With Time Control Patents (Class 210/138)
  • Patent number: 11976845
    Abstract: A humidifier for which the cleaning of a water tank is easy includes: a water tank which is mounted inside a housing and stores water; a humidification member which is immersed in the water stored in the water tank and performs humidification; a water container provided with an opening/closing valve which is opened and closed to supply water stored therein to the water tank; a water container support member which is detachably mounted to an upper part of the water tank and on which the water container is seated; and a water supply control member which is mounted to the water container support member and opens and closes the opening/closing valve so that the water can be supplied from the water container to the water tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Coway Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Do-Yeop Kim, Hyun-Jin Hong, Sang-Woo Kang, An-Ho Cho
  • Patent number: 11938258
    Abstract: An extracorporeal blood treatment device and a method are provided for removing a secondary membrane formed on a semipermeable membrane of a dialyzer during an extracorporeal blood treatment. The extracorporeal blood treatment device operates in a first operating mode in which a dialysate outlet valve is open such that dialysate flows through a dialyzer feed line, through a dialysate chamber, and into and through a dialyzer discharge line. The extracorporeal blood treatment device operates in a second operating mode to remove the secondary membrane from the semipermeable membrane. During the second operating mode, the dialysate outlet valve is closed for a duration of time such that dialysate is prevented from flowing through the dialyzer discharge line. A backflush procedure results wherein a volume of dialysate passes from the dialysate chamber through the semipermeable membrane and into the blood chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Doyle, Robert Anthony Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 11858835
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems and methods for controlling treatment of water with ozone. The systems and methods can utilize one or more processing modules and one or more non-transitory storage modules that are configured to store computing instructions. Execution of the instructions can cause the one or more processing modules to perform acts of: generating ozone; and applying the ozone to water. The act of generating the ozone can include: controlling a quantity of the ozone generated; and controlling when the ozone is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Source Global, PBC
    Inventors: Cody Friesen, Paul Johnson, Jonathan Goldberg
  • Patent number: 11860434
    Abstract: A device and methods for cleaning an end of a fiber optic cable including a cleaning cartridge system for dispensing and usage monitoring of fiber end face cleaning fabric. The cleaning cartridge system includes a spool of cleaning fabric; an actuator that drives a fabric advance roller; a pressure sensor that detects when a fiber end face is in contact with fabric and outputs a contact-indicating signal; an internal control circuit that drives the actuator to advance the cleaning fabric in time-relation to the contact-indicating signal; and an external controller that determines proper advance of the cleaning fabric and consumption of the cleaning fabric over time. Methods of maintaining low loss physical fiber-optic connections in an automated cross-connect system use the cleaning device and methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: TELESCENT INC.
    Inventors: Keith Wayne Reynolds, Giuseppe Bondi, Anthony Stephen Kewitsch
  • Patent number: 11858017
    Abstract: An in-situ vapor injection thermal desorption device includes a sectional combined input head, several intermediate connectors and a bottom protector connected in series from top to bottom. The in-situ vapor injection thermal desorption device further includes several water-vapor coupling injection activation chips, selectively disposed below any of the intermediate connectors; the sectional combined input head is provided with a high-pressure-gas inlet, several pairs of heat-transfer-oil inlets and heat-transfer-oil outlets, and several pairs of hot-water inlets and hot-water outlets; the water-vapor coupling injection activation chip is provided with several gas-liquid spraying holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: INSTITUTE OF ROCK AND SOIL MECHANICS, CAS
    Inventors: Qiang Xue, Yuan Li, Mingli Wei, Jiangshan Li, Yong Wan, Zhixiang Chen, Xin Chen, Lei Liu
  • Patent number: 11794151
    Abstract: An automatic brine salinity control system receives salt brine, by way of an on-off valve, at its inner end. The control system also receives fresh water, by way of a control valve, from a source of fresh water. The salt brine and the fresh water are mixed to reduce the salinity of the mixture. The salt brine-fresh water mixture is fed to the inner end of a mass flow sensor which measures the mass flow rates, density, volume flow rate, temperature and concentration thereof and transfers the data to a Programmable Logic Controller and computer. The mixture, after being discharged from the mass flow sensor, is fed to a three-way valve which is selectively connected to a storage tank, a waste tank or the brine production system. The PLC and computer controls the operation of the three-way valve, the control valve and the on-off valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Dultmeier Sales LLC
    Inventor: Thomas L. Hansen
  • Patent number: 11745220
    Abstract: A filter extractor may include a first gutter fixed to a tool body and a second gutter being pivotably connected to the tool body. Additionally, a lifting device may be provided on the filter extractor. The lifting device is configured to extend and retract a line through the first gutter and the second gutter to extract a filter from a fluid conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Hugues Trifol, Matthieu Dezaphix, Josephine Mannent
  • Patent number: 11702624
    Abstract: A system and method for regression modeling an interior volume of a containment vessel and interpolating data from multi-point sensor arrays within the containment vessel to detect conditions across the interior volume of the containment vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Cedar Knoll Vineyards, Inc.
    Inventor: Christian Gastón Palmaz
  • Patent number: 11673816
    Abstract: Harmful biological contaminants are treated using plasma fields. The inventive techniques offer improved results over existing devices and methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Inventors: Desmond A. Fraser, Hossein Ghaffari Nik, Richard B. McMurray, Akrem Hassen Adem Aberra, Shelley Marie Grandy, Patrick J. Hughes, David Anthony Davis, Kyler Delman Sparks
  • Patent number: 11648496
    Abstract: A treatment module including a housing having an input port and an output port; a plurality of treatment members, each treatment member having a skeleton and a mesh material provided over the skeleton, the mesh material being joined to the skeleton at one or more portions of the skeleton; and a layer of particles formed over a first side of the mesh material, the layer having pores of sufficient size to enable a fluid to flow through the layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: MicroHAOPs, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Benjamin, Zhenxiao Cai, Alexander Vetrovs, Bolun Wang
  • Patent number: 11618036
    Abstract: A microwave applicator box for breakdown of medical waste materials is provided, including: an interior defined by at least one wall; a plurality of inclined grates in an alternating arrangement, including: a first grate extending from a first direction, and a second grate extending from a second direction and underlapping the first grate; vibration devices connected to the grates by arms; wherein the area above the first grate is defined as a Zone A and wherein the area below the first grate and above the second grate is defined as a Zone B; wherein a first waveguide is connected to an opening in the wall in the area of the Zone A; wherein a second waveguide is connected to an opening in the wall in the area of the Zone B; and wherein the interior of the waveguides is in communication with the interior of the microwave applicator box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Inventor: John Otis Farneman
  • Patent number: 11508230
    Abstract: Systems and methods of preventing an event occurrence or mitigating effects of an event occurrence in an industrial facility are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a first input is received from a first sensor and, based at least in part on the first input, an initial action is automatically generated. In response to the initial action, a second input is received from a second sensor and, based at least in part of the received first and second inputs, a likelihood of an event occurrence is determined. Based at least in part of the determined likelihood, a remedial action configured to prevent the occurrence of the event occurrence is automatically generated. In some embodiments, the remedial action is generated in real-time and can be directed to a process condition, environmental condition, or secondary source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: SUNCOKE TECHNOLOGY AND DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: John Francis Quanci, Andre Vassilnenko Kalinin
  • Patent number: 11447407
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems and methods for controlling treatment of water with ozone. The systems and methods can utilize one or more processing modules and one or more non-transitory storage modules that are configured to store computing instructions. Execution of the instructions can cause the one or more processing modules to perform acts of: generating ozone; and applying the ozone to water. The act of generating the ozone can include: controlling a quantity of the ozone generated; and controlling when the ozone is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Source Global, PBC
    Inventors: Cody Friesen, Paul Johnson, Jonathan Goldberg
  • Patent number: 11427491
    Abstract: Pond filter unit and a method for operating a pond filter unit (1). A control unit (12) controls the operation of the pond filter unit (1), including the cleaning cycle of the filter (2?, 2?, 2??). The pond filter unit (1) further comprises one or more plugs (14) for connecting one or more auxiliary devices, such as a separate pump, one or more additional pond filter units, illumination devices/lamps, air pumps, and/or feed automats. The control unit (12) of the pond filter further controls the one or more auxiliary devices connected to the plugs (14), such as pumps, air pumps, automatic feeding devices based on input settings for each of the one or more auxiliary devices. The control unit (12) further controls the cleaning cycle for cleaning of the filter (2) in the vessel (3). The cleaning cycle comprises a sequence of backwash and/or a mechanical filter cleaning sequence where a filter cleaning motor unit (6) rotates the filter cleaning device (7) in the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: EASYFIRM APS
    Inventor: Niels Frausing
  • Patent number: 11332222
    Abstract: A floating platform dimensioned and configured to receive and transport an automated pool cleaner on the surface of the water is disclosed. For convenience, the floating platform is referred to as a pontoon. The pontoon is also configured to control the retrieval of the pool cleaner. The pontoon includes a buoyant housing having a first end and a second end. An inclined platform ramp is positioned in the pontoon housing at an angle from the first end towards the second end. The pontoon includes a winch for winding and unwinding a cable connected to the pool cleaner to thereby selectively release and retrieve the cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: ZODIAC POOL SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Aleksandr Klebanov, Ethan Hanan, Anthony Meletta, William Londono, Kameshwar Durvasula
  • Patent number: 11319686
    Abstract: A transportable modular system for emergency treatment of water polluted by liquid hydrocarbon spillage comprises: at least a first containerized treatment module, comprising a container in the form of a standard size intermodal container which houses a coalescence separator device, configured to operate an oil/water separation; a suction pipe having a first end connected to the coalescence separator device and a second end provided with an inlet connected to at least one floating skimmer; a pump positioned on the suction pipe; a water drain pipe and an oil drain pipe, connected to a water outlet and an oil outlet, respectively, of the coalescence separator device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: SAIPEM S.P.A.
    Inventors: Paolo Mario Alessandro Allara, Fabrizio Bonifacio
  • Patent number: 11162747
    Abstract: The present document discloses water-treatment, descaling, and monitoring systems that include components selected from among: (1) water-treatment components; (2) a component that protects system components, plumbing, and appliances from limescale build-up by generation of a pure sine-wave descaling signal that passes FCC requirements; (3) a component that generates an electrolysis-inhibiting signal; (4) components that monitor propagation and the strength of the descaling signal within the plumbing system; (5) probe and sensor components that monitor water quality, the operational status of other components, and system characteristics; (6) components that prevent the descaling signal from interfering with probes, sensors, and water-treatment-system components; (7) a component that generates UV radiation for eliminating biological contaminants within water heaters and other appliances; and (8) wireless-communications components that facilitate transmission of alerts regarding operational status and water qual
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Inventors: Joseph F. Walsh, Sharon K. Laska
  • Patent number: 11150673
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a low water volume of a water circulation system is disclosed that includes detecting an auxiliary measurement associated with an ancillary device fluidly coupled with a reservoir of water in a water circulation system and then determining whether the ancillary device is performing under a low water volume operation. The low water volume operation is based upon a comparison between at least the detected auxiliary measurement of the ancillary device and a condition associated with a performance of the ancillary device under the low water volume operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: HYDRO AID LLC
    Inventor: Eugene Bright
  • Patent number: 11053945
    Abstract: A self-regulating fire pump unit which can be controlled to operate under required conditions for sourcing a fire protection system such as sprinklers. The fire pump unit can be operated in accordance with a control curve based on detected pressure and flow. The control curve can include: a) a first setpoint of rated total value of the system load for the pressure and the flow, b) a second setpoint of a minimum partial percentage of the rated total value of the pressure at an over-percentage of the rated total value of the flow, c) a path which maintains the rated total value of the pressure for all values of the flow up to the first setpoint, d) a path between the first setpoint and the second setpoint, e) a path from the second setpoint which limits values of the pressure for values of the flow greater than the second setpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: S.A. Armstrong Limited
    Inventor: Peter Thomsen
  • Patent number: 11020446
    Abstract: A method for preparing a tea leaf extract is used for preparing the tea leaf extract with improved anti-oxidation activity. The method includes smoldering a rice husk sample at 200-400° C. in a low oxygen environment for 2-4 hours, followed by burning at 400-600° C. in an atmospheric environment for 2-4 hours to obtain a rice husk silica. An oxygen concentration in the low oxygen environment is below 5%. The rice husk silica is dissolved in an alkaline solution to obtain a rice husk silica solution. A tea leaf sample is then extracted by the rice husk silica solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: GREENEPIC BIOTECH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yung-Han Hung, Pin-Wen Chen, Yu-Tsai Chen
  • Patent number: 11015735
    Abstract: A first flow path is connected to an inlet for introducing gas into a microvalve. A second flow path is connected to an outlet for allowing gas to flow out of the microvalve. A third flow path is for introducing a pneumatic fluid into the microvalve. A negative pressure generation mechanism (a pump) is for generating a negative pressure on the second flow path to suck gas from the first flow path forward the second flow path via the microvalve. A pressure adjustment mechanism (a connection flow path and a valve) is for reducing a pressure difference between the second flow path and the third flow path to prevent the inlet and the outlet from being blocked by a diaphragm layer in response to the negative pressure generated on the second flow path side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wenjian Lu, Shigeaki Shibamoto, Jun Yanagibayashi
  • Patent number: 10987441
    Abstract: A lamp appliance for emitting UVC light for disinfection is shown and described. The appliance includes timing controls settable by the user to control time of UVC emission and to provide a delay feature enabling a user to set the controls and exit a vicinity being treated by the lamp prior to UVC being emitted. Manual controls are redundant, including a first general power switch for bringing power to control electronics, and also a second switch initiating UVC emission. The appliance includes an illuminated display to annunciate time settings. The UVC element is pivotal on the chassis, to adjust direction of UVC emission. In one position, the UVC element is shielded to limit UVC emission to a limited size target. A remote controller is provided. The appliance is arranged with its length vertically oriented, to occupy minimal floor space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Inventor: William G. Sykes
  • Patent number: 10967316
    Abstract: Disclosed is a compact separation system suitable for separating components of a multiphase fluid stream. The compact separation system utilizes a cylindrical cyclone in conjunction with a filtration system. The filtration system incorporates filtration media having at least one of the following characteristics: hydrophilic-oleophobic characteristics or oleophilic-hydrophobic characteristics. The separation system is configured to substantially preclude gas under-carrying into the liquid conduit lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: The University of Tulsa
    Inventors: Ramin Dabirian, Ram S. Mohan, Ovadia Shoham
  • Patent number: 10843107
    Abstract: A water filter communication system and method of using the system. A method of periodically reading water filter data associated with a water filter and retained by the water filter that has been positioned in an appliance includes the steps of: installing a water filter into an engaged position in a filter head assembly within an interior of a cabinet of an appliance that includes a water inlet and a water outlet and periodically, based upon and after a user's interaction with the appliance or the water filter, supplying power from the appliance to the filter read-write memory device engaged to the filter housing; transmitting water filter data to the appliance from the filter read-write memory device, which retains filter information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Melissa M. Bippus, Craig C. Lear, Dennis J. Staley, II
  • Patent number: 10776341
    Abstract: A method for quality assurance of filtration processes includes inserting a filter element (24) into a filtration device (14b) in which filter elements (24) can be subjected to integrity tests. The method further includes associating the integrity information with each filter element (24) in a filter element database (16; 34) connected to a shared data network (12) and saving the number of failed integrity tests performed on each filter element (24) as integrity information associated with that filter element. The saved tolerance setting has an auxiliary limit value, which when exceeded in a defined manner by the queried number of failed integrity tests performed on the identified filter element (24), causes a warning message to be sent to a predetermined monitoring unit (20) and the resulting blocking of the selected integrity testing device (14b) is maintained until a release message is received from the predetermined monitoring unit (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: SARTORIUS STEDIM BIOTECH GMBH
    Inventors: Magnus Andreas Stering, Kai Gloth
  • Patent number: 10697700
    Abstract: A water dispensing system for use in a refrigeration appliance comprises a three-way connector operably coupled to an inlet water source and configured to direct incoming water from the inlet water source into an ambient water holding portion and a cold water tank and a water dispenser disposed on a front surface of a refrigeration chamber door. The water dispenser comprises a three-way water control valve configured to dispense water from the ambient water holding portion, the cold water tank, or a combination thereof, an actuator operable between a first position, a second position, and a third position, and a paddle configured to actuate the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Swapnil R. Dhande, Deepak Dilipsingh Dixit, Pranav Madhup
  • Patent number: 10460869
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a multi-series continuous-flow magnetoelectric coupling processing system and applications thereof. The processing system comprises multi-series of induction units, a power supply and a feed liquid container, wherein each series of the induction unit comprises a closed iron core, a primary coil wound around one side of the closed iron core, and a secondary coil wound around the other side of the closed iron core and arranged in an induction cavity, the secondary coil comprises an insulation pipe for circulation of feed liquid, and the two ends of the insulation pipe are exposed from the induction cavity and are respectively acted as a feeding hole and a discharge hole; the power supply is in parallel connection with each primary coil in the induction unit and provides excitation voltage to each primary coil; and the feed liquid container is in series connection with the insulation pipes of the multi-series induction units to form a feed liquid circulation loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Jiangnan University
    Inventors: Na Yang, Xueming Xu, Yamei Jin, Fengfeng Wu, Zhengyu Jin, Xing Zhou, Yaoqi Tian, Aiquan Jiao
  • Patent number: 10379660
    Abstract: A medical fluid treatment machine comprising: a pump configured to pump medical fluid to and from a patient; an input device configured to: display touch buttons, at least some of the touch buttons each representing a grapheme, and detect haptic interactions between a user and the touch buttons, wherein an interaction causes information related to the touch button to be received by the medical fluid treatment machine; and a control unit configured to control the input device, wherein controlling the input device includes causing the input device to switch between displaying i) a first set of touch buttons that correspond to a first language, and ii) a second set of touch buttons that correspond to a second language.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Daniel Tanenbaum, Aleo Nobel Mok, Haryono Dianto, Mario Gumina
  • Patent number: 10330368
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for sensing parameters related to water and/or ice being dispensed from a dispensing station of a refrigerated appliance is disclosed. The dispensing system includes a sensing system positionable at the dispensing station at the point of dispension for liquid and/or ice to sense a parameter related to dispensed water and/or ice and produce a sensing signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Grant J. Devilbiss, Jonathan C. Valentine, Tiemen T. Van Dillen
  • Patent number: 10315931
    Abstract: Systems and methods for combined controlling chlorinators and pumps for pools and spas are provided. Exemplary embodiments can include a pump operable to circulate a fluid for a specified time period according to a pump operation time setting and a chlorinator operatively coupled to the pump. The chlorinator can be configured to generate chlorine based on a chlorine output setting, a chlorine generation capacity of the chlorinator, and the pump operation time. A controller can be operatively coupled to the chlorinator and the pump and can be programmed to control the chlorinator and the pump based on a relationship between the chlorine output setting, a chlorine generation capacity of the chlorinator, and the pump operation time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Hayward Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James Murdock
  • Patent number: 10240606
    Abstract: A pumping system for moving water of a swimming pool includes a water pump, a variable speed motor, and an arrangement for controlling the variable speed motor. The pumping system further includes an auxiliary device operably connected to the arrangement for controlling, which is capable of receiving a parameter from the auxiliary device. The arrangement for controlling is capable of independently controlling the variable speed motor without receipt of a parameter from the auxiliary device. In addition or alternatively, the arrangement for controlling is operable to selectively alter operation of the motor based upon the parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignees: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc., Danfoss Drives A/S
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, Jr., Lars Hoffmann Berthelsen, Ronald B. Robol, Christopher R. Yahnker, Daniel J. Hruby, Kevin Murphy, Edward Brown, David MacCallum, Dennis Dunn, Kenneth Clack, Einar Kjartan Runarsson, Alberto Morando
  • Patent number: 10240604
    Abstract: A pumping system for at least one aquatic application controlled by a user. The pumping system includes a pump and a motor disposed in a first housing and coupled to the pump. A user interface is associated with a second housing, the second housing defined by a base portion shaped to interact with the first housing and a user interface portion that carries a plurality of control buttons, wherein the second housing is selectively positionable among a plurality of positions relative to the first housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignees: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc., Danfoss Power Electronics A/S
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, Jr., Lars Hoffmann Berthelsen, Ronald B. Robol, Christopher Yahnker, Daniel J. Hruby, Kevin Murphy, Einar Kjartan Runarsson, Arne Fink Hansen, Florin Lungeanu, Peter Westermann-Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 10151099
    Abstract: An underdrain assembly for filtering particulates from a fluid having an upper structure connected to a bottom plate. At least one flow control vane is positioned between the upper structure and the bottom plate for directing and managing fluid flow through the assembly. The upper structure can have first and second filtration members, the second filtration member positioned between the first filtration member and the bottom plate. The second filtration member can have a shape that restricts fluid flow within the underdrain. The underdrain can have air and water inlets. The water inlet can have an end with a plate covering an upper portion thereof. The end can also include an opening having an angular cut forming an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the water inlet. Thus arranged, air is prevented from migrating out the water line. A resilient mounting arrangement for the underdrain is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Aqseptence Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Richard Ekholm, Richard Charles Maxson, Mark Edgar Watson, Fabrice Jean Alphonse Courageot
  • Patent number: 9999850
    Abstract: A method of filtering contaminants from a fluid is disclosed. A feedstream of fluid containing contaminants is directed into a filter chamber containing a filter element. Part of the feedstream fluid flows in one of: a forward flow direction where it passes in a first direction through a wall of the filter element; and a reverse flow direction where it passes in a second, opposite direction through the wall. The filtrate is directed into a flowline for collection. The feedstream fluid is then arranged to flow through the filter element in the other direction, to remove contaminant material from a surface of the element wall. Following removal of contaminant material, the feedstream fluid is continued to be directed through the wall of the filter element in said other direction, to filter out contaminants from the fluid during flow in said other direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: AQUA DYNAMICS PROCESS TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Christopher William Sweeney
  • Patent number: 9975071
    Abstract: The application generally relates to digital Engine Integrity Protection (EIP) systems for filters for internal combustion engines and methods of using the digital EIP systems. A pre-programmed digital chip is integrated in filtration hardware such that the Engine Control Unit (ECU) or another controller installed on the engine or vehicle can read encrypted digital signal from the chip when electrically connected with the filter hardware. Based on the read information from the chip, the ECU or controller can determine whether the filter associated with the chip is a genuine filter or a non-genuine filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Abhijit Shimpi, Andry Lesmana, Adaeze Okoye, Joseph Okoro
  • Patent number: 9969632
    Abstract: A system for and method of sanitizing water and waterway surfaces using ozone gas is disclosed wherein water is circulated from a water reservoir in a water ozonation loop means. Ozone is generated by an ozone generator and dispensed into the circulating water by an ozone feed means. In some embodiments the ozone is generated from gas in the water reservoir and dispensed into the water ozonation loop means at a venturi tube. A controller is provided for activating an ozonation cycle. In some embodiments, the ozonation cycle includes the actuation of a circulating water pump for a cycle interval, and the actuation of an ozone generator during an ozone generation interval, which is less than the cycle interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: LVD ACQUISITION, LLC
    Inventor: Louis Busick
  • Patent number: 9950299
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a process for the treatment of an incoming fluid, comprising: a bottom part connecting a common feed stream to individual membrane filter modules through a tailor made connecting piece; a top part connecting individual membrane filter modules to a common retentate stream through a tailor made connecting piece. According to the invention the apparatus is assembled out of tailor-made parts with the object to reduce material costs and labor costs, and the part are made such that footprint of the contraption is minimized. Furthermore, the individual parts form a sub-unit with such dimensions that multiple sub-units can be combined into one main unit, without the need to execute any alterations to the sub-units in terms of sizing, by which means modularity and scalability is introduced into the main units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: X-Flow B.V.
    Inventors: Rob Borgerink, Derk Rudolf Journeé, Robert Martinua Van Opdorp, Bastiaan Blankert
  • Patent number: 9932984
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pumping system for moving water of a swimming pool, including a water pump and a variable speed motor. In one example, a target volume amount of water and an operational time period is provided, and the operational time period is altered based upon a volume of water moved. In another example, operation of the motor is altered based upon the volume of water moved. In addition or alternatively, a target flow rate of water to be moved by the water pump is determined based upon the target volume amount and a time period. In addition or alternatively, a plurality of operations are performed on the water, and a total volume of water moved by the pump is determined. In addition or alternatively, an optimized flow rate value is determined based upon power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignees: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc., Danfoss Drives A/S
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, Jr., Lars Hoffmann Berthelsen, Ronald B. Robol, Christopher Yahnker, Elnar Kjartan Runarsson
  • Patent number: 9919909
    Abstract: A beverage syrup pump system is disclosed including a pump housing having an internal pumping chamber, a pump motor, and a pumping mechanism driven by the motor within the pumping chamber. The pumping mechanism receives a syrup fluid at a first pressure and discharges the fluid at a second pressure which is greater than the first pressure. A pressure transducer adjacent a sensor port and in contact with a quantity of the fluid at the second pressure generates an electrical signal based upon the second pressure. A programmable micro controller receives the electrical signal from the pressure transducer and is capable of starting and stopping the pump motor. The micro controller will immediately stop the pump motor if the second pressure exceeds a predetermined maximum pressure level. The micro controller will also stop the pump motor if the second pressure falls and remains below a predetermined minimum pressure level for a predetermined first time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignees: Arbel Agencies Limited, Standex International Corporation
    Inventors: Avihay Cohen, Robert R. Kimberlin
  • Patent number: 9909246
    Abstract: A washing method includes (a) continuously rotating a drum in one direction at a first speed such that laundry is lifted to a predetermined height and then falls, (b) accelerating the drum to rotate the drum at a second speed such that the laundry is moved in a state in which at least some of the laundry clings to the drum, and (c) spraying wash water into the drum during rotation of the drum at the second speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kyounglan Kim, Youngsoo Kim, Daekil In
  • Patent number: 9902637
    Abstract: A method for degrading artificial sweeteners from sewage, the method including: 1) introducing sewage to a secondary sedimentation tank and precipitating sediments; 2) collecting a supernatant from the secondary sedimentation tank, adding a NaOH solution or a perchloric acid solution to regulate the pH; adding an H2O2 solution to the supernatant to adjust a ratio of a molar concentration of H2O2 to a molar concentration of the sweetener in the resulting mixed solution to be between 1:1 and 30:1; transferring the resulting mixed solution to a photoreactor, irradiating the mixed solution by ultraviolet light, and stirring the mixed solution for between 5 and 30 min; and adding a 1.5% w/w aqueous NaNO2 solution to the mixed solution; and 3) collecting and analyzing an effluent obtained from 2), contacting the effluent with ClO2 for reaction in a disinfecting tank, and discharging the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: NANJING UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jinju Geng, Yuhang Ren, Hongqiang Ren, Ke Xu, Lili Ding
  • Patent number: 9856869
    Abstract: A pump motor controller for determining the speeds and run times of a pump motor for use in a pool is provided. The controller is adapted to receive data in the form of at least one of water parameters and outdoor parameters. The controller is further adapted to receive to receive data in the form of desired pool or spa set points. The controller is further adapted to determine the speeds and run times of a pump motor for use in a pool based at least in part on data in the form of at least one of water parameters and outdoor parameters and data in the form of desired pool set points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Michael Kruzel, Marc Christopher McKinzie, Mitchell T. Kiser
  • Patent number: 9750835
    Abstract: Liquid dispensing systems which automatically sanitize the liquid and liquid-contacting parts of a liquid dispensing system, by periodically flushing the system with a sufficiently heated, liquid and/or gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: MTN Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chun-Yen Wang, Gregory N Spear
  • Patent number: 9752803
    Abstract: A heat pump system is provided that includes a flow directing system that allows an outdoor heat exchanger to be switchable between a single-pass arrangement and a two-pass arrangement. The heat pump system includes an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, and a flow directing system of check valves and piping segments that enable switching of the outdoor heat exchanger between the single-pass and the two-pass arrangement. The outdoor heat exchanger is operable as a two-pass condenser in the cooling mode and as a single-pass evaporator in the heating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Jerome Anthony Matter, III, Jeffrey Lee Tucker
  • Patent number: 9669336
    Abstract: In a water purifier, a flow system includes a first channel in which liquid is filtrated in at least one of a first filter tank and a second filter tank, a second channel in which the liquid is filtrated in the second filter tank and the first filter tank is washed, and a third channel in which the liquid is filtrated in the first filter tank and the second filter tank is washed. A switching lever actuates valve mechanisms to perform switching among the first, second, and third channels such that the channels are selected cyclically in order of the first channel, the second channel, the first channel, the third channel and the first channel. The valve mechanisms work with operation of the switching lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mugihei Ikemizu
  • Patent number: 9480762
    Abstract: Liquid dispensing systems which automatically sanitize the liquid and liquid-contacting parts of a liquid dispensing system, by periodically flushing the system with a sufficiently heated, liquid and/or gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: MTN Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chun Yen Wang, Gregory N Spear
  • Patent number: 9446968
    Abstract: An apparatus for a programmable self sanitizing water dispenser apparatus with a digital controller as well as a programmable method for generating ozone for cleaning the reservoir and the water contained within it. The apparatus includes an anti-spill receiver that houses the controller and that can contain a ozone generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: S.I.P. Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Davis
  • Patent number: 9434623
    Abstract: An apparatus for a programmable self sanitizing water dispenser apparatus with a digital controller as well as a programmable method for generating ozone for cleaning the reservoir and the water contained within it. The apparatus includes an anti-spill receiver that houses the controller and that can contain a ozone generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: S.I.P. Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Davis
  • Patent number: 9421512
    Abstract: When processing cellulosic biomass, it may be desirable for a digestion unit to operate without being fully depressurized for process efficiency purposes. Methods for processing cellulosic biomass may comprise providing a biomass conversion system comprising a pressurization zone and a digestion unit that are operatively connected to one another; providing cellulosic biomass at a first pressure; introducing at least a portion of the cellulosic biomass into the pressurization zone and pressurizing the pressurization zone to a second pressure higher than the first pressure; after pressurizing the pressurization zone, transferring at least a portion of the cellulosic biomass from the pressurization zone to the digestion unit, which is at a third pressure that is less than or equal to the second pressure but higher than the first pressure; and digesting at least a portion of the cellulosic biomass in the digestion unit to produce a hydrolysate comprising soluble carbohydrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Juben Nemchand Chheda, Thomas Lamar Flowers, Joseph Broun Powell
  • Patent number: 9361779
    Abstract: A positionable water in fuel indicator unit including an indicator housing having a back panel, and a housing cover connected to the back panel. The water in fuel indicator unit can also include a signal receiving device configured to receive a water in fuel signal from a water in fuel sensor located in the fuel filter, a first indicator visible through the housing cover and configured to indicate when a water level in the fuel filter is less than a predetermined threshold, a second indicator visible through the housing cover and configured to indicate when the water level in the fuel filter is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, and a controller enclosed by the housing cover. The controller can be configured to activate the first indicator based on the water in fuel signal, and activate the second indicator based on the water in fuel signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Styfhoorn, Nathaniel Kamp, Robert W. Schulz, Eric R. Strube, Mark T. Allott