Patents by Inventor Christopher J. Kurth
Christopher J. Kurth has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Publication number: 20180304204Abstract: A method includes supplying feed water in a forward direction into a ceramic membrane treatment system at a first rate the ceramic membrane treatment system including at least one ceramic membrane (120), and determining production cycle data of the system, the production cycle data including one of more of accumulation data, feed pressure data, and time since last backflush. The method further includes determining optimal physical flux parameters based on the production cycle data and efficiency of a previous flux maintenance event, conducting a flux maintenance event including accelerated cleaning of the at least one ceramic membrane at a second rate by using a square step backwash rate based on optimal physical flux parameters. The squre step rate can be generated by ramping up pressure by a pump (220) against a closed valve (222) and a sudden openin of said valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2016Publication date: October 25, 2018Applicant: Nanostone Water Inc.Inventors: Stanton SMITH, Brian WISE, Aditya KUMAR, Christopher J. KURTH
-
Patent number: 9314743Abstract: A reverse osmosis system that includes a housing having an inlet port, a permeate port and a concentrate port. The reverse osmosis system further includes a membrane element within the housing and (i) a first connector that has an end which is connected to the inlet port; (ii) a second connector that has an end which is connected to the permeate port; and (iii) a third connector that has an end which is connected to the concentrate port. The end of the first connector fits the inlet port but does not fit the permeate port or the concentrate port. The end of the second connector fits the permeate port but does not fit the inlet port or the concentrate port. The end of the third connector fits the concentrate port but does not fit the inlet port or the permeate port.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2008Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: Pentair Residential Filtration, LLCInventors: Steven D. Kloos, Philip M. Rolchigo, Christopher J. Kurth, Chia Kung, Thomas J. Cartwright, Richard M. Reckin, Kenneth J. Sieth
-
Patent number: 8262910Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a reverse osmosis (RO) system that includes a housing and a pre-filter within the housing such that feed water flows into the housing and enters the pre-filter. The reverse osmosis (RO) system further includes a membrane element within the housing such that the pre-filtered water flows from the pre-filter and enters the membrane element and permeate exits the membrane element through the housing. In some embodiments, the housing includes a first end cap at one end and a second end cap at an opposing end such that feed water flows through the first end cap into the pre-filter and pre-filtered water flows from the pre-filter into the first end cap. In addition, the pre-filtered water may flow from the first end cap to the membrane element such that permeate exits the membrane element through the first end cap in order to exit the housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2011Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: G.E. Osmonics—Pentair Joint VentureInventors: Steven D. Kloos, Philip M. Rolchigo, Christopher J. Kurth, Chia Kung, Thomas J. Cartwright, Richard M. Reckin, Kenneth J. Sieth
-
Patent number: 8092918Abstract: The invention provides novel polymer matrices and methods for preparing polymer matrices, as well as methods for purifying caustic feed streams using membranes that comprise polysulfonamide matrices.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2008Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: GE Osmonics, Inc.Inventors: Christopher J. Kurth, Isaac K. Iverson, Philip M. Rolchigo, Steven D. Kloos, Leonard T. Hodgins
-
Publication number: 20110309011Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a reverse osmosis (RO) system that includes a housing and a pre-filter within the housing such that feed water flows into the housing and enters the pre-filter. The reverse osmosis (RO) system further includes a membrane element within the housing such that the pre-filtered water flows from the pre-filter and enters the membrane element and permeate exits the membrane element through the housing. In some embodiments, the housing includes a first end cap at one end and a second end cap at an opposing end such that feed water flows through the first end cap into the pre-filter and pre-filtered water flows from the pre-filter into the first end cap. In addition, the pre-filtered water may flow from the first end cap to the membrane element such that permeate exits the membrane element through the first end cap in order exit the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2011Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicant: GE Osmonics, Inc.Inventors: Steven D. Kloos, Philip M. Rolchigo, Christopher J. Kurth, Chia Kung, Thomas J. Cartwright, Richard M. Reckin, Kenneth J. Sieth
-
Patent number: 8052865Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a reverse osmosis (RO) system that includes a housing and a pre-filter within the housing such that feed water flows into the housing and enters the pre-filter. The reverse osmosis (RO) system further includes a membrane element within the housing such that the pre-filtered water flows from the pre-filter and enters the membrane element and permeate exits the membrane element through the housing. In some embodiments, the housing includes a first end cap at one end and a second end cap at an opposing end such that feed water flows through the first end cap into the pre-filter and pre-filtered water flows from the pre-filter into the first end cap. In addition, the pre-filtered water may flow from the first end cap to the membrane element such that permeate exits the membrane element through the first end cap in order exit the housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2010Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: GE Osmonics, Inc.Inventors: Steven D. Kloos, Philip M. Rolchigo, Christopher J. Kurth, Chia Kung, Thomas J. Cartwright, Richard M. Reckin, Kenneth J. Sieth
-
Publication number: 20110073535Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a reverse osmosis (RO) system that includes a housing and a pre-filter within the housing such that feed water flows into the housing and enters the pre-filter. The reverse osmosis (RO) system further includes a membrane element within the housing such that the pre-filtered water flows from the pre-filter and enters the membrane element and permeate exits the membrane element through the housing. In some embodiments, the housing includes a first end cap at one end and a second end cap at an opposing end such that feed water flows through the first end cap into the pre-filter and pre-filtered water flows from the pre-filter into the first end cap. In addition, the pre-filtered water may flow from the first end cap to the membrane element such that permeate exits the membrane element through the first end cap in order exit the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: GE Osmonics, Inc.Inventors: Steven D. Kloos, Philip M. Rolchigo, Christopher J. Kurth, Chia Kung, Thomas J. Cartwright, Richard M. Reckin, Kenneth J. Sieth
-
Patent number: 7909179Abstract: The invention provides novel polymer matrices and methods for preparing polymer matrices.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2005Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: GE Osmonics, Inc.Inventors: Christopher J. Kurth, Isaac K. Iverson, Steven D. Kloos, Leonard T. Hodgins
-
Patent number: 7862710Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a reverse osmosis (RO) system that includes a housing and a pre-filter within the housing such that feed water flows into the housing and enters the pre-filter. The reverse osmosis (RO) system further includes a membrane element within the housing such that the pre-filtered water flows from the pre-filter and enters the membrane element and permeate exits the membrane element through the housing. In some embodiments, the housing includes a first end cap at one end and a second end cap at an opposing end such that feed water flows through the first end cap into the pre-filter and pre-filtered water flows from the pre-filter into the first end cap. In addition, the pre-filtered water may flow from the first end cap to the membrane element such that permeate exits the membrane element through the first end cap in order exit the housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2008Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: GE Osmonics, Inc.Inventors: Steven D. Kloos, Philip M. Rolchigo, Christopher J. Kurth, Chia Kung, Thomas J. Cartwright, Richard M. Reckin, Kenneth J. Sieth
-
Patent number: 7828971Abstract: A reverse osmosis system that includes a housing having an inlet port, a permeate port and a concentrate port. A membrane element is within the housing. The reverse osmosis system further includes (i) a first connector that is connected to the inlet port; (ii) a second connector that is connected to the permeate port; and (iii) a third connector that is connected to the concentrate port. A key is inserted between each of the first, second and third connectors. The key is configured such that the key cannot be inserted between the first, second and third connectors unless each of the first, second and third connectors is properly connected to the respective inlet, permeate and concentrate ports. In some embodiments, the key is configured such that the key cannot be removed from between each of the first, second and third connectors when there is pressure at the inlet port.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2008Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: GE Osmonics, Inc.Inventors: Steven D. Kloos, Philip M. Rolchigo, Christopher J. Kurth, Chia Kung, Thomas J. Cartwright, Richard M. Reckin, Kenneth J. Sieth
-
Patent number: 7828970Abstract: A reverse osmosis system that includes a housing which receives feed water and a membrane element within the housing to filter the feed water. The membrane element includes a permeate outlet and a concentrate outlet. The reverse osmosis system further includes a sensor that monitors the condition of the water that exits from the membrane element. The reverse osmosis system further includes a first set of indicators that are located remotely from the housing. The first set of indicators showing a condition of the system based on data obtained from the sensor. The reverse osmosis system further includes a second set of indicators that are located near the housing to show a condition of the system based on data obtained from the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2008Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: GE Osmonics, Inc.Inventors: Steven D. Kloos, Philip M. Rolchigo, Christopher J. Kurth, Chia Kung, Thomas J. Cartwright, Richard M. Reckin, Kenneth J. Sieth
-
Patent number: 7708150Abstract: The invention provides methods for preparing reverse osmosis membranes having improved permeability as well as membranes prepared by such methods.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2005Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: GE Osmonics, Inc.Inventor: Christopher J. Kurth
-
Patent number: 7658872Abstract: The invention provides methods for preparing reverse osmosis membranes having improved permeability as well as membranes prepared by such methods.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2003Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: GE Osmonics, Inc.Inventor: Christopher J. Kurth
-
Patent number: 7575687Abstract: The invention provides methods for purifying caustic feed streams using membranes that comprise polysulfonamide matrices.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2006Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: GE Osmonics, Inc.Inventors: Christopher J. Kurth, Isaac K. Iverson, Philip M. Rolchigo, Steven D. Kloos, Leonard T. Hodgins
-
Patent number: 7513996Abstract: A tankless reverse osmosis system which is capable of producing a permeate flow rate of at least 500 GPD when operating under home reverse osmosis conditions.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2003Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: GE Osmonics, Inc.Inventors: Steven D. Kloos, Philip M. Rolchigo, Christopher J. Kurth, Chia Kung, Thomas J. Cartwright, Richard M. Reckin, Kenneth J. Sieth
-
Publication number: 20090008931Abstract: A reverse osmosis system that includes a housing having an inlet port, a permeate port and a concentrate port. A membrane element is within the housing. The reverse osmosis system further includes (i) a first connector that is connected to the inlet port; (ii) a second connector that is connected to the permeate port; and (iii) a third connector that is connected to the concentrate port. A key is inserted between each of the first, second and third connectors. The key is configured such that the key cannot be inserted between the first, second and third connectors unless each of the first, second and third connectors is properly connected to the respective inlet, permeate and concentrate ports. In some embodiments, the key is configured such that the key cannot be removed from between each of the first, second and third connectors when there is pressure at the inlet port.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2008Publication date: January 8, 2009Inventors: Steven D. Kloos, Philip M. Rolchigo, Christopher J. Kurth, Chia Kung, Thomas J. Cartwright, Richard M. Reckin, Kenneth J. Sieth
-
Publication number: 20090001013Abstract: A reverse osmosis system that includes a housing having an inlet port, a permeate port and a concentrate port. The reverse osmosis system further includes a membrane element within the housing and (i) a first connector that has an end which is connected to the inlet port; (ii) a second connector that has an end which is connected to the permeate port; and (iii) a third connector that has an end which is connected to the concentrate port. The end of the first connector fits the inlet port but does not fit the permeate port or the concentrate port. The end of the second connector fits the permeate port but does not fit the inlet port or the concentrate port. The end of the third connector fits the concentrate port but does not fit the inlet port or the permeate port.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Inventors: Steven D. Kloos, Philip M. Rolchigo, Christopher J. Kurth, Chia Kung, Thomas J. Cartwright, Richard M. Reckin, Kenneth J. Sieth
-
Publication number: 20090000999Abstract: A reverse osmosis system that includes a housing which receives feed water and a membrane element within the housing to filter the feed water. The membrane element includes a permeate outlet and a concentrate outlet. The reverse osmosis system further includes a sensor that monitors the condition of the water that exits from the membrane element. The reverse osmosis system further includes a first set of indicators that are located remotely from the housing. The first set of indicators showing a condition of the system based on data obtained from the sensor. The reverse osmosis system further includes a second set of indicators that are located near the housing to show a condition of the system based on data obtained from the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Inventors: Steven D. Kloos, Philip M. Rolchigo, Christopher J. Kurth, Chia Kung, Thomas J. Cartwright, Richard M. Reckin, Kenneth J. Sieth
-
Publication number: 20090001003Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a reverse osmosis (RO) system that includes a housing and a pre-filter within the housing such that feed water flows into the housing and enters the pre-filter. The reverse osmosis (RO) system further includes a membrane element within the housing such that the pre-filtered water flows from the pre-filter and enters the membrane element and permeate exits the membrane element through the housing. In some embodiments, the housing includes a first end cap at one end and a second end cap at an opposing end such that feed water flows through the first end cap into the pre-filter and pre-filtered water flows from the pre-filter into the first end cap. In addition, the pre-filtered water may flow from the first end cap to the membrane element such that permeate exits the membrane element through the first end cap in order exit the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Inventors: Steven D. Kloos, Philip M. Rolchigo, Christopher J. Kurth, Chia Kung, Thomas J. Cartwright, Richard M. Reckin, Kenneth J. Sieth
-
Publication number: 20080277342Abstract: The invention provides novel polymer matrices and methods for preparing polymer matrices, as well as methods for purifying caustic feed streams using membranes that comprise polysulfonamide matrices.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2008Publication date: November 13, 2008Inventors: Christopher J. Kurth, Isaac K. Iverson, Philip M. Rolchigo, Steven D. Kloos, Leonard T. Hodgins