Check Valve Patents (Class 210/136)
  • Publication number: 20090045108
    Abstract: A below-grade sewer reservoir provides a compartment for storing excess sewage in the event of excessive rainfall and sewage backup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffery T. Franks
  • Patent number: 7491321
    Abstract: Contaminants are removed from fluid in a system where the fluid is sprayed into an air head at the top of a tank through a diffuser and withdrawn through a pick-up tube. A solenoid valve operates to allow oxygen-containing gas from a compressed gas source to flow into the tank through a shuttle valve, which is opened by the gas pressure. Simultaneously, a drain valve connected to the shuttle valve opens a drain, venting water and air from the tank. The solenoid valve also operates to close the gas supply line and connect the shuttle valve through a vent to atmosphere. Pressure within the tank closes the shuttle valve, which in turn closes the drain valve and disconnects the shuttle valve from the tank. A one-way-flow valve prevents fluid or gas from flowing from the tank backwards through the shuttle valve to the solenoid valve and out the vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Hellenbrand, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward T. Maas, Paul A. Beres, Kevin A. Hellenbrand, William M. Kavey, Daniel A. Klein
  • Publication number: 20090039037
    Abstract: A portable water disinfecting and purification apparatus comprising a first chamber into which water to be purified may be drawn by suction or negative pressure, a second chamber into which the water from the first chamber can be forced by a pumping action or positive pressure, whereby the water is passed across a micro-filter positioned within a section of the second chamber through which water can be forced by said pumping action to an outlet for purified water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Paul W. O'Brien, Mogens Engel
  • Patent number: 7479219
    Abstract: A filter device 10 for fluids, especially for motor oil, hydraulic oil, has a filter case 1 comprising one or two filter inlets 2 and one filter outlet 3. The filter case contains one filter 4 consisting of at least two ring-shaped filter elements 7, 8 which concentrically enclose a central tube 18 of the filter device. In a channel 14 between the two adjacent filter elements there is a duct 16 which is run in the form of a spiral around inner filter element 8 and is embedded in filter 4. In duct 16 there is a pressure-controlled regulating valve 9 which opens when a certain level of pressure is exceeded in the filtered oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: Guenther Rassinger
  • Patent number: 7470372
    Abstract: A device for the treatment of an influent with a porous media. The influent passes radially through the porous media and into an internal volume of the device. The treated influent then passes through an open check valve in the internal volume, and then to downstream equipment. During a backwash operation, a backwash fluid is passed into the internal volume of the device in a direction to close the check valve. The blocked path in the internal volume of the device causes the backwash fluid to pass radially outwardly into the porous media and fluidize the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: John D. Martin
  • Patent number: 7465040
    Abstract: A labyrinth seal structure includes a gland structure for providing a fluid seal between a first surface and a second surface, and redundant labyrinth fluid flow paths between a first side of the seal structure and a second side of the seal structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Craig L. Malik, Rhonda L. Wilson, Benjamin Zoladz, Norman E. Pawlowski
  • Publication number: 20080296210
    Abstract: A fluid treatment device includes at least one treatment module (“pod”) releasably connected to a head unit, the pod and head unit each including riser tubes which may be connected to adjacent riser to form a flow passage through the fluid treatment device. A connection mechanism allows a control valve to be rotatably connected to a fluid treatment device so that it may be oriented as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Gene BITTNER
  • Publication number: 20080296224
    Abstract: Reverse osmosis (RO) systems having efficiency enhancing features are disclosed. Included are RO systems having a RO module and a pumping system. A feed fluid line can introduce feed fluid into the pumping system, and the pumping system can increase the pressure of the feed and pass the pressurized feed to the RO module. Such RO systems can also have a recycle stream leading from a concentrate side of the RO module to the pumping system and a purified stream leading from a purified side of the RO module. In some cases, the pumping system can boost the pressure of both the feed fluid and the recycle stream, and the boosted fluids can be fed into the RO module. The pumping system can have first and second pumping chambers for the feed fluid and the recycled concentrate. These pumping chambers can be separate pumps, or they can be referred to as a single pumping system, for example a double-acting simplex plunger pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: PUMPTEC, INC.
    Inventors: James E. Cook, James E. Cook, II
  • Patent number: 7449106
    Abstract: A fluid filtration system housing has first, second and third openings. A cap is removably and sealably attached to the first opening. A filter assembly is fitted in the housing to thereby define a first chamber accessible via the third opening and a second chamber accessible via the second opening and sealed by the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventors: Philip W. Ramsey, James E. Gannon, A. Wharton Ramsey
  • Publication number: 20080272057
    Abstract: An upstream conduit extends from a container containing reusable waste water to a junction and a downstream conduit extends from the junction to a destination for the waste water. There is a third conduit through which fresh water, under pressure, flows to the junction. The flow in the third conduit is controlled by a valve which is normally open but shuts when a flow switch in the downstream conduit detects the demand for the waste water at the destination. At that time the demand is satisfied by waste water from the container. However, should there be insufficient waste water in the container to satisfy the demand, a level switch in the container deactivates or overrides the operation of flow switch thereby causing the valve in the third conduit to open When the valve opens, fresh water from the third conduit satisfies the demand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Lorne TONTEGODE
  • Publication number: 20080237152
    Abstract: A separator of the present invention provides a means for separating a immiscible dispersion of at least one oil from water. The separator adapted for use with a flow generator, includes a housing, a coalescing cartridge within the housing, the cartridge retains a coalescing media and defines at least one cavity or passage, permitting flow of the dispersion into and out of the passage; and a flow regulator comprising a constriction and the regulator displaceable between an open and a closed position and permitting liquid flow out of the passage when in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Amine BENACHENHOU
  • Publication number: 20080237132
    Abstract: The invention concerns a simulated moving bed adsorption separation device comprising a limited number of valves. According to the invention, the device comprises a column with a plurality of sectors Sk with 2 superimposed plates Pi with a single distribution network, each sector Sk comprising an external principal bypass line Lk connected to each plate Pi of Sk via a plate valve Vi. Each line Lk comprises a flow limitation means and is connected to each of the fluid networks via a single valve. Further, the connectors of lines Lk onto the column are offset by at most 20° inside Sk to limit the volume of lines Lk, and are offset by a mean angle in the range 70° to 110° between two neighbouring sectors Sk and Sk+1 so as not to weaken the column mechanically. The plates preferably comprise panels DMEi,j with parallel segments the direction of which varies from plate to plate or per group of 2 plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Gerard Hotier, Philibert Leflaive, Sylvain Louret, Frederic Augier
  • Patent number: 7429325
    Abstract: A device (2) for a body fluid bag, includes a filtering part (5) and a retransfusion part (6), the filtering part (5) having a filtering part inlet opening (7) and a filtering part outlet opening (8). The outlet opening (8) is arranged to be connected to an inlet opening of the body fluid bag, and the retransfusion part (6) has a retransfusion part inlet opening (10), being arranged to be connected to an outlet opening of the body fluid bag, and a retransfusion part outlet opening (11), wherein the filtering part (5) and said retransfusion part (6) are mechanically integrated to form a single unit. A transfusion unit (16) including such a device (2) is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Hammarplast Medical AB
    Inventor: Henrik Ingvarsson
  • Publication number: 20080203019
    Abstract: A membrane batch filtration process has a step of reducing the water level in the tank by permeation prior to emptying the tank to reduce the volume of water drained after each batch. Permeation may continue even after a portion of the membranes is exposed to air to further lower the water level. The membranes may be backwashed after the water level has been lowered. The water level may be lowered again after the backwash. The tank drain may begin with a portion of the membranes exposed to air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Nicholas William Harcsar Adams, Manwinder Singh, Kevin Simon Joseph Dufresne, Pierre Lucien Cote
  • Publication number: 20080197062
    Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a compact fluid purification device includes a housing having an inlet for receiving unfiltered liquid and an open end and a first valve disposed within the inlet and being configured to only permit unfiltered liquid to flow into a hollow interior of the housing. The device has a plunger received within the open end such that it slides within the interior of the housing. The plunger is movable between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position, wherein the plunger has an elongated housing that includes a filter element, such as, a plurality of hollow filter elements that are open at a distal end of the plunger housing and are in communication with an outlet that is associated with the plunger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: Nephros, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory R. Collins, James Summerton
  • Patent number: 7413649
    Abstract: A fluid treatment system that includes at least one treatment module (“pod”) with rigid and impermeable inner and outer surfaces, and an annular center passage which is designed to provide an alternative flow path during the pod backwashing process. At least one chemical treatment media disposed in the interior portion of the pod. A riser extends upwardly through the pod so that the outer surface of the riser and the inner surface of the pod define the annular passage. At least one valve assembly controls the movement of a fluid within the annular passage. The pod is serviced by directing the fluid into the riser and then directing the fluid through the pod, a portion of the fluid flowing through the annular passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Gene Bittner
  • Publication number: 20080185045
    Abstract: An activatable pump is provided. The pump includes a piston in slideable communication with an inner surface of a cylinder, which has a first end and a second end. A first control valve and a second control valve are in physical communication with the first end of the cylinder. The first control valve and the second control valve are in fluid communication with the piston. Either the first control valve or the second control valve is not a check valve. A first check valve and a second check valve are in physical communication with the second end of the cylinder. The first check valve and the second check valve are in fluid communication with the piston. A pressure controller communicates with the piston to control an amount of force by or on the piston. A method and an energy recovery apparatus are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeffrey David Erno, Daniel Jason Erno, Patrick Jose Lazatin, Philip Paul Beauchamp, Erik John Schoepke
  • Patent number: 7402240
    Abstract: A home RO filtration system includes a membrane module having an inlet connected to a feed line, the membrane module also having a concentrate outlet coupled to a concentrate line, and a permeate outlet coupled to a permeate line. The permeate line communicates with a faucet. The system includes a flush reservoir communicatively coupled between the permeate line and the feed line. The system is configured such that after the faucet is turned off, a portion of permeate is delivered to the reservoir and then delivered to the inlet of the module to flush the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Chia Kung, Phillip Goebel, Thomas J. Cartwright, Peter Cartwright, Kenneth J. Sieth, Richard Reckin, Duane Freimuth
  • Publication number: 20080156711
    Abstract: A dry change water filter assembly is provided. The filter assembly includes a filter head including a water by-pass valve, and a filter body configured to removably attach to the filter head. The water by-pass valve is actuated by at least one of attaching the filter body to the filter head and removing the filter body from the filter head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Craig R. Vitan, Samuel Vincent DuPlessis, Kyran Hoff, Martin Zentner, Rajesh Sangewar, Derek L. Watkins, Mark Banta, Ronald Scott Tarr, Ratnakar Sahasrabudhe, Jonathan Nelson
  • Patent number: 7387210
    Abstract: A combined filter cartridge and manifold for use in a water purification system or the like, to facilitate substantially drip-free filter cartridge removal and replacement. The filter cartridge includes water inlet and outlet ports for respective connection with inlet and outlet fittings on the manifold. A pivoting manifold cap normally overlies and retains the filter cartridge in connected relation with the manifold fittings and a water supply coupled to the manifold. Pivoting movement of the manifold cap toward an open position shuts off the water supply and then permits filter cartridge separation from the manifold, with check valves at the manifold inlet/outlet fittings and cartridge inlet/outlet ports preventing significant water leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Zohar Waterworks, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce D. Burrows, David B. Chaney, Louis M. Busick
  • Patent number: 7384543
    Abstract: A circuit is disclosed for extracorporeal blood treatment in which a flow-inverting device is interposed between a blood treatment unit and a blood pump placed on an artery branch connected with a vascular access of a patient. The flow-inverting device allows the blood flow within the filtering unit to be kept unchanged even following an inverted circulation in the patient-side artery and vein branches controlled by the blood pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventors: Lennart Jonsson, Mattias Holmer, Per Hansson
  • Publication number: 20080121590
    Abstract: A water treatment system includes a pump adapted and configured to pressurize a flow of untreated water. A water treatment tank downstream from the pump includes an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the pump and an outlet in fluid communication with an outlet line. A check valve downstream from the water treatment tank includes an inlet in fluid communication with the outlet line of the water treatment tank. The check valve is adapted and configured to permit fluid flow therethrough only in a direction that permits the water treatment tank to evacuate water through the outlet line of the water treatment tank. A flow manifold includes a first inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the check valve, a second inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the pump, and an outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Kemp Falkner, Christopher Kampf
  • Publication number: 20080087590
    Abstract: An integrated fluid valve assembly comprising a valve having a flexible head, a stem, and at least one leg. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a fluid valve assembly comprises a retainer and a valve. The valve may be made of a single integrated part that interacts with the retainer to control fluid flow through a fluid system, such as to maintain fluid flow through an automotive oil filter when the filter itself becomes clogged. The valve automatically permits fluid flow through an aperture when the fluid pressure rises to a predetermined set point. In another embodiment of the present invention, a cartridge fluid filter comprises a center tube, a filter media, and a valve that reversibly closes a bypass aperture. In another embodiment of the present invention, a fluid filter includes a center tube, a filter media, a valve that reversibly closes a bypass aperture, and a canister enclosing the center tube, filter media, and valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: West Troy Tool & Machine, Inc.
    Inventor: James Jergens
  • Patent number: 7351344
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sterile system and a method for filtering biological or medical liquids, especially blood or blood constituents. According to the filtering system and method, the sterile air already in the system is collected before the beginning of the filtration process, and after the filtration process, in order to completely empty the system used. Said filtering system comprises a collapsible container having a first and second air inlet/outlet line. The first air inlet/outlet line communicates with the first chamber of the filter by means of a flow connection, and the second air inlet/outlet line with the second chamber of the filter. Only the air inlet/outlet line communicating with the first filter chamber is sealed by a hydrophobic membrane or a return valve in the filtering system, such that the system has an especially simple structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Fresenius Hemocare Italia S.R.L.
    Inventors: Paolo Verri, Giorgio Mari
  • Patent number: 7329339
    Abstract: A strainer device for a fuel tank includes a sucking passage member provided with a passage opened in the fuel tank; a filtering member attached to the sucking passage member for covering a hole of the passage; and a conduit connecting portion extending outside the fuel tank for connecting a conduit for guiding fuel passing through the filtering member. The conduit connecting member is attached to the sucking passage member, so that a concave portion is formed at a connecting portion for receiving a check valve for preventing the fuel from flowing back from outside of the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignees: NIFCO Inc., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihide Kimisawa, Takashi Iwamoto, Masaki Ueno, Osamu Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7306715
    Abstract: A pump module includes a fuel pump, a fuel filter having a filter casing and a filter element, a fuel outlet, and a pressure regulator. The filter casing covers at least a part of the outer circumference of the fuel pump, and accommodates the filter element. The fuel outlet is disposed outside the outer circumference of the filter casing, and includes an outflow passage for flowing the fuel from a discharge opening disposed on a sidewall of the outer circumference of the filter casing. The outflow passage includes a retrieve passage extending from the discharge opening to the sidewall of the outer circumference of the filter casing. The pressure regulator is disposed outside the outer circumference of the filter casing, and includes a regulator inlet for introducing the fuel, the regulator inlet being opened to the retrieve passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Kato, Kouji Izutani, Katsuhisa Yamada, Masaaki Konishi
  • Patent number: 7306736
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for preventing retrograde flow of fluid, e.g., blood products, into a source of sterile substitution fluid (50). The apparatus of the present invention includes a controllable pinch valve member (110) that is placed on a section of a conduit (90) which carries sterile substitution fluid to an extracorporeal circuit (30). In one embodiment, control over the valve member (110) is based on a control unit (120) using fluid pressures that are sensed upstream and downstream of the valve member (110) by upstream sensor (121) and downstream pressure (122) respectively. The valve member (110) is preferably opened only when the upstream pressure is greater than the downstream pressure. This assures that the substitution fluid flows only in a single direction when the pinch valve member (110) completely occludes the conduit (90) when in a closed position. Therefor, blood will not contaminate the sterile fluid by being drawn into the conduit (90) due to pressure differences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Nephros, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory R Collins, James Summerton, Edward Spence
  • Patent number: 7303666
    Abstract: A water filtration system includes a filter for receiving water to be filtered and having an output. A water storage vessel is connected to receive water from the filter output; and water is removed from the storage vessel and supplied back to the input of the filter, whereupon filtered water to be utilized is obtained solely from the output of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventor: Charles W. Mitsis
  • Publication number: 20070272625
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for filtering out particles in a fluid, the method comprising providing the fluid, creating a turbulent flow in the fluid, and collecting the particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Applicant: Ansul Canada Limited
    Inventor: Peter Moskun
  • Patent number: 7299932
    Abstract: An oil filter is provided which comprises a housing main body, a cover attached to the housing main body on the lower side thereof, an inner tubular member axially movably disposed in a recessed portion of the housing main body, a seal member interposed between the inner tubular member and the cover so as to provide a seal therebetween, a biasing unit for urging the inner tubular member in the direction to protrude from the recessed portion, and a filter element disposed in an oil flowing space between the housing main body and the cover, wherein when the cover is in a sate of being attached to the housing main body, the inner tubular member is pushed down into the recessed portion of the cover against a bias of the biasing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shoji Morita
  • Patent number: 7300590
    Abstract: A drainage system for separating oil and debris from water run-off wherein a chamber in the path of flow of the run-off includes a downwardly inclined screen and a debris-collecting fence beneath the screen to maintain separation between the debris and water; and an organic absorber may be positioned in the path of flow of the water beneath the screen to remove organic oils from the run-off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventors: Robert K. Weir, Steve E. Esmond, Larry Quinn
  • Patent number: 7285210
    Abstract: A reverse osmosis water filtering system includes a reverse osmosis membrane having first output port for permeate water, second output port for concentrate water, and intake port for receiving filtered water, a filtering assembly providing filtered water to the membrane, and a flow restrictor restricting a flow of concentrate water from the membrane to a water source, the flow restrictor including a housing defining an elongated conduit having a tapering conical wall defining a first screw thread and a water-channel thread extending therealong including generally between a first opening into a distal region of the conduit for receiving a flow of liquid and a second opening into a proximal region of the conduit, and an axially elongated plug received into the conduit, a surface of the plug opposed to the tapering conical wall defining a second screw thread and a tapering surface, the second screw thread disposed in threaded engagement with the first screw thread defined by the conical wall of the housing, opp
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Watts Regulator Co.
    Inventor: Craig A. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 7258783
    Abstract: A water tub including a fluid delivery system utilizes a removeable carrier to provide fluids to the fluid delivery system. In some instances, the carrier is disposable such that depletion of the fluids within the container results in the carrier being thrown away and replaced by an unused carrier. In other instances, the carrier is re-usable and is removed from the fluid delivery system when the fluids within the carrier need to be replenished. In some instances, the carrier can be manually attached and removed from the fluid delivery system without the use of any tools. In some such instances it will include a latching mechanism temporarily coupling the carrier to the fluid delivery system. The carrier may include a plurality of fluid containers, each container containing a fluid used for different types of maintenance of the water tub. The delivery system may utilize a dosing engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Watkins Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Keith W. Harbol
  • Patent number: 7238280
    Abstract: A user friendly system that permits an unskilled person to quickly add dispersant material to a fluid system with the user friendly system utilizing operator evident dispersant carriers such as drawers, hangars or insertable cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: King Technology
    Inventor: Joseph A. King
  • Patent number: 7232034
    Abstract: An oil filter is provided which comprises a housing main body, a cover attached to the housing main body on the lower side thereof, an inner tubular member axially movably disposed in a recessed portion of the housing main body, a seal member interposed between the inner tubular member and the cover so as to provide a seal therebetween, a biasing unit for urging the inner tubular member in the direction to protrude from the recessed portion, and a filter element disposed in an oil flowing space between the housing main body and the cover, wherein when the cover is in a sate of being attached to the housing main body, the inner tubular member is pushed down into the recessed portion of the cover against a bias of the biasing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shoji Morita
  • Patent number: 7232518
    Abstract: A filter device includes at least one filter unit (10), connectable to a hydraulic circuit (14), with at least one supply line (16), one discharge line (18), and at least one cooling unit (22). The cooling unit is connected to a secondary branch line (20), is connected to the hydraulic unit (14) parallel to the supply line (16), and is supplied with a hydraulic medium by a switching device (24) once a predetermined temperature threshold value of the hydraulic medium to be cooled is attained. A permanent supply (36) for the cooling unit (22) is provided in the direction of flow of the hydraulic medium in the supply line (18) before the switching device (24). This permanent supply (36), connected in parallel to the switching device (24), flows into the secondary branch line (20) to control the volume flow in reverse flow according to the fluid temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Hydac Filtertechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Wilkendorf
  • Patent number: 7214311
    Abstract: A filter assembly is provided that includes a hood, a drain manifold, a filter disposed between the hood and the drain manifold, a drainage space that is disposed between and in fluid communication with both the filter medium and the drain manifold, a check valve that is configured to permit air to escape but not to enter the drainage space so that a siphon can be established that draws additional fluid through the filter medium and into the drain manifold, the siphon continuing until air entering the hood disrupts the siphon, and a check valve cap that is configured to permit air to escape the check valve while preserving an air-filled void above the check valve when the filter assembly is submerged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Contech Stormwater Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel W. Aberle, James H. Lenhart, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7201153
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing a fuel system for an internal combustion engine (10) that includes a fuel tank (13), a fuel pump (12) and a fuel filter (19) located in a flow duct (14) between the fuel pump and the fuel consumers (11) of the engine. The flow duct (14) includes a valve chamber (20), located downstream of the fuel filter, and having a valve cone (24) movably arranged in the chamber between an upper valve seat (20b) and a lower valve seat (27). The upper part of the valve chamber (20) has an outlet (22) for bleeding to the fuel tank (13). The valve cone (24) is provided with an inner passage (25) with a valve seat (25a) which, under normal fuel pressure, interacts with a bleed cone (26) that is movable in the passage (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventor: Anders Larsson
  • Patent number: 7186282
    Abstract: A motor-vehicle air cleaner provided with a check valve mechanism on the lower cap of the air cleaner for drainage and ventilation, and a protection disposed on the outer edge; the check valve being closed as the engine runs to prevent from taking in water vapor and dust; and check valve being opened to dismiss water logging and excessively dense air and fuel admixture; the protection is related to a protection cap to prevent the check valve mechanism from direct contact with the ambient air for keeping off water and dust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Kwang Yang Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hung-Yu Su
  • Patent number: 7182858
    Abstract: A filter apparatus is provided which includes a first filter membrane element (40a), and a second bacterial filter membrane element. The first viral filter element (40a) is capable of treating water at a first second flow rate and is adapted to remove contaminants which are larger than a first size, while the second bacterial filter element (40b) is capable of treating water at a second higher flow rate and is adapted to remove contaminants which are larger than a second contaminant size. The first and second filter elements (40a), (40b) may be commonly housed within a sealed housing. An accumulating vessel (60) is placed in fluid communication with an outlet of the first filter element (40a) and an outlet of the second filter element (40b). The filter apparatus includes a duck bill type check valve (75) made of an antimicrobial material intermediate the second filter element (40b) and a dispensing faucet (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Kinetico Incorporated
    Inventors: Keith E. Brown, Paul Peterson, Stuart Park, Ron Kindel, Eric Sklar, John Miller, Ken Weight
  • Patent number: 7175761
    Abstract: A filter assembly has a housing open at one end, with an annular filter media/core assembly disposed in the housing. An end plate having at least two inlet openings and an outlet opening is disposed in the open end of the housing. The end plate is affixed to a lid which is secured to the end of the housing. A combination valve is retained between the filter media/core assembly and the end plate. The combination valve has a first portion that cooperates with the first inlet opening in the end plate and a second portion cooperating with the second inlet opening. In use fluid will pass through the first inlet opening, the filter media/core assembly and be discharged from the housing through the outlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Champion Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Kris S. Stanhope, Ronald L. Kinkade, Kent C. Stanhope, Larry Dean Michels, John W. Stockhowe
  • Patent number: 7163618
    Abstract: A filter system especially useful in the treatment of waste material, in particular liquid waste material which may include particulate matter therein. The filter system includes a series of filters of progressively finer porosity in order to selectively eliminate particulate (or semi-particulate) matters from a carrier material, typically but not exclusively, of a fluid or liquid nature. The filters are mounted within a housing which includes an outlet port and a plurality of inlet ports, wherein each inlet port includes a check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Beckham, Dale Emis, Nilesh Patel
  • Patent number: 7156995
    Abstract: Mineral contaminants are removed from water in a system in which water is sprayed into an air head at the top of a tank through a diffuser and withdrawn through a pick-up tube. A solenoid valve operates to allows air from a compressor to flow into the top of the tank through a shuttle valve which is opened by the air pressure. Simultaneously a drain valve connected to the shuttle valve opens a drain, venting water and air from the tank. The shuttle valve, closed by the solenoid valve, closes the air supply line and connecting the shuttle valve to atmosphere, and pressure within the aeration tank can close the shuttle valve, which causes closing of the drain valve. The part of the valve which opens the drain is made responsive to excess pressure within the air tank to open the drain and so acts as a pressure relief valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Hellenbrand, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward T. Maas, Alan G. Mast, Daniel A. Klein, Don D. Vaughan, Jerry N. Miller
  • Patent number: 7150825
    Abstract: A fuel filter sealing apparatus to improve a connector for connecting a fuel input pipe and a fuel return pipe to a fuel filter in order to prevent fuel leakage during a preliminary testing stage of an engine and backflow of fuel during engine operation. An oil chamber is provided between a first piston and a second piston accommodated at an inner circumferential side of a fuel filter side connecting part. Fuel flow holes are radially formed at an external side of the oil chamber and inlets thereof are opened and closed by the first piston to allow the fuel passing through outlets thereof to flow to the fuel filter. A barrier valve is provided at one side with a valve surface for opening and closing a fuel through hole disposed between the fuel filter and the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Sung-Hak Kim
  • Patent number: 7147773
    Abstract: A refrigerator with a water treatment system including a head connecting a water supply to a water-using accessory. An end piece is provided for connecting a treatment cartridge to the head. The end piece comprises an inlet fitting having a cam that contacts a follower of a valve located in the head to open the valve when the end piece is mounted to the head and connects the treatment cartridge to the water treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Joseph Mitchell, Todd Lawrence Rose, Judd Dylan Olson, David James Emmons, John Paul Boros, Donald Stephen Bretl
  • Patent number: 7138048
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing particulates from a wastewater stream includes a chamber having a wastewater inlet and wastewater outlet which promotes a generally horizontal wastewater flow. A grating is provided in the chamber between the wastewater inlet and the wastewater outlet having a screen size for preventing the passage of particulates having greater than the select effective diameter from the wastewater inlet into the wastewater outlet. The grating is vertically inclined relative to the direction of the wastewater flow. A baffle within the chamber is configured to cooperate with the grating to generate a vortex in the wastewater having a velocity component parallel to the face of the grating which urges particles trapped by the grating along the grating toward a surface of the wastewater to suspend particles in the wastewater as the wastewater flows between the wastewater inlet and the wastewater outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: CH2M Hill, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly O'Connor, Laurens van der Tak, Albert M. Wollmann
  • Patent number: 7108790
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for generating sterile infusion fluid from non-sterile infusion fluid produced by a machine. In one embodiment, the sterile infusion fluid is produced by a sterile fluid generating device that is an ancillary device designed to operate in conjunction with the existing machine. For example, the sterile fluid generating device is used in conjunction with a dialysis machine according to one embodiment resulting in sterile infusion fluid being produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Nephros, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory R. Collins, James Summerton, Edward Spence
  • Patent number: 7100683
    Abstract: An in-well aeration device which includes a water pumping section disposed within the well for drawing water from the well, an aerating section operatively connected to the water pumping section for drawing air into the well and subsequently injecting the air into the well water above the level of the water pumping section, and a motor operatively connected to the water pumping section and the aerating section for operating both sections simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: AMTROL Inc.
    Inventors: Albert R. Heilmann, David Beretta, III
  • Patent number: 7077951
    Abstract: A vessel or kettle for holding water has a first chamber from which water can be pumped though a filter into a second chamber. The pump can be gravity, manual or power operated. Cold water from the first chamber can be pumped though an annular filter of ion exchange resins into the second chamber where it can be heated. The contents of filter can be held in a replaceable porous bag. A meter can indicate the amount transferred, eg in multiples of a volume such as a cupful. The vessel can have a spout valve that selectively allows the first chamber to be filled or water to be poured from the second chamber. The first chamber and/or the pump can be external to the vessel. The pump can include non-return valves and a siphon system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: André Monteiro
  • Patent number: RE40310
    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: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    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