Patents Examined by Joseph Drodge
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Patent number: 9272931Abstract: A wastewater treatment system includes a wastewater collection system, at least one aeration subsystem aerating the aerobic portion, and at least one filtration subsystem. The wastewater collection system has an anoxic portion, an aerobic portion downstream of the anoxic portion, an anaerobic portion downstream of the aerobic portion. The filtration subsystem includes at least one bioreacting filter receiving fluid from the aerobic portion, being operable to filter wastewater received from the aerobic portion, and discharging filtered fluid into the anoxic portion, an oxygen contactor fluidically connected between the aerobic portion and the at least one bioreacting filter and operable to diffuse oxygen into the fluid being supplied from the aerobic portion, and an oxygen supply operable to supply oxygen to the oxygen contactor.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Inventors: Mark B. Robertson, David O'Keefe, John D. Cox, Daniel T. White
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Patent number: 9266045Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a strainer system comprising a plurality of strainer modules, each of which comprises multiple cassettes or cartridges assembled together in a prescribed arrangement. In the strainer system constructed in accordance with the present invention, the “clean” sides of the strainer modules are fluidly connected to each other by a plenum duct which also has a suction pump fluidly coupled thereto. Integrated into the plenum duct is a pressure released membrane (PRM) which is positioned so as to effectively isolate one of the strainer modules from the remaining active strainer modules included in the strainer system. The pressure released membrane is uniquely configured so as to facilitate the activation of the isolated strainer module when pressure across the plenum duct increases beyond a prescribed threshold.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2010Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: Control Components, Inc.Inventors: Stanislaw Kielbowicz, Carl W. Prather
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Patent number: 9267630Abstract: A fitting for coupling a capillary to another component of a fluidic device is disclosed. The fitting includes a ferrule configured for enclosing a front part of the capillary and for contributing to a fluidic sealing between the fitting and the other component; a ferrule chuck configured for enclosing a back part of the capillary; and a housing configured for accommodating at least a part of the ferrule chuck and for pushing the ferrule chuck against the ferrule.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2013Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Bernhard Dehmer
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Patent number: 9259672Abstract: The present invention relates to a transporting apparatus comprising a sludge scraping and sludge transporting arrangement comprising primarily a scraping and transport element to be arranged in a simple and rational way in a sedimentation basin in water treatment plants, characterized of a) a series of sliding tracks to be arranged to the bottom of a sedimentation basin, b) a drawing rod to be arranged for a to- and fro movement, c) at least two outer rods arranged in parallel to said drawing rod.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2011Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: K ZICKERT FORVALTNINGS ABInventor: Klaus Zickert
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Patent number: 9259733Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising a circuit comprising a bag (10) comprising two flexible films (65, 66), a press (9) comprising a first shell (16) disposed upright on a front face of a base of the device and a second shell (17) mounted on said first shell, which shells clamp said bag to form conduits (13); said press is provided with a system (170) for jamming at the location of a treatment zone (67) of the bag, which comprises a jamming member (171) provided with at least one jamming nipple (173) and a complementary jamming member (172) provided with a jamming channel (174) configured to receive said nipple; said jamming member (171) and complementary jamming member (172) and said bag (10) being configured in order for the latter to have a portion (175) in said treatment zone in which said films are jammed between said nipple and said channel.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: EMD Millipore CorporationInventors: Ronald Tuccelli, Sebastien Cirou, Virginie Buisson, Christine Abouayad El Idrissi, Jim Kelly
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Patent number: 9259686Abstract: A water producing system which is provided with a semi-permeable membrane treatment process A100 to produce membrane permeate A3 and concentrate A, a semi-permeable membrane treatment processB200 which is equipped with a treatment target water B branching means for branching treatment target water B2 into two or more to produce a membrane B5 and concentrate B6, and a semi-permeable membrane treatment process C300 which is equipped with a first water mixing means for mixing one of the treatment target water B with at least part of the concentrate A, and subjects the mixed water to the semi-permeable membrane treatment to produce membrane permeate C7 and concentrate C8, thereby producing fresh water from a plurality of kinds of raw water which differ in osmotic pressure.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2010Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Wakako Ogiwara, Hiroo Takabatake, Masahide Taniguchi
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Patent number: 9260314Abstract: Methods are provided for producing a composition comprising carbonates, wherein the methods comprise utilizing waste sources of metal oxides. An aqueous solution of divalent cations, some or all of which are derived from a waste source of metal oxides, may be contacted with CO2 and subjected to precipitation conditions to provide compositions comprising carbonates. In some embodiments, a combustion ash is the waste source of metal oxides for the aqueous solution containing divalent cations. In some embodiments, a combustion ash is used to provide a source of proton-removing agents, divalent cations, silica, metal oxides, or other desired constituents or a combination thereof.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Calera CorporationInventors: Brent Constantz, Paulo J. M. Monteiro, Sidney Omelon, Miguel Fernandez, Kasra Farsad, Katharine Geramita, Karin Yaccato
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Patent number: 9255956Abstract: The present invention relates to a device operable electrically via a mains voltage connection, in particular without a ground wire connection, having a live element and having an application part, wherein the application part is insulated by a basic insulation with respect to the live element. In this respect, an insulation monitor is provided which monitors the quality of the basic insulation of the application part with respect to the live element. The present invention furthermore comprises a medical device having a heating module for heating a medical fluid, wherein the heating module comprises a heating element having a heating coil arranged on a first ceramic layer, wherein the heating element is arranged on a second ceramic layer, wherein the second ceramic layer advantageously forms a heating plate of the heating module.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2011Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBHInventors: Sven Sebesta, Ulrich Wernicke
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Patent number: 9249036Abstract: The instant invention describes a device and system for dispensing microbial solutions into a wastewater treatment environment. The device contains one or more removable modules that provides the user with the capability of quickly and easily removing one or more of the modules without the need for replacing or removing the entire unit. The modules are preferably designed to hold bags filled with a microbial solution. The bags are fluidly connected to a pump which dispenses the solution to a predetermined location.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2013Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: In-Pipe Technology Company, Inc.Inventors: John Williams, Richard Schici, Andrew Newbold
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Patent number: 9249786Abstract: A method for extracting energy from hydrocarbons located in a geologic reservoir is presented, including the steps of: oxidizing the hydrocarbons; extracting heat generated from oxidizing the hydrocarbons, relocating oxidized gases away from the oxidizing hydrocarbons; and replenishing oxygen towards the oxidizing hydrocarbons. The extraction of heat further includes: evaporating a liquid; transferring the evaporated liquid to the surface; and recovering low-NaCl, low-precipitate water from the evaporated liquid. The replenishing of oxygen towards the oxidizing hydrocarbons further includes: generating oxygen from water; and transferring the generated oxygen toward the oxidizing hydrocarbons; and combining hydrogen derived from the generating step with surface oxygen, whereby heat and low-precipitate, pure water is produced.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2013Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Inventor: Charles Saron Knobloch
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Patent number: 9242877Abstract: A process is provided for removing metal salt co-constituents from an iron-containing solution comprising: (a) decreasing the free acidity of the solution to produce a slurry; (b) optionally heating the solution or the slurry to a temperature at least 30° C.; (c) optionally aging the slurry; (d) adding one or more cationic polyelectrolyte flocculants to the slurry; and (e) separating a solid-containing portion from a liquid portion of the slurry.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Kemira OyjInventors: Sheila St. Amour, Jan Pavlicek
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Patent number: 9243482Abstract: A steam supply apparatus (1) for enhanced oil recovery from an oil field (10). The steam supply apparatus includes a water circulating portion (50) providing a continuous flow of water to a water heater (4) for the production of a mixture of steam and water, and a separator (5) for directing the steam to the oil field. Water returned from the oil field is purified in a water treatment apparatus (3) to provide make-up water to the water circulating portion. A buffer volume (3b) is provided in fluid communication between the water treatment apparatus and the water circulating portion. The buffer is sized to provide a time lag between a degradation of the quality of the purified water and an occurrence of an unacceptable scale production in the water heater, thereby allowing continued safe system operation until the water quality problem is corrected.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: NEM ENERGY B.V.Inventor: Peter Simon Rop
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Patent number: 9242193Abstract: A filter holder is disclosed comprising a base for supporting the filter holder on a work surface, a tilting mechanism attached to the base, and a holder arm attached to the tilting mechanism at a tilt axis. The holder arm comprises a base end and a distal end and is tiltable about the tilt axis to a service position and an ergonomic loading position.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2010Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Deborah M. Bryan, Laurence W. Bassett, Paramjit Singh
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Patent number: 9240253Abstract: At least one system for eluting a radioactive material and a method of eluting a radioactive material is provided. The system for eluting a radioactive material may include an elution column configured to enclose an radioactive material, a first sealing member sealing a first end of the elution column, a second sealing member sealing a second end of the elution column, an elution supply source connected to the first end of the elution column via a first needle, a collection system connected to the second end of the elution column via a second needle, and a filter in the elution column, the filter being configured to support the radioactive material and prevent the radioactive material from contacting the second needle.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2010Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLCInventors: Jennifer Varnedoe, William Earl Russell, II, Bradley D. Bloomquist, Melissa Allen, James Edward Paine, Alan Anthony Alvarez
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Patent number: 9233324Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an increased efficiency strainer system which is particularly suited for use in the emergency core cooling system of a nuclear power plant. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the strainer system includes one or more strainer cassettes or cartridges, with each such cassette or cartridge including a plurality of strainer pockets disposed in side-by-side relation to each other. In these embodiments, multiple cassettes or cartridges may be assembled together to form a strainer module of the strainer system. The strainer pockets of the cartridge each define an inflow end. Within the cartridge, or the module including multiple cartridges, the inflow ends of one or more of the strainer pockets may be enclosed by an elastic metal membrane. When in a closed position, the membrane prevents liquid flow into the corresponding strainer pocket via the inflow end thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2009Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Control Components, Inc.Inventors: Stanislaw Kielbowicz, Carl W. Prather
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Patent number: 9233846Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions, methods, and devices related to bilayer and monolayer membranes, their encapsulation in a hydrogel, and their formation. Methods of using the disclosed compositions and devices are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2011Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Jacob J. Schmidt, Noah Malmstadt, Tae-joon Jeon, Jason Poulos
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Patent number: 9227004Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis machine includes an enclosure; dialysate pump located within the enclosure; a graphical user interface allowing a patient to program a treatment including at least one patient fill performed by the dialysate pump, at least one dwell, and at least one drain performed by the dialysate pump; and the GUI further programmed to provide an alert when it is time to begin the treatment so as to complete the at least one patient fill, dwell and drain by a prescribed time.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2012Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.Inventors: John A. Biewer, Andrey Kopychev, Merrick F. Kossack, Philip J. D'Almada Remedios
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Patent number: 9221694Abstract: Selective scaling in water treatment systems in which desalination is performed is generally described. According to certain embodiments, the location of the formation of solid scale within a water treatment system is controlled by adjusting one or more system parameters, such as the temperature and/or flow velocity of a saline stream within the water treatment system.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2014Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Gradiant CorporationInventors: Prakash Narayan Govindan, Steven Lam, Maximus G. St. John, Jonn-Ross Andrews
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Patent number: 9217184Abstract: The invention provides a process for alcohol production from a cellulosic material wherein a said cellulosic material is subjected to acid hydrolysis to yield an aqueous hydrolysate, said hydrolysate is introduced into a separator at a hydrolysate inlet, an extraction solvent is introduced into said separator at at least two extraction solvent inlets, a residue containing oligosaccharides is removed from said separator at a residue discharge outlet, and acid-containing extraction solvent is removed from said separator at an extraction solvent discharge outlet, wherein removal of said extraction solvent from said separator through said discharge outlet occurs downstream of at least one said extraction solvent inlet and upstream of at least one other said extraction solvent inlet.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2010Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Assignee: WEYLAND ASInventor: Karl Ragnar Weydahl
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Patent number: 9212069Abstract: A fluid (i.e., generally water or wastewater) treatment system and associated methods provide for effectively treating the fluid (i.e., generally water or wastewater containing at least a plurality of salts) to provide a separated pure fluid (i.e., generally water) and a separated impurity (i.e., generally a salt). Also provided are a method for detecting or determining the need for a controlled process intervention to prevent the plugging of system components in a fluid (i.e., generally water) treatment system, and a process for preventing the plugging of the system components in the fluid (i.e., generally water) treatment system.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Salt Water Solutions, LLCInventors: Jay N. Smtih, Samuel W. Gowan