, wherein the first channel of one modular plate (310, 320) is a fluid channel (224) on one side of the membrane (46), and the first channel of the other modular plate (310, 320) is a vacuum channel (212) on the other side of the membrane (46).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Martin Trump, Volker Barenthin
  • Patent number: 8741029
    Abstract: A fuel deoxygenation system includes an oxygen permeable membrane having a porous membrane and an oleophobic layer. The porous membrane has pores that create a passage extending from a first side to an opposite second side of the porous membrane. The pores have an average pore diameter less than or equal to about 0.06 microns. The oleophobic layer and the porous membrane allow oxygen to cross the oxygen permeable membrane but substantially prevent fuel from crossing the oxygen permeable membrane. A method for removing dissolved oxygen from a fuel includes delivering fuel to an oxygen permeable membrane and removing oxygen from the fuel using the oxygen permeable membrane. A method for modifying a surface of a porous membrane includes depositing an oleophobic treatment agent on the porous membrane, removing solvent and heating the porous membrane to form an oleophobic layer on the porous membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Haralambos Cordatos, Louis J. Spadaccini, Thomas G. Tillman
  • Patent number: 8696794
    Abstract: A passive phase separator separates and traps gases that may be present in a liquid flowing through a system. The phase separator includes an inlet in fluid communication with a first separator chamber and an outlet in fluid communication with a second separator chamber that is disposed annularly about the first separator chamber. Gas introduced into the first separator chamber is pushed downstream through the first separator chamber to a gas storage chamber. Once gas is trapped within the gas storage chamber it remains there for the entire operational life of the phase separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Space Systems International, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Vincent Paragano, William Indoe, Jeffrey A. Darmetko
  • Patent number: 8696626
    Abstract: A device for removal of a gas from a liquid in a medical infusion line has a housing containing a plurality of hollow fiber membranes. Preferably liquid passes on the exterior of the membranes and gas bubbles in the liquid pass into the lumens of the hollow fiber membranes. This is for removal by a vacuum. The device can include its own vacuum chamber. When the device has its own vacuum chamber, it can include a warning system to alert a user to replace the device when the provided vacuum is no longer sufficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Claudia F. E. Kirsch
  • Publication number: 20140096681
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for treating natural gas that contains methane, comprising: a) at least one degassing module (1) and/or at least one percolator, and b) at least one gas exchanging module (2). The invention is characterized in that the degassing module (1) and/or the percolator and the gas exchanging module (2) are connected in a water circuit and arranged successively in the flow direction of the water. The water is degassed in the degassing module (1) and/or percolator, and the degassed water absorbs undesired gases from fed natural gas in the gas exchanging module (2). The fed natural gas is fed to the at least one gas exchanging module (2) in countercurrent to the degassed water. The invention further relates to a method for treating natural gas that contains methane, said method being carried out in the system according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: INGENIEURBURO BUSE GMBH
    Inventor: Gerhard Buse
  • Publication number: 20140090557
    Abstract: A planar degasser comprises (1) a flow plate comprising a flow channel, (2) a planar separation membrane comprising a membrane transmission section which has a first major surface and a second major surface, the flow channel being at least in part bounded by the first major surface of the membrane transmission section,(3) a supporting member which supports the second major surface of the membrane transmission section when the pressure on the first major surface is greater than the pressure on the second major surface, and (4) structural features which enable liquid to flow through the flow channel when the pressure on the first major surface is equal to or less than the pressure on the second major surface, for example when there is no longer a vacuum on the second major surface of the membrane transmission section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Amos G. Gottlieb, David L. Crain
  • Patent number: 8679226
    Abstract: Oil system components for a turbine engine are used to provide a vacuum system for a fuel stabilization unit (FSU). A vacuum system pulls oxygen and other contaminants from fuel into a vacuum chamber within the FSU. The vacuum system pumps the discharge through a vacuum outlet in the FSU toward a vacuum pump. Due to the quality of vacuum required, a two-stage vacuum pump is used. A first stage vacuum pump is an oil system scavenge pump for the turbine engine and the second stage vacuum is provided by a second stage vacuum pump. The discharge flows from the vacuum chamber through to the second stage vacuum pump and is then added to the oil supply. The oil and discharge mixture is sent through an oil system de-oiler and a de-aerator to clean the oil supply prior to pumping the oil back through the oil system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas A. Parsons
  • Patent number: 8668763
    Abstract: A liquid degassing apparatus is arranged to prevent pervaporated solvent cross-contamination by counteracting liquid vapor pervaporation flow. Liquid vapor pervaporation cross-contamination among a plurality of degassing modules is counteracted with specifically configured volumes and bleed inlet flow to conduits fluidly coupling permeate sides of said plurality of degassing chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: IDEX Health & Science LLC
    Inventor: Yuri Gerner
  • Publication number: 20140053725
    Abstract: A helium separation junction is provided for separating helium gases entrained in aqueous fluids. The junction includes a body, an inlet for receiving an aqueous feedstock having helium entrained therein, a helium outlet for allowing a helium gas stream, an aqueous fluid outlet for allowing a water stream having a reduced helium content relative to the feedstock, a helium filter cartridge that allows for the passage of helium while resisting the passage of water and an aqueous fluid filter cartridge that allows for the passage of water while resisting the passage of helium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventor: Conrad Keene Allen
  • Patent number: 8657921
    Abstract: A shell-and-tube heat exchanger, for removing volatile substances from a polymer solution by degasification, includes a bundle of tubes arranged vertically and parallel to each other in a shell chamber through which a fluid heat-transfer medium flows. The upper end of each tube is fixed in an upper tube sheet and the lower end of each tube is fixed in a lower tube sheet, and the polymer solution flows through the tubes in the direction of gravity. One feature is that a multilayer woven wire fabric is attached to the top of the upper tube sheet. The finest meshed layer of the fabric has a mesh width of 50 ?m to 1000 ?m. The invention also relates to a method for removing volatile substances from a polymer solution by degasification in a shell-and-tube heat exchanger and use of the shell-and-tube heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Styrolution GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Güntherberg, Rainer Bardon, Hartmut Heinen, Michael Sauer, Ludger Leber, Wolfgang Fischer
  • Patent number: 8657920
    Abstract: An apparatus and method purify hydrogen from a mixed fluid containing gaseous hydrogen, gaseous oxygen, and liquid water. The apparatus has a mixed fluid channel through which the mixed fluid flows; a first gas channel through which a mixed gas containing gaseous hydrogen and gaseous oxygen flows; a second gas channel through which gaseous hydrogen or oxygen flows; a gas-liquid separating membrane forming a wall between the mixed fluid channel and the first gas channel, separating the mixed gas from the mixed fluid of the mixed fluid channel, and providing the separated mixed gas to the first gas channel; and a hydrogen or oxygen separating membrane forming a wall between the first gas channel and the second gas channel, separating gaseous hydrogen or oxygen from the mixed gas of the first gas channel, and providing the separated gaseous hydrogen or oxygen to the second gas channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Haruyuki Nakanishi, Norihiko Nakamura, Hidekazu Arikawa, Hirofumi Fujiwara, Hidehito Kubo, Keiji Toh, Akiko Kumano, Shohei Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20130333561
    Abstract: A blood storage system. The system has a collection bag for red blood cells; an oxygen/carbon dioxide depletion device; a storage bag for red blood cells; and tubing connecting the collection bag to the depletion device and the depletion device to the storage bag. The depletion device includes a receptacle of a solid material having an inlet and an outlet adapted to receiving and expelling a flushing gas; a plurality of hollow fibers or gas-permeable films extending within the receptacle from an entrance to an exit thereof. The hollow fibers or gas-permeable films are adapted to receiving and conveying red blood cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: New Health Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Tatsuro YOSHIDA, Paul J. Vernucci
  • Publication number: 20130333568
    Abstract: A system (1) for removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from a gas stream by bringing the gas stream into contact with a circulating ammoniated solution stream such that CO2 is absorbed in said ammoniated solution, characterized in that the system comprises a membrane purifier (17), said membrane purifier having a first compartment (18) and a second compartment (19), wherein said first and second compartment are separated by a semipermeable membrane (20), a method for removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from a gas stream by bringing the gas stream into contact with a circulating ammoniated solution stream such that CO2 is absorbed in said ammoniated solution, said method comprising the step of separating trace components from a circulating solution using a semipermeable membrane, and the use of a membrane purifier having a first and a second compartment, wherein said first and a second compartments are separated by a semipermeable membrane, for reducing the trace component and/or water content of a circulating solution stre
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY, LTD.
    Inventors: Jon K. Bockman, Michael Koch
  • Patent number: 8591739
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for separating particles and dissolved matter from a fluid stream. Specifically, the present invention includes a first pressure source which transports untreated fluid into a separator annulus with a filter element disposed therein. The untreated fluid is placed under appropriate pressure sufficient to produce turbulent flow, increased particle kinetics and/or cavitation physics allowing the desired fluid to penetrate and pass into and through the filter media. The filtered fluid is then transported to a collection tank. The contaminant particulate matter retained on the exterior of the filter media may be removed by the instantaneous reverse pressurization of the separator annulus by a second pressure source thereby removing the contaminant particles away from contact with the filter media, and which may then be transported to a waste collection tank or a concentrator for further treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Tervita, LLC
    Inventors: Raymond Ford Johnson, Markley Dean Johnson, Rodney Grage
  • Patent number: 8580011
    Abstract: A gas and liquid mixture separation and collection system for zero gravity operation that can be applied to a urinal toilet is disclosed. There is an inlet to receive the gas and liquid mixture. The mixture is directed to a filter having an air side. A vacuum pump on the air side of the filter generates a pressure delta to force the inlet flow. A peristaltic pump is used to transfer liquid away from the filter surface. In doing so, the flow on the liquid side of the membrane filter may contain some gas left over from the inlet flow mixture, but there is substantially less gas than in the gas and liquid mixture at the inlet. The filtered mixture is directed to an expandable collection bag that is attached to the air side of the filter so the filter process can be repeated to remove more gas from the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Bigelow Aerospace
    Inventor: Jay Ingham
  • Patent number: 8572862
    Abstract: A drying apparatus is disclosed that includes a drum and an open-loop airflow pathway originating at an ambient air inlet, passing through the drum, and terminating at an exhaust outlet. A passive heat exchanger is included for passively transferring heat from air flowing from the drum toward the exhaust outlet to air flowing from the ambient air inlet toward the drum. A heat pump is also included for actively transferring heat from air flowing from the passive heat exchanger toward the exhaust outlet to air flowing from the passive heat exchanger toward the drum. A heating element is also included for further heating air flowing from the heat pump toward the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventor: Ward Evan TeGrotenhuis
  • Publication number: 20130269411
    Abstract: A method for gas analysis can include continuously diverting a portion of drilling fluid into a sample chamber from a drilling fluid stream, creating a bidirectional drilling fluid circulation to liberate gas from the drilling fluid, applying a suction to a gas capturing chamber, and allowing a sample of the liberated fluid to continuously flow through the gas capturing chamber, continuously be filtered, and continuously flow into a gas analyzer. The method can include maintaining the sample chamber in an open configuration or decompressing the gas capturing chamber by closing off one or more sample inlets and sample outlets and exhausting portions of the liberated fluid that do not flow to the gas analyzer. The method can include simultaneously providing analysis data to client devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: SELMAN AND ASSOCIATES, LTD.
    Inventors: Thomas H. Selman, Matthew J. Jennings, Stephen M. Bergman
  • Publication number: 20130255489
    Abstract: A conditioner for conditioning fuel passing therethrough includes a deoxygenator having a body in which oxygen is removed from the fuel, and a heat exchanger attaching directly to the body for moderating a temperature of the fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Peter L. Jalbert
  • Patent number: 8540808
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide venting and filtration systems with a membrane that is permeable to gas and substantially impermeable liquid. The systems can remove a gas from a liquid entrained with gas. The systems can include a reservoir in fluid communication with the membrane and a liquid outlet. The membrane can help prevent the gas from reaching the liquid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Porous Media Corporation
    Inventors: Robert O. Crowder, John H. Burban, Steven T. Jersey, Kevin Carlson, Michael Savellev
  • Patent number: 8540807
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide venting and filtration systems with a membrane that is permeable to gas and substantially impermeable liquid. The systems can remove a gas from a liquid entrained with gas. The systems can include a reservoir in fluid communication with the membrane and a liquid outlet. The membrane can help prevent the gas from reaching the liquid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Porous Media Corporation
    Inventors: Robert O. Crowder, John H. Burban, Steven T. Jersey, Kevin Carlson, Michael Saveliev
  • Patent number: 8535413
    Abstract: An apparatus and process is taught for the formation of ethanol from a fermentation medium in the absence of an ethanol concentration distillation step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Bryan, Oluwasijibomi Okeowo
  • Patent number: 8535421
    Abstract: A blood storage system. The system has a collection bag for red blood cells; an oxygen/carbon dioxide depletion device; a storage bag for red blood cells; and tubing connecting the collection bag to the depletion device and the depletion device to the storage bag. The depletion device includes a receptacle of a solid material having an inlet and an outlet adapted to receiving and expelling a flushing gas; a plurality of hollow fibers or gas-permeable films extending within the receptacle from an entrance to an exit thereof. The hollow fibers or gas-permeable films are adapted to receiving and conveying red blood cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: New Health Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Tatsuro Yoshida, Paul J. Vernucci
  • Patent number: 8523981
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrophobic, integrally asymmetrical hollow-fiber membrane made of a vinylidene fluoride homopolymer or copolymer, wherein the wall of the membrane has a microporous supporting layer having a sponge-like, open-pored, essentially isotropic pore structure without finger pores, the supporting layer extending across at least 90% of the wall thickness and having pores with an average diameter of less than 0.5 ?m. The hollow-fiber membrane is characterized in that it has a separating layer adjacent to the supporting layer on its outer surface and that it has an outer surface with a homogeneous, uniform structure without pores, a porosity in the range from 40 to 80 vol. %, a wall thickness from 25 to 100 ?m, a diameter of the lumen of the hollow-fiber membrane from 100 to 500 ?m, a permeability for nitrogen of at least 25 ml/(cm2·min·bar), and an elongation at break of at least 250%. The invention further relates to a method for producing hollow-fiber membranes of this type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Membrana GmbH
    Inventors: Quan Huang, Karl Bauer, Phung Duong, Oliver Schuster
  • Publication number: 20130213225
    Abstract: A degas assembly including a low pressure fluid channel for carrying a wash fluid at a first pressure, a pressurized channel for carrying eluent including a gas at a second pressure higher than the first pressure, and a degas separator defining a fluid barrier between the low pressure fluid channel and pressurized fluid channel, the separator configured to retain liquid in the pressurized fluid channel and allow gas to flow through the separator to the low pressure fluid channel. The pressurized fluid channel may extend along an outer periphery of the low pressure fluid channel. The eluent may be received from an eluent generator at a pressure of at least about 3300 psi, and in various embodiments up to about 5000 psi. A liquid chromatography system and method are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventors: Yan LIU, Christopher A. POHL, Michael J. MCADAMS, Hamish SMALL, Zongqing LU, Milton LIU, Khosro MOSHFEGH
  • Patent number: 8512453
    Abstract: A fuel tank deaeration and aeration system, including a first main filter device having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is in fluid communication with a fuel tank; and a second additional filter device having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is in fluid communication with the outlet of the main filter device, and the additional filter device outlet is in fluid communication with an environment of a vehicle, and wherein a bypass valve controls a bypass, which bypasses the additional filter device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Rudolph, Tilmann Wächter
  • Patent number: 8506685
    Abstract: In accordance with at least selected embodiments of the present invention, an improved liquid degassing membrane contactor or module includes a high pressure housing and at least one degassing cartridge therein. It may be preferred that the high pressure housing is a standard, ASME certified, reverse osmosis (RO) or water purification pressure housing or vessel (made of, for example, polypropylene, polycarbonate, stainless steel, corrosion resistant filament wound fiberglass reinforced epoxy tubing, with pressure ratings of, for example, 150, 250, 300, 400, or 600 psi, and with, for example 4 or 6 ports, and an end cap at each end) and that the degassing cartridge is a self-contained, hollow-fiber membrane cartridge adapted to fit in the RO high pressure housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Celgard LLC
    Inventors: Gareth P. Taylor, Amitava Sengupta
  • Patent number: 8496806
    Abstract: Provided is a dehydrator that requires no excessively large apparatus structure and achieves cost-saving while maintaining suction efficiency at a desired level by use of suction means. A dehydrator 100 for separating water from a target liquid 13 includes at least two water separation membrane units 1a and 1b which are provided in series in a flow direction of the target liquid 13. The water separation membrane unit 1a on an upstream side out of the water separation membrane units 1a and 1b is connected to suction means 7 for sucking a gas phase containing water through one condenser 4, and the one condenser 4 condenses water in the gas phase and thereby separates the water. The gas phase sucked by the suction means 7 from the one condenser 4 is transferred to at least one downstream condenser 8 provided downstream of the one condenser 4, and the downstream condenser 8 condenses water in the gas phase and thereby separates the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsuhiro Yukumoto, Hiroyuki Osora, Yoshio Seiki, Haruaki Hirayama, Yukio Tanaka, Hideo Kashiwagi, Katsufumi Inoue
  • Patent number: 8469503
    Abstract: A method of reducing air in an ink passageway in an inkjet printer by pressurizing a thermally actuated degassing unit that includes an air chamber, venting air through a check valve configured to allow air to vent from the air chamber to ambient when the pressure in the air chamber exceeds ambient air pressure by a predetermined amount The pressurizing is performed by heating an element inside the air chamber. A power supply is connected to the heating element, and power is applied to the heating element during a first time interval to increase the pressure in the air chamber above ambient pressure. Gas is vented from the check valve which allows the heating element to cool during a second time interval to reduce the pressure in the air chamber below ambient pressure. Gas is then drawn from the ink passageway through the membrane into the air chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Brian G. Price, Gary A. Kneezel
  • Patent number: 8465139
    Abstract: An inkjet printhead having a drop ejector array, an ink passageway for providing ink to the drop ejector array, and a thermally actuated degassing unit. The degassing unit itself includes a body enclosing an air chamber, a check valve configured to allow air to vent from the air chamber to ambient when the pressure in the air chamber exceeds ambient air pressure by a predetermined amount. The thermal degassing unit includes a thermally-induced pressure build-up time to increase the pressure in the air chamber. The air chamber is allowed to cool which causes internal pressure to drop below ambient and draws gas out of the ink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Brian G. Price, Gary A. Kneezel
  • Publication number: 20130139685
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a radiation-resistant microporous membrane having a hydrophobicity gradient, to a method for the preparation thereof, and to the use of the membrane in the sterilizing filtration of gaseous fluids or as a liquid barrier in liquid-containing systems to be vented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: SARTORIUS STEDIM BIOTECH GMBH
    Inventors: Eberhard Wuenn, Tobias Schleuss
  • Patent number: 8449659
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to contactors, modules, components, systems, and/or methods of manufacture, and/or methods of use including degassing liquids. The contactor or module is integrally potted, has planar, disc shaped end caps, and a cylindrical housing or shell receiving and supporting a membrane structure. Each of the planar disc shaped end caps has a central opening therein adapted to receive a liquid end port or nozzle and is held in place in the housing or shell by at least one retaining element. The integrally potted membrane structure is preferably potted in place in the housing or shell by an inverted potting process involving the use of a removable plunger or plug to recess the potting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Celgard LLC
    Inventors: Gareth P. Taylor, Elmer Wayne Bouldin, Jr., Timothy D. Price, Tony R. Vido
  • Patent number: 8449658
    Abstract: A high-pressure capillary degas assembly includes an assembly block having an eluent inlet and an eluent outlet, and a separator support extending therebetween, a wash inlet and a wash outlet and a groove extending therebetween, a tubular separator extending within the assembly block, the separator having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface defining an eluent fluid line fluidly interconnecting the eluent inlet and outlet, the outer surface abutting against the separator support and enclosing the groove to define a wash line within the groove. The separator may be configured to retain liquid in the eluent fluid line at a first pressure and allow gas to flow through the separator to the wash fluid line at a second pressure lower than the first pressure. A method of using the high-pressure capillary degas assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Dionex Corporation
    Inventors: Michael McAdams, Milton Liu, Gary L. Gleave
  • Publication number: 20130118347
    Abstract: A device for degassing aqueous media has a first container containing medium to be degassed. A first line connects the first container to a degassing module and a second line connects the degassing module to a second container for receiving the degassed medium. A first non-return valve in the first line prevents backflow from the degassing module to the first container. A hydrophilic membrane in the second line prevents the passage of gas, and a branch between the degassing module and the hydrophilic membrane has a hydrophobic degassing filter for letting out gas. A third line is connected to the first line between the first container and the first non-return valve and to the second line between the second container and the hydrophilic membrane. A second non-return valve in the third line between the first non-return valve and the hydrophilic membrane prevents a flow towards the second container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: SARTORIUS STEDIM BIOTECH GMBH
    Inventors: Fabian Walter, Matthias Grabosch, Dennis Groesche
  • Patent number: 8440003
    Abstract: A liquid degassing apparatus is arranged to limit pervaporation through a membrane by attenuating pressure oscillations developed by a vacuum pump. The attenuation is obtained through a combination of one or more flow restrictors and added volume chambers fluidly interposed between the degassing chamber and the vacuum pump. The pressure oscillation attenuation may further inhibit cross-contamination of pervaporated solvents among a plurality of distinct degassing chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: IDEX Health & Science, LLC
    Inventors: Yuri Gerner, Quan Liu, Carl W. Sims
  • Patent number: 8430949
    Abstract: A liquid degassing apparatus is arranged to limit pervaporation through a membrane by establishing a pervaporation control space at a permeate side of the membrane. The pervaporation control space is defined in a vacuum chamber between the membrane and a shield member. The shield member may be substantially gas and liquid impermeable to maintain an environment in contact with the permeate side of the membrane that is relatively rich in solvent vapor concentration, thereby limiting further liquid pervaporation across the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: IDEX Health & Science LLC
    Inventors: Yuri Gerner, Quan Liu, Carl W. Sims
  • Patent number: 8419961
    Abstract: An oil gas separation membrane combines a gas permeable yet oil and temperature resistant bulk polymer membrane such as poly(tetrafluoroethylene) and poly(tetrafluoroethylene-co-hexafluoropropylene); a porous metal support such as sintered metal frit disk made with stainless steel, bronze or nickel; and an highly gas permeable adhesive that bonds firmly the bulk polymer membrane and the metal frit surface together. The adhesive is either a homogenous polymer that has desirable gas permeability, or a coalescent porous polymer particulates network. A gas sensor employing the oil gas separation membrane for detecting and monitoring fault gases of oil filled electrical equipment requires no mechanical wearing or moving part such as pump and valve and the gas sensor is operated normally under various temperature and pressure conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Asensou Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ren Yan Qin
  • Patent number: 8414686
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to degassing devices for dialysate circuits. One embodiment has a first housing and a second housing positioned within the first housing in an annular relationship. A second embodiment comprises a dialysate regeneration system with urease, a dialyzer, and a housing with an external wall, where the external wall is exposed to atmosphere and comprises a material that passes gas but does not pass liquid and where the housing is positioned between the urease and dialyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Gura, Carlos Jacobo Ezon, Masoud Beizai