Patents Examined by Joseph W. Drodge
  • Patent number: 11426697
    Abstract: A fluid filtration assembly includes a filter housing having a first end for fluid connection with a fluid storage vessel. A filter cartridge is disposable within the filter housing, and a plunger pump is coupled at a second end of the filter housing. The plunger pump includes a housing having a rigid portion and a flexible portion. The flexible portion has a plunger-engaging portion for coupling to the plunger of an actuator. The flexible portion selectively movable with respect to the rigid portion via the actuator. The filter cartridge can be a hollow fiber filter. The plunger pump can be configured to induce alternating tangential flow in at least a portion of the assembly. The fluid filtration assembly can be provided as a disposable single-use arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: REPLIGEN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Rudolf Pavlik
  • Patent number: 11427484
    Abstract: A salt water chlorinator assembly along a closed loop water circuit incorporates a chlorinator cell subassembly and a flow switch subassembly into respective fluidly connected chlorinator assembly housing interior portions. The chlorinator cell subassembly includes an electrolysis cell controlled by a chlorinator printed circuit board. The flow switch subassembly includes a flow sensor mounted upon a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA). A flow switch cable selectively attaches to a PCBA connector. Water flow rate data generated by the flow switch sensor, communicated via an external controller to a smart circulation pump, is used to enable automatic adjustment of the pump speed based upon the flow rate data. The external controller may further alert an end user of undesirable flow rate deviations due to a condition (e.g. a clogged pump/skimmer basket and/or dirty filter) along the closed loop circuit requiring attention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: AQUACAL AUTOPILOT, INC.
    Inventors: Rakesh Reddy, Kevin Doyle, William Kent
  • Patent number: 11420885
    Abstract: The invention relates to a easily adaptable or DIY installation water cleaning device on any existing spa or pool, said cleaning device including an electrolysis module equipped with a particular boron-doped diamond electrode on silicon substrate. The inventions also relates to a method to clean water on spa or pools using a water cleaning device comprising said particular boron-doped diamond electrode present on the elecrolysis module. The invention also relates to electrolyzed bathing water for use in the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the skin and for use for use in the treatment of wound healing of the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Waterdiam Group LLC
    Inventors: Laurent Pupunat, Anthony Ginter
  • Patent number: 11420140
    Abstract: The disclosure provides an integrated separation unit for microplastics in the coastal sediments and a collection method of microplastics, belonging to the technical field of water treatment. The unit includes: a holder, a separation cylinder, a collection bottle, a central baffle plate, a baffle plate control knob, a stirring propeller, a motor, a cylinder switch, a filtration screen, a welding nozzle, a filter membrane and a vacuum pump. Using this unit for microplastic collection has the advantages of easy operation, economical and environment-friendly, high separation efficiency, and high durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Inventors: Yin Lu, Wenyong Weng, Mingli Ye, Qing Ma, Xiaolu Xu, Deyong Zhang
  • Patent number: 11413582
    Abstract: A filtration device includes a continuous first unit including a first membrane that separates a liquid into first permeated and non-permeated liquids, a first adjuster that adjusts a flow rate of the first permeated liquid to be substantially constant, and a first liquid scale that detects a liquid amount, a second unit including a second membrane that separates another liquid into second permeated and non-permeated liquids, a second adjuster that adjusts a flow rate of the second permeated liquid to be substantially constant, and a second liquid scale that detects another liquid amount, a first controller that controls the liquid amount in the first storage tank based on measurement values from continuous two first units or from the continuous first and second units, and a second controller that controls the another liquid amount based on a measurement value from the second unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuka Asahi, Atsushi Minamino, Hiroyuki Kurihara, Katsushige Yamada
  • Patent number: 11406914
    Abstract: Systems and methods for extracting a compound of interest from plant material, such as acannabidiol (CBD) from cannabis, are provided. Particularly, the disclosed systems and methods utilize a crude oil to separate water, fats, and proteins prior to preparation of a CBD distillate. The systems and methods are operable with conventional solvents containing between about 5 wt % and about 8 wt % water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Pacific Import Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Minyu Shi
  • Patent number: 11407785
    Abstract: Systems and methods for exchanging buffer solutions are disclosed. In accordance with some embodiments, the methods and systems for buffer exchange may be automated and/or the methods and systems may include mixing during filtering operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Unchained Labs
    Inventors: John Varni, Stephen Lambert, Robert Busacca, Russell Burge
  • Patent number: 11401180
    Abstract: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are destroyed by oxidation in supercritical conditions. PFAS in water can be concentrated and prepared for destruction in a pretreatment phase. Following annihilation of the PFAS in supercritical conditions to levels below 5 parts per trillion (ppt), the water effluent can be used to recover heat, returned to sub-critical conditions, and then released back into the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Lindy E. Dejarme, Kavitha Dasu, Russel R. Sirabian, Amy Dindal, Jeffrey Ellis, Amy Heintz, Dan Garbark, Nathan Bryant, John Tallarico, Joseph Casciano, Slawomir Winecki, David Holley, Joshua James, Keith Brown, Doug Hendry, Darwin Argumedo, Aaron Frank, Christopher Gordon Scheitlin, Michael M. Miller
  • Patent number: 11402363
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for monitoring and managing fluid treatment or storage systems, such as HVAC hydronic water systems. Sensors located at a fluid system can detect various types of data, such as chemical amounts, pressures, temperatures, flow rates, and more. Servers in communication with the sensors can record the data and provide it to a user in a variety of graphical interfaces. One useful interface for display of the data includes a five-sided axis called the OPTI-GON.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Jentek Water Treatment, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark J. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 11396465
    Abstract: A system and method for collecting heat generated by the microbial action in a septic system effluent disposal area that is then transferred to a building structure where it may provide, for example, the temperature differential for a heat exchanger in a heat pump, thereby being the energy source for heating and cooling buildings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Inventor: Stephen Palmer
  • Patent number: 11390545
    Abstract: A wastewater management system includes a series of holding tanks in combination with a membrane bioreactor treatment subsystem connected to one or more autoclaves and/or sonolysis units and thermal evaporators to treat liquid discharge from the system. A condenser connected to the thermal evaporator(s) condenses water vapor created by the thermal evaporator(s) into its liquid state for delivery to, and assimilation by, plants in a dedicated greenhouse or hydroponic system or for reuse in a building. CO2 and water vapor produced by combustion of a thermal evaporator fuel source is sent through the condenser to add to the liquid water recovery. The CO2 is flowed into the greenhouse(s) for carbon fixation by plants. A CO2 monitoring system ensures the concentration of CO2 in the greenhouse is maintained at an acceptable level for humans. Ozonation, UV and/or chloride treatments may be used as optional water purification treatments in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: ZERO DISCHARGE, LLC
    Inventors: David D. Calhoun, Mark D. Lorusso, R. Edward Rose, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11390543
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method, system and apparatus for inactivating microorganisms in an aqueous solution. The method comprises passing bubbles of a gas through the aqueous solution, wherein the gas comprises at least 10% CO2 by volume and has a temperature of at least 18° C. The system comprises a gas supply to supply gas comprising at least 10% CO2 and having a temperature above 18° C., a gas-delivery apparatus to receive the gas and deliver it into the aqueous solution in the form of bubbles. The apparatus comprises a gas-permeable material having a flow surface configured to enable the flow of the aqueous solution across the flow surface, a chamber arranged at an opposite side of the gas-permeable material to supply a gas that inactivates microorganisms such that the gas is able to pass through the gas-permeable material and into the aqueous solution as gas bubbles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: NEWSOUTH INNOVATIONS PTY LIMITED
    Inventors: Richard Mark Pashley, Adrian Garrido Sanchis, Barry Ninham
  • Patent number: 11391619
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a filtration system comprising a cabinet, a filtration device having a filtrate or retentate vessel arranged outside the cabinet, and a weighing device that is configured to weigh the filtrate or retentate vessel. The weighing device can be arranged inside an enclosure and the enclosure can be arranged inside the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Inventors: Adrian Neil Bargh, Stefanie Meyer
  • Patent number: 11390542
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increasing the magnesium ion concentration of feed water. The method comprises the steps of providing an inlet flow of feed water (QIN), increasing the concentration of carbon dioxide in said inlet flow QIN to obtain a flow of carbon dioxide-containing feed water (QCO2), and passing said flow QCO2 through a solid bed comprising a magnesium ion source to obtain an outlet flow of treated water (QOUT) having an increased concentration of magnesium ions. The invention further relates to a water treatment system for increasing the magnesium ion concentration of feed water and a corresponding flow reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: OMYA INTERNATIONAL AG
    Inventors: Nicholas Charles Nelson, Marius Schmid
  • Patent number: 11389579
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for performing peritoneal dialysis, the apparatus comprising means for delivering dialysis fluid to the peritoneal cavity of a patient, a measurement device for measuring the fluid pressure of the delivered dialysis fluid and/or the fluid pressure in the peritoneal cavity, i.e. the intraperitoneal pressure and/or any pressure related thereto, and a control unit operably connected to said means and the measurement device, wherein the control unit is configured to effect an inflow or outflow phase encompassing a series of fill-and-measurement or drain-and-measurement steps, each step comprising delivering a predetermined quantity of dialysis fluid to the peritoneal cavity or draining a predetermined quantity of dialysis fluid from the peritoneal cavity and subsequently measuring and recording a pressure value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Paul Chamney, Peter Wabel, Klaus Wolf
  • Patent number: 11383990
    Abstract: A customizable multi-stage fluid treatment assembly typically includes a connector, a plurality of cartridges, and a cap. The plurality of cartridges have a treatment medium spaced within an interior volume of the individual cartridges, between the ends thereof. The ends of the plurality of cartridges are configured to receive a fluid, bring the fluid into operative contact with the treatment medium, and dispense the fluid from the opposing end of the cartridge. The connector is coupled with one end of the plurality of cartridges and has an inlet and an outlet for receiving and dispensing the fluid to and from an appliance. The cap is coupled with the other end of the plurality of cartridges, enclosing the fluid treatment assembly, which is configured to be received in a cavity of an appliance. The cartridges of the plurality of cartridges may be individually replaced with cartridges to meet customized needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Ginger Elayne Patera, Steven John Kuehl, Mark M. Senninger
  • Patent number: 11383010
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a high-frequency electromagnetic field in method of dialysis where a dialyser is used for the exchange of substances, wherein the blood to be cleaned is exposed to a high-frequency electromagnetic field prior to and/or during contact with the dialyser, and to a dialysis machine for carrying out the use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare SA
    Inventors: Joachim Jankowski, Walter Zidek, Falko Brettschneider, Vera Jankowski
  • Patent number: 11383998
    Abstract: A system for disinfecting aqueous solutions for destroying harmful bacteria, viruses and pathogens in industrial processes including an influent stream containing an invasive species, a pH adjustment stage for maintaining the pH of the influent to within a specific range, a preparation stage for preparing a disinfectant for destroying the invasive species, the disinfectant comprising a quantity of calcium hypochlorite, water, and a catalyst including the metal minerals manganate and manganese oxide, a process mixing stage for receiving and mixing the pH adjusted influent and the disinfectant, a filtration and discharge stage receiving the pH adjusted and disinfected influent for removing foreign matter prior to discharging a filtered disinfected effluent, and a microprocessor control panel for monitoring a plurality of process sensors in each of the stages for controlling the disinfecting of the influent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Inventor: Wayne W. Spani
  • Patent number: 11383249
    Abstract: A washing treatment system for contaminated soil, including: a classifier that is configured to obtain a sand fraction having a particle size within a predetermined range and a fine-grained fraction having a particle size smaller than the predetermined range, from contaminated soil containing one or more contaminants selected from dioxins and agricultural chemicals; a detaching/washing unit that is configured to detach a contaminant particle containing the from a surface of the sand fraction; a removal unit that is configured to generate air bubbles in a presence of water containing a flotation chemical, allows the detached contaminant-bearing particles to attach to the air bubbles to form froth, and removes the froth to obtain a first slurry containing primary purified soil; and an up-flow washing unit that is provided downstream of the removal unit, and is configured to supply the first slurry into up-flow water to purify the primary purified soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: SHIMIZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Mitsuo Mouri
  • Patent number: 11377378
    Abstract: A water treatment system is disclosed having electrolytic cell for liberating hydrogen from a base solution. The base solution may be a solution of brine for generating sodium hypochlorite, or potable water to be oxidized. The cell has first and second opposing electrode end plates held apart from each other by a pair of supports such that the supports enclose opposing sides of the end plates to form a cell chamber. One or more inner electrode plates are spaced apart from each other in the cell chamber in between the first and second electrode plates. The supports are configured to electrically isolate the first and second electrode plates and the inner electrode plates from each other. The first and second electrode plates are configured to receive opposite polarity charges that passively charge the inner electrode plates via conduction from the base solution to form a chemical reaction in the base solution as the base solution passes through the cell chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: UGSI Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent A. Simmons, Gunnar T. Thordarson, James C. Robertson