Serially Connected Distinct Treating With Or Without Storage Units Patents (Class 210/252)
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Patent number: 7153424Abstract: An apparatus for purifying water, that includes a frame, in connection with which is arranged a primary space for water to be filtered, secondary space for filtered water and a filter. The filter is arranged to filter water, that is driven by gravity from the primary space existing in the frame to the secondary space, wherein the filtering influence of the filter is based essentially on a thin filtering film made of plastic based material. Essentially underneath the primary space is arranged an accessory space for the filtering means, that is in connection with the primary space and that has an essentially smaller cross-section than the same, in order to keep the filter surrounded by unclean water in the auxiliary space of the primary space, being limited from the secondary space, totally separate from the secondary space.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2001Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Inventors: Kari Aalto, Valery Antipov, Alexander Melnikov
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Patent number: 7153286Abstract: The present invention provides automated peritoneal dialysis systems, methods of operating the systems and devices for performing same. A typical therapy performed by the present invention begins by draining dialysis solution that is already in the patient's peritoneal cavity. The system pumps fresh dialysate from one of a plurality of supply bags, through an in-line heater to the patient's peritoneal cavity. After a dwell period, the spent dialysate in the cavity is pumped out of the patient to a drain or other disposal means. The system then pumps fresh dialysate from the supply bags to the patient and the procedure is repeated as defined in the therapy protocol. The system can pump a last bag of dialysate to the peritoneal cavity for an extended dwell, such as a daytime dwell.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2002Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.Inventors: Don Busby, Peter Hopping, Robert Childers, Shahid Din, Brian Lauman, Rick Kienman, Ian Richardson, Joseph H. Bowman, Jr., Loren M. Lundtveit, Jose Alvaro, Bruce Ming-Da Eu, Sherwin Shang
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Patent number: 7144507Abstract: The present invention provides a digester for handling waste or contaminated materials. A process and an apparatus for processing are disclosed. A Dry Cycle Anaerobic Digester (DCAD) uses tanks to perform aerobic and anaerobic digestion to eliminate the waste, while producing little or no sludge.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2003Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Inventor: Paul Baskis
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Patent number: 7108790Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for generating sterile infusion fluid from non-sterile infusion fluid produced by a machine. In one embodiment, the sterile infusion fluid is produced by a sterile fluid generating device that is an ancillary device designed to operate in conjunction with the existing machine. For example, the sterile fluid generating device is used in conjunction with a dialysis machine according to one embodiment resulting in sterile infusion fluid being produced.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2001Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Nephros, Inc.Inventors: Gregory R. Collins, James Summerton, Edward Spence
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Patent number: 7105088Abstract: A method for receiving animal waste from animal confinements or other concentrated animal waste sources and for converting the waste into a usable form is described. The waste contains both liquids and solids. The method includes separating the liquids and solids into separate waste streams, controlling an amount of moisture in the solids waste stream such that the amount of moisture in the solid waste stream is compatible with a selected energy conversion process, and feeding the moisture controlled solid waste into the energy conversion process.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Innoventor Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Kent F. Schien, Scott A. Moseley, Gary E. Winkler
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Patent number: 7077956Abstract: A device for preparing dialysate for a dialysis machine is provided with a cartridge (9) containing salts (S), a first line (6) for supplying purified water to the cartridge (9) to form a saturated solution in the said cartridge (9), a second lin (7) for supplying the said saturated solution from the cartridge (9) to the first line (6) and for mixing the saturated solution with the purified water and forming the dialysate, and a discharge line (18) for discharging the said saturated solution from the second line (7) and from the said cartridge (9) at the end of the dialysis treatment.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2002Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Gambro Lundia ABInventor: Paolo Rovatti
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Patent number: 7077965Abstract: There is described a fluid treatment system comprising an array of independent fluid treatment reactors. The reactors are arranged in a manner whereby a flow of fluid may be passed through the array in a substantially helical direction. The fluid treatment system is capable of treating large volumes of fluid (e.g., water) while requiring a relatively small foot print. In essence, the present fluid treatment system concentrates a relatively large number of radiation sources in a relatively small amount of space resulting in the ability to treat large volumes of fluid (e.g., water).Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2002Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Trojan Technologies Inc.Inventors: Christian Williamson, Douglas Penhale, Scott Roger
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Patent number: 7074339Abstract: An improved apparatus and method is disclosed for separating solids from a liquid. The apparatus and method comprises a first separator for circulating the solids and the liquid to concentrate the solids within the liquid. The concentrated solids are discharged into a second separator. The second separator extends upwardly for separating and discharging the concentrated solids from the liquid.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2003Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Settled Solids Management, IncInventor: Norman Kenneth Mims
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Patent number: 7067057Abstract: The present invention is for processing fluids, especially waste streams from nuclear power plants, and other fluid media that may be carrying valuable or useful substances, in order to collect the substances. The system uses sequential filtering and multiple passes to concentrate the substances, which allows the system to collect virtually all of the substances of interest to the user while reducing the volume of both the unwanted materials as well as the desired materials desired without affecting the purity of the fluid after processing. Additionally, the collected substances can be processed in-place, and without requiring any thermal processing prior to disposal of unwanted substances, or for the recovery and/or reuse of valuable substances.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2002Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: RWE Nukem CorporationInventors: Stefan Rosenberger, James H Wilson, Thomas S Snyder
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Patent number: 7056437Abstract: The invention concerns a method of treating filamentous and flocculating microorganism-bearing effluent, sludge or organic substrates used in biogas installations, for reducing or avoiding the formation of bulking sludge, floating sludge and/or foam, wherein the effluent, sludge or organic substrates is or are guided in a flow passage and in the flow passage subjected to a shear loading which is sufficient to reduce the relative ratio of the number of filamentous microorganisms in relation to flocculating microorganisms. The invention further concerns an apparatus for carrying out the method.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2002Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: EMU Unterwasserpumpen GmbHInventors: Andreas Schmid, Wolfgang Geier
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Patent number: 7052606Abstract: A method and apparatus for red blood collection and filtration is provided wherein a red blood cell collection assembly provides for leukoreduction filtration concurrent with or soon after the red blood cell separation and collection procedure. Such procedures involve filtering the separated red blood cells in a diluted state after and/or prior to flushing the filter with storage solution. Storage solution may thus be passed through the leukoreduction filter before, with and/or after the RBCs have been filtered therethrough. The red blood cell collection, filtration and storage assembly is preferably preconnected to a blood component separation disposable assembly, including, for example, a centrifuge vessel and a blood removal/return assembly for removing blood from a donor, passing the blood to the centrifuge vessel for separation of the blood into components for collection and providing for filtration of the separated red blood cell component.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2002Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Gambro, Inc.Inventors: Bruce M. Gibbs, Jon D. Herskovits
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Patent number: 7045061Abstract: A dialysis device 1 includes a water supply passage 15 for supplying clean water to solution supply chambers 35a and 35b, and a waste solution passage for discharging a used dialysis solution from solution collection chambers 34a and 34b, and the water supply passage includes a concentrate solution pump 21 that supplies a dialysis concentrate solution from concentrate solution supply source 19. The concentrate solution pump is a piston pump 40 that moves a piston 42 up and down in a cylinder 41 to feed a solution, the piston pump is provided in the way of washing passage 26 provided between the water supply passage and the waste solution passage, and an open/close valve 27 that intermittently opens and closes is provided in the washing passage to flow the clean water in the water supply passage through a gap between the cylinder and the piston.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2004Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takayuki Nishimura, Yoichi Itoh
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Patent number: 7033500Abstract: This invention is directed to systems and methods for removing lipids from a fluid or from lipid-containing organisms from a fluid, such as plasma. These systems combine a fluid with at least one extraction solvent, which causes the lipids to separate from the fluid or from the lipid-containing organisms. The separated lipids are removed from the fluid. The at least one extraction solvent is removed from the fluid or at least reduced to a concentration enabling the fluid to be administered to a patient without undesirable consequences. Once the fluid has been processed, the fluid may be administered to a patient who donated the fluid or to a different patient for therapy.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2002Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Lipid Sciences, Inc.Inventors: David C. Bomberger, Bryan Chavez, Pablo E. Garcia, Eric Hegwer, Thomas P. Low, Ripudaman Malhotra, Jeffrey J. Shimon
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Patent number: 7033493Abstract: Water is separated from an emulsion of water and oil by passing the emulsion through a bed of superabsorbent polymer granules which break the emulsion and absorb water from the mixture of water and oil. An apparatus for separating water from an emulsion of water and oil has at least one separation cell containing a bed of super absorbent polymer granules.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2003Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Stockhausen, Inc.Inventors: Todd A. McGarvey, James A. Lilly, Jr.
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Patent number: 6982033Abstract: The Aerobic Treatment Plant with Filter Pipe (“ATPFP”) processes sewage for buildings not connected to a municipal sewer system. It employs a multi-stage process for cleaning sewage in a single, light-weight, easy-to-install unit. Sewage is initially cleaned in the aerobic tank, which is divided into an inner chamber and an outer chamber by a funnel-shaped clarifier hanging down in the aerobic tank, with the opening in the bottom of the clarifier held above the bottom of the aerobic tank. Air droplines hang down in the outer chamber of the aerobic tank, so that sewage in the outer chamber is aerated, stimulating aerobic microorganisms which digest the sewage. The sewage in the outer chamber then moves into the inner chamber inside the clarifier where gravity separates solids from the effluent. This cleaned effluent is then drained to the post-treatment tank for additional cleaning, where it may be chlorinated before it is filtered to screen out debris and then stored for discharge.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2002Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Inventors: Hubbard H. Donald, George E. Johnson
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Patent number: 6977006Abstract: Embodiments of a key system for filters and their connecting heads/holders are shown. The filter cartridge and its holder each have a keyed surface, one being a protruding “key” and one being a recessed “lock”. Cooperation of these keyed surfaces is required in order for the filter cartridge to be installed in the holder, so that mismatched cartridges cannot be installed into the holder, for example, to prevent a particular type of cartridge from being placed in a filtration or other process where it would be inappropriate, or undesired. The keyed surfaces are selectively locate-able preferably at different circumferential locations on a perimeter of the filter and a corresponding location on a perimeter of the head/holder. The perimeter may be, for example, on an outer shoulder surface of a filter and an inner surface of a valve head, or on outer and inner surfaces of connectors that provide a liquid seal between the filter and the head/holder.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2004Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Inventor: Roger P. Reid
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Patent number: 6964646Abstract: A device for autologous blood transfusion includes a centrifuge unit with an autotransfusion set rotatably mounted thereto. The autotransfusion set includes a separation unit for concentrating a cell fraction by centrifugation and a tubing system for providing a connection to a blood supply. The tubing system includes a blood supply line leading to the separation unit for supplying blood to be processed and a return line leading away from the separation unit. A filter is integrated into the autotransfusion set in order to eliminate leukocytes and/or tumor cells, thereby yielding greater safety in autotransfusion.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2000Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: Fresenius HemoCare GmbHInventor: Wolfgang Biesel
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Patent number: 6960180Abstract: An obturator prevents the tips or flaps of a duck-bill valve from self-adhering during storage or during sterilization procedures. The obturator holds the tips apart until the end-user is ready to use the valve. The duck-bill valve is used as an air outlet valve in blood reservoirs.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2002Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: Kevin D. McIntosh
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Patent number: 6956220Abstract: A radiation source module comprising a support member, a radiation source assembly connected to the support member, the radiation source assembly comprising at least one elongate radiation source having a source longitudinal axis and a module-to-surface seal disposed on a first elongate surface of the module, the first elongate surface comprising a first longitudinal axis transverse to the source longitudinal axis, the seal operable to provide a substantially fluid tight seal between the first surface and a second surface which is adjacent to the first surface. A fluid treatment system employ the radiation source module is also described.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2003Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Assignee: Trojan Technologies Inc.Inventors: George A. Traubenberg, Steven M. Bakker, Kuang-Ping Chiu
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Patent number: 6953323Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for performing peritoneal dialysis are provided. To this end, in part, a pump for a dialysis system is provided. The pump includes a first chamber wall including a first aperture, a second chamber wall including a second aperture, a piston, at least a portion of which can move through the second aperture, the piston including a third aperture, and first and second membranes disposed between the first and second chambers walls. A vacuum can be applied through the first aperture to pull the first membrane towards the first chamber wall and can be applied through the third aperture to pull the second membrane towards the piston. The piston can thereafter move the second membrane.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2003Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.Inventors: Robert Childers, Peter Hopping
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Patent number: 6942785Abstract: A system for automated treatment of fluids having interchangeable process modules (39, 40, 41, 42, 43), which are arranged next to each other, and which are respectively provided with a control unit and a fluid unit. The fluid unit is controlled by the control unit in order to carry out a module-specific process function during the treatment of the fluids. The control units are interconnected via a data bus (48), which is common to the process modules (39, 40, 41, 42, 43), and the fluid units are interconnected by a fluid bus (49) that has several channels. A fluid bus section is provided for at least one part of the channels inside each process module (e.g., 42). This section has fluid bus interfaces (52) at the ends thereof. A connection unit (51) is configured to be mounted between the respectively adjacent fluid bus interfaces (52) of two successive process modules (e.g., 41, 42) in at least two different mounting positions.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2003Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Thomas Bayer, Klaus-Dieter Fiebelkorn, Axel Gerlt, Joerg Hassel, Richard Mateman, Arno Steckenborn, Jeroen Wissink
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Patent number: 6939471Abstract: A method for determining a treatment parameter on a haemofiltration device, as well as a haemofiltration device for applying the method, based on the recognition that a determination method known from haemodialysis can, with little modification, be transferred to haemofiltration. To this effect a physical-chemical characteristic of the substitution fluid and of the fluid which is removed from the haemofilter by way of an ultrafiltrate outlet pipe, is determined. Furthermore, this characteristic is acquired before, after or during a change of this characteristic in the substitution fluid, and is evaluated. As a result, the ion dialysance and thus the urea clearance of a haemofiltration device, which can also be operated as a haemodiafiltration device, can be determined.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2003Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbHInventors: Malte Gross, Andreas Maierhofer
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Patent number: 6936176Abstract: A transportable water treatment system comprising: an inlet adapted to receive water having a pressure of between 10 to 60 psig, a primary regenerable filter connected so as to receive water that has flown through the inlet, the primary regenerable filter configured to separate solids from water flowing therethrough, a secondary regenerable filter, the secondary regenerable filter connected downstream from the primary regenerable filter, and a chemical feed unit connected downstream of said secondary regenerable filter, the chemical feed unit configured to treat water flowing through introduction of chemicals to the water, a water discharge pipe adapted to discharge treated water from the chemical feed unit, where said inlet, the primary regenerable filter, the secondary regenerable filter, the chemical feed unit, and the discharge pipe make up a transportable water treatment and the transportable water treatment is adapted to fit within a bed of a sub-compact pickup truck.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2004Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Water Missions InternationalInventors: George C. Greene III, George C. Greene IV, Sean P. Kerrigan
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Patent number: 6916424Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for a hemodiafiltration delivery module that is used in conjunction with a UF controlled dialysis machine to enable hemodiafiltration therapy to be performed. The advantage is that one can fully utilize a current functioning dialysis machine to perform a hemodiafiltration therapy as opposed to purchasing a completely new machine that offers this capability.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2002Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: Nephros, Inc.Inventors: Gregory R Collins, James Summerton, Edward Spence
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Patent number: 6908558Abstract: A method of and apparatus for extending the life of fountain solutions used in commercial printing presses comprises withdrawing fountain solution from the dampener recirculation system of a printing press and directing the withdrawn fountain solution through a sediment prefilter, a separation filter, and a posttreatment filter. The sediment prefilter preferably comprises a melt blown polypropylene filter; the separation filter preferably comprises a diatomaceous earth filter; and the post-treatment filter preferably comprises a zeolite filter.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2003Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Inventors: David J. Stinson, David A. Douglas, Roy E. Seibert, Jose A. Villarreal
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Patent number: 6902670Abstract: A hemodialysis machine includes a purified water tube connected with at least one or tow water pumps in parallel. Each of the water pumps is connected with a reagent jug for taking reagent or disinfectant into water tubes so as to run dialysis process or sterilize tubes. The present invention features on that an ozone water device is coupled with a water inlet end of the purified water tube so that the ozone water is used to clean the tubes of the hemodialysis machine for avoiding the problem of disinfectant residuals.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2003Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Inventor: Kuo-Hsin Ho
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Patent number: 6884354Abstract: A system and process for the treatment of wastewater in a series of sequencing batch reactor basins wherein wastewater is sequentially fed, treated and discharged on a continuous basis.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2003Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Inventor: Glen R. Calltharp
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Patent number: 6881436Abstract: Material balance is maintained in a recycling system for aqueous paint by controlling a liquid amount within the recycling system while spray-coating an article. A recycling method includes: coating an article with aqueous paint in a water-curtain-type coating booth; collecting an over-spray paint, that does not adhere to the article, by virtue of a water curtain; sending a collected solution of paint and water to a condensation bath through a booth circulation water bath; separating this solution by an ultra-filtration apparatus into condensed paint and filtrate, with the condensed paint being transferred to a paint tank; and removing condensed paint from the paint tank, if necessary for adjustment of aqueous paint, followed by coating this aqueous paint onto an article, wherein a total amount of liquid present within the recycling system is controlled to be constant during spray-coating of an article.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2001Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Nippon Paint Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tsuyoshi Yamane, Junichi Sueyoshi, Takahito Ohtsu
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Patent number: 6878294Abstract: A spiral wound membrane element allowing back wash reverse filtration at 0.05 MPa to 0.3 MPa is employed for a spiral wound membrane module. Air injection of injecting air of not more than 0.3 MPa into a permeate outlet of the spiral wound membrane module from a pressurized air feeder through a pipe, back wash reverse filtration with permeate and flushing with raw water are performed as recovery of a filtration velocity. Another spiral wound membrane module comprises a spiral wound membrane element including a separation membrane having high back pressure strength. Raw water into which bubbles are diffused by an air diffuser is fed to the spiral wound membrane element stored in a pressure vessel. Part of the raw water is axially fed through the spiral wound membrane element, discharged from a raw water outlet of the pressure vessel and thereafter returned to a raw water tank through a pipe.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2001Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Nitto Denko CorporationInventors: Masaaki Ando, Katsumi Ishii, Satoru Ishihara
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Patent number: 6872307Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods establish on line communication between a container and a source of blood containing leukocytes and platelets, such as a human donor. The systems and methods create a centrifugal field between the source of blood and the container that separates from the blood an unfinished suspension of platelets having a first physiologic characteristic different than the desired physiologic characteristic. The systems and methods pump the unfinished platelet suspension outside the centrifugal field through a finishing device. The finishing device changes the first physiologic characteristic to the desired physiological characteristic, thereby creating the finished platelet suspension. The systems and methods convey the finished platelet suspension from the finishing device directly into the container. The systems and methods function without interrupting the on line communication between the container and the source of blood.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2003Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventor: Daniel F. Bischof
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Patent number: 6858146Abstract: Artificial liver devices and methods for using the devices to purify a biological fluid are disclosed. The methods include the use of living hepatocytes (23) which are either unattached or attached to inert carriers and suspended in a cell culture medium which circulates in the devices with the hepatocytes (23). Blood or plasma passes on one side (7?) of semi-permeable membranes, on the other side (7) of which is the cell culture medium and across which is a concentration and/or pressure gradient. Solutes diffusing across the membrane into the cell culture medium are metabolized by the hepatocytes (23) and/or captured by additional removal means (4). Those undesirable substances which do not diffuse out of the blood or plasma into the hepatocyte containing culture medium are captured by additional removal means (50).Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1994Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: XenogenicsInventors: Edward F. Myers, Albert P. Li, Achilles A. Demetriou
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Patent number: 6852090Abstract: A first flow path is defined within a first panel that forms a part of an extracorporeal fluid circuit. A second flow path is defined within a second panel that also forms a part of the extracorporeal fluid circuit. The first and second panels are oriented in a fluid processing cartridge for mounting as an integrated unit on a fluid processing machine and for removal as an integrated unit from the fluid processing machine.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2001Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: NxStage Medical, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey H. Burbank, James M. Brugger, Dennis M. Treu
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Patent number: 6817984Abstract: A blood processing system (2), includes a housing (4), to which a user control panel is mounted, having an access opening (47) therein. A cassette assembly (22), mounted to the housing for movement between a use position covering the access opening and a cassette-replacement position, includes a cassette holder and cassette (26) removably mounted to the holder. The cassette includes in part by tubing aligned with a through-hole (45) in the cassette. A door (34) is mounted to the housing for movement between a latched position, capturing the cassette between the panel and the door, and a released position. Independently-driven roller assemblies (46, 54, 72) pass part-way through the access opening to capture first tubing portions (44A, 52A, 68A) between the roller tracks (100, 102, 104) and the roller assemblies for peristaltic pumping of fluid. A number of movable pinch elements (48, 80, 90, 96) are extendable through the front panel to selectively pinch the tubing against the door and thus seal the tubing.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2002Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Mission Medical, Inc.Inventors: Thomas C. Robinson, Thomas P. Sahines, Richard R. D'Elia, Robert K. Fernandez, Frank Hickman
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Patent number: 6814862Abstract: A method and an apparatus for continuous processing of intra- or postoperative blood loss for autotransfusion. According to the present invention, certain cells of the cell suspension to be processed, mainly the red blood cells, are concentrated by centrifuging in a separation unit and removed from the separation unit without being rinsed or washed in the separation unit. The concentrated cell fraction is diluted with a physiological solution, preferably a Ringer's solution, after being removed from the separation unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2001Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Fresenius AGInventor: Wolgang Biesel
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Publication number: 20040217059Abstract: Filtration cells capable of direct sampling of a fluid from a container and which may be used for microfiltration of both small and large microvolumes of a fluid to be filtered are provided. Also a process for directly transferring a fluid to be filtered from a container to a filtration cell is described. The filtration cells have one or more reservoirs and are in communication with fluid in a container to be filtered through a piercing instrument connected to a base and support for a reservoir that receives the fluid to be filtered after it passed across a filter membrane. The filtration cell may then be pressurized and vented to allow fluid to be filtered to reciprocally and tangentially pass across a filter membrane between either a container having a fluid to be filtered and a single reservoir for small volume filtrations or between two reservoirs after pressurizing a fluid to be filtered into the reservoirs from a container using a piercing instrument.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2004Publication date: November 4, 2004Applicant: Bio/Data CorporationInventors: William E. Coville, David M. St. Onge
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Publication number: 20040211718Abstract: The invention provides a dialysate solution preparing apparatus for preparing a dialysate solution by mixing a powder dialysate medicament with water, in particular RO water. The dialysate solution preparing apparatus has a partition wall defining an accommodation chamber for accommodating a the container filled with the powder dialysate medicament. A container holder, provided in the accommodation chamber, holds the container at an inverted orientation where an opening of the container is disposed at the down side. A tank is provided under the holding means. After a cutter cuts the sealing member so that the powder dialysate medicament falls from the container, the water is applied to the powder dialysate medicament through a nozzle. The solution of the water and the powder dialysate medicament is supplied to the tank through a conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2001Publication date: October 28, 2004Inventors: Tsuneo Deguchi, Ken Imai, Hideharu Shimura, Naohiko Moriyama, Noriyuki Ishihara
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Patent number: 6808503Abstract: Automated systems and methods for withdrawing and replacing fluids in a patient are disclosed. The system withdraws blood from a donor or patient, separates the blood into two or more components and collects the separated component. A replacement fluid capable of at least partially providing the biological function of the separated component is infused into the patient.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2001Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventors: Liam Farrell, Sandra Thom, Rohit Vishnoi, Richard I. Brown
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Patent number: 6805806Abstract: Methods and apparatus employing membrane filtration in biodegradation processes for treatment of wastewater are described. A bioreactor system is described having an equalization system, a membrane bioreactor system, and a controller. Aeration systems for a membrane bioreactor, such as a mixer, and an ultrafilter subsystem are also described, as is a rotary membrane ultrafilter.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2002Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: Hydrotreat, Inc.Inventor: Johnny Arnaud
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Patent number: 6793812Abstract: A fluid filtration assembly (10) operable to provide both return-side and supply-side filtration, as, for example, of a fluid entering and leaving a sump (14) as it circulates in a vehicle transmission (12). The fluid filtration assembly (10) broadly comprises a return-side filter (18) and a supply-side filter (20). The return-side filter (18) includes a filter media (33) operable to filter relatively small particles. Fluid flow through the return-side filter (18) may be accomplished using any of three described alternative embodiments, including upflow, downflow, and direct feed. The supply-side filter (20) includes a filter media (42) for filtering needed fluid as it is drawn back into circulation. The supply-side filter media (42) is a low restriction filter media operable to filter only relatively large particles, thereby decreasing bottle-neck effects and minimizing pressure drops.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2001Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: SPX CorporationInventors: Craig S. Caldwell, Clifford D. Loveland, George C. Lee
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Patent number: 6787043Abstract: A water purification system and method using an ionizer and an ozonation treatment for ionization, oxidation and/or decomposition of undegradeable contaminants is disclosed. A high electron-inducing voltage is first applied to the water in the ionizer so that undergradeable materials are ionized and/pr decomposed, then the water is mixed with ozone so the water is purified to be potable.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Moon-Ki ChoInventors: Moon-Ki Cho, Han-Young Kang
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Patent number: 6773609Abstract: An improved method for water treatment which comprises subjecting a water to be containing a hazardous material such as a dioxin or PCB to an ozone treatment contacting the water with fine bubbles of ozone having an average diameter of 0.5 to 3 microns; and a combination of the ozone treatment with one or more of a hydrogen peroxide treatment, a UV radiation treatment, an electrolysis treatment and a treatment with a carbonaceous filter material. The above ozone treatment or combination of treatments can be used for surer realization on of an intended effect of a water treatment, which is difficult to achieve by the use of a conventional method wherein ozone or hydrogen peroxide is simply mixed with a water to be treated. In particular, the combination of treatments leads to a more improved effect of water treatment.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2001Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Inventor: Kazuto Hashizume
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Publication number: 20040124132Abstract: Carbon dioxide, liberated by introducing fouling inhibiting bubbles into a tank containing an immersed membrane module, is captured and returned to the tank by way of the bubbles to minimize increases in pH in the tank water caused by carbon dioxide stripping. Minimizing the pH increase reduces the amount of acid required to produce a desired pH in the tank water or, with scaling feed water, reduces the rate of membrane fouling.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2003Publication date: July 1, 2004Inventors: Manwinder Singh, Scott Lenhardt
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Publication number: 20040124131Abstract: A precursor delivery system includes a flow path from a precursor container to a reaction space of a thin film deposition system, such as an atomic layer deposition (ALD) reactor. A staging volume is preferably established between the precursor container and the reaction space for receiving at least one dose of the precursor material from the precursor container, from which a series of pulses is released toward the reaction space. The precursor material is typically vaporized after loading it in the precursor container by heating or reducing the pressure inside the precursor container. A vacuum line is preferably coupled to the precursor container and bypasses the reaction space for reducing pressure inside the precursor container without drawing particles into the reaction space. A high conductivity particle filter having inertial traps may be included, preferably between the precursor container and a staging volume, for filtering particles from the precursor material.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2003Publication date: July 1, 2004Inventors: Bradley J. Aitchison, Jarmo Maula, Hannu Leskinen, Teemu Lang, Pekka Kuosmanen, Kari Harkonen, Martti Sonninen
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Publication number: 20040124146Abstract: A non-woven polymeric matrix for separating leukocytes from a blood sample includes a non-woven three dimensional matrix formed from polymeric fibers having a predetermined pore volume fraction including a defined channel configuration, a predetermined pore size in the range of from about 10 &mgr;m to about 250 &mgr;m, and a plurality of connections between the plurality of fibers. The matrix is configured so as to remove at least about 98% of leukocytes from at least one unit of packed red blood cells. Methods of making and using the matrix are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2002Publication date: July 1, 2004Applicant: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: Kinh-Luan D. Dao, Yem Chin, Sheng-Ping Zhong, Kshitij Mohan, Liem Vu
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Publication number: 20040118777Abstract: Waste oily water is concentrated by expelling permeate water away from the oil component through ceramic membranes of a cross-flow filter. The filter is in a circulation ring, and is routinely cleaned in situ. The ring has two sight-glass reservoirs between which the cleaning fluid is see-sawed during cleaning cycles, the reverse, oscillating chemical flow being triggered by sight glass float switches. Large annual throughputs are achieved by linking in more processor rings, under control of a single PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), for automated processing. High membrane filter rates are achieved, in the range of 1 to 2 million litres per year per square meter of filter membrane surface area. The system is fail-safe and environmentally friendly.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventor: Donald R. Glynn
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Publication number: 20040118780Abstract: A water purification system and method for producing high-purity, laboratory-quality product water from feed water containing a concentration of dissolved ions and other contaminants. The water purification system includes a reverse osmosis unit and a capacitive deionization module positioned in a recirculation path coupling a concentrate outlet of the reverse osmosis unit in fluid communication with a feed water inlet of the reverse osmosis unit. The capacitive deionization unit removes dissolved ions from the concentrate stream, which is admixed with feed water provided to the feed water inlet of the reverse osmosis unit. A permeate outlet of the reverse osmosis unit outputs a stream of the high-purity product water to be, for example, stored in a storage tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Applicant: Barnstead/Thermolyne CorporationInventors: Eric J. Willman, Joseph F. Tilp
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Patent number: 6749818Abstract: A cost effective solution preparing apparatus includes a chamber which is divided into two compartments by a movable partition; a dissolving solution supply line for supplying a dissolving solution to the first compartment of the chamber; a solution tank connected with the first compartment and the second compartment through a first solution preparing line and through a second solution preparing line, respectively; a transporting pump provided in the second solution preparing line; a concentration meter; a solution transporting line for transporting the solution prepared and filled in the second compartment to a point of use; and a circulating line, in which the solution tank is exemplified as a U-shape tank constructed of a relatively small-diameter upstream tank portion and a relatively large-diameter downstream tank portion, and at least one filter is provided in a downstream portion of the downstream tank portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2001Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Nipro CorporationInventors: Yoshihiko Sano, Hidetoshi Saio
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Patent number: 6746607Abstract: The invention concerns the use of an adsorptive size exclusion chromatography gel, said gel essentially consisting of a polysaccharide matrix whereon is grafted a polymer coupled with an affinity ligand and having a cleavage threshold ranging between 2 kDa and 60 kDa for eliminating a purifying biomolecules.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2001Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche ScientifiqueInventors: Mookambeswaran Vijayalakshmi, Olivier Pitiot, Cécile Legallais, Philippe Moriniere
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Patent number: 6745902Abstract: Blood collection systems include an integral flexible filter to remove leukocytes from blood components.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventors: Daniel R Lynn, Julian C Breillatt, John C Burnham, David B. Howard, Allen R Wons
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Patent number: 6743201Abstract: A cassette for delivering fluids, especially dialysis fluids, with connecting elements for connecting solution bags and lines leading to the patient for to the dialysis machine, with at least one delivery chamber with an inlet and outlet, with lines for carrying the fluids supplied and delivered, with the walls of the lines being designed at least in some sections so that the lines can be closed by applying a compressive force acting on the walls. Heating and delivery of fluids, in particular dialysis fluids, can be performed effectively and simply by providing at least one area in the cassette where the lines are arranged in such a way that the medium in the lines can be heated to a predetermined set point by means of a heating device arranged outside the cassette.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1999Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbHInventors: Rainer Dönig, Wolfgang Schulz