With Filter (e.g., Electrostatic Filter, Etc.) Patents (Class 204/665)
  • Patent number: 8152538
    Abstract: An assembly for bonding a fluid, wherein the assembly comprises a fitting having an electrically conductive body comprising: a base, a first extension member which extends from a first part of the base, and a second extension member which extends from a second part of the base; and an electrically conductive protrusion extending from an exterior surface of the body; a fluid filter having a receiver which is in operable communication with the first extension member of the fitting; and a pump which draws the fluid from a fluid source and into the fluid filter, wherein the fluid further flows from the fluid filter and through the fitting; whereby the fluid, when it flows through the fitting, and when a bond wire is in electrical communication with the electrically conductive protrusion of the fitting, is bonded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Timothy A. Papageorge
  • Publication number: 20120031760
    Abstract: A method for removing soot, sludge and other insoluble particulates from an engine oil is provided, the method comprising: disposing an oil containing the particulates between a pair of electrodes, wherein one of the electrodes is a positive electrode; wrapping a surface of the positive electrode with a media, wherein the media is configured to collect a portion of the particulates drawn towards the positive electrode; applying a current to the electrodes for a period of time, wherein portions of the particulates agglomerate in the media. Also, disclosed herein is a filter for removing soot, sludge and other insoluble particulates from an engine oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Nageswara Rao Cheekala, Stephen G. Tosh, Daniel E. Bause, Ronald P. Rohrbach, Brian K. Artz, Peter D. Unger
  • Publication number: 20110303543
    Abstract: A fluid treatment apparatus and related methods involving the use of replaceable treatment cartridges that include a treatment media, wherein the treatment cartridge is electrically enhanced to form regions of differing polarity within the cartridge. The treatment cartridge can include a pair of fixed polarity conductors that can be electrically connected to a power source so as to induce regions of differing polarity within the cartridge. The fluid treatment apparatus can be utilized to treat liquids including aqueous solutions as well as gases such as an air supply by exposing the fluid to the regions of differing polarity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: Karl J. Fritze
  • Publication number: 20110290727
    Abstract: A process for preparing a composite membrane comprising the steps of: (i) applying to a porous support having an average surface energy of 1 to 30 mN/m a composition having a viscosity of 1 to 5,000 mPa·s; and (ii) increasing the viscosity of the composition to a value higher than 30,000 mPa·s within 30 seconds after the composition has been applied to the support; wherein the composition applied in step (i) has a surface tension that is at least 25 mN/m higher than the average surface energy of the porous support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Ronny Van Engelen
  • Publication number: 20110290650
    Abstract: A vessel for producing alkaline water, includes a pipe, a rod disposed within the pipe; at least one support to support the rod to the pipe; and at least one magnetic material disposed on the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Kook Bum BANG
  • Patent number: 8062517
    Abstract: A method and system for removing from an aqueous system which is contaminated therewith: (1) mercury present as colloids, ions and/or organically bound compounds, and (2) hydrocarbons solubilized, dispersed, and/or emulsified in the said system. Pursuant to the invention the aqueous system to be treated (such as “produced water”) is passed successively through three filtration stages. The first filtration stage is provided with absorption media which effects reduction/removal of dispersed organically bound mercury species and of the dispersed and partially dissolved hydrocarbon phases, as well as of some colloidal mercury and other dissolved metallic species. The second filtration stage utilizes a salt modified reticulated granular filtration media for reduction/removal of slightly dissolved hydrocarbon phases, mercury in colloidal and ionic form and other dissolved metals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Hal Alper
  • Patent number: 8029669
    Abstract: Apparatus for treating a fluid in a conduit, comprising first and second core elements of magnetically conductive material adapted to be mounted to the conduit to surround same at spaced positions therealong; and means for establishing radio frequency magnetic fluxes in said core elements, for generating respective electromagnetic fields in the fluid to be treated extending from spaced positions along the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Hydropath Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Daniel Stefanini
  • Patent number: 7931814
    Abstract: An alloy is created by melting aluminum, zinc, rare earth metals such as erbium and/or tellurium, and optionally vanadium. During cooling, the molten alloy is exposed to ultrasonic waves in order to prevent separation of the alloy into layers. The alloy is used for one electrode and a separate conductive element such as stainless steel or carbon is used for the other electrode in a water filter. A constant potential difference and electrical current is created between the two electrodes across the water. In an embodiment where carbon or zeolite is used as the filtration medium, the constant voltage and current increase bonding of ions in the filtration medium with pollutants in the water. In an embodiment wherein a mixed bed resin containing sodium ions and potassium ions is used as the filtration medium, the constant voltage and current increase the bonding of the sodium and potassium ions with residual chlorine ions in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Inventors: Alvin A. Snaper, Maxwell J. Goldberg
  • Patent number: 7901570
    Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for supplying electrical power to a device, such as a filter element, located within a housing. In one embodiment, a conductive coil is embedded into the housing base, and a second coil is embedded into the filter element. Current is then passed through the coil in the housing base. Through induction, a current is created in the second coil in the filter element, in much the same way as a transformer functions. This inductive field may interfere with the operation of the various electronic functions, such as communications, sensing or other activities. To overcome this issue, an energy storage component, such as a capacitor, is included in the filter electronics. In this way, the power generated by the inductive field can be stored, and used when the inductive field is no longer present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Michael T. Grzonka, Aaron Burke
  • Publication number: 20110048949
    Abstract: Dialysis treatment devices and methods for removing urea from dialysis waste streams are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a dialysis treatment device including a first cell having a first electrodialysis unit, a second cell having at least one of a urease compartment and a sorbent compartment and in fluid communication with the first cell, and a third cell having a second electrodialysis unit and in fluid communication with the second cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicants: BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC., BAXTER HEALTHCARE S.A.
    Inventors: Yuanpang Samuel Ding, Ying-Cheng Lo
  • Publication number: 20100326831
    Abstract: Electrostatic filters, systems and methods having separate positively and negatively charged filter elements within electrically isolated filter tanks for electrostatically filtering particles from a fluid flow. Both positive charged connections biased to earth ground and negative charged connections biased to earth ground are made to the respective positive and negative charged filter elements, along with triboelectric induced charge accumulations from the fluid flow, for separating charged particles within the fluid flowing parallel through these oppositely charged filter elements. Variable resistors of a power supply connected to such filters, systems and methods provide for controlling and adjusting for any undesired voltage excesses and/or shortfalls within these filter tanks so that the fluid flowing exiting these filter tanks is unbiased to generate a filtered fluid having balanced electrostatic charges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Gerald L. Munson, David M. Butler, Daniel P. McCormick
  • Publication number: 20100314252
    Abstract: An alloy is created by melting aluminum, zinc, rare earth metals such as erbium and/or tellurium, and optionally vanadium. During cooling, the molten alloy is exposed to ultrasonic waves in order to prevent separation of the alloy into layers. The alloy is used for one electrode and a separate conductive element such as stainless steel or carbon is used for the other electrode in a water filter. A constant potential difference and electrical current is created between the two electrodes across the water. In an embodiment where carbon or zeolite is used as the filtration medium, the constant voltage and current increase bonding of ions in the filtration medium with pollutants in the water. In an embodiment wherein a mixed bed resin containing sodium ions and potassium ions is used as the filtration medium, the constant voltage and current increase the bonding of the sodium and potassium ions with residual chlorine ions in the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Alvin A. Snaper, Maxwell J. Goldberg
  • Publication number: 20100307974
    Abstract: The invention relates to a polyaniline, comprising aniline units and organosulphur units, characterized in that the polyaniline is doped and has a number average degree of polymerization of approximately 5 to approximately 50. The scope of the invention also includes a process for the preparation of polyaniline, wherein aniline and at least one organosulphur unit are converted to a polyaniline derivative in an oxidative, acid-catalyzed polymerization reaction. A subject of the invention is also a coated substrate which is coated with the polyaniline according to the invention and also a process for the coating of the substrate. The scope of the invention furthermore also includes a coating composition which is suitable for the coating of the substrate. The invention thus also relates to a process for the preparation of the coating composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: SUD-CHEMIE AG
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Pettinger, Franz-Xaver Muller, Gerhard Illing, Mathias Ulbricht
  • Publication number: 20100276300
    Abstract: A super absorbent polymer material is contacted with an aqueous medium to absorb at least a portion of the aqueous medium. At least portion of the aqueous medium absorbed super absorbent material is subsequently regenerated to release water therefrom and to form a regenerated super absorbent material suitable for the contacting with a second quantity of an aqueous medium. Also disclosed are layered composites including an electrically conductive metal support layer, a layer of super absorbent material disposed thereon, and a layer of a selective semi-permeable material disposed adjacent the layer of the super absorbent material and spaced apart from the electrically conductive metal support layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Fouad TEYMOUR, Said Al-Hallaj
  • Publication number: 20100270161
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for separating a polar ionic substance, such as nitrate nitrogen (NO), from groundwater or a water supply and concentrating the separated substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2007
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Uk Hyun
  • Publication number: 20100193360
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for reclamation of waste fluids. A conditioning container is employed for receipt of waste material on a continuous flow for treatment within the container by immersible transducers producing ultrasonic acoustic waves in combination with a high level of injected ozone. The treated material exhibits superior separation properties for delivery into a centrifuge for enhanced solid waste removal. The invention discloses a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling of flowback, or frac water, which has been used to stimulate gas production from shale formations. The apparatus is mobile and containerized and suitable for installation at the well site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Dennis McGuire, Sanjeev Jakhete
  • Patent number: 7744739
    Abstract: A cylindrical oil contamination collector for removal of ultra-fine particulate includes a rectangular and continuous length of single-sided, corrugated, phenolic coated paper overlaid with three rectangular electrodes affixed thereto in a spaced-apart, side-by-side arrangement. Two of the electrodes are electrode grounds and the other electrode is a high voltage electrode. The phenolic coated paper is spiral-wound into a continuous spiral with at least one of the three rectangular electrodes sandwiched between adjacent, overlapping turns of the spiral-wound phenolic coated paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: CLARCOR Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas B. Green
  • Publication number: 20100108522
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for remediation of a xenobiotic in a liquid. The system comprises: a first chamber having a first port and a second port, a first electrode in the first chamber, a second electrode is in electrical communication with the first electrode and with a voltage source, wherein the first electrode is an anode and the second electrode is a cathode or the first electrode is a cathode and the second electrode is an anode. The system uses an electric current to provide an electron acceptor or electron donor for a microorganism capable of remediating the xenobiotic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: John D. Coates, Cameron J. Thrash
  • Publication number: 20100101959
    Abstract: A method for removing soot, sludge and other insoluble particulates from an engine oil is provided, the method comprising: disposing an oil containing the particulates between a pair of electrodes, wherein one of the electrodes is a positive electrode; applying a coating to the surface of the positive electrode, wherein the coating is configured to collect a portion of the particulates on the positive electrode; applying a current to the electrodes for a period of time, wherein portions of the particulates agglomerate on the positive electrode and other portions of the particulates not collected on the positive electrode are preagglomerated resulting in a larger average particle size; and applying a filtering process to remove the particulates not collected on the positive electrode. Also, disclosed herein is a filter for removing soot, sludge and other insoluble particulates from an engine oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Daniel E. Bause, Ronald P. Rohrbach, Nageswara R. Cheekala, Peter D. Unger, Brian K. Artz
  • Patent number: 7699989
    Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for supplying electrical power to a device, such as a filter element, located within a housing. In one embodiment, a conductive coil is embedded into the housing base, and a second coil is embedded into the filter element. Current is then passed through the coil in the housing base. Through induction, a current is created in the second coil in the filter element, in much the same way as a transformer functions. This inductive field may interfere with the operation of the various electronic functions, such as communications, sensing or other activities. To overcome this issue, an energy storage component, such as a capacitor, is included in the filter electronics. In this way, the power generated by the inductive field can be stored, and used when the inductive field is no longer present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Michael T. Grzonka, Aaron Burke
  • Publication number: 20100059382
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid treatment module, which comprises power distribution panels, electrode plates and a framework with side plates. The two power distribution panels are fixed on the two side plates. The power distribution panels have electrode plates located on inner side of the panels. There are two or more double-sided electrode plates placed in stacks between the two distribution panels which are connected to the DC power supply through the electric wires. There are separators placed between the adjacent electrode plates to provide the flow channels. Each flow channel is connected with the inlet and outlet holes on the side plates. The exposed surface of the power distribution panels, double-sided electrode plates and the separators are bonded and sealed by the insulating package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Xiaowei Sun, Xiaoming Sun, Huanqing Shao, Borong Zhan
  • Publication number: 20090283409
    Abstract: A target compound treatment apparatus of a size capable of being mounted under a sink, the apparatus comprising a destruction zone in which an aqueous solution containing at least one target compound is exposed to a destruction agent adapted to convert the target compound into destruction byproduct; a filtration zone in which a filtration agent removes the destruction byproduct from the solution; and a flow inducer/pump adapted to cause the aqueous solution to flow through the apparatus. The destruction agent may comprise an acid, a base, an oxidizing agent, or a reducing agent. The destruction agent may be available on a surface of a solid substrate disposed within the destruction zone, or it may be available in a gaseous or liquid reagent that is admixed with the aqueous solution. The filtration agent may be comprised of an adsorption media such as activated carbon and/or other filtration means for removing destruction byproduct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Tommy Stern, Todd McGee
  • Publication number: 20090260989
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of producing and using aluminum slurry containing aluminum particles having an extremely small size. In particular, a particle size that is small enough to freely flow through water filtration filters. Once the aluminum particles react with phosphorus, phosphates, and other contaminants, the resulting particles are large enough to be trapped by filters such that the contaminants can be easily removed. The aluminum slurry is created by the use of a unique process which rapidly transforms electrically charged aluminum plates into slurry. The resulting slurry is then added to the body of water where it disperses throughout the water and flocculates with the contaminants. The resulting clumps produced by the reaction are large enough to be trapped by filters in the water treatment facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: John J. Murray, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090255815
    Abstract: Capacitive deionization (CDI) is a non-membrane and chemical-free technique for water purification, used-water recycling, and seawater desalination. Ionic contaminants in the waters are retained by a static electric field built within the critical component of CDI, which is known as flow through capacitor (FTC). Apparently, parameters enhancing the field strength of FTC and electrode efficiency are the keys to the performance of CDI. The FTC of the present invention is formed by a plurality of monopolar and a plurality of bipolar electrodes, and a plural number of perforated holes are disposed on the FTC electrodes in a pattern that allows certain water flow rate and residence time to yield the highest efficiency of electrode utilization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Lih-Ren SHIUE, Hou-Bai LEE
  • Patent number: 7572369
    Abstract: A method of supporting denitrification includes receiving biological material at a pulsed electric field station and applying a pulsed electric field to the biological material within a treatment zone in the pulse electric field station to generate treated biological material. The method also includes transporting at least a portion of the treated biological material to an anoxic bioreactor in substitution, at least in part, for an external source of electron donor. A system for supporting denitrification is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: OpenCEL LLC
    Inventors: Michael T. Gallagher, James Banaszak
  • Publication number: 20090166207
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid filter system which can be used to separate the different substances forming said fluid. The invention is characterized in that it comprises the application of a uniform magnetic or electric field in order to produce a Stark effect and the subsequent application of an electric field oscillating in resonance with the energy separation caused by the Stark effect or by a magnetic field oscillating in resonance with the energy separation caused by the Zeeman effect. The molecules involved in the resonation are captured in the filter and subsequently removed using a suction system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: CENTRO DE INVESTIGACION DE ROTACION Y TORQUE APLICADA, S.L.
    Inventors: Manuel Dorado Gonzalez, Jaime Andreu Serra, Carlos Montero Catalina
  • Publication number: 20090166208
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrobiological treatment device for organic sewage, comprising a shell, a biological filler and one or more pairs of electrodes, wherein the biological filler and the electrodes are placed in the shell. The space inside the shell is separated into an outlet chamber, a reaction chamber and an inlet chamber by an upper distribution board and a lower distribution board, the reaction chamber positioned in the middle part in which the biological filter and the electrodes are placed. This device combines electrolysis treatment process with biological treatment process to exert oxidation reduction function of electrolysis treatment, improve conditions of biological treatment, increase treatment capability and get good effects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: Beijing Jinaohuarong Science and Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yubo DONG
  • Patent number: 7517448
    Abstract: A cooling water recycling filter comprises a supersonic and electromagnetic wave limescale processor installed inside a main water recycling system of water storage tank and a sub water recycling system installed outside a main water recycling system. The sub water recycling system comprises a water quality control unit, a limescale processor unit, a limescale separation and filter unit and a high level oxidization and processing unit. An electric conductivity sensor, a PH value sensor, and an ORP oxidization and reduction potential meter of water quality control unit are used to measure the values of water quality. A limescale processor and impurities separator is used to filter impurities of the cooling water. After the cooling water is filtered precisely by the limescale separation and filter unit, the cooling water is sterilized by a copper and silver sterilizing and algae-killing unit of a sterilization unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventor: Tony C. T. Chen
  • Publication number: 20080302663
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrostatic fluid filtration system suitable for removing sub micron insoluble contaminants known to cause varnish from fluids such as dielectric fluids. The electrostatic fluid filtration system is configured to remove both water and other contaminants from a target fluid (e.g. a dielectric fluid) and comprises a cabinet, a computer control unit, and one or more substantially cylindrical filtration units, including at least one of a water filtration unit and an electrostatic contaminant filtration unit. In the contaminant filtration unit, the target fluid flows radially through the filtration media that is positioned between the electrode plates in a generally horizontal flow pattern. This forces the target fluid to traverse multiple energy fields in a serpentine fashion and in a single pass through the contaminant filtration unit. After flowing through each layer of the filtration media, the target fluid is discharged from the electrostatic contaminant filtration unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Paul Jarvis
  • Patent number: 7438804
    Abstract: Provided are a coagulation treatment apparatus capable of removing fine objects of removal from a fluid containing the objects of removal, and a coagulation treatment method using the apparatus. A coagulation treatment apparatus for a fluid according to the present invention includes a production device for introducing ions of metal belonging to Group 8 of the periodic table into a fluid containing objects of removal and for producing a coagulated substance in which the objects of removal and the metal ions are bonded to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Umezawa, Masahiro Iseki, Daizo Takaoka, Motoyuki Tsuihiji, Koichi Hara
  • Publication number: 20080190772
    Abstract: An electrically enhanced filter apparatus for removing particles from air passing through the filter in a flow path from an upstream locus to a downstream locus includes: a plurality of electrically conductive particle-permeable electrodes situated in the flow path. A first electrode is an electrically conductive permeable electrode situated substantially at the upstream locus. A second electrode is an electrically conductive permeable electrode situated downstream of the first electrode in spaced relation with the first electrode. The second electrode is coupled with a voltage source sufficient to effect ionizing of the particles passing though the second electrode. A third electrode is situated downstream of the second electrode in spaced relation with the second electrode. A fourth electrode is situated downstream of the third electrode in spaced relation with the third electrode. A particle-permeable filter element is situated between the third electrode and the fourth electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: Lennox Manufacturing, Inc., a Corporation of Delaware
    Inventors: Henry Greist, Sanjeev Hingorani
  • Patent number: 7402239
    Abstract: A water purification apparatus, comprising a water pump, wherein the water pump inlet port receives water from an external source, a nonreturn valve in fluid communication with the water pump outlet port, and an ionizer chamber in fluid communication with the nonreturn valve output end, wherein the ionizer chamber doses a bacteriacide into water contained in the ionizer chamber. The apparatus also includes a filter, wherein the input end of the filter is in fluid communication with the output end of the ionizer chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Ionics Perpetual, Inc.
    Inventor: William Donald Charles Dorward
  • Patent number: 7381328
    Abstract: The treatment of effluents in which a flow of the effluents is subjected to a pulsed electric field that modifies physicochemical and biologic characteristics of the medium, this modification being used during a solid/liquid separation operation, of the settlement or membrane filtration type. The solid/liquid separation operation and the application of a pulsed electric field are operations carried out at different locations along the effluent flow. The pulsed electric field has voltage value, current value, pulse repetition frequency, and voltage front shape characteristics chosen such that the required effluent treatment can be achieved as a function of the locations at which these membrane filtration operations are carried out and a pulsed electric field is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Commissart A l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Luc Schrive, Philip Nouvel, Alain Grasmick
  • Patent number: 7374603
    Abstract: Particle collection, transport, and detection systems are disclosed. The systems are uniquely adapted for collecting or concentrating particles from a flowing medium and then transporting the collected particles to a desired location or for subsequent analysis. Electrostatic traveling wave grids can be used in conjunction with sample concentrators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventor: David Biegelsen
  • Patent number: 7288185
    Abstract: A magnetic energy wave device has a winding spiral pipe, a magnetic conductive metal layer, a hollow coil holder, and a circuit board. A magnetic switch is assembled at a water inlet of the winding spiral pipe. The magnetic conductive metal layer is sleeved outside the winding spiral pipe. The winding spiral pipe and the magnetic conductive metal layer are assembled in the hollow coil holder. A coil is wound around the hollow coil holder. The circuit board is connected to an external power source, and is electrically connected to the magnetic switch and the coil. When water passes through the water inlet, the magnetic switch connects the power source and the coil. The coil and the magnetic conductive metal layer therefore produce dynamic magnetic fields to magnetize fully water in the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: Chien-Ku Hung
  • Patent number: 7235123
    Abstract: Particle collection, transport, and detection systems are disclosed. The systems are uniquely adapted for collecting or concentrating particles from a flowing medium and then transporting the collected particles to a desired location or for subsequent analysis. Electrostatic traveling wave grids can be used in conjunction with sample concentrators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventor: David Biegelsen
  • Patent number: 6951606
    Abstract: An auxiliary oil filtration system and method for filtering oil in an engine is provided. The auxiliary oil filtration system consists of an auxiliary filtration device, an integral oil transfer pump controlled by an electric motor and that is in electrical communication with an electrical control unit, an electronic pressure sensor, fluid conductors, and means for connecting hardware. The auxiliary filtration device is separate from the primary engine lubrication system, and includes a media supply reel having a roll of filtering media thereon which is moveable to a take-up reel. A media indexing system advances the media supply reel as the filtering media becomes plugged. An electronic pressure sensor dictates the advancement of the filtering media when a pre-determined differential pressure across the filtering media is attained. When all of the filtering media has been transferred from the supply reel to the take-up reel, the cartridge is replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: EMP Advanced Development LLC
    Inventors: Jason M. Cousineau, David J. Allen
  • Patent number: 6905608
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system comprises a filter and at least one electrodeionization (EDI) unit for chemical recovery. The filter is adapted to receive a fluid and to remove a selected chemical element or contaminant from the fluid. The EDI unit is coupled to the filter and adapted to recover a chemical element from the fluid and to separate the recovered chemical element from the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Exergy Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Fred P. Reinhard
  • Patent number: 6871744
    Abstract: A solid-liquid mixture is electro-dewatered by apparatus having a conveyor belt for receiving an electric charge and having the mixture deposited thereon and an element above the conveyor belt receiving an opposite electric charge with the conveyor belt an element cooperating to apply a compressive force to the mixture and characterised by the conveyor belt including discrete electrically conducted segments which are permeable to the liquid. The upper element is preferably in the form of a rotary drum or second conveyor belt but it can be in the form of a pressure plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: CRC For Waste Management & Pollution Control Limited
    Inventors: Sarah A Miller, Barry Kenneth Johnston, Christopher Veal
  • Patent number: 6843914
    Abstract: Performance of a rotating filter element for removing particulate matter from a liquid is enhanced by applying acoustic energy in the ultrasonic frequency range to the filter element by plural transducers affixed to the exterior of a bowl surrounding the rotating filter element. The bowl and filter element can be electrically isolated from each other and connected to a D.C. power supply for further enhancement of filter performance. The ultrasonic transducers, the power supply, and a discharge valve can all be operated by a controller, responsive to a sensor which senses the pressure drop across the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: Julius James Jablonsky
  • Publication number: 20040182708
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and a process for separation and resolution of particles suspended in, or molecules dissolved in, a sample mixture or solution using electrical field flow fractionation (EFFF). Fractionation of individual components in the mixture/solution is obtained by the interaction of particles/molecules with an electric field applied perpendicular to the flow direction, and externally to the fractionation channel. The plate electrodes are electrically isolated from the sample and carrier within a thin, non-permeable, insulating coating on the inside surfaces electrodes. This coating forms a barrier between the solution phase and the electric circuit used to generate the working electric field. The flow channel is formed by sandwiching a shaped insulating gasket between the two parallel plate electrodes. The side walls of the channel are defined then by the inside walls of the shaped, insulating gasket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: Dale D. Russell, Michael W. Hill
  • Patent number: 6787043
    Abstract: A water purification system and method using an ionizer and an ozonation treatment for ionization, oxidation and/or decomposition of undegradeable contaminants is disclosed. A high electron-inducing voltage is first applied to the water in the ionizer so that undergradeable materials are ionized and/pr decomposed, then the water is mixed with ozone so the water is purified to be potable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Moon-Ki Cho
    Inventors: Moon-Ki Cho, Han-Young Kang
  • Patent number: 6752925
    Abstract: A filter device (1) is provided for microfiltration and/or ultrafiltration, preferably for varnishes, such as cathodic dipping varnishes, for connection to a conduit, having a pressure housing (2) and at least one ceramic membrane filter element (3) located in the pressure housing (2). In order to make a filter device of the previously mentioned type available which is also suitable for the recycling of varnishes, particularly cathodic dipping varnishes, the ceramic membrane filter element (3) is electrically connected with at least one electrical conductor (5) and is grounded via the electrical conductor (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Atech Innovations GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Bolduan
  • Patent number: 6736965
    Abstract: An auxiliary oil filtration system and method for filtering oil in an engine is provided. The auxiliary oil filtration system consists of an auxiliary filtration device, an integral oil transfer pump controlled by an electric motor and that is in electrical communication with an electrical control unit, an electronic pressure sensor, fluid conductors, and means for connecting hardware. The auxiliary filtration device is separate from the primary engine lubrication system, and includes a media supply reel having a roll of filtering media thereon which is moveable to a take-up reel. A media indexing system advances the media supply reel as the filtering media becomes plugged. An electronic pressure sensor dictates the advancement of the filtering media when a pre-determined differential pressure across the filtering media is attained. When all of the filtering media has been transferred from the supply reel to the take-up reel, the cartridge is replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Engineered Machined Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason M. Cousineau, David J. Allen
  • Patent number: 6692627
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and a process for separation and resolution of particles suspended in, or molecules dissolved in, a sample mixture or solution using electrical field flow fractionation (EFFF). Fractionation of individual components in the mixture/solution is obtained by the interaction of particles/molecules with an electric field applied perpendicular to the flow direction, and externally to the fractionation channel. The plate electrodes are electrically isolated from the sample and carrier within a thin, non-permeable, insulating coating on the inside surfaces electrodes. This coating forms a barrier between the solution phase and the electric circuit used to generate the working electric field. The flow channel is formed by sandwiching a shaped insulating gasket between the two parallel plate electrodes. The side walls of the channel are defined then by the inside walls of the shaped, insulating gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Boise State University
    Inventors: Dale R. Russell, Michael W. Hill
  • Patent number: 6673321
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for recovering metals from aqueous solutions by passing an aqueous solution, which contains dissolved metals, into a space between two elongated electrodes of a treatment chamber. A very high voltage electric field is created in the treatment chamber and is accompanied by a very small trickle current charge to enhance adsorption, polarization, ion exchange or to otherwise agglomerate the dissolved metal, which is then recovered by filtering, adsorbing, exchanging or otherwise separating the metal from the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Hydro-Met of Colorado, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward C. Weakly, Joseph N. Ignat, Henry L. DiCamillo
  • Patent number: 6582592
    Abstract: A system is provided for removing dissolved metals from industrial wastewater by electrocoagulation. The system includes an electrocoagulation reactor with a DC power supply having an insulation support enclosure with positive and negative electrode plates disposed thereon. The electrode plates are insulated for each other but remain in direct contact with the wastewater as it flows between the electrodes. The DC power supply induces opposite charges on alternate electrodes thereby generating an electric field between adjacent electrodes to cause the electrodes to ionize and go into solution for interaction with the contaminants in the wastewater as it flows through the reactor. The reactor is housed in a pressure vessel container so the exterior pressure on the reactor is higher than its internal pressure preventing leakage of fluids and oxygen and hydrogen gases produced in the reactor by decomposition of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Hydrotreat, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnny Arnaud
  • Patent number: 6576460
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a filtration-detection device for detecting or quantifying an analyte in a test sample including a filtration device having a first binding material immobilized thereto, wherein the first binding material is capable of binding to a portion of the analyte, and a detection assembly positioned relative to the filtration device to detect or quantify analyte bound to the first binding material. The present invention also relates to methods of using the filtration-detection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignees: Cornell Research Foundation, Inc., Innovative Biotechnologies International, Inc.
    Inventors: Antje J. Baeumner, Richard A. Montagna
  • Patent number: 6576107
    Abstract: An electrostatic filter for removing contaminants from a dielectric fluid when the filter comprises a plurality of electrically conductive plates positioned in a housing and having filter media disposed between the plates so that during the operation of the filters, fluid flows axially through the media between the electrode plates and into a central recovery zone and is discharged from the filter. A replaceable filter cartridge, a method for removing contaminants from a dielectric fluid using the filter, a filtration system for removing both water and other contaminants from a dielectric fluid using the filter in combination with a water-removal filter and a system for maintaining a supply of filter dielectric fluid for a dielectric fluid user on a continuous basis are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Donald E. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6514406
    Abstract: A water treatment apparatus comprises a first housing having an inlet, an outlet, and a chamber defined therebetween wherein the inlet is connected to an upstream water pipe. A series of magnets are arranged for attachment about the upstream water pipe for directing a magnetic field onto water flowing downstream into the first housing chamber. First and second electrodes of a copper and silver alloy are positioned in the first housing chamber for releasing copper and silver ions into the water therein to reduce bacteria levels of the water. A heating coil is disposed in the first housing for boiling the water in the first housing chamber. The apparatus includes a second housing having an inlet, an outlet, and a chamber defined therebetween. A conduit connects the outlet of the first housing with the inlet of the second housing for supplying water vapor from the first housing chamber to the second housing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: James E. Katehis