Maintaining Stream Pressure Or Flow Patents (Class 210/137)
  • Patent number: 8551342
    Abstract: The present invention proposes a method of operating a blood treatment apparatus for the extracorporeal blood treatment of a patient, a blood volume monitor for monitoring an extracorporeal blood treatment of the patient by means of a blood treatment apparatus, and a blood treatment apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Moissl, Paul Chamney, Peter Wabel
  • Publication number: 20130256227
    Abstract: Sorbent cartridges having a polystyrene sulfonate resin saturated with calcium ions for the performance of kidney replacement therapy are disclosed. Systems and methods having or using a sorbent cartridge, a dialyzer, control components, a cartridge having a polystyrene sulfonate resin, and fluid reservoirs configured to be of a weight and size suitable to be worn or carried by an individual requiring treatment are disclosed. A system for performing kidney replacement therapy has a controlled compliance dialysis circuit, where a control pump controls the bi-directional movement of fluid across a dialysis membrane. The system provides for the monitoring of an inlet and outlet conductivity of the sorbent cartridge to quantify or monitor the removal of urea by the sorbent cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Kelly, SuPing Lyu
  • Publication number: 20130248427
    Abstract: The invention concerns a filter element (1), in particular of a fuel filter for motor vehicles. The filter element (1) is received in a filter housing (2) and comprises a filter body (3) with a filter material (5) that is arranged in folds (4). Between two folds (4) a heating element (6) for the fuel is arranged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: MANN+HUMMEL GMBH
    Inventor: Andre Roesgen
  • Patent number: 8540875
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for filling a container containing a dry powdered salt concentrate for use in dialysis with purified fluid and removing the trapped air or gases generated during the filling of the container, while maintaining the required fluid level in the container and without the need for evacuating gases from the container prior to filling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holding, Inc.
    Inventors: Roland Levin, Wayne Raiford
  • Publication number: 20130240421
    Abstract: A control plate is provided at a preferred position in a storm overflow chamber. An inflow pipe, an intercepting pipe, and an outflow pipe are connected to the storm overflow chamber. A vortex flow type water surface control device for a draining device includes the overflow chamber, and a control plate arranged in front of an opening portion of the intercepting pipe opening to the storm overflow chamber. A relation (1) 0.5D?X?0.7D and 0.83D?Y?1.5D holds true, or a relation (2) 0.4D?X?0.5D and 1.0D?Y?1.5D holds true, where D represents an inner diameter of the opening portion, X represents a projection length of the control plate with respect to the opening portion, and Y represents a distance between the control plate and the opening portion. As a result, contaminants enter the intercepting pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicants: NIPPON KOEI CO., LTD., TOKYO METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT, TOKYO METROPOLITAN SEWERAGE SERVICE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiromi Watanabe, Hiroshi Komatsu, Shigeki Nishimura, Shigeru Tsukada
  • Publication number: 20130240440
    Abstract: A membrane sensor for detecting fouling, the membrane sensor comprising a first chamber having an inlet and an outlet; a second chamber having an outlet; only one membrane, the membrane being disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber for allowing fluid to permeate the membrane from the first chamber to the second chamber; a first pressure transducer configured for obtaining a first pressure upstream of the membrane; a second pressure transducer configured for obtaining a second pressure downstream of the membrane; and a resistance regulator configured for adjusting the second pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Nyunt Wai Maung, Ee Kwong Tan, Fook-Sin Wong, Adrian Yeo, W.B. Krantz, Anthony Gordon Fane, Siang Tze Victor Sim
  • Publication number: 20130240446
    Abstract: A method of operating a membrane separation device in a continuous flow process includes in the membrane separation device, separating a supply liquid into a first partial stream and a second partial stream, wherein flow rate of the second partial stream and/or recovery rate of the second partial stream is influenced by at least one influencing variable that varies during operation, and varying the flow rate of the first partial stream to compensate for a change of the at least one influencing variable to control flow rate and/or recovery rate of the second partial stream to a preset value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: BWT Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andrea Pavan, Jürgen Johann, Marc Fink
  • Publication number: 20130233798
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a blood treatment device with at least one extra-corporeal blood circuit with a filter element and with at least one centrifugal pump means, wherein furthermore a monitoring means is provided, by means of which the flow resistance of the extracorporeal circuit can be determined, wherein the flow resistance can at least partly be determined with reference to the flow in at least one portion of the extracorporeal blood circuit and the speed of the centrifugal pump means. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a monitoring means for a blood treatment device and to a method for operating a blood treatment device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Wiktor, Arne Peters, Alexander Heide
  • Publication number: 20130213890
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for the performance of kidney replacement therapy having or using a dialyzer, control components, sorbent cartridge, and fluid reservoirs configured to be of a weight and size suitable to be worn or carried by an individual requiring treatment are disclosed. The system has a controlled compliance dialysis circuit, where a control pump controls the bi-directional movement of fluid across a dialysis membrane. A first sorbent cartridge is provided for use in a portable treatment module having activated carbon and zirconium oxide. The system also provides for the monitoring of an inlet and outlet conductivity of a sorbent cartridge containing urease to provide a facility to quantify or monitor the removal of urea by a detachable urea removal module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Kelly, SuPing Lyu, Bryant J. Pudil, Thomas E. Meyer
  • Publication number: 20130206691
    Abstract: A blood purification device includes: a blood circuit including a blood removal-side circuit that carries blood taken from a subject to a plasma separator, and a blood reinfusion-side circuit that returns the blood passing through the plasma separator to the subject; a circulating circuit that connects the blood reinfusion-side circuit to the blood removal-side circuit; a plasma circuit that carries plasma components separated by the plasma separator; and a control unit that controls blood flow so that a portion of the blood flowing in the blood reinfusion-side circuit is circulated to the circulating circuit to be flown to the blood removal-side circuit when the blood in the blood circuit is being pumped and a portion of the plasma components separated by the plasma separator is being pumped to the plasma circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: ASAHI KASEI MEDICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ken-ichiro Namazuda, Eisuke Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20130200005
    Abstract: A disposable filtration system can include a disposable filter housing having an ultrafiltration filter contained therein. The disposable filtration system can further include a feed inlet and retentate outlet in fluid communication on one side of the filter and a permeate conduit on the other side of the filter for withdrawing permeate that passes through the filter. The system can include at least one disposable pressure control valve in fluid communication with either the retentate outlet or the permeate conduit and configured to regulate the pressure within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: XCELLEREX, INC.
    Inventors: Scott A. Mangiacotti, Parrish M. Galliher, Joseph J. Arduino, Michael Fisher, John J. Vicalvi, JR., Joseph Makowiecki
  • Publication number: 20130199974
    Abstract: A device for purifying a liquid is disclosed. The device includes a collecting vessel for an unpurified liquid, a collecting vessel for a purified liquid, a replaceable filter module filled with a filter material and an automatic means for timed injection of air into the collecting vessel for the unpurified liquid during a filtration process. The automatic means is connected to the collecting vessel for the unpurified liquid by an injection nozzle having a pressure control valve. Moreover, the automatic means is for maintaining positive air pressure above the unpurified liquid during the filtration process. Maintenance of positive air pressure during the filtration process increases filtration speed of the liquid with simultaneous increase in degree of purification of the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: ELECTROPHOR, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Lvovich Shmidt, Gleb Dmitrievich Rusinov, Alexey Leonidovich Kuzmin
  • Patent number: 8501004
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a ballast water treatment device. The device includes a filtering unit filtering ballast water introduced into a ship using a filter, a vortex generating unit generating an artificial vortex in the ballast water filtered by the filtering unit, and an ultraviolet treatment unit having an ultraviolet lamp which sterilizes the ballast water discharged from the vortex generating unit using ultraviolet rays, thus preventing secondary contamination resulting from by-products, preventing a ballast tank from becoming contaminated, affording effective maintenance, and making it convenient to control. Further, an artificial vortex is formed in the ballast water when it is mixed, thus allowing a large quantity of ultraviolet rays to be radiated onto the ballast water passing through the ultraviolet treatment unit, therefore improving a sterilization effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Panasia Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Soo-Tae Lee, Tae-Sung Pyo, Sang-Gyu Cheon, Hyun-O Kim, Su-Kyu Lee
  • Publication number: 20130193073
    Abstract: A system and method for balancing flows of renal replacement fluid is disclosed. The method uses pressure controls and pressure sensing devices to more precisely meter and balance the flow of fresh dialysate and spent dialysate. The balancing system may use one or two balancing devices, such as a balance tube, a tortuous path, or a balance chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicants: Baxter Healthcare S.A., Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
  • Patent number: 8496809
    Abstract: A kidney failure treatment system includes: (i) a dialysate supply; (ii) a weighing device; a control container coupled operably to the weighing device; (iii) a diffusion membrane; (iv) a drain; first and second pumps; (v) a first fluid conduit coupled fluidly to the dialysate supply and the diffusion membrane, the first fluid conduit coupled operably to the first pump; (vi) a second fluid conduit coupled fluidly to the control container and the drain, the second fluid conduit coupled operably to the first pump; and (vii) a third fluid conduit coupled fluidly to the diffusion membrane and the control conduit, the third fluid conduit coupled operably to the second pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Rodolfo G. Roger, Michael E. Hogard, Thomas D. Kelly
  • Patent number: 8486196
    Abstract: Because an evaporating apparatus for use in an MOCVD film deposition system has a structure in which a plurality of gas passages brings in a gas from the upper direction, the apparatus has a difficulty to position a jet nozzle, and the apparatus is incapable of accurately controlling the pressure and flow rate of a carrier gas mixed with a raw material solution to be issued into an evaporating unit, and it is thus difficult to highly accurately control the composition of MOCVD films. A plurality of gas passages is arranged on a flat, disk-shaped plate. With this configuration, the accurate positioning of the jet nozzle can be made easier, and the composition of MOCVD films can be controlled highly accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Watanabe Shoko
    Inventors: Masayuki Toda, Masaki Kusuhara, Masaru Umeda, Mitsuru Fukagawa
  • Publication number: 20130175225
    Abstract: A pump in fluid communication with the outlet of a fluid purification apparatus. A pump may furthermore provide fluid to the inlet of the fluid purification apparatus. An embodiment includes a fluid driven rotating inlet device in fluid communication with the inlet of the fluid purification apparatus and an outlet impeller in fluid communication with the outlet of the fluid purification apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: NEXT GENERATION FILTRATION SYSTEMS, LP
    Inventor: Next Generation Filtration Systems, LP
  • Patent number: 8475664
    Abstract: The overflow and underflow effluents of a conventional hydrocyclone are discharged into enclosed vessels, so that the operating pressure may be manipulated for each effluent independently of other operating parameters. Each of the effluent vessels is equipped with a source of pressurized gas to form a gas blanket over the effluent at a controllable pressure. Such variable pressures in each vessel, in combination with the pressure of the incoming feed stream, provide the necessary parameters to implement pressure-differential-ratio control, thereby improving the efficiency of separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: FLSmidth A/S
    Inventors: Paul Martin Keyser, Timothy John Olson
  • Publication number: 20130153493
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a moving bed membrane bioreactor. The moving bed membrane bioreactor package plant comprises a pre-treatment system, a moving bed membrane bioreactor, and a post-treatment system. This disclosure further relates to mechanical devices and operational processes for a moving bed membrane bioreactor package plant for greywater and wastewater reclamation and reuse. This disclosure further relates to a bioreactor for greywater reclamation that integrates biofilm carriers with a hollow fibre membrane module and dual aeration system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF REGINA
    Inventors: Stephanie Young, Alex Munoz
  • Patent number: 8465641
    Abstract: A dialysis liquid circuit with conduits for conducting dialysis liquid and elements for detecting air in the dialysis liquid. The elements includes at least one gas sensor traversed continuously by the dialysis liquid, which is configured such that it measures at least one property of the dialysis liquid which depends on the presence of air bubbles in the dialysis liquid, and which is arranged downstream of a region to be monitored of the dialysis liquid circuit. During operation of the dialysis liquid circuit a negative pressure exists with respect to atmospheric pressure, and the elements includes an evaluation unit which is connected with the gas sensor and which is configured such that the property measured by means of the gas sensor is evaluated with regard to the presence of air bubbles in the dialysis liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Maierhofer, Alfred Gagel, Malte Gross
  • Publication number: 20130146514
    Abstract: A membrane treatment plant having at least two stages (53), (69), (75) arranged serially is disclosed. Each stage (53), (69), (75) comprises at least four membrane units (55) arranged in parallel, with each membrane unit (55) having an inlet (57), a feed/concentrate outlet (59) and a permeate outlet (61). Each stage (53), (69), (75) has a common inlet header (51), (67), or (73) and a common outlet header (65), (71), or (77), with the common outlet header (65) (71) of an upstream stage connecting to has the common inlet header (67) (73) respectively of an immediately downstream stage. Each membrane unit (55) has an inlet flow control valve (93) connecting between its inlet (57) and the common inlet header of the stage in which it is located, and an outlet flow control valve (63) connecting between its outlet (59) and the common outlet header of the stage in which it is located.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: HATCH LTD.
    Inventors: Luke Andrew Reeves, Mark Alistair Peacock
  • Publication number: 20130134078
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a separation process. An aerated inlet mixture of fluid and solids is fed to a flotation separation vessel and is separated into an upper float layer and a lower clarified layer. The upper float layer is withdrawn from the vessel when the height of the upper float layer exceeds the height of an overflow conduit and forms a concentrated solids effluent The lower clarified layer is withdrawn from the separation vessel as a clarified fluid effluent. The separation process is performed continuously using a control process that maintains a relatively stable distribution between the lower clarified layer and the upper float layer. The control process is a closed loop process that monitors the instantaneous height of the vessel contents and computes an error function based on the instantaneous height and a set-point height. The error function is used to periodically adjust the outlet flowrate of the clarified fluid effluent. The resulting process has improved stability (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: Joel BIAS, Brian ROSS
  • Publication number: 20130126405
    Abstract: The invention relates to an oil/water separating device (20) comprising a main filter (30) for removing oil-containing components from an oil/water mixture. The device is characterized by an additional mechanical separating device for removing slimy substances from the oil/water mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: BEKO TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
    Inventors: Holger Weitze, Johannes Sinstedten, Herbert Schlensker
  • Publication number: 20130118978
    Abstract: A water treatment system combines a microfiltration or ultrafiltration membrane system with a downstream reverse osmosis membrane system. The MF or UF system has multiple trains of immersed membrane modules. The trains are connected to a common permeate pump. The permeate pump discharges directly into the inlet of an RO feed pump. The membrane trains are each subjected to the same suction. The permeate pumps are operated to provide the required flow to the RO feed pump at or above the minimum inlet pressure of the RO feed pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin Simon Joseph DUFRESNE, Denis Joel Marie GUIBERT
  • Publication number: 20130118962
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for processing abrasive slurry used in cutting operations. The slurry is mixed with a first solvent in a tank. The slurry is vibrated and/or ultrasonically agitated such that abrasive grain contained in the slurry separates from the other components of the slurry and the first solvent. After the abrasive grain has settled to a bottom portion of the container, the other components of the slurry and the first solvent are removed from the tank. The abrasive grain may then be washed with a second solvent. The abrasive grain is then heated and is suitable for reuse in an abrasive slurry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: MEMC ELECTRONIC MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventor: MEMC ELECTRONIC MATERIALS, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130098846
    Abstract: An apparatus, process and system for treating a hydrocarbon feedstock having a specific gravity differential between components of the feedstock is disclosed and includes a treatment vessel having an inlet for receiving the feedstock. A primary separation container may be located in the treatment vessel to accumulate feedstock to cause a low specific gravity portion of the feedstock to separate and rise to an upper surface of the accumulated feedstock. A secondary separation container may be located in the treatment vessel to receive the collected low specific gravity portion from the primary separation container, to accumulate the collected low specific gravity portion to cause hydrocarbon products to separate and rise to an upper surface of the accumulated low specific gravity portion of the feedstock, producing a hydrocarbon product stream at a product outlet. The operating pressure of the treatment vessel may be regulated to remain within a desired range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: SUNCOR ENERGY INC.
    Inventor: Thomas Charles Hann
  • Patent number: 8425779
    Abstract: In a method for converting fluctuating energy into a stable energy supply, the fluctuating energy is derived from the group of solar energy, wind power, waves or water currents, this energy being delivered to a first pump being integrated in a pressure circuit for delivering stable energy and the pressure circuit comprising a pressure amplifier with a double-cone device being driven by the liquid flow circulated by the first pump. This allows the stabilization of fluctuating energy to be used e.g. in desalination plants without supplemental storage energy and without reverting to electric current conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: DCT Double-Cone Technology AG
    Inventor: John Stark
  • Publication number: 20130092530
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing electrolytic reduced water capable of electrolyzing purified water, which is filtered through reverse osmosis, by use of concentrated water that remains after the purification. The apparatus includes a water purifying apparatus, and an electrolytic cell provided with a first chamber having a cathode, a second chamber having an anode, and a third chamber disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber to receive concentrated water from the water purifying apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
  • Patent number: 8419936
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for back pressure regulator used in liquid chromatography, supercritical fluid chromatography, or supercritical fluid extraction allows very fine automated control over a very wide range of pressures by combining a linear actuator compressing a spring, pushing a pin. The nozzle assembly of the regulator comprises a flow through chamber containing a diaphragm and a seat, in which the pin pushes the diaphragm against the seat, together with an upstream pressure sensor and electronic feedback control to the motor of the actuator. The BPR of the embodiments exhibits high pressure stability and extremely low pressure noise, even at moderate to high pressures. The exemplary BPR can be use at either constant pressure or to generate pressure programs where the pressure is varied versus time. Further, the nozzle assembly has a field-replaceable head, requiring no mechanical adjustment on replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry A. Berger, Samuel Colgate, Michael Casale
  • Publication number: 20130082000
    Abstract: A fluid pumping system with energy recovery features may provide feed water to a reverse osmosis unit. The system includes an electronic controller unit that regulates the output of three hydraulic pumps. Each hydraulic pump drives the movement of a piston in a cylinder. The pistons collectively deliver a generally constant flow of high pressure feed water. Valve bodies direct reverse osmosis concentrate to the back sides of the pistons. The electronic controller coordinates the output of the hydraulic pumps with the actuation of the valve bodies. Movement of the pistons is controlled, in part, by a feed back loop to verify the desired hydraulic pump output. Valve bodies are designed to begin closing when an associated piston velocity decreases. The valve body moves after a dwell period when an associated piston should not be moving. The piston and cylinder are designed for exposure to high salt-content water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Matthew D. d'Artenay, Willard D. Childs, Gerard J. Vanderloop, Michael J. Connor, JR.
  • Patent number: 8409431
    Abstract: Intended is to reduce pressure fluctuations across a filter (14) for filtering a resist liquid. A charging apparatus is provided including a charge liquid tank (2) of resist liquid, a feed pump (10), a charge nozzle (8), a recovery passage (16), a recovery valve (20) disposed in the recovery passage (16), the filter (14), and a control device (24) for controlling the servomotors to adjust the openings of the charge valve (12) and the recovery valve (20) so that the pressures on the upstream side and the downstream side of the filter (14) may not fluctuate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Nakagawa, Masaaki Muroi, Shinichi Torigoe, Fumihiro Nagaike, Ryohei Nakamura, Kenichi Higashi, Tsuyoshi Gouda
  • Publication number: 20130075311
    Abstract: A system for controlling water within an aquatic facility includes a water chemistry controller, a variable rate water pump adapted to move water in the facility, and a variable rate motor driver operationally coupled to the water pump for variably energizing the water pump. The variable rate motor driver is coupled to the water chemistry controller to allow the water chemistry controller to manage the operation of the water pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: BECS Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: BECS Technology, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130062266
    Abstract: A water filtration system utilizes a housing configured to utilize various types of filter media and having a press-sealed closing system. The closing system includes a head portion defining a head opening, a lock member, and a lid member. The lock member releasably engages the head portion such that an abutment section of the lock member projects into the head opening. The lid member is received by the head portion to cover the head opening, and has an outward-facing press section configured to abut an inward facing portion of the abutment section of the lock member when the lid member is covering the head opening. Pressure generated within the housing during water filtration presses the lid member in an outward direction and causes the lid member press section to press against the abutment section of the lock member to substantially prevent disengagement of the lock member from the head portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: ENPRESS L.L.C.
    Inventors: Douglas M. Horner, Michael P. Mormino, Douglas S. Stolarik
  • Publication number: 20130056418
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling the dialysate flow in a dialysis device. A change of the value of a control factor, caused by a variation of a property of the dialysate or of the blood or by a change of the dialysate flow, is determined in order to control the dialysate flow. The control factor is a measure for the exchange of substances via the dialyzer and thus the effectiveness of the dialyzer. If the change of the value of the control factor exceeds a limit, the dialysate flow is increased. On the other hand, the dialysate flow is reduced if the change of the value of the control factor falls short of the limit range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Pascal KOPPERSCHMIDT, Alfred GAGEL
  • Patent number: 8382075
    Abstract: An air stripper in the form of an submerged gas evaporator or a submerged gas reactor that includes a vessel, a gas delivery tube partially disposed within the vessel to deliver a gas into the vessel and a contaminated liquid inlet that provides a contaminated liquid to the vessel at a rate sufficient to maintain a controlled constant level of process fluid within the vessel. A weir is disposed within the vessel adjacent the gas delivery tube to form a first fluid circulation path between a first weir end and a wall of the vessel and a second fluid circulation path between a second weir end and an upper end of the vessel. During operation, gas introduced through the tube mixes with the process fluid and the combined gas and fluid flow at a high rate with a high degree of turbulence along the first and second circulation paths defined around the weir, thereby promoting vigorous mixing and intimate contact between the gas and the process fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Heartland Technology Partners, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard F. Duesel, Jr., Michael J. Rutsch
  • Publication number: 20130045903
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing contaminants from used lubricating or hydraulic oil includes a fluid transfer unit that includes an inlet port and an outlet port. The inlet port can be in fluid communication with a source of the used lubricating or hydraulic oil. The fluid transfer unit can define a fluid path. The apparatus can include a first adsorbent and a second adsorbent in the fluid path. The first adsorbent can include cellulose. The second adsorbent can include silica gel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Robert O. Crowder, John H. Burban, Andrew J. Ohotto, Abbey M. Vados, Michael M. Dimovski, David S. Kolstad
  • Publication number: 20130037464
    Abstract: The invention concerns a reverse osmosis system (1) with at least one membrane unit (2) comprising an inlet (3), a permeate outlet (4) and a concentrate outlet (5), a high-pressure pump (8) that is connected to the inlet (3), a pressure exchanger (11) comprising at least one high-pressure concentrate connection (HPC), and a booster pump. It is endeavoured to achieve the lowest possible energy consumption. For this purpose, the booster pump is made as a displacement pump (16) that is arranged between the concentrate outlet (5) and the high-pressure concentrate connection (HPC) of the pressure exchanger (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Welm Friedrichsen, Lasse Nicolai Langmaack, Palle Olsen, Erik Haugaard
  • Publication number: 20130015110
    Abstract: A new approach is proposed that contemplates systems and methods to support an environmentally-friendly, “green” thermophilic anaerobic digestion system. The system includes a thermophilic anaerobic digester as well as various independent modular anaerobic units to generate bio-methane from certain organic energy sources, including but not limited to, among other things, green municipal waste, restaurant and organic waste and effluents from industries such as breweries, grocery stores, food processing plants, granaries, wineries, pulp and paper mills, ethanol and biodiesel plants, fat and animal rendering, agricultural field crops, organic sludge accumulation within lagoons and waterways, marine organic matter and animal manure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Knoop
  • Publication number: 20130015130
    Abstract: An assembly of modules on the order of a cassette or larger are aerated simultaneously in a series of air-on or high flow rate periods, each in the range of 0.5 to 20 seconds long, separated by longer air-off or low flow rate periods, each in the range of 5 to 40 seconds long. A plurality of aerators located in association with a plurality of modules are provided with a burst of air simultaneously from a shared air accumulator or pulsator connected to all of the aerators. The air accumulator or pulsator may be fed with a continuous supply of air. The plurality of modules may be connected together in a cassette or rack. The accumulator or pulsator may be located outside of a tank of water containing the membranes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph Breitner
  • Publication number: 20130001162
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for desalinating water is presented. The invention relates to recovery of water from impaired water sources by using FO and seawater as draw solution (DS). The seawater becomes diluted over time and can be easily desalinated at very low pressures. Thus, a device consumes less energy when recovering water. The apparatus, system and method comprise an immersed forward osmosis cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Victor Yangali-Quintanilla, Zhenyu Li, Rodrigo Valladares Linares, Gary Amy
  • Publication number: 20120318739
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for regulating supply of substituate in an extracorporeal blood treatment with an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus comprising a dialyzer divided by a semipermeable membrane into a blood chamber and a dialyzing fluid chamber and a device for supplying substituate. Moreover, the present invention relates to an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus having a device for regulating supply of substituate. Regulation of supply of substituate in the extracorporeal blood treatment takes place as a function of the rheological loading of the dialyzer. To regulate supply of substituate during extracorporeal blood treatment, rheological loading of the dialyzer is determined from transmembrane pressure on the dialyzer and flow resistance of the dialyzer and substituate rate is increased or reduced according to the loading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Pascal Kopperschmidt, Alfred Gagel
  • Publication number: 20120305459
    Abstract: A water producing system is provided that produces fresh water by treating treatment target water A at a first semipermeable membrane treatment plant, that mixes concentrate resulted by the treatment carried out at the first semipermeable membrane treatment plant with treatment target water B, and that treats the mixed water at a second semipermeable membrane treatment plant to produce fresh water. A bypass line allows the treatment target water A to be mixed with the treatment target water B or the concentrate while bypassing the first semipermeable membrane treatment plant, so that the second semipermeable membrane treatment plant can operate even when any trouble occurs at the first semipermeable membrane treatment plant and treatment cannot be carried out thereby.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroo Takabatake, Hironobu Suzuki, Masahide Taniguchi
  • Publication number: 20120305485
    Abstract: An arrangement and a method for venting gases from a container containing mixture of salt concentrate and fluid for use in dialysis, including venting the gases to a hydrochamber disposed upstream of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Roland Levin, Christian Schlaeper, Martin Crnkovich, Harald Peter
  • Patent number: 8318008
    Abstract: A modular, on-site, wastewater treatment system removes total nitrogen, phosphorus, BOD, and TSS. A flow equalization module provides a constant flow rate to the system eliminating the adverse effects from variations in flow rate throughout the day. Treatment modules are similarly sized to provide a compact, modular system. The nitrification module is a fixed-film, flooded packed bioreactor to facilitate bioconversion of ammonia to nitrate. Aeration of the module provides the oxygen needed for the bioconversion as well prevents clogging of the film. Solids from the nitrification process are removed in a first cone-shaped settling tank. De-nitrification where nitrate is converted to nitrogen gas takes place in an anaerobic fixed-film bioreactor. Carbon-based bio-film carriers provide a carbon source for de-nitrification. A final cone-shaped settling tank separates solids from the treated wastewater. Additional modules to address removal of phosphorous or other contaminants can be added to the modular system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: SepticNet, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven M. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20120292238
    Abstract: A piston pressurized water filter activated by the user or external source. The water filter assembly includes a hollow cylindrical water reservoir, a hollow cylindrical piston threaded into the top of the water reservoir, and a water filter threaded into the bottom of the water reservoir. The interior of the water reservoir is sealed by the piston and water filter. When the water reservoir is filled with unfiltered water, the piston can be threaded down into the water reservoir to create sufficient pressure on the unfiltered water and force the water into the water filter. The water filter can include any combination of carbon, ceramic or other filtering material in a block or disk form. Water is forced into the water filter, through the carbon or ceramic filter mass, and into a container that may or may not be coupled to the water filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: INSTAPURE BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: William Scott Wright, Bradley J. Florin
  • Publication number: 20120273415
    Abstract: Monitoring of the performance of a blood fluid removal medium of a blood fluid removal device includes monitoring of condition, such as fluid flow rate or concentration of blood waste product, downstream of the medium. Upstream monitoring of the condition may also be performed to enhance the ability to determine whether the blood fluid removal medium is performing within predetermined ranges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: Martin Gerber, SuPing Lyu, Bryant Pudil
  • Publication number: 20120267294
    Abstract: In an inside-out flow filter, a transition pressure recovery member is provided at the inlet and has structured contoured guide surfaces guiding fluid flow therealong into the hollow interior of an annular filter element to minimize transition pressure loss from the inlet to the hollow interior. The transition pressure recovery member includes transition flow deceleration surfaces gradually decelerating flow of fluid into the hollow interior and minimizing pressure drop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: CUMMINS FILTRATION IP INC.
    Inventors: Peter K. Herman, Bradley A. Smith, Benjamin L. Scheckel
  • Patent number: 8287480
    Abstract: A hemodialysis apparatus includes a blood processing machine, a blood circuit through which blood led from a patient flows, a blood pump attached to the blood circuit to pump blood, a dialysate circuit, a clamp disposed downstream of the blood pump for the blood circuit to block the blood circuit, a blood pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of a part of the blood circuit between the blood pump and the blocker, and a control unit connected with the blood pump and the blood pressure sensor. The control unit is configured to determine, based on the pressure detected by the blood circuit pressure detector, whether or not the blood circuit has encountered abnormal conditions while the blood circuit blocked by the clamp is filled with liquid by the blood pump (steps SA2, SA3, and SA5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: JMS Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Futoshi Sasaki, Koji Nakamagoe
  • Publication number: 20120255934
    Abstract: The liquid-quality adjusting apparatus of the present invention includes: a water purifying part that deionizes a machining liquid; an anticorrosive part that exchanges ions in the machining liquid with anticorrosive ions; a conductivity measuring part that measures a measured value of conductivity of the machining liquid; a storage part that stores in advance a first reference value and a second reference value which are an upper limit value and a lower limit value of conductivity applicable to machining, respectively, and a third reference value which is between the first reference value and the second reference value; and a control part that performs control on the basis of the reference values stored in the storage part and the measured value of the conductivity of the machining liquid measured by the conductivity measuring part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicants: RYODEN KOKI ENGINEERING CO., LTD., MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tamayo Ohata, Tatsushi Sato, Hironori Kuriki, Hisakatsu Kawarai, Jyunji Tanimura, Takashi Yuzawa
  • Publication number: 20120248016
    Abstract: A fluid handling and cleaning circulation system includes a storage device storing circulation liquid, a circulating pipeline to circulate the circulation liquid, a filter device to filter the circulation liquid, and a purification separator to remove impurities from and to divide the circulation liquid into a recyclable flow body and an excitation flow body. The purification separator has a first outlet for outletting the excitation flow body, a second outlet for outletting the recyclable flow body to the filter device, and an inlet for inletting the circulation liquid. A nano excitation device is disposed downstream of the first outlet for exciting and nanolizing the excitation flow body. A flow control device pressurizes and accelerates the circulation liquid so that the circulation liquid flows at predetermined velocity and pressure from the storage device, through the filter device, the purification separator and the nano excitation device, and back to the storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: Green Power Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Min-Lu Liou