Discharge Of Treated Material Patents (Class 210/109)
  • Patent number: 6827750
    Abstract: A container for releasing a chemical additive into a fuel composition comprises a fuel-impermeable casing having a hollow interior and an additive composition comprising at least one fuel soluble additive. The additive is held within the container by at least one fuel-permeable element provided at or near an opening in the casing and is effective to provide for release of additive(s) into the fuel composition. Methods of releasing additives into fuel compositions are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignees: Dober Chemical Corp, Fleetguard, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Drozd, Harold R. Martin, Thomas J. Blakemore, Dennis Kelly, Doug Hudgens
  • Publication number: 20040217050
    Abstract: The invention contemplates a simple, easy to operate hydrocyclone separation system that removes the heavy phase containing the produced solids intermittently, rather than continuously. The desirable, lighter portion of the well production, from which the aggressive solids of the propant have been removed, is continuously separated from the well production and treated by the existing surface fluid conditioning equipment at the well site. The heavy phase is collected in the bottom of the hydrocyclone. The outlet for the heavy phase flow stream is normally closed by a shutoff valve and is only dumped when the separator is full. The solid containing fluid exiting from the heavy phase outlet valve is passed through a standard oilfield hydraulic choke in order to reduce its pressure sufficiently so that normal piping and solids collection equipment can be used to handle the dumped fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Applicant: Power Chokes, L.P.
    Inventors: David A. Schmidt, Thomas E. Neal, John W. McCaskill
  • Publication number: 20040211713
    Abstract: A multifunctional pure water maker includes a main body and a reverse osmosis module. The main body includes a base portion and a column extending from the base portion. A water container is removably placed on the base portion. A control cap is pivotally attached to the column and includes a compartment in an underside thereof. An outlet pipe is mounted in the control cap and has an end communicated with the reverse osmosis module. Water purified by the reverse osmosis module flows through the other end of the outlet pipe into the water container when the control cap is in a closed position covering an opening of the water container. A limit switch is mounted in the control cap such that the reverse osmosis module is activated to proceed with production of pure water when the control cap is moved to the closed position and that the reverse osmosis module is deactivated when the control cap is moved to an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Albert Shen
  • Patent number: 6808637
    Abstract: An ozone water producing system and control method, which is flexibly used indoor or outdoor irrespective condition of a flow channel, is provided for reconstituting polluted water as environmentally friendly. The ozone water generating system is maintained in an optimum state for improving entire performance of the system as well as predicting and preventing the backflow of ozone water, which is occurred due to outlet blocking in a discharging process. The controlling method of the present ozone water producing enables to prevent the deteriorating the performance and ensure the operation stability. The ozone water-producing system comprises an influent air controller, an injector, a gas-liquid separator, and an ozone water-backflow, preventing device. The present system and controller is designed to prevent water backflow, being frequently occurred in the conventional system, for improving the performance, stability and extending operating lifetime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Dong Woo Kiyoun Inc.
    Inventor: Soo Hawn Cho
  • Patent number: 6808627
    Abstract: A dialyzing apparatus including a dialyzer which removes water from blood of a patient at a water-remove rate, an arteriosclerosis-related-information obtaining device which obtains arteriosclerosis-related information that is related to a degree of arteriosclerosis of the patient, and a water-remove-rate display device which displays a target value of the water-remove rate based on the arteriosclerosis-related information obtained by the arteriosclerosis-related-information obtaining device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Colin Medical Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Keizoh Kawaguchi
  • Publication number: 20040206678
    Abstract: A filter device according to the present invention comprises: a filter portion having a fluid outlet at its axis, and a fluid inlet in a position away from the axis, in which a fluid containing particles is supplied at a predetermined flow speed from the fluid inlet to cause a swirl, particles are moved outward in a centrifugal state and the fluid from which the particles are separated is discharged from the fluid outlet, and the particles separated by slowing down the swirl are allowed to sink; and a settlement portion in which the particles that settle in the filter portion are allowed to settle. Thus, a fluid containing particles is supplied at a predetermined flow speed to cause a swirl, the particles are separated by a centrifugal force caused by the swirl and allowed to sink and settle, and the fluid from which the particles are separated is discharged. A large amount of particles can be allowed to settle and be reliably removed in a short time with this small-sized and simple device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Kazuaki Takahashi, Junichi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6797158
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for acoustically enhanced particle separation uses a chamber through which flows a fluid containing particles to be separated. A porous medium is disposed within the chamber. A transducer mounted on one wall of the chamber is powered to impose on the porous medium an acoustic field that is resonant to the chamber when filled with the fluid. Under the influence of the resonant acoustic field, the porous medium is able to trap particles substantially smaller than the average pore size of the medium. When the acoustic field is deactivated, the flowing fluid flushes the trapped particles from the porous medium and regenerates the medium. A collection circuit for harvesting the particles flushed from the porous medium is disclosed. Aluminum mesh, polyester foam, and unconsolidated glass beads are disclosed as porous media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Case Western Reserve University
    Inventors: Donald L. Feke, Sanjay Gupta, Zenon Mandralis
  • Patent number: 6790367
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for separating and measuring solids from multi-phase well fluids. The apparatus comprises a separator; an upper solids level and a lower solids level sensor, both connected to the separator; a dump valve operatively connected to the separator; and a control module operatively connected to the dump valve to move the dump valve between an open and a closed position. The upper solids level sensor generates a first signal when the upper level of accumulated solids-within the separator reaches a pre-determined upper level. The lower solids level sensor generates a second signal when the upper level of accumulated solids within the separator reaches a predetermined lower level. The control module receives the first and second generated signals such that upon receipt of the first signal the control module causes the dump valve to open and upon receipt of the second signal the control module causes the dump valve to close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Northland Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Schmigel, David Speed, Peter Stefureak
  • Publication number: 20040154965
    Abstract: An automated system for upstream, chemical disinfection of wet and dry weather water flows. The system combines chemical disinfection with a sophisticated feed-back control model for efficient disinfection rates and optimized consumables usage without the generation of environmentally-damaging residues. The model is steered by inputs from an array of sensors measuring key physiochemical and biological parameters. The system is designed to optionally permit remote access via computer networks such as the Internet or telemetry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Marc M. Baum, Weng Ki Ching, Michael R. Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 6773605
    Abstract: A method and a system for controlling a separator unit for multiphase separation of fluids of different densities, wherein either a pressure in the separator unit or a level of one or more of the liquids in the separator unit is adjusted in relation to a reference value. The reference value and the relevant pressure in the separator unit (1), or the level of the relevant liquid converted to a pressure, are supplied to either side of a pressure sensitive mechanical device (23; 28) which moves with deviations of the pressure from the reference value, and the movement is transferred directly to a mechanical control unit (22; 33) which is coupled to a control device (20; 38) on a fluid outlet (25; 37) from the separator unit (1), and which utilizes the difference between the pressure in the separator unit and the pressure downstream of the control device for moving this in the desired direction for correcting for the deviation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignees: Ottestad Breathing Systems AS, Aker Engineering AS
    Inventors: Knut Nyborg, Nils Terje Ottestad
  • Publication number: 20040089605
    Abstract: A water purification system and method based on reverse osmosis is provided. An inlet of supplied water to be purified is driven by a first flow propelling device which drives inlet supplied water flow to an upstream side of a membrane. An outlet of reject water from the upstream side of the membrane is driven by a second flow propelling device. The first and second flow propelling devices are powered by a common driving shaft or otherwise linked or controlled so that a ratio of inlet flow to outlet flow is maintained constant and a rate of permeate flow from a downstream side of the membrane is also kept constant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Harry Brandt, Tibor Nemeth
  • Patent number: 6730233
    Abstract: A dialysis machine includes an extracorporeal blood circuit having an arterial pipe and a venous pipe respectively connected to an inlet and an outlet of a blood compartment of a filter. The blood compartment and a dialysis liquid compartment of the filter are separated by a semi-permeable membrane. The machine is configured to determine a sequence of infusion of a liquid in the extracorporeal blood circuit, from at least one characteristic value correlated with the concentration of the blood and/or a filtration efficiency of the filter, and to infuse the infusion solution in the arterial pipe and in the venous pipe in accordance with the determined infusion sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Gambro Hospal (Schweiz) AG
    Inventor: Renato Pedrazzi
  • Publication number: 20040079707
    Abstract: Collection systems and methods use a separation chamber that receives blood or a suspension containing red blood cells and performs a separation process including separation of red blood cells from the blood or suspension. The separation chamber contains, during the separation process, a red blood cell volume. An outlet line is coupled to the separation chamber to remove red blood cells from the chamber device, at least in part, while the separation process occurs. A collection container is coupled to the outlet line to receive a volume of red blood cells removed from the separation chamber. A controller includes a processing function that, during the separation process, includes comparing the volume of red blood cells received by the collection container to a selected targeted red blood cell collection volume to derive a difference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly B. Smith, Matthew Muller
  • Publication number: 20040060850
    Abstract: A water purifier includes a first reservoir, a second reservoir having an outlet through which filtered water can be dispensed, and a pump for pumping water from the first reservoir to the second reservoir. Water passes through a filter from the first reservoir en route to the second reservoir upon activation of the pump. There is a first water level detector in the first reservoir and a second water level detector in the second reservoir. A switch co-operates with the second water level detector to activate the pump when a reduced water level is detected in the second reservoir by the second water level detector. The switch also co-operates with the first water level detector to deactivate the pump, should the first water level detector detect a low water level in the first reservoir. A single switch performs both tasks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Chiaphua Industries Limited
    Inventor: John Duncan McNair
  • Publication number: 20040040899
    Abstract: An easily collapsible and portable water filtering device mainly includes an outer barrel, an inner barrel, a filter unit, a water reserving space and a water dispensing valve. The outer barrel has a rigid first upper frame section and a soft watertight outer bag. The inner barrel has a rigid second upper frame section and a soft watertight inner bag. The filter unit is fixed on a fixing bottom edge of the bottom end of the inner bag. The filter unit contains a replaceable filtering member. The water reserving space can store certain filtered water. So, this invention is easily collapsible, suitable to be used in the wild filed, and can serve as a mini-type water reserving kettle temporarily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Applicant: Shuenn Der Shing Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gwo-Sen Wu
  • Publication number: 20040035766
    Abstract: A fluid filter apparatus includes a filter element located in a filter chamber formed in a filter housing. A valve unit is located in a passageway formed in the filter housing to control flow of fluid into or out of the filter chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Allen B. Wright, Timothy Alan Byrd, L. Steven Cline
  • Publication number: 20040000509
    Abstract: A screw pressing type filtering apparatus that discharges a treated substance having a constant water content, including a screw rotatably provided inside a substantially cylindrical filter body so that a substance supplied to the space between the screw and the filter body is filtered by the filter body while being conveyed by the rotating screw. The apparatus further includes: a back pressure valve installed in the discharge port of the filter body to restrict the discharge amount of the filtered substance, an air cylinder that supplies a pressure to the back pressure valve, a valve opening detector which detects the opening amount of the back pressure valve relative to the discharge port, and a control section which controls the air cylinder based upon the detection results of the valve opening detector so that a pressure that corresponds to the degree of opening is supplied to the back pressure valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Applicant: Tsukishima Kikai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Murasawa, Yoshiyuki Moro, Tetsuhiro Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 6656430
    Abstract: This invention provides methods an apparatus for detecting and quantifying particulate matter suspended in a fluid. Specifically, the invention provides an integrated, affinity-binding based, analytical system comprising a platform for performing an affinity-binding based assay for specifically binding particulates including microbial cells, and a detection means for detecting the particulates specifically bound to a defined surface or chamber comprising the platform. Methods for using the analytical systems of the invention are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Tecan Trading AG
    Inventors: Norman F. Sheppard, Jr., Alec Mian, Gregory Kellogg, Stephen G. Kieffer-Higgins, Bruce L. Carvalho
  • Publication number: 20030205538
    Abstract: A platelet collection device comprising a centrifugal spin-separator container with a cavity having a longitudinal inner surface. A float in the cavity has a base, a platelet collection surface above the base, an outer surface. The float density is below the density of erythrocytes and above the density of plasma. The platelet collection surface has a position on the float which places it below the level of platelets when the float is suspended in separated blood. During centrifugation, a layer of platelets or buffy coat collects closely adjacent the platelet collection surface. Platelets are then removed from the platelet collection surface. Movement of a float having a density greater than whole blood through the sedimenting erythrocytes releases entrapped platelets, increasing the platelet yield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Randel Dorian, Scott R. King, Richard W. Storrs
  • Patent number: 6638420
    Abstract: Apparatus for treatment of sewage on vessels. The apparatus includes at least a first aeration chamber, a settling chamber, a disinfection chamber, and a storage container. In order to provide a multifunctional and efficient apparatus, the aeration chamber, the settling chamber, the disinfection chamber, and the storage container are integrated into the same structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Evac International Oy
    Inventor: Pekka Tyllilä
  • Publication number: 20030191005
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting whole blood and then separating it into components for subsequent use or storage. A self-contained bag set is used to collect the sample, which may then be placed into container adapted to fit into a centrifuge for separation of components. Each component is then sequentially extracted according to density, with a sensor present in the container to control the operation of valves directing the collection of each component. Each component may then be separated into its own storage container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Philip H. Coelho, Eric Sommer, Richard Klosinski, Jim Hobbs, Pablo Rubinstein
  • Publication number: 20030178362
    Abstract: A fluid filter assembly includes a valve assembly having a plunger with openings defined therein. The plunger includes a sealing portion and a non-sealing portion. The sealing portion sealingly engages a valve seat, while the non-sealing portion includes an opening which leads to a central passage through the plunger, the opening and central passage cooperating to direct the flow of fluid through the plunger and an associated spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Steven Cline
  • Patent number: 6605219
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system for use with a conventional septic tank, or other small-scale wastewater treatment facility, for enhancing wastewater treatment without requiring complex control or maintenance limitations. The system incorporates a plurality of primary functions that combine to oxidize, nitrify, denitrify and remove water borne total dissolved solids prior to effluent discharge. Included is a fluidized-bed reactor containing biofilm attached to carrier particulates for use in the purification of wastewater. The fluidized-bed reactor is configured to include two distinct regions, namely a “lower” aerobic region and an “upper” anoxic region, during normal operating conditions. The lower aerobic region uses aerobic facultative bacteria to oxidize Carbonaceous Biochemical Oxygen Demand (CBOD), organic (Kjeldahl) nitrogen, and ammonia while consuming the dissolved oxygen in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Russell E. Lambert
  • Patent number: 6592754
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating solid particles from the suction effluent of, for example, a dental office, preferably driven by a dental office vacuum pump, includes a surge tank for accommodating effluent overfill connected to a sedimentary deposit tank for sedimentation of effluent particles. A bypass conduit is connected to the surge tank inlet which is equipped with a vacuum break valve for allowing air into the system when the suction openings are closed. The sedimentary deposit tank has a series of baffle chambers through which effluent flows in sequence, and in each of which chambers sediment is deposited for later removal. The surge tank preferably has a liquid level sensor and warning device. Modular filters or adsorbants may be installed in the sedimentary deposit tank, or a modular auxiliary filter may be connected downstream of the tank. Chemical injection may be used to improve sedimentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: Richard H. Chilibeck
  • Patent number: 6585885
    Abstract: A water purification system for purifying water flowing through a water flow path. The system includes a water purification device having an inlet and an outlet in the water flow path and at least one interior volume communicating with the inlet and outlet. A purification medium is disposed within the interior volume of the water purification device. A flow control system is provided controlling a volume of purified water dispensed from the outlet. The flow control system includes an input device configured to allow a user to input a desired volume of purified water to be dispensed from the outlet and a sensing device coupled with the electronic input device and operative to determine the volume of purified water being dispensed from the outlet. A flow regulation device is coupled with the flow control system and operative to stop the discharge of purified water at the outlet upon reaching the desired volume of purified water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Barnstead Thermolyne Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Larkner, Steven C. Peake, Chester E. Chomka, Joseph F. Tilp, Eric J. Willman, Kerry W. Leppert, Tina M. Timmerman
  • Patent number: 6582349
    Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods rotate a processing chamber on a rotating element. The processing chamber includes a first compartment and a second compartment. Blood is conveyed into the first compartment for centrifugal separation into components. A liquid free of blood occupies the second compartment to counter-balance the first compartment during rotation on the rotating element. In one embodiment, the second compartment is served by a single fluid flow access. Prior to use, the single access is coupled to tubing, through which a vacuum is drawn to remove air from the second compartment. While the vacuum exists, communication is opened between the tubing and a source of liquid. The vacuum draws the liquid into the second compartment through the single access, thereby priming the second compartment for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J Cantu, Kyungyoon Min, Douglas W Reitz, Robert I Brown
  • Publication number: 20030089648
    Abstract: An automatic bleed unit for a fuel filter typically for diesel engines, comprises sensor means (220, 230) associated with the chamber (5) of the filter (1) where the water present in the fuel accumulates, a withdrawal device (7) provided for discharging said water when this reaches a predetermined level and a microprocessor (14) connected to said sensor means and to said withdrawal device such as to activate this latter, with the vehicle engine at rest and the relative electrical system live. Said sensor means comprises a differential level reading and monitoring system comprising two measurement members, each sensitive to a level between said predetermined level and the depth of said accumulation chamber and is connected to said microprocessor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Giorgio Girondi
  • Publication number: 20020195380
    Abstract: This invention relates to a fuel filter for use with internal combustion engines. The fuel filter includes a fuel additive that can be released into fuel. The rate of release for the fuel can be controlled. In one form the fuel additive can be mixed with a matrix material and released at a substantially constant rate to maintain a uniform level of fuel additive in the fuel. Use of the present invention provides a fuel filter having an extended life span that is longer than fuel filters typically used with combustion engines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Harold Martin, David M. Stehouwer, Joseph C. Drozd, Yu-Sen Chen
  • Publication number: 20020189986
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a point-of-use water treatment system (WTS) unit (20) for filtering and treating contaminants in water. WTS unit (20) may include a first primary coil (74) located in a base unit (22) which inductively power a secondary treatment device such as a UV lamp assembly (24). A filter assembly (26) is used which has a filter block (90) and an inner sleeve (92) which extends inside filter block (90). Inner sleeve (92) defines a chamber in which the secondary treatment device (24) may be disposed. First and second valves and seals may be interposed between the filter assembly (26), secondary treatment device (24) and base unit (22) to allow the filter assembly (26) and secondary treatment device (24) to be independently replaceable. Secondary treatment device (24) may be a lamp assembly (24) which includes a condensing element (84) to condense mercury in a bulb in the arc path between filaments (444).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: Amway Corporation
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, David W. Baarman, Terry L. Lautzenheiser, Scott A. Mollema, Eric K. Bartkus, Kenneth E. Conrad, Greg Snyder
  • Publication number: 20020189983
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining when a replaceable filter for a refrigerator needs replacing based on the volume of water passing through the water filter as determined by the product of the time that water has passed through the filter and the flow rate of an accessory being supplied the filtered water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Ronald W. Guess, Dale A. Beard, Patrick J. Glotzbach, Keith A. Snyder
  • Patent number: 6495049
    Abstract: A water treatment method uses a removable, disposable cartridge having an internal mesh structure. A disposable heater heats water fed to the cartridge. Precipitated solids collect on the mesh surface provided temperature and residence times are appropriately maintained. The heat breaks down the bicarbonate hardness of the water thereby depositing carbonates on the mesh surface and heavy metals will be codeposited due to the resultant change in pH. The cartridge has a head-space for collecting entrained gases such as volatile organic compounds, chlorine and air. Water sterility is achieved by heating the water over an appropriate period of time. Turbidity is removed within the cartridge due to settling induced by the low fluid velocity controlled by a controller and by a filter provided at the outlet of the cartridge. The filter will become blocked when bicarbonate hardness is carried over forcing a user to replace a spent cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventor: Willy Van Esch
  • Publication number: 20020185417
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for the depuration of drinkable water for domestic use comprising at least an active coal filter, a volumetric pump, a nanofiltration membrane and a regulation and control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Ali Jose Galindez Bastida
  • Publication number: 20020162779
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a point-of-use water treatment system (WTS) unit (20) for filtering and treating contaminants in water. WTS unit (20) may include a first primary coil (74) located in a base unit (22) which inductively power a secondary treatment device such as a UV lamp assembly (24). A filter assembly (26) is used which has a filter block (90) and an inner sleeve (92) which extends inside filter block (90). Inner sleeve (92) defines a chamber in which the secondary treatment device (24) may be disposed. First and second valves and seals may be interposed between the filter assembly (26), secondary treatment device (24) and base unit (22) to allow the filter assembly (26) and secondary treatment device (24) to be independently replaceable. Secondary treatment device (24) may be a lamp assembly (24) which includes a condensing element (84) to condense mercury in a bulb in the arc path between filaments (444).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Applicant: Amway Corporation
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, Eric K. Bartkus, David W. Baarman, Kenneth E. Conrad, Terry L. Lautzenheiser, Scott A. Mollema
  • Patent number: 6432300
    Abstract: A water purification system for purifying water flowing through a water flow path. The system includes a water purification device having an inlet and an outlet in the water flow path and at least one interior volume communicating with the inlet and outlet. A purification medium is disposed within the interior volume of the water purification device. A flow control system is provided controlling a volume of purified water dispensed from the outlet. The flow control system includes an input device configured to allow a user to input a desired volume of purified water to be dispensed from the outlet and a sensing device coupled with the electronic input device and operative to determine the volume of purified water being dispensed from the outlet. A flow regulation device is coupled with the flow control system and operative to stop the discharge of purified water at the outlet upon reaching the desired volume of purified water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Barnstead Thermolyn Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Larkner, Steven C. Peake, Chester E. Chomka, Joseph F. Tilp, Eric J. Willman, Kerry W. Leppert, Tina M. Timmerman
  • Patent number: 6419821
    Abstract: A low cost system for providing drinking water includes a feed water container with a simple ceramic filter covering an outlet of the feed water container. The preferred filter is generally cylindrically shaped with a bore extending partially therethrough, in a configuration commonly referred to as a “ceramic candle” filter in developing countries. Under force of gravity, feed water filters through the ceramic to a storage container below. The filtered water is irradiated with ultraviolet (UV) energy either as it flows or after collection in the storage container. In one embodiment, filtered water is temporarily collected in an intermediate holding tank, where it can be irradiated constantly on in batches and periodically released to the lower container. Filtration through ceramic provides clear water with a low UV extinction coefficient for more efficient UV disinfection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: WaterHealth International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashok J. Gadgil, Anushka Drescher
  • Patent number: 6413435
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating or segregating an insoluble or immiscible fluid mixture including less-dense solids and/or buoyant solids into its denser component, less-dense component, and less-dense solids and/or buoyant solids is disclosed. An aspect of the invention is directed to a technique that may relieve and even eliminate the fouling of down stream elements through the use of a flushing cycle in one instance, alternative access lines in another instance, or alternative access lines and flushing in yet another instance. The apparatus may be advantageously used to separate grease/water mixtures of commercial food preparation operations into a gray water component for disposal in sewer lines and a grease component for storage and subsequent appropriate disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Thermaco, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce W. Kyles, William C. Batten
  • Patent number: 6365047
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating biogenic residues, especially cafeteria leftovers, meat refuse, clarification sludge, organic industrial wastes and the like, wherein the residues are subjected to temperature pressure hydrolysis. In order to obtain a higher flow rate for residues using a small apparatus, the invention provides that temperature pressure hydrolysis is carried out in a cylindrical section in a first direction and in an external radial section in a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Applikations-und Technikzentrum für Energieverfahrens-Umwelt-, und Strömungstechnik (ATZ-EVUS)
    Inventors: Franz Bischof, Ralf Schneider, Rolf Jung, Bernd Genenger
  • Patent number: 6348156
    Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods employ two sensors, one to detect a condition of plasma exiting a separation device and another sensor to detect a condition of a cellular component exiting the separation device. The first sensor detects, e.g., contamination of the plasma due to presence of unwanted cellular components. The second sensor detects, e.g., dilution of the cellular component due to presence of plasma. Blood processing parameters are carried out based, at least in part, by conditions detected by one or both of the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Rohit Vishnoi, Tom Westberg, Matthew R. Muller, Kelly B Smith, Michel L. F. Joie, Mark R Vandlik
  • Publication number: 20020000402
    Abstract: A dialysis wall station is disclosed which presents a recessed solutions distribution area having a valve panel, an intermediate cantilevered connections panel and drain area. The drain area includes a back wall, an inclined floor that extends downwardly to a rear corner drain and a front lip. The wall station also includes a valve clamping block for securely mounting the solution valves to the wall station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventor: Jack R. Dillon
  • Patent number: 6332980
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating raw influent water to remove particles, algae and toxic chemicals from the water. Basically, air is dissolved in recirculated water under high pressure in an air contactor unit, the air saturated water is intimately mixed with the raw, particle bearing, water in a particle mixing system, and the water, particle and air mixture is passed through an air bubble separator wherein bubbles formed when the pressure on air saturated water is reduced carry away toxic gases and particulate material. If desired for further cleaning the water can be sent through a second series of air contactor, particle mixer and air bubble separation, but with a gas comprising ozone to further remove suspended particles and non-volatile dissolved organic matter. In order to improve mixing of the particles and the air saturated water passing through tubes, preferably a pattern of dimples is formed on at least part of the interior wall of the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Inventor: Jack Moorehead
  • Patent number: 6319468
    Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus for detecting and quantifying particulate matter suspended in a fluid. Specifically, the invention provides an integrated, affinity-binding based, analytical system comprising a platform for performing an affinity-binding based assay for specifically binding particulates including microbial cells, and a detection device for detecting the particulates specifically bound to a defined surface or chamber comprising the platform. Methods for using the analytical systems of the invention are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Tecan Trading AG
    Inventors: Norman F. Sheppard, Jr., Alec Mian, Gregory Kellogg, Stephen G. Kieffer-Higgins, Bruce L. Carvalho
  • Patent number: 6312228
    Abstract: A recovery pump capable of reliably recovering floating oil and/or floating matter such as scum or the like while being significantly down-sized. A pump casing is provided in a lower section thereof with a suction passage and a discharge passage. The suction passage is horizontally arranged and has a suction opening and the discharge passage is horizontally arranged below the suction passage. The passages are arranged so as to communicate with each other through a through-hole and the discharge passage is provided therewithin right below the through-hole with an impeller, which is driven by a drive motor located on an upper section of the pump casing. The suction opening is provided with a recovery section for recovering the floating oil and/or floating matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: World Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoji Mori, Masami Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 6309539
    Abstract: A filtration and subsurface distribution system having a vaulted splitting device (e.g., dosing vault) in a recirculating pump tank. The recirculating pump tank houses a sand filter pump and the dosing vault houses a dosing pump. The dosing vault and the dosing pump may be housed outside and remote from the recirculating pump tank which ensures that effluent will not be mixed within the dosing vault. The sand filter pump doses a sand filter with the septic effluent via a feed line. The effluent is then filtered by the sand filter and returned to the dosing vault via a filtrate return. When the filtrate reaches a certain predetermined level within the dosing vault, the drip pump is enabled and turned “on”. In this manner, the filtrate is dosed or dripped into a drain absorption field without mixing with the septic effluent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: American Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert B. Mayer
  • Patent number: 6277286
    Abstract: A method and device for separating a fluid from a formation into several fluid components in a well is disclosed. The method and device include feeding the fluid into a mainly horizontal section of pipe located in a down-hole, mainly horizontal section of the well, such that the fluid is set to flow at a speed through a length of the mainly horizontal section of pipe such that the fluid components are separated and a boundary layer is formed between the fluid components. The fluid components with a lower density are formed in a top part of the mainly horizontal section of pipe and fluid components with a higher density are formed in a bottom part of the mainly horizontal section of pipe. The fluid components with the lower density and the fluid components with the higher density are removed through separate outlets of the mainly horizontal section of pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro ASA
    Inventors: Terje Søntvedt, Per Eivind Gramme, Hielke Kamps, Per Magne Almdahl
  • Patent number: 6267901
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treatment of oil-containing water before discharge into a surrounding body of water from an offshore structure includes the use of an oil sump, an inlet pipe, an oil collection tube and an oil discharge tube, all carried by and within a caisson, with the oil sump having a side wall extending above the vapor/oil interface formed within the caisson.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Albert G. Franklin
  • Patent number: 6251284
    Abstract: Blood separation systems and methods draw whole blood from a blood donor selected from a population of blood donors. The whole blood of the selected blood donor has a known hematocrit value that varies within the population of blood donors according to morphology of the selected blood donor. The systems and methods operate a pump in the inlet line to convey a volume of whole blood from the donor at a commanded flow rate for processing into plasma constituent and concentrated red blood cells. The systems and methods set the commanded flow rate to vary the volume of whole blood conveyed over time as a function of the known hematocrit value of the selected donor. The systems and methods obtain, after processing the whole blood volume, a targeted volume of concentrated red blood cells, which is substantially constant for the population of blood donors despite variances in known hematocrit values among the donors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel F Bischof, Matthew E Likens, Richard P Goldhaber, Jose C Deniega, Daniel H Duff
  • Publication number: 20010004060
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating solid particles from the suction effluent of, for example, a dental office, preferably driven by a dental office vacuum pump, includes a surge tank for accommodating effluent overfill connected to a sedimentary deposit tank for sedimentation of effluent particles. A bypass conduit is connected to the surge tank inlet which is equipped with a vacuum break valve for allowing air into the system when the suction openings are closed. The sedimentary deposit tank has a series of baffle chambers through which effluent flows in sequence, and in each of which chambers sediment is deposited for later removal. The surge tank preferably has a liquid level sensor and warning device. Modular filters or adsorbants may be installed in the sedimentary deposit tank, or a modular auxiliary filter may be connected downstream of the tank. Chemical injection may be used to improve sedimentation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Publication date: June 21, 2001
    Inventor: Richard H. Chilibeck
  • Patent number: 6238554
    Abstract: This invention relates to a fuel filter for use with internal combustion engines. The fuel filter includes a fuel additive that can be released into fuel. The rate of release for the fuel can be controlled. In one form the fuel additive can be released a substantially constant rate to maintain a uniform level of fuel additive in the fuel. Use of the present invention provides a fuel filter having an extended life span that is longer than fuel filters typically used with combustion engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Fleetguard, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold R. Martin, Jr., David M. Stehouwer
  • Patent number: 6187179
    Abstract: An outside filter for an aquarium has a housing having an inner chamber, a removable cover for closing the inner chamber of the housing, a supply conduit for supplying water to be filtered into the inner chamber of the housing, a withdrawal conduit for withdrawing the water from the inner chamber of the housing, a motor-operated pump for withdrawing the filtered water, a device for producing a vacuum for aspirating water with air which is contained in the supply conduit during a displacement, the inner chamber of the housing together with the discharge conduit forming a system which communicates with the supply conduit and during the production of the vacuum is hermetically sealingly closed from outside and serves as an evacuatable pressure chamber, the device for producing the vacuum inside the system which is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Eheim GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ferdinand Mayer, Walter Wiedenmann
  • Patent number: 6174447
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fluid separation of whole blood as a mixture of liquids into individual, differently-colored blood constituents, which blood is packed in flexible containers, in particular bags, wherein the bags are connected to one another with an at least partially light-transparent connection, in particular a flexible tube, and wherein the blood constituents are forced to flow from one container through the light-transparent connection into another container, in particular for the separation of concentrated thrombocytes from buffy coat, as well as to a device for performing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Deutsches Rotes Kreuz Blutspendendienst Baden-Wurttemberg Gemeinn{umlaut over (u)}tzige Gesellschaft mbH
    Inventor: Jörg Spindler