Patents Examined by Patrick Orme
  • Patent number: 9750836
    Abstract: A system for disinfecting a fluid, including: a flow cell including one or more inlet ports and one or more outlet ports, wherein the flow cell is configured to communicate a fluid containing a biological contaminant from the one or more inlet ports to the one or more outlet portions through an interior portion thereof; and one or more point radiation sources disposed about the flow cell, wherein the one or more point radiation sources are operable for delivering radiation to the biological contaminant; wherein an interior surface of the flow cell is operable for reflecting the radiation delivered to the biological contaminant by the one or more point radiation sources; and wherein the interior surface of the flow cell is operable for reflecting the radiation delivered to the biological contaminant by the one or more point radiation sources such that a radiation intensity is uniform throughout the interior portion of the flow cell. In one exemplary embodiment, the flow cell is an integrating sphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignees: AquiSense Technologies LLC, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
    Inventors: Edward Brittain Stokes, Jennifer Godwin Pagan, Thomas Andrew Schmedake
  • Patent number: 9752983
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for determining the absorption coefficient and the optical density of a fluid as they relate to the wavelength of incident radiation. Specifically, ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV LEDs) or the like that emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation or the like are used as sources for irradiating the interior of an integrating chamber that is designed to increase the path length of the radiation through the fluid, thus enhancing the detection limits of the absorption coefficient and the optical density according to Beer's Law.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignees: AquiSense Technologies LLC, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
    Inventors: Jennifer Godwin Pagan, Edward Brittain Stokes, Paolo Batoni
  • Patent number: 9751032
    Abstract: Duplex fluid strainers, systems and methods are provided, and include a housing with a first valve chamber defining an inlet port, a first port, and a second port, and a second valve chamber defining a third port, a fourth port, and an outlet port. The first and third ports communicate with a first strainer chamber, and the second and fourth ports communicate with a second strainer. A first seal assembly includes a first disk movable within the first valve chamber into sealing engagement against either of the first port or the second port, and a second seal assembly includes a second disk movable within the second valve chamber into sealing engagement against either of the third port or the fourth port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: TITAN FLOW CONTROL, INC
    Inventor: Ashvin D. Desai
  • Patent number: 9751049
    Abstract: A method and a composition of cleaning and reprocessing a hemodialysis filtration membrane assembly that employs polyvinylpyrrolidone-containing membranes, the method comprising the step of treating the assembly with an aqueous mixture or a gas-liquid mixture comprising an inorganic base and from 100 to 1,000 ppm of a hypochlorite salt, wherein the mixture has a pH between about 12.0 and about 12.5, an oxidation reduction potential of less than 0.5 volts, a temperature of 40° to 55° C. and wherein the mole % of hypochlorous acid, HOCl, relative to the sum of hypochlorous acid plus hypochlorite anion, —OCl, is less than 0.004%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Novaflux Inc.
    Inventors: Mohamed Emam Labib, Yacoob Tabani
  • Patent number: 9750829
    Abstract: A method for removing microorganisms from liquid samples and a nanofiber containing liquid filtration medium that simultaneously exhibits high liquid permeability and high microorganism retention. Microorganisms such as bacteria, particularly B. Diminuta, are removed from a liquid by passing the liquid through a porous nanofiber containing filtration medium having a B. Diminuta LRV greater than about 9, and the nanofiber(s) has a diameter from about 10 nm to about 1,000 nm. Another method for removing microorganisms such as bacteria and Mycloplasma, includes passing the liquid through a porous nanofiber containing filtration medium having a microorganism LRV greater than about 8, and the nanofiber(s) has a diameter from about 10 nm to about 1,000 nm. The filtration medium can be in the form of a fibrous electro spun polymeric nanofiber liquid filtration medium mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Mikhail Kozlov, Wilson Moya, Gabriel Tkacik
  • Patent number: 9745206
    Abstract: Removable and replaceable outlets for point-of-use showers or faucets, filter devices, and methods and systems including the outlets and/or filter devices, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: PALL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alastair J. Hunter, Timothy J. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 9545593
    Abstract: A filter element including a winding core, a sheet of fluted filter media, a relief notch, and an adhesive. The winding core has a pair of ends spaced apart from each other and extending laterally between a pair of opposed sides. The sheet of fluted filter media is wound around the sides of the winding core. The relief notch is formed in one of the sides of the winding core. The adhesive is received at least partially in the relief notch and secures the fluted filter media to the winding core. A method of making a filter element with a winding core having relief notches is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Baldwin Filters, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Merritt, Kyle Swanson
  • Patent number: 9540799
    Abstract: The invention provides systems, associated component parts, and assemblies of the pre-filtration systems, that are useful for treating storm water entering underground storm water management systems. The invention further provides methods to pre-filter storm water prior to entering underground water management systems. The invention reduces pollutant loading in storm water runoff with minimal footprint, flexibility of use and ease of maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Oldcastle Precast, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Paul Allard
  • Patent number: 9463421
    Abstract: A filtration and selective fluidic recovery device comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet. The housing has an opening extending from the inlet to the outlet and an internal support structure maintained in the opening. At least one planar filtration media is carried by the internal support structure where the media separates feedwater received at the inlet into at least a permeate and a concentrate that separately exit at the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shawn P. Fleming
  • Patent number: 9144759
    Abstract: A fluid filter media including a first media layer, a second media layer, a filter layer disposed between the first media layer and the second media layer, and a plurality of spaced apart weld points that couple the first media layer, the filter layer, and the second media layer together, where the weld points distort the surface of the first media layer and the second media layer, the fluid filter media is folded back on itself to form a plurality of pleats, and the surface distortions permit fluid flow through the fluid filter media when adjacent surfaces of the fluid filter media touch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Johns Manville
    Inventor: Charles Francis Kern
  • Patent number: 9114365
    Abstract: A shut-off valve for use in a reverse osmosis filtering system including a housing defining an interior in fluid communication with a water inlet, a water outlet, and a permeate inlet, the housing having a fluidic network with a flowpath that connects the water inlet and the water outlet, a diaphragm plate forming a portion of the fluidic network within the interior, a piston within the interior for selectively opening and closing the flowpath, and at least one diaphragm coupling to the piston and the diaphragm plate such that as permeate pressure changes occur at the permeate outlet, the piston rocks between opening and closing the flowpath based on deflection of the at least one diaphragm in response to the permeate pressure changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Watts Water Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig A. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 9114340
    Abstract: A liquid removal apparatus adapted to separate liquid from a composite slurry of liquid and solids. The apparatus includes a movable, permeable membrane having opposing first and second sides. A ‘loaded belt portion’ of the second side is configured to receive the slurry. A permeable membrane support system is configured to provide movable support for the loaded belt portion and includes a transport deck located in contact with the first side of the permeable membrane below the loaded belt portion. The liquid removal apparatus has a housing with a low-pressure chamber in sealing contact with the first side of the permeable membrane. A pressure conditioning system applies a differential pressure via the housing to generate a lower pressure on the first filter belt side than on the second side. The transport deck is located within the low pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Stevenson Group Limited
    Inventor: Gary Lewis Smith
  • Patent number: 9056269
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hot detachable and replaceable water filter assembly, including a filter core cover and a filter cartridge; wherein the filter cover and the filter cartridge are fastened together. The filter cover includes an upper ceramic piece, a lower ceramic piece and a rotating shaft. The contact surface between the upper ceramic piece and lower ceramic piece is smooth. The upper ceramic piece includes a first through hole. The lower ceramic piece includes a corresponding second through hole. The lower ceramic piece includes a first groove. The rotating shaft includes a first projection to drive the lower ceramic piece to rotate. The filter cartridge includes a water division end cap which is cooperated with the rotating shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Ningbo Hidrotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chengtao Gu, Shugang Cai, Xiaoming Hu
  • Patent number: 9017550
    Abstract: An exfiltration apparatus for removing contaminants from a fluid, the exfiltration apparatus including a housing defining a fluid flow path and having a first filter/sorptive layer positioned within a first portion of the housing and a second filter/sorptive layer positioned within a second portion of the housing. The first portion of the housing and the first filter/sorptive layer are removable as a unit from the second portion of the housing. The exfiltration apparatus may also include a container positioned within the second filter/sorptive layer and a third filter/sorptive layer disposed within the container. The exfiltration apparatus may also include a container defining a fluid retaining chamber. The chamber may be generally positioned between the first filter/sorptive layer and the second filter/sorptive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Ohio University
    Inventors: Gayle Mitchell, Shad Sargand
  • Patent number: 8986552
    Abstract: A filtration and monitoring system. An inlet pipe provides fluid to a filter block chamber and has an inlet valve located therein configured to shut off the flow of the fluid through the inlet pipe. A filtered fluid conduit fluidically connects the filter block with the monitoring device. The outlet axis of the outlet pipe in the filter chamber is offset from the inlet axis of the inlet pipe such that the fluid undergoes a change of direction while passing through the filter block chamber thereby causing turbulent flow within the filter block chamber to reduce the buildup of filter cake on the filter element. Closing the inlet valve block, results in a back-flushing flow of fluid through the filter element from a pressure accumulator located in the filtered fluid conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mikhail Byalskiy, Brian Link
  • Patent number: 8911628
    Abstract: A method for the biological purification of ammonium-containing wastewater. The wastewater is purified in an aeration tank in which a low oxygen concentration of less than 1.0 mg/l is set so as to first convert, using aerobically oxidizing bacteria, ammonium contained in the wastewater to nitrite and then to convert, using anaerobically oxidizing bacteria, ammonium and nitrite to elemental nitrogen. At least a part of surplus sludge formed in the aeration tank is separated into a heavy sludge phase and a light sludge phase. The light sludge phase is fed as surplus sludge to a sludge digestion. Sludge water that is separated off from the sludge in a sludge dewatering is fed to a deammonifying tank. Nitrogen compounds in the sludge water are converted, by deammonification in the deammonifying tank, to elemental nitrogen. Surplus sludge formed in the deammonifying tank is fed to the aeration tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Demon GmbH
    Inventor: Geert Nyhuis
  • Patent number: 8877057
    Abstract: A filter for use with bulk filtration includes filters arranged in parallel flow and a manifold arrangement. The manifold arrangement has a first pipe within a second pipe. An inlet channel conveys unfiltered fluid to the filters, and an outlet channel conveys filtered fluid from the filters. The inlet channel is an interior volume between an outside surface of the first pipe and an inside surface of the second pipe. The outlet channel is an interior volume of the first pipe. Methods of servicing and filtering are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Andre Wessels, Bradley Richard De Vaux, Robin Glisson, Philip Edward Johnson, Michelle D. Weiland
  • Patent number: 8863401
    Abstract: A household laundry dryer has at least one filter container which includes a chamber with an inlet for condensate water to be cleaned. The chamber has a first outlet, a second outlet and a filter element which is arranged between the inlet and the first outlet and which divides the chamber into an inlet-side first chamber part and a second chamber part. The filter container can be configured in such a way that the inlet is arranged below the filter element and the filter element is arranged below the first outlet, and the second outlet opens into the first chamber part. Particles deposited on the filter element by water being pushed through the inlet into the chamber are detachable from the filter element by water flowing back into the chamber, when no water is being pushed through the inlet, and removable through the second outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Grunert, Frank Kohlrusch, Andreas Ziemann
  • Patent number: 8691091
    Abstract: An aeration control valve system may be used with a water treatment system to control aeration and flow of water in accordance with various operating cycles. The aeration control valve system pumps air into the water treatment system to provide an air charge for aerating the water to facilitate water treatment. The aeration control valve system may pump air into the water treatment system at atmospheric pressure or may pump air at higher pressures such that the air may be recharged while also treating the water. The aeration control valve may also control the release of air from the water treatment system. The operating cycles may include, for example, a service cycle, a backwash cycle, an air regeneration cycle, a service/air charge cycle, an air release cycle, and a rinse cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: R.E. Prescott Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Russell E. Prescott