Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for the deposition of spacing elements for spiral wound elements that prevent nesting of adjacent spacer layers and occlusion of feed space during element rolling.

Abstract: A spiral wound membrane element comprising feed spacer elements applied to the active polyamide surface of the membrane sheet, where the feed spacer elements comprise similar material as the active polyamide layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for the deposition of spacing elements for spiral wound elements which promote mixing within the feed space during element operation thereby improving element performance and reducing concentration polarization and potential for biological fouling.

Abstract: An image sensor has a photocathode window assembly, an anode assembly, and a malleable metal seal. The photocathode window assembly has a photocathode layer. The anode assembly includes a silicon substrate that has an electron sensitive surface. The malleable metal seal bonds the photocathode window assembly and the silicon substrate to each other. A vacuum gap separates the photocathode layer from the electron sensitive surface. A first electrical connection and a second electrical connection are for a voltage bias of the photocathode layer relative to the electron sensitive surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide replacements for a continuous layer of feed spacer mesh in spiral-wound reverse osmosis elements and replacing such mesh with discrete regions of feed spacer supporting the inlet and outlet ends of the element and a stiffening bridge feature to bridge between these regions at the tail end of each membrane leaf comprising the element during the element rolling process. The stiffening bridge feature prevents inward deflection of the inner layer of the membrane leaf during rolling, facilitating proper sealing of the adhesive through the permeate carrier to the adjacent membrane film using known membrane rolling techniques.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for the deposition of spacing elements for spiral wound elements which promote mixing within the feed space during element operation thereby improving element performance and reducing concentration polarization and potential for biological fouling.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatuses that can alter flow characteristics within the feed channel of a cross-flow filtration element by employing a varying geometry of the feed spacer at a fixed channel height.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, flow dividing strips are used in the construction of the spiral wound element to segregate and direct feed to reject flow of a reverse osmosis element Flow dividing strips isolate the flow of fluid through distinct regions of the spiral-wound element. The flow dividing features can also be used to direct flow within the element in order to create a longer flow path for the fluid through the element, enabling even higher recovery in some applications.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide elements that are beneficial for use in fluid filtration. Embodiments provide elements that have variable feed spacer height, variable permeate spacer height, or both. The variable height allows flow properties to be matched to fluid volume as the filtration occurs.

Abstract: Methods of making membrane elements for fluid or gas filtration, comprising applying feed or reject spacers, or intermediate spacers, or fold line protection strips, or end support strips directly to a membrane sheet, or to a substrate material which are subsequently applied to a membrane sheet, which thereby avoids contamination from directly printed adhesives, inks, or polymers, or damage from heat or radiation damage to the membrane sheet during direct application of spacers or patterns to the surface of the membrane sheet, thereby avoiding utilization of conventional feed spacer mesh materials. Membrane sheets and spiral wound filtration elements having spacers applied to defined regions of the sheet, in some embodiments having spacers mounted on substrates with different material properties, e.g., stiffness, than the underlying membrane.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide replacement of conventional separate feed spacer mesh with features placed, deposited or integrated on or into either the porous permeate carrier, the inactive side of the membrane sheet, or select portions of the membrane surface.

Abstract: An image sensor has a photocathode window assembly, an anode assembly, and a malleable metal seal. The photocathode window assembly has a photocathode layer. The anode assembly includes a silicon substrate that has an electron sensitive surface. The malleable metal seal bonds the photocathode window assembly and the silicon substrate to each other. A vacuum gap separates the photocathode layer from the electron sensitive surface. A first electrical connection and a second electrical connection are for a voltage bias of the photocathode layer relative to the electron sensitive surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide elements that are beneficial for use in fluid filtration. Embodiments provide elements that have variable feed spacer height, variable permeate spacer height, or both. The variable height allows flow properties to be matched to fluid volume as the filtration occurs.

Abstract: Methods of making membrane elements for fluid or gas filtration, comprising applying feed or reject spacers, or intermediate spacers, or fold line protection strips, or end support strips directly to a membrane sheet, or to a substrate material which are subsequently applied to a membrane sheet, which thereby avoids contamination from directly printed adhesives, inks, or polymers, or damage from heat or radiation damage to the membrane sheet during direct application of spacers or patterns to the surface of the membrane sheet, thereby avoiding utilization of conventional feed spacer mesh materials. Membrane sheets and spiral wound filtration elements having spacers applied to defined regions of the sheet, in some embodiments having spacers mounted on substrates with different material properties, e.g., stiffness, than the underlying membrane.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide the integration of arbitrary flow directing patterns, deposited or integrated on or into the porous permeate spacer in a spiral-wound membrane separation element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spiral wound membrane element designs that utilize entrance and exit points in the feed space channel and utilize barriers on the perimeter of the feed space as well as barriers in the feed space area to direct fluid flow in the membrane element.

Abstract: Features applied to the inlet or exit edges of membrane sheets in spiral wound membrane elements may incorporate different heights or patterns than the feed space patterns in the middle of the membrane sheets in order to facilitate more open and more fluid dynamically favorable inlet spaces for the feed solution in spiral wound membrane elements. This configuration can reduce the fouling potential on the feed end of the membrane element, and provide less pressure drop on the inlet and exit ends of the membrane modules.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide the integration of arbitrary flow directing patterns, deposited or integrated on or into the porous permeate spacer in a spiral-wound membrane separation element.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide the integration of the function of the feed spacer, the permeate carrier, or both, as a part of the membrane sheet in a spiral wound membrane element.

Abstract: An electrolytic device and method for generating a disinfecting solution controlled by an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit preferably conditions the power received from the electrolytic device itself, or from a variety of power sources to measure and control the energy feeding the electrolytic cell chamber to produce an oxidant solution for disinfection. The electrical circuit can also have warning lights, volume indicators, timers, and other features to facilitate human interaction and ease of use. A multitude of separate devices can provide the power source, including but not limited to, a solar panel, a one-time use or rechargeable battery, a wall plug type of charger, a car battery, or any number of other devices that can provide power. Communications can also be electronic from a cell phone with a software application, and Bluetooth or other means of communication between to the electrolytic oxidant producing device and a controller and also controlled to or from a power source.