Serially Connected Patents (Class 210/201)
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Publication number: 20090152200Abstract: A hemofiltration system or method removes unwanted molecules from a flow of blood using cascaded first and second hemofilters. Filtration of the blood in first hemofilter raises hemoconcentration of unwanted protein-bound molecules. Combination of a substitution fluid with outflow from the first hemofilter creates a concentration differential between bound and unbound molecules that frees unwanted molecules from protein bonds. Filtration of the combined fluids in a second hemofilter removes the unwanted free molecules. A second substitution fluid may be added to the twice filtered blood fluid for return to a patient. Removal of inflammatory mediators, apoptotic mediators, and certain electrolytes may be effected, and the removal may be optimized by controlling fluid flows and transmembrane pressures.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2008Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: Edwards Lifesciences CorporationInventor: Jean-Michel Lannoy
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Patent number: 7514000Abstract: A system and method for integrating microfluidic components in a microfluidic system enables the microfluidic system to perform a selected microfluidic function. A capping module includes a microfluidic element for performing a microfluidic function. The capping module is stacked on a microfluidic substrate having microfluidic plumbing to incorporate the microfluidic function into the system. The microfluidic element may comprise a matrix having an affinity for selected molecules in a sample. The matrix binds, reacts with and/or retains the selected molecules without affecting other molecules in the sample.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Cytonome, Inc.Inventors: John R. Gilbert, Manish Deshpande, Jaishree Trikha
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Publication number: 20090084717Abstract: An apparatus for performing blood therapy having a plurality of pumps for engaging blood and fluid tubing is characterized by a plurality of manually mounted and disengagable panels installed on the sides of the apparatus housing, the panels having pump engaging tubing mounted on the inside of the respective panels.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2008Publication date: April 2, 2009Applicant: TRANSVIVO INC.Inventors: J. Michael Delmage, Harold Peters, Tommy Cooper
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Publication number: 20090039037Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2008Publication date: February 12, 2009Inventors: Paul W. O'Brien, Mogens Engel
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Publication number: 20090008313Abstract: The process for treating an ammonium containing liquid by denitrification treatment of an ammonium containing liquid containing at least ammonium comprises carrying out nitrate reduction treatment of reducing nitrate contained in or added to the ammonium containing liquid to nitrite, and carrying out anaerobic ammonium oxidation treatment of simultaneously anaerobically denitrifying nitrite produced in the nitrate reduction treatment and ammonium contained in the ammonium containing liquid by anaerobic ammonium oxidizing bacteria.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2008Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicant: HITACHI PLANT ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION CO., LTD.Inventors: Tatsuo Sumino, Kazuichi Isaka
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Publication number: 20080264849Abstract: A single pass simulated moving bed apparatus and methods are described for continuously separating a target molecule from a liquid mixture, using a simulated moving bed system. The simulated moving bed system includes a plurality of filter cartridge modules in serial fluid communication. Each filter cartridge module includes a volume of stationary phase particulates adjacent a porous substrate layer. The volume of stationary phase particulates has a bed height of less than 1 centimeter.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2008Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventors: Kelly J. GIBBENS, Masayuki Nakamura, Kannan Seshadri, Andrew W. Rabins, Larry J. Carson, Robert T. Fitzsimons
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Publication number: 20080251467Abstract: A strainer device for a fluid flow circuit removes debris and solid particles from the fluid flow to prevent plugging and reduce fouling of the system. The assembly includes a chamber that can be hydrocyclonic, a collection area, a screen assembly and a distributor that allows selective connection to a flushing fluid. The fluid flows through the chamber past the strainer device, with large particles collecting in the collection area under the influence of gravity and smaller solid particles being collected in the screen assembly. Particles can be flushed from the system by selectively activating the distributor to back flush the screen assembly and sweep the collection area free of solid particles without disassembling the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2007Publication date: October 16, 2008Applicant: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Amar S. Wanni, Thomas M. Rudy, Claude A. Lafleur, Clifford A. Hay, Tomas R. Melli
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Patent number: 7429324Abstract: A method for in-line preparation of liquid for an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus that makes provision for placing a filter in correspondence with each of two successive filtration stations, for carrying out a liquid preparation cycle, for removing the filter, which operates in correspondence with a first filtration station, for placing in correspondence with the first filtration station the filter that operated in correspondence with the second filtration station, for placing a new filter in correspondence with a second filtration station and for launching a new sterile liquid preparation cycle. The invention also provides a device for implementing the described method and an apparatus for extracorporeal blood treatment, which incorporates this device.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2006Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: Gambro Lundia ABInventors: Jacques Chevallet, Guy Mercier, Laurent Simard
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Publication number: 20080230485Abstract: A method for removal of foam from at least one foam accumulation region in a wastewater treatment facility, the method including causing the foam to flow from the at least one foam accumulation region into at least one foam collector and removing the foam from the at least one foam collector.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2006Publication date: September 25, 2008Inventors: Ronen Itzhak Shechter, Eytan Baruch Levy, Nir Moralechai Assulin
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Patent number: 7413649Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 29, 2005Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Inventor: Gene Bittner
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Patent number: 7364657Abstract: Numerous embodiments of a system and method for treating cardiac tissue are described. In one embodiment, bone marrow cells are extracted from a patient. The cells are then processed to isolate mononuclear cells, which can then be delivered back near the cardiac tissue of the patient.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.Inventors: Evgenia Mandrusov, Albert K. Chin, William Earl Webler, Jr., Yan Shen, Robert D. Ainsworth, Eugene Michel
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Patent number: 7335298Abstract: A modular aquarium filter includes one or more cartridges connected in series. The cartridges may contain filter media for chemical, biological and/or mechanical filtration. In addition, the cartridges are designed such that they provide a unique internal helical geometry to increase the contact area and flow rate of the water with the filter media. The helix may be optionally adjusted to provide different thickness filter layers for aquarium filtration. The pitch of the flights of the helix may be varied to provide enhanced centrifugal flow of the water within the cartridge. The present invention also provides self-sealing valve assemblies at the filter inlet and outlet, which when disconnected shut off the flow of water through the filter to expedite exchange of the cartridges.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2007Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: T.F.H. Publications, Inc.Inventor: Glen S. Axelrod
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Patent number: 7270749Abstract: A pumping system comprising: (a) an inlet adapted for connection with a supply of low pressure water; (b) a filtration unit in fluid communication with the inlet, wherein the filtration unit filters impurities from the low pressure water so as to discharge a flow of filtered water; (c) a pump in fluid communication with the filtration unit, the pump adapted to discharge a flow of pressurized water; (d) a valve manifold in fluid communication with the pump, the valve manifold comprising at least two discharge ports, the valve manifold operable to individually actuate each discharge port so as to regulate fluid flow therethrough, each discharge port being capable of discharging a stream of high pressure water; and (e) at least a respective number of outlets as discharge ports, each outlet in fluid communication with a respective discharge port so as to receive the stream of high pressure water.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Intellicool LLCInventor: Ronald L. Wall
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Patent number: 7208084Abstract: A modular aquarium filter includes one or more cartridges connected in series. The cartridges may contain filter media for chemical, biological and/or mechanical filtration. In addition, the cartridges are designed such that they provide a unique internal helical geometry to increase the contact area and flow rate of the water with the filter media. The helix may be optionally adjusted to provide different thickness filter layers for aquarium filtration. The pitch of the flights of the helix may be varied to provide enhanced centrifugal flow of the water within the cartridge. The present invention also provides self-sealing valve assemblies at the filter inlet and outlet, which when disconnected shut off the flow of water through the filter to expedite exchange of the cartridges.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: T.F.H. Publications, Inc.Inventor: Glen S. Axelrod
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Patent number: 7135110Abstract: A denitrification system for denitrified wastewater or nitrified water treatment using a detergent or detergent-like compound comprising available carbon. The system comprises a plurality of interconnected tanks including a mixing tank which feeds detention tanks which in combination provide a detention time period for the effluent. A controller determines the amount of detergent dispensed into the mixing tank in accordance with the measured volume of effluent to be treated. The mixing tank comprises a heater for maintaining the nitrified effluent temperature above 50 degrees F. An optional line filter can be added to the output of the system for further reducing organic nitrogen concentration. An alternate embodiment comprises passing the final denitrified effluent through a pump chamber for pumping of the effluent to a sand filter capable of reducing bacterial populations.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2005Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Inventors: Michael B. McGrath, Michael Kenny
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Patent number: 7115206Abstract: A method for in-line preparation of liquid for an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus that makes provision for placing a filter in correspondence with each of two successive filtration stations, for carrying out a liquid preparation cycle, for removing the filter, which operates in correspondence with a first filtration station, for placing in correspondence with the first filtration station the filter that operated in correspondence with the second filtration station, for placing a new filter in correspondence with a second filtration station and for launching a new sterile liquid preparation cycle. The invention also provides a device for implementing the described method and an apparatus for extracorporeal blood treatment, which incorporates this device.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2003Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Gambro Lundia ABInventors: Jacques Chevallet, Guy Mercier, Laurent Simard
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Patent number: 7048852Abstract: A method of treating liquid including mixing coagulant with the liquid, introducing mixed coagulant and liquid into a primary reaction zone, containing an agitator, of a reactor which is substantially concentrically positioned with respect to a secondary reaction zone of the reactor, introducing flocculant into the primary reaction zone at a location between the agitator and where the mixed coagulant and liquid are introduced into the primary reaction zone, mixing the mixed coagulant and liquid with the flocculant and causing the resulting mixture to flow into the secondary reaction zone, introducing an encapsulating agent into the secondary reaction zone, recirculating the liquid and encapsulated flocs through the primary and secondary reaction zone, and passing the liquid and encapsulated flocs outwardly of the reactor, and an apparatus for treating liquids including a reactor, a draft tube substantially concentrically positioned within the reactor and being positioned such that the liquids may flow inwardlType: GrantFiled: October 31, 2002Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Infilco Degremont, Inc.Inventor: Peter Temple Ballard
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Patent number: 6908546Abstract: A process is provided to produce water that will meet the specifications of the United States Pharmacopeia Inc. for Purified Water and Water for Injection, and water for dialysis as circumscribed by the American Association for Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). The system has no storage tanks where stagnant water will be fouled by biofilm colonizing the tank surface. Water is circulated throughout the purification system and drawn as required, on demand. The water is purified and used immediately or recycled and repurified to ensure quality. Sanitation of the purification system, maintaining microbiological purity and cleaning is done by controlling the pH so that it is normally acidic by maintaining a high carbon dioxide concentration in solution, the carbon dioxide being allowed to pass into the permeate from a reverse osmosis membrane assembly used to purify the water.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2002Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: Bionomics LTDInventor: Steven D. Smith
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Patent number: 6884347Abstract: Systems and methods for treating wastewater are disclosed. A wastewater treatment apparatus may include an intake unit, one or more gravity separation air flotation units, and a discharge unit. The units or components may be modular and compatible, have standardized sizes, shapes, and configurations, and may be assembled from a limited number of standardized panels having standard size, shape, and configuration. The apparatus may be expandable and allow the insertion of additional modular standardized components made of panels. The intake unit may include a split input manifold and baffle. A gravity separation air flotation unit may contain a raking system for removal of a floc blanket that includes a blade with wheels or rollers that roll along a shelf attached to the unit to distribute the weight of the blade.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2002Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: Kriegco Wastewater Systems, Inc.Inventor: Joseph P. Krieger
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Patent number: 6866776Abstract: A base for warming massage nodes of a hand-held therapeutic device includes a housing, terminals connectable to a power supply, a seat for seating the massage nodes, and a heating circuit positioned to provide heat proximate to the massage nodes when the massage nodes are seated in the seat. The massage nodes can comprise an outer layer of stainless steel or iron and a core of material other than or in addition to air. The core absorbs or retains heat for a preferably gradual release over time. A method for warming such massage nodes includes selectively disposing the massage nodes in the housing adjacent to a heater, energizing the heater, permitting the heater to warm the massage nodes, and separating the massage nodes from the heater. The massage nodes can be separated from the heater by a magnetic extraction using the hand-held therapeutic device.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2003Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Inventors: Wendy Zeller Leason, David Leason
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Patent number: 6843908Abstract: A multistage immersion type membrane separator in which an air diffuser is disposed under a filtration part immersed in a treatment tank, characterized in that: the filtration part has plural plate-like membrane cartridges arranged in a vertically parallel multistage fashion at spaced intervals for forming a crossflow passage of a predetermined width; and that the air diffuser has a diffuser tube disposed sidewardly that is communicated at its basal end to an air supply source and has at its lower side part plural blowholes, a flushing pipe that is communicated at its basal end to the tip of the diffuser tube and has at its tip an opening serving as an outlet above the diffuser tube, and a flushing valve disposed in the flushing pipe.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2001Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: Kubota CorporationInventors: Yasunobu Okajima, Tatsuya Uejima, Masaaki Nagano, Kiyoshi Izumi, Yutaka Yamada, Taichi Uesaka
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Patent number: 6837994Abstract: The special features of the water treatment apparatus in the present invention are that a tank fitted with a raw water inlet and a treated water outlet on the upper part, has within said tank an upper chamber and lower chamber which divide said tank into two sections, upper and lower, and is fitted with a separating wall which can be raised and lowered to adjust the water level in said upper and lower chamber, the upper chamber above said separating wall and the lower chamber below said separating wall both being filled with water. By use of this apparatus, a novel water treatment apparatus is provided which can be extremely easily assembled into a water treatment facility.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2001Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Inventor: Yoshinobu Izawa
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Patent number: 6762057Abstract: A sample separation apparatus including a porous, or rough, capillary column. The porous capillary column includes a matrix which defines pores, and may be formed from a material such as porous silicon. Alternatively, the capillary column may have a rough surface of hemispherical grain silicon. The capillary column is defined in a surface of a substrate, such as silicon. The sample separation apparatus may include a stationary phase or a capture substrate disposed on the surfaces thereof. The sample separation apparatus may also include a detector positioned proximate the capillary column. A variation of the sample separation apparatus includes an electrode proximate each end of the capillary column. The sample separation apparatus may be employed to effect various types of chromatographic separation, electrophoretic separation, and analyte identification.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1999Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Terry L. Gilton
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Publication number: 20040099596Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system and methods for local delivery of drugs directly to the coronary circulation which may be isolated from systemic circulation. More especially it relates to a dialysis system and methods of infusing beneficial drugs, therapeutic agents, and/or other beneficial substances, including high doses of these, such as HDL, therapeutic genes, and/or chelating agents to the coronary system. The multi-chambered dialysis machine in the present system is capable of removing unwanted/harmful substances from the blood, enriching and/or otherwise processing the blood, and re-circulating the processed blood back to the coronary circulation of patient. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2003Publication date: May 27, 2004Inventors: Morteza Naghavi, Hossein Eftekhari, S. Ward Casscells
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Publication number: 20030230537Abstract: The present invention provides a method for water purification characterized in that a catalyst supporting iron and titanium oxide is mixed into the water to be treated containing suspended matter, and the suspended matter is adsorbed, decomposed, and precipitated, and the above-mentioned method for water purification is also characterized in that a catalyst supporting iron and titanium oxide and supported on a carrier is brought into contact with the wastewater or other water to be treated containing suspended matter, and the suspended matter is adsorbed, decomposed, and precipitated and further provides a water purifying agent produced by compounding an iron component with titanium oxide, and containing as an active component a catalyst supporting iron and titanium oxide, and a system thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2003Publication date: December 18, 2003Applicant: Natl. Inst. of Adv. Indust. Sci. & Tech.Inventors: Hiroshi Taoda, Masanori Sakakibara, Tamotsu Katoh, Akito Asaoka
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Publication number: 20030196944Abstract: A kit for purifying water comprises a first container for receiving untreated water, and a second container for receiving purified water and having a dispensing spigot. A water purification composition, when mixed with water in the first container, produces partially purified water having solid matter. A first filter held in a filter holder at an upper end of the second container removes the solid matter when the partially purified water is poured from the first container. A second filter in the second container comprises carbon.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2003Publication date: October 23, 2003Inventors: John D. Tanner, David J. Emmons, Ward William Ostendorf, Kathleen Grieshop Baier, Jesus Velazquez, Christy Ann Olson, Philip Frank Souter, Colin Ure
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Patent number: 6602414Abstract: A molecule separator device for isolating molecules having at least two separable properties and within a solution. The device includes a housing, and at least two molecule collection media disposed within the housing, whereby each such medium captures molecules exhibiting a respective property. In one embodiment, a first membrane captures only molecules with an ionic and/or hydrophobic and/or affinity attraction property while a second membrane captures only such molecules that additionally fall within a particular molecular weight range. A preferred housing is cylindrical for acceptance within a centrifuge, and is constructed of a plurality of releasably-connected compartments. The collection media is sequentially situated and centrifugation of the housing drives the solution through the media.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2001Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Assignee: Formulations ProInventor: Timothy Neal Warner
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Patent number: 6602410Abstract: A kit for purifying water comprises a first container for receiving untreated water, and a second container for receiving purified water and having a dispensing spigot. A water purification composition, when mixed with water in the first container, produces partially purified water having solid matter. A first filter held in a filter holder at an upper end of the second container removes the solid matter when the partially purified water is poured from the first container. A second filter in the second container comprises carbon.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2000Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Assignee: The Procter & Gamble ComapnyInventors: John D. Tanner, David J. Emmons, Ward William Ostendorf, Kathleen Grieshop Baier, Jesus Velazquez, Christy Ann Olson, Philip Frank Souter, Colin Ure
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Patent number: 6592754Abstract: An apparatus for separating solid particles from the suction effluent of, for example, a dental office, preferably driven by a dental office vacuum pump, includes a surge tank for accommodating effluent overfill connected to a sedimentary deposit tank for sedimentation of effluent particles. A bypass conduit is connected to the surge tank inlet which is equipped with a vacuum break valve for allowing air into the system when the suction openings are closed. The sedimentary deposit tank has a series of baffle chambers through which effluent flows in sequence, and in each of which chambers sediment is deposited for later removal. The surge tank preferably has a liquid level sensor and warning device. Modular filters or adsorbants may be installed in the sedimentary deposit tank, or a modular auxiliary filter may be connected downstream of the tank. Chemical injection may be used to improve sedimentation.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Inventor: Richard H. Chilibeck
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Publication number: 20030108448Abstract: A gas chromatography system having a computer-controlled venting valve system that delivers pressurized pulses to a column junction point of two series-coupled columns having different stationary-phase chemistries and a method of using the same. Each pressurized pulse causes a differential change in the carrier gas velocities in the two columns, which lasts for the duration of the pressurized pulse. Whereby, the pressurized pulse selectively increases the separation of a component pair that exhibits separation at the exit of the first column, but otherwise co-elutes from the column ensemble.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2002Publication date: June 12, 2003Inventors: Richard Douglas Sacks, Tincuta Maria Veriotti, Megan Ellen McGuigan, Joshua Jonathan Mark Whiting
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Patent number: 6533946Abstract: An apparatus and method for recycling drilling mud contaminated with particulates, consists of channelling a stream of contaminated slurry onto a screen deck, with the partly cleansed liquid entering a mixing tank. Liquid within the tank is continually mixed. An exit conduit removes liquid from the tank on a continuous basis, where it is given an additional purification with a cyclonic separator. The heavier fraction is further screened, with the resulting purified liquid re-entering the tank. The lighter fraction exists the cyclonic separator, and a portion of the lighter liquid is withdrawn for use as a substantially cleansed liquid. Another portion of the lighter fraction is re-circulated back into the tank, thus providing multi passes through the system to provide enhanced purification. The cleansed liquid may be directed into a separate mixing apparatus, in which additional slurry-forming powder such as Bentonite is added for forming a new slurry.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Roger H. Woods LimitedInventor: Doug Pullman
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Patent number: 6517733Abstract: A continuous flow slurry cleaning method, apparatus and system including a filter portion and a mud re-circulation manifold for receiving partially filtered slurry, containing the slurry and mixing the slurry with liquid ready for use and thereby enabling a continuous, re-circulating flow through the filter portion. The continuous flow slurry cleaning apparatus and system further include a tank for storing and delivering liquid ready to be used by a drilling machine. The continuous flow slurry cleaning method, apparatus and system further includes a mud circulation/agitation system for keeping solids in suspension and for mixing additives along with the liquid ready for use and thereby modifying the makeup of the liquid ready for use.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2000Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Robin W. Carlson
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Patent number: 6489132Abstract: Methods and apparatus for qualitatively or quantitatively determining one or more analytes in matrices such as foods, biological fluids, etc. An embodiment for determination of a single analyte comprises a sample receiving vessel, a first membrane and a reagent-containing well. The prepared sample passes through the first membrane whereby extraneous matter is removed, and a filtrate enters the reagent-containing well to provide a filtrate-reagent admixture from which the analyte may be determined. An embodiment for determination for multiple analytes includes one or more additional membranes in series with the first membrane, each such additional membrane being operative to capture one or more analytes. Each of the additional analytes may then be eluted from the membrane upon which it has been captured, into a separate reagent-containing well to provide eluant-reagent admixture from which each desired analyte may be determined. Formulations for preparation additives are also included.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1999Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Safety Associates, Inc.Inventors: Virginia C. Gordon, John T. Sorensen, Soheila Mirhashemi, Michael Mittelstein, John F. Elias
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Patent number: 6475382Abstract: A treatment unit is disclosed for treating a fluid in continuous mode. This treatment unit provides the opportunity to carry out simultaneously an enzymatic transformation and a capture of a fluid element. The unit has a reservoir with a fluid inlet for receiving a fluid to be treated and a fluid outlet for releasing a treated fluid. The unit also has removable cassettes provided with a reactive material for treating the fluid and two spaced-apart baffle walls in the reservoir for regulating the flow of the fluid therein. The unit further has a reaction chamber defined between each of the two spaced-apart baffles walls. The reaction chamber has an opening for removably inserting therein the cassette. Yet, the unit further has mounting means for mounting the cassette in a reaction chamber spaced-apart from the two baffle walls, whereby a cassette is disposed between two spaced-apart baffle walls and causes the fluid to flow in a zigzag pattern thus further regulating the flow of the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2000Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: CO2 Solution Inc.Inventor: Carmen Parent
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Patent number: 6406630Abstract: A waste treatment apparatus (10) including one or more vertically oriented curtains (11) each formed of mesh material having a minimal aperture size of 0.001 mm, means for applying liquid waste to said curtain(s) located above said curtain (17, 15) and collection means (20A) for collection of treated waste after passage through said one or more curtains (12). There is also provided a method of treatment of waste using the waste treatment apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Fungi-Gulp Pty. Ltd.Inventor: Dick Peter Henry
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Patent number: 6402952Abstract: An apparatus and method for extraction of chemicals from an aquifer remediation aqueous effluent are provided. The extraction method utilizes a critical fluid for separation and recovery of chemicals employed in remediating aquifers contaminated with hazardous organic substances, and is particularly suited for separation and recovery of organic contaminants and process chemicals used in surfactant-based remediation technologies. The extraction method separates and recovers high-value chemicals from the remediation effluent and minimizes the volume of generated hazardous waste. The recovered chemicals can be recycled to the remediation process or stored for later use.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2001Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLCInventors: Ryan D. McMurtrey, Daniel M. Ginosar, Kenneth S. Moor, G. Michael Shook, John M. Moses, Donna L. Barker
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Patent number: 6391195Abstract: Apparatus and a process are provided for treating used drilling mud, particularly that produced during clearwater drilling. A structural and highway transportable skid comprises two or more settling tanks connected in succession. Flocculation aids settling of solids to the bottom and clarified liquid forms at the surface. Clarified liquid flows from one tank to the next successive tank. Clarified liquid is produced from the last of the successive settling tanks. The tanks have flat bottoms. Passageways extend between each successive tank for gravity-flowing liquid from one tank to successive settling tank. A solids tank or centrifuge is also mounted within the skid. The solids and settling tanks are located for weight-balancing. A rotational suction is positioned in the bottom of each settling tank and having one or more radially extending conduits which rotate about an axis and have inlets at their distal ends which traverse an inscribed circular path about the periphery of the tank's bottom.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2000Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Inventor: Kenneth R. Layton
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Publication number: 20020056677Abstract: The invention relates to a device for filtering and adding grain refining materials to metal melts with a first filter (10) and a feed for a grain-refining material, where the first filter has a porous filter medium. The filter efficiency of the first filter (10) is substantially improved according to the invention by arranging the feed for the grain-refining material in the direction of flow after the first filter (10). The undissolved impurities introduced via the grain-refining material are removed by positioning a second filter (16) in the direction of flow after the feed for the grain-refining material.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2001Publication date: May 16, 2002Inventors: Wolfgang Schneider, Hans-Peter Krug, Nick Towsey
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Patent number: 6358411Abstract: A wastewater treatment plant comprises a first containment vessel, a second containment vessel forming an aerobic treatment chamber, the second containment vessel having an inlet and an outlet, there being a compartment formed in the first containment vessel that effectively divides the first containment vessel into a pretreatment chamber and a holding chamber. An outlet from the pretreatment chamber is in open communication with an inlet to the second containment vessel, while an outlet for the aerobic treatment chamber is in open communication with the inlet to the holding chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Inventor: Jerry L. McKinney
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Patent number: 6358415Abstract: A vortex sewage disposal apparatus for the disposal of construction sewage, comprising a hopper-type casing, a water inlet pipe, a lower outlet and a frame; within the water inlet pipe these are provided rapid-mixing blades, on the wall of the inlet pipe there are provided an upper and a lower reagent-filling holes used to add two treatment reagents successively, at the center of the hopper casing there is provided a central tube, at the lower end of the central tube there is mounted a conical separator, and inside the central tube there is provided a screw-type water lifter; on the top of the hopper casing there is provided a top baffle plate acting as an upper cover; a bleed pipe is provided for discharging oil and gas, the silt is discharged through the lower outlet, and the clear water ascents to a clear water tank and a water-directing tray and then flows into a water discharging pipe after crossing a dam board to be discharged.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1999Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Inventor: Wai On Leung
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Patent number: 6342159Abstract: Disclosed is a biomechanical apparatus and method for the continuous phase-separation and biological treatment of ship bilgewater contaminated with petroleum and biodegradable materials. The apparatus includes a pumping system attached directly to the bilge or waste oil holding tank for removing the biodegradable material(s) contained in the bilge waste aqueous and non-aqueous phases, which is integrated with a system for microbiologically treating the contaminated bilgewater. The system for microbiologically treating the contaminated bilgewater preferably includes petroleum- and hazardous material-degrading microorganisms. In operation, the three stage apparatus combines functions to physically separate petroleum hydrocarbons from the water phase, process and microbiologically destroy the petroleum hydrocarbons in the water and monitor and direct the discharge of the processed water overboard or recirculation back into the bilge compartment.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2000Date of Patent: January 29, 2002Assignee: Ensolve Biosystems, Inc.Inventors: Jason A. Caplan, Donald W. Kelemen
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Patent number: 6325898Abstract: A device allows for continuous regulation of the composition of a fluid mixture that includes at least two components of different polarities. The device is designed, for example, to be inserted in a separation system that the device supplies with a carrier fluid of stabilized composition. The device includes a storage tank (3) receiving a mixture coming from the separation system and at least one auxiliary vessel (6) containing one of the components of the mixture. To control the transfer of this component from auxiliary vessel (6) to storage tank (3), the device further includes at least one tubular capacitive sonde (CS) totally immersed in the fluid mixture, a sonde (TS) for measuring the temperature of the mixture, and a sonde (LS) for measuring the mixture level in storage tank (3).Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1999Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignees: Institut Francais du Petrole, NOVASEPInventors: Jean Blehaut, Roger-Marc Nicoud
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Patent number: 6274375Abstract: A commercial and institutional kitchen retrofit system for 1. the automatic daily cleaning of commercial kitchen exhaust hoods and flues, 2. a low pressure, low volume, recirculating cleaning system designed for the removal of oily residue from hard surfaces and the accelerated bioremediation of the resulting collective hydrocarbon waste, 3. the collection and elimination of roof-top grease accumulations, 4. the systematic on site incubation and enhanced propagation of cultured, hydrocarbon specific, bacterial microorganisms in an automatically mixed aqueous solution containing PH neutral oxidizers and hydrocarbon base emulsifiers altogether, producing a regenerative, recyclable cleaning solution specifically developed for use in 5.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1999Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Assignee: Allied Directives, LLCInventor: Pearson Vernie McMinn, Jr.
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Patent number: 6270665Abstract: Disclosed is an aeration apparatus for the efficient purification of livestock excretory liquid at low cost and in a way that prevents environmental pollution. The organic waste fluid aeration tank consists of an outer tank (1) and an aeration tube (2) installed within the outer tank. This aeration tube (2) has suction holes (3) set in the lower tube wall and scatter holes (4) set in the upper tube wall. An air diffusion head (6) coupled to a blast pipe (5) is built into the base of the tube. The liquid being treated is decomposed biologically within the outer tank (1), and is aerated within the aeration tube (2). It is expelled into a sludge sedimentation tank. A portion of the attached organic substances and generated bubbles is scattered back into the outer tank (1) through the scatter holes (4). In this invention, multiple units of the above-mentioned tanks are employed in series.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1999Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Inventors: Jae-Do Shim, Yoshiichi Okada
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Patent number: 6245226Abstract: A pretreatment system and a pretreatment method for recycling exhaust water, for purifying exhaust water to a water quality acceptable to ordinary water-purification equipment, has advantages of small space occupation, low energy consumption, and lower cost. By providing a mixing piping with coarse interior, a series of closed micro continuous stirred tank reactors can be established inside the pipe to form plenty of turbulent regions for thoroughly mixing the chemical and the exhaust water. Flocculent gels that carry pollutants and particles of the exhaust water then can be removed by a filtering unit, for purifying the exhaust water. Also, by providing a modified silt density index, the pollution of a sample water can be clearly scaled and monitored.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1999Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Chen-Chang Chang, Shih-Cheng Lin, Hsing-Fen Tsai
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Patent number: 6217759Abstract: The invention is designed for the treatment of household and industrial sewage, mainly for the biochemical treatment of high-contaminated sewage produced by those enterprises referred to the food, chemical, pharmaceutical and microbiological industries. The installation contains a primary purification stage biocoagulator (3), a secondary stage biocoagulator (14) whose sediment is introduced into a fermenter (17). Clarified effluent from biocoagulator (14) and fermenter (17) is further introduced into a pump plant (33), whereby effluent is pumped into a biofilter (39) and further into a combined device (44) of the same design as fermenter (17)—irrigation system, artificial charge, aeration columns, settling section. Clarified effluent from combined device (44) is finally processed into a tertiary purification bioreactor (50).Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2000Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignees: Nadezhda Vladimirovna Kolesnikova, Vladimir Konstantinovich Gordeev-GavrikovInventors: Vladimir Petrovich Kolesnikov, Vladimir Dmitrievich Klimukhin, Vladimir Konstantinovich Gordeev-Gavrikov
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Patent number: 6183692Abstract: A method for rapid purification of a blood component from blood is described in which the blood plasma is first separated from the cellular blood elements by any conventional means, such as centrifugation. An affinity cartridge is then activated with a molecule, such as an amino acid, which binds with a blood component such as plasminogen. The separated blood plasma is then passed through the affinity cartridge such that the blood component is retained by the affinity cartridge. Thereafter, the blood component is eluted from the affinity cartridge by passing a buffer solution containing a releasing agent through the affinity cartridge. This releasing agent disengages the blood component from the affinity cartridge. The releasing agent is then separated from the eluted solution by passing the eluted solution through a device, such as an ion exchange or size exclusion device. The separated blood component, e.g.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2000Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Inventors: Michael T. Trese, George A. Williams, Michael Hartzer, Wendelin A. Dailey
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Patent number: 6139744Abstract: A waste treatment device for treating waste having both liquids and solids therein includes a primary waste reservoir which receives influent waste and includes biological decomposing enhancing media for enhancingly biodegrading the waste rendering a first phase separation of solids and liquids and a secondary waste reservoir operably connected to the primary waste reservoir to receive substantially liquid waste having suspended solids therein and includes biological decomposing enhancing media for biodegrading the received waste rendering a second phase separation of solids and liquids.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1999Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: Microseptec, Inc.Inventors: David Spears, R. C. Shades, Christina Edvardsson, D. Glen Raiger
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Patent number: 6136186Abstract: A method and apparatus for mineralizing organic contaminants in water or air provides photochemical oxidation in a two-phase or three-phase boundary system formed in the pores of a TiO.sub.2 membrane in a photocatalytic reactor. In the three-phase system, gaseous (liquid) oxidant, liquid (gaseous) contaminant, and solid semiconductor photocatalyst meet and engage in an efficient oxidation reaction. The porous membrane has pores which have a region wherein the meniscus of the liquid varies from the molecular diameter of water to that of a capillary tube resulting in a diffusion layer that is several orders of magnitude smaller than the closest known reactors. The photocatalytic reactor operates effectively at ambient temperature and low pressures. A packed-bed photoreactor using photocatalyst coated particles is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1998Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: Lynntech, Inc.Inventors: Anuncia Gonzalez-Martin, Oliver J. Murphy, Carlos Salinas
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Patent number: 5954969Abstract: A method and system is provided for producing a commercially usable iron oxide material by treating iron contaminated water. A clean effluent is also produced. Iron contaminated water is sampled to determine a bicarbonate to iron molar ratio. The flow of the water is directed to a collection basin assembly when the bicarbonate to iron molar ratio is at least 2 to 1. Iron oxide material precipitates in the collection basin assembly. The water from the collection basin assembly is directed to a constructed wetland. After a period of time, the iron oxide material in the collection basin assembly can be harvested and used for commercial purposes without excessive further treatment.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1997Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Inventor: Robert S. Hedin