Patents Examined by Betsey Morrison Hoey
  • Patent number: 7128841
    Abstract: Stable dispersions of zero-valent iron particles are produced by milling of micro- and nano-scale iron particles (colloids) in the presence of a dispersant or dispersants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Lehigh University
    Inventor: Wei-xian Zhang
  • Patent number: 7118678
    Abstract: A portable battery-powered ozone generator, or ozonator, contained in a waterproof housing with an air intake and an ozone discharge conduit diffuses ozone directly into a body of water in a pool, pond or tank. The ozone generator and housing can be part of (1) a buoyant floating platform that is also equipped with solar power collector panels to provide a recharging current for the battery; (2) a robotic, self-propelled pool cleaner; or (3) a skimmer filter assembly that can include a solar panel under a solar transmissive cover that is flush mounted in the walk area alongside the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Aqua Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Porat
  • Patent number: 7101485
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous filtration device in a liquid path, characterized in that it comprises, in combination: a modular ultrasonic treatment unit (12) which is in the form of a tubular metal body (11) with a cylindrical internal surface (13) and of circular cross section, open at both its feed end (10) and its discharge end (15), the external surface of the said tubular metal body having, in the vicinity of the nodal zone, a collar (17) which is coaxial with the said tube and which projects radially, this collar being equipped at its periphery with an ultrasonic converter (19) which projects radially and whose frequency is equal to the vibration frequency of the said collar (17) and to the longitudinal vibration frequency of the said tubular metal body (11), and a filtering cylindrical element (14) having a minimum filtration area of about 50 cm2 and preferably about 80 cm2 with a mesh opening less than about 20 ?m, which is arranged inside the tubular metal body (11) and coaxially
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Sodeva
    Inventors: Dominique Dubruque, Philippe Vaxelaire, Pierre Devidal, Gilles Boursier
  • Patent number: 7083733
    Abstract: A water treatment system provides treated or softened water to a point of use by removing a portion of any hardness-causing species contained in water from a point of entry coming from a water source, such as municipal water, well water, brackish water and water containing foulants. The water treatment system typically treats the water containing at least some undesirable species before delivering the treated water to a point of use. The water treatment system has a reservoir system in line with an electrochemical device such as an electrodeionization device. The water treatment system has a sensor or a set of sensors for measuring at least one property of the water or an operating condition of the treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: USFilter Corporation
    Inventors: Evgeniya Freydina, Anil D. Jha, Frederick Wilkins, Aytac Sezgi, Reshma Madhusudan
  • Patent number: 7077967
    Abstract: The inventions of the present disclosure are directed to processes designed to recover water used in certain aspects of the processing of poultry, treat the recovered water to remove solids, fats, oils and greases, animal proteins and pathogenic organisms and to reuse the treated water for poultry processing operations. The processes described herein reduce bacteria and microorganisms associated with the poultry and reuse water. The present disclosure can be employed with an approach that includes unexpected positive results of reacting ozone and chlorine with water being treated for reuse to generate hypochlorous acid and/or other effective biocides. Ozone reacts with fats, oils, and greases, dissolved in the reuse water, to produce specific surface-active agents and surfactants which reduce the surface tension of the water which it is dissolved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Zentox Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Perkins, Joe Phillips, Dale Gann, Richard Miller, William McGrane
  • Patent number: 7052604
    Abstract: A water treatment system includes a cylindrical water filter having a cylindrical exit passageway. A plurality of spheres are formed from a predetermined water treatment chemical agent. The spheres are positioned at spaced apart locations along substantially the entire length of the exit passageway of the cylindrical water filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Procam Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Roy E. Seibert
  • Patent number: 7052613
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for using a combination of sonication and ozone to decontaminate pressurized water. The process includes pumping water from a source, such as a creek, river, pond or the like. The water is strained and filtered, and then transferred to a treatment container where it is pressurized for treatment with ozone and ultrasound. The treated water is then piped to a storage tank for subsequent use. The uninterrupted sequential transfer of water from the source, through a treatment container and to the storage tank is accomplished automatically by way of electronic sensors, valves and pumps that are made to communicate with a central processor control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: H. Martin Harmless, II, Robert L. Plummer
  • Patent number: 7045153
    Abstract: Liquid and solid bromine-containing compositions are described. A liquid mixed halogen composition is also described. The highly concentrated liquid compositions and the high-activity solid compositions have excellent physical and chemical stability. The compositions are effective biocides in water treatment. Methods of preparing the compositions are also disclosed. These include combining a bromine compound in the oxidation state of ?1 with hydrogen peroxide and a complexing agent followed by the addition of an alkaline source. The methods may further include the use of a solid organic or solid inorganic halogenating agent, conducting a solid-liquid separation, and adding an alkaline source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Enviro Tech Chemical Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan N. Howarth, Michael S. Harvey
  • Patent number: 7033509
    Abstract: An iodine purification process comprising; a source of fluid; means for delivery of iodine to the source of fluid for use in the purification process; the process further comprising means for recovery of the iodine and/or iodine and/or other iodine species derived from the iodine, from said fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Iodine Technologies Australiapty Ltd
    Inventors: Peter Morris Gilbert Klein, John Woodhouse
  • Patent number: 7033511
    Abstract: An antimicrobial composition, methods of making the composition, and methods of using the composition. The composition comprises a substantially dry mixture of effective amounts of one or more quaternary ammonium compounds, one or more oxidizing agents, and one or more antimicrobial metallic compounds, such as silver-containing compounds. The composition is primarily directed to the sustained treatment of dental unit water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: A-DEC, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Zawada, Clayton L. D. Moore, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7033492
    Abstract: A method of treating a site containing contaminants and apparatus are described The method and apparatus sparges the site with an air/ozone gas stream delivered with a hydroperoxide, which is a substantial byproduct of a reaction of a contaminant present in the aquifer or soil formation with the ozone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: William B. Kerfoot
  • Patent number: 7033510
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for preparing a stabilised stock hypobromous acid solution, and to a stabilised stock hypobromous acid solution. The stabilised stock solution has a hypobromous acid concentration of less than 30% (m/m) and contains an amount of cyanuric acid as a stabiliser not exceeding 1 ppm. The solution may be used for treating any type of water, but has particular application in treating drinking water and irrigation water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Milbridge Investments (Pty) Ltd.
    Inventors: Jan Bastiaan Cilliers, Martha Sophia Cilliers
  • Patent number: 7025889
    Abstract: A method and system for continuously treating ship ballast water enroute to reduce or eliminate harmful microorganisms therefrom, before discharge of the ballast water into coastal waters. During the ships voyage, and before the ballast water is discharged, the ballast water is continually passed through an interconnected UV sterilization system for treatment by ultraviolet radiation. One or more dispensing pumps are provided to transport the ballast water through the length of the UV system, which includes one or more UV units to process and sterilize the ballast water. In cases where large volumes of water need to be processed or where individual ship design is limiting, secondary piping to divert the flow of ballast water from the main piping system through placement of diverter valves, may be added to incorporate additional UV units or pumps. Flow jets secured to the inside of a ballast tank or hold may also be used to ensure proper circulation and mixing of the ballast water to be treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: Paul F. Brodie
  • Patent number: 7018543
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a waste water treating method and a waste water treating apparatus which are capable of treating for-treatment water containing a nitrogen compound and a phosphorus compound at low costs and efficiently. The waste water treating method is a waste water treating method for treating a nitrogen compound (nitrate nitrogen) and a phosphorus compound (phosphate ions) in for-treatment water by electrolysis as an electrochemical process, the method comprises a first treating step of immersing a pair of electrodes in the for-treatment water at least partially so as to treat the for-treatment water by electrolysis, one of the electrodes being a cathode made of a conductive material and the other of the electrodes being an anode made of iron, and a second treating step of treating the for-treatment water with hypochlorous acid, ozone or active oxygen after completion of the first treating step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Iseki, Mineo Ikematsu, Naoki Hiro, Tomohito Koizumi, Tsuyoshi Rakuma
  • Patent number: 7018544
    Abstract: A fluid treatment device, preferably for the treatment of water, is described. The device comprises a closed housing having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a fluid treatment zone disposed between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The fluid treatment zone comprises a first irradiation zone and a second irradiation zone. At least one fluid mixing element is interposed between the first irradiation zone and the second irradiation zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Trojan Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Veenstra, Douglas G. Penhale, Alan J. Royce
  • Patent number: 7014782
    Abstract: A point-of-use filtering and water treating kit includes a container, a plurality of membrane-type filter elements and a filter basket to support the filter elements during use. The filter elements are contained within a reclosable package that is fitted within the container during storage. At least one ladle or other drinking cup is also contained within the container to provide a complete assembly for producing potable water. In use, the package containing the filter elements is removed from the container and a single filter element is placed in the filter basket. The filter basket is nested in the top end of the container and the water to be filtered is poured through the filter element. The filtered and purified water is collected within the container. In one embodiment, the filter elements contain a purifying agent, disinfectant or antimicrobial agent impregnated within the filter element to treat the water as the water is being filtered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventors: Joseph A. D'Emidio, Gilbert V. Levin
  • Patent number: 7014780
    Abstract: A water treatment device, method and system with the water treatment device having a container for holding a water treatment material therein with the water treatment device including a shroud extending in a direction generally normal to a flow of debris laden water with the shroud inhibiting direct flow of debris into a water inlet in the water treatment device by directing water and debris over the shroud and around the water treatment device while a portion of the water can be directed laterally into the water treatment material within the water treatment device to thereby purify the water that flows over the water treatment materials with the water treatment device including multiple spaced and positioned water inlets so that the likelihood of the water inlet being completely obstructed is remote.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: King Technology
    Inventors: Joseph A. King, Jeffrey D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7005076
    Abstract: A method for treating a spent caustic solution having a pH greater than about 10.5 includes the steps of (a) lowering the pH of the caustic solution into the range of between about 10 to 10.5 to produce a pH-modified caustic solution; (b) oxidizing the pH-modified caustic solution until the solution to produce a non-sulfide reactive oxidized solution; and (c) lowering the pH of the oxidized solution to a pH less than 9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: RMT, Inc.
    Inventors: Ajit K. Chowdhury, Sarah Wilk
  • Patent number: 7005075
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrolytic cell that is completely sealed during the electrolysis operation during production of oxidant. Gasses generated within the electrolysis operation, primarily hydrogen that is liberated at the cathode surface, increase the pressure within the cell, and the gas pressure is ultimately utilized to expel the oxidant from the cell chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: MIOX Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney E. Herrington, Gregg C. Mich, Kevin Schwarz
  • Patent number: 6994794
    Abstract: Filtration media having germicidal for use in filtering particles and deactivating, removing and/or destroying microorganisms from a feed liquid passing through the media. The filtration media includes an effective amount of at least one germicidal agent associated to monomers polmerized and chemically grafted and covalently bonded to the surface of the media. The germicidal filter media is prepared by contacting the media with a grafting solution comprising one or more monomers, a catalyst, a surface agent, a curign agent, at least one graft initiator, and at least on germicide and subsequently curing the media at an elevated temperature to chemically graft the polmerizable monomers onto a surface of the media and associate at least one germicide thereto. Filter media suitable for use in the present invention include ceramic spheroids, hollow glass spheres, polmeric type meida, thermoset coated glass spheres, and crystalline microporous materials, such as zeolites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Kinetico Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher B. Hansen, Samuel Mason, Mohan L. Sanduja, Carl Horowitz, Paul Thottathil, Felicia Dragnea