Serially Connected Distinct Treating With Or Without Storage Units Patents (Class 210/252)
  • Patent number: 6740235
    Abstract: A filter head assembly is configured for connection to a water line and including at least two filter heads connected to each other for treating water supplied through the water supply line and at least one of the filter heads accommodating a replaceable filter bowl. The assembly includes at least one head housing having an inlet port, an outlet port, a central chamber in fluid communication with the ports and a bowl connection opening in fluid communication with the chamber. Each of the ports is pivotally connected to one of a tubular connector and an end plug fitting so that the head housing can pivot relative to the respective connector and/or fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Culligan International Company
    Inventor: Thomas Gill
  • Publication number: 20040055955
    Abstract: Sodium chloride and purified water are recovered by treating salt water that contains sodium chloride with an integrated reverse osmosis and electrodialysis system, which includes an efficiency-enhancing feature that is one or more of the following: the use of univalent anion and univalent cation selective membranes in the electrodialysis unit; the addition of a nanofiltration unit to process the diluate from the electrodialysis unit; or operation of the electrodialysis unit at an elevated pressure. Magnesium and bromine can optionally be produced when the salt water contains these materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: University of South Carolina
    Inventor: Thomas A. Davis
  • Patent number: 6695803
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Mission Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Robinson, Thomas P. Sahines, Richard R. D'Elia, Robert K. Fernandez, Frank Hickman
  • Patent number: 6695891
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Roger P. Reid
  • Patent number: 6688946
    Abstract: An efficient method of cleaning various workpieces is the so-called wet blasting, by which the workpieces are exposed to a spraying of water with a content of hard macro particles. Optimally, this blasting medium should be recirculated, but this implies noticeable problems with respect to separation of cleaned-off dirt and worn-down blasting particles. The invention provides for a system for processing units enabling these problems to be overcome in a relatively simple manner for achieving a high efficiency and low costs of the combined system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas Tygesen Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6688476
    Abstract: A fluid filter assembly for filtering fluids such as blood is described. The assembly includes first and second filter housing elements formed by an injection molding process. Each element is flexible and includes a peripheral flange formed thereabout and a fluid communicating port formed therein. Filter media, such as a filter membrane, is sealed between the mating flanges of two elements. The fluid filter assembly is capable of collapsing and expanding during the filtration process depending upon the composition of the fluid passed there through. A method for making the filter assembly and systems for using the filter assembly are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Julian P Breillatt, Jr., John C Burnham, Allen R Wons, Randy Murphy, Daryl R Calhoun, Daniel R Lynn
  • Patent number: 6685831
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dialysis machine with a device for preparing dialysis solutions. Simple and reliable preparation of dialysis fluids of different concentrations is achieved by the fact that the device has a detector device, at least two connections and at least two interchangeable storage containers to hold the solution ingredients to be metered, each being connected to at least one connector, and with the connectors being connectable to the connections, and with the connectors or the areas of a connecting tube near the connectors having identification means which can be detected by the detector device. The present invention also relates to a connector for connecting a storage container with solution ingredients to a medical apparatus, where the connector or areas of a connecting tube near the connector has identification means. The present invention also relates to a method of detecting a connection of a solution ingredient storage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Dönig, Joachim Döpper, Wolfgang Schulz
  • Publication number: 20040019313
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods and apparatuses for medical fluid delivery systems that employ a pumping cassette. In particular, the present invention provides systems, methods and apparatuses for cassette-based dialysis therapies including hemodialysis, hemofiltration, APD (including tidal modalities) and CFPD. The embodiments described include a combined pump/valve housing, a fail safe pump/valve arrangement, a cassette auto-alignment feature, a pumping membrane material, a multiplexing valve arrangement, an expert fluid pumping management system, an integral port vent and an in-line air separation chamber and combinations of each of these.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Robert W. Childers, Richard Avoy, John Booras, Joseph H. Bowman, Paul Grippo, Andrew D. Hopping, David Howard, Jeffrey W. Jerrell, Benjamin Kellam, Brian Lauman, Sherwin Shang, David Vescovi, Tahua Yang, Alex Yu
  • Publication number: 20030234226
    Abstract: A filter for removing leukocytes from blood comprises a filter media enclosed in a housing. The filter media includes a main filter region comprising a porous membrane structure extending between first and second skin surfaces. The porous membrane structure is formed by intersecting cells having a range of diameters. The cells adjacent to the first skin surface have diameters generally smaller than the diameters of the cells adjacent to the second skin surface. The first skin surface includes an open area defined by pores, which are formed by the intersection of cells with the first skin surface. The majority of the open area is defined by pores having a diameter of between about 12 &mgr;m and 28 &mgr;m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Julian P. Breillatt, Shmuel Sternberg
  • Patent number: 6656355
    Abstract: A cost effective apparatus for preparing dialysate solution which can finely adjust the concentration of dialysate solution is described. The apparatus comprises a chamber 2, the inside of which is divided into three compartments 21, 22, 23 by a movable partitions 24, 25, a dissolving solution supply line 1 for supplying dissolving solution to the first compartment 21, a solution tank 5, a dialysate solution preparing line 31 connecting the solution tank 5 and the first compartment 21, a dialysate solution preparing line 32 connecting the solution tank 5 and the third compartment 23, a transporting pump 4 provided in the dialysate solution preparing line 32, a powder supply means 7 provided above the solution tank 5, and a dialysate solution transporting line 6 for transporting the dialysate solution prepared and filled in the third compartment 23 to the point of use, a by-pass line 81, and a circulating line 91.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Nipro Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Sano
  • Publication number: 20030220607
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for performing peritoneal dialysis are provided. To this end, in part, a peritoneal dialysis apparatus is provided that includes a body provided with an operating portion and a display, a mounting portion provided on the body for detachably mounting a cassette, a pumping actuating device for setting a diaphragm in a positive and negative pressure state to distribute fluid from the dialysis fluid container to the drained fluid container, and a heater for heating an amount of dialysis fluid. The apparatus further includes a flow path switching device for opening/closing a flow path switching portion in order to form a flow path through which the heated dialysis fluid is distributed into and drained from a peritoneal cavity of a patient, and a controller for controlling operation of the operating portion, the display, the pumping actuating device, the heater, and the flow path switching device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Don Busby, Peter Hopping, Robert Childers, Shahid Din, Brian Lauman, Rick Kienman, Ian Richardson, Joseph H. Bowman, Loren M. Lundtveit, Jose Alvaro, Bruce Ming-Da Eu, Sherwin Shang
  • Publication number: 20030217976
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for performing peritoneal dialysis are provided. To this end, in part, a member for removably securing a medical fluid tube is provided. The member includes a body providing a first fluid pathway and an opening for removably receiving an end of the medical tube. The first fluid pathway is placed in fluid communication with a second fluid pathway defined by the tube when the end of the tube is removably receiving. The member further includes a filter so positioned and arranged so as to cause fluid flowing through the first fluid pathway to pass through the filter, the filter allowing air but not liquid to flow through the first fluid pathway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Joseph H. Bowman, Loren M. Lundtveit, Jose Alvaro, Ben Kellam, Don Busby, Bruce Ming-Da Eu
  • Publication number: 20030216677
    Abstract: A biosensor capable of monitoring a number of different constituents of a dialysate solution used during dialysis therapy is provided. The biosensor of the present invention includes an integrated array of reactive elements and sensing elements that can be hydraulically coupled to the dialysate solution. In this regard, the biosensor can be utilized to provide on-line monitoring of total solutes removed from a patient during dialysis therapy, infection levels and/or other desirable parameters such that an overall assessment of dialysis therapy can be readily evaluated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Li Pan, Ramesh Wariar, Leo Martis, Cliff Holmes, Robert Childers, Shahid Din
  • Patent number: 6649057
    Abstract: A dialysate preparing apparatus in which concentration of dialysate can be finely adjusted is provided. The dialysate preparing apparatus comprises a chamber 2, the inside of which is divided into four compartments 21, 22, 23, 24 by movable partitions 25, 26, 27; a dissolving solution supply line 1 for supplying dissolving solution to the first compartment 21; a solution tank 5; dialysate preparing lines 31, 32 connecting the solution tank 5 with the first compartment 21 and with the second compartment 22, respectively; a transporting pump 4 provided in the dialysate preparing line 32; a concentration meter N; a powder supply means 7; and dialysate lines 61, 62 connecting the second compartment 22 and the fourth compartment 24 with a dialyzer D, respectively; a circulating line 81; and a waste liquid discharge line 9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Nipro Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Sano
  • Publication number: 20030209479
    Abstract: A blood collection system has a container for holding blood and a filter communicating with the container, mutually arranged for handling as a unit. The filter (20) contains a fibrous filter medium (28) housed within two flexible sheets (32, 34) of plastic. A first seal (36) joins the sheets (32, 34) directly to the filter medium (28) inboard of the peripheral edge (40) of the filter medium (28), and a second seal (38) joins the sheets (32, 34) outboard of the peripheral edge (40) of the filter medium (28). A region (42) of the filter medium (28) extends between the first and second seals (36, 38) to cushion contact with the filter housing during handling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Daniel R Lynn, Allen R Wons, Luc Mespreuve, Daniel Vandendaul, Gregory Soudant, Tat C Mui, Daniel M Karlovsky, Randy Murphey, Daryl R Calhoun, Shin-Ichiroh Oka, Michihiro Tsuji
  • Publication number: 20030205517
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel F. Bischof
  • Patent number: 6638478
    Abstract: Systems and methods balance fluid in a fluid processing procedure during which an outgoing fluid is removed from an individual and an ingoing fluid is supplied to the individual. The systems and methods supply a volume of the outgoing fluid and a volume of the ingoing fluid into a volumetric chamber. The systems and methods discharge a volume of the outgoing fluid and a volume of the ingoing fluid from the volumetric chamber. The systems and methods synchronizes the supply and discharge of fluid to affect a concurrent discharge of the outgoing fluid and ingoing fluid from the volumetric chamber in volumetric balance with a concurrent supply of outgoing fluid and ingoing fluid into the volumetric chamber. The volumetric chamber can include at least one chamber including an interior wall dividing the chamber into a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment retains a volume of outgoing fluid. The second compartment retains a volume of ingoing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M Treu, Jeffrey H. Burbank, James Brugger, Charles D. Finch, Robert Thomas
  • Patent number: 6638477
    Abstract: Fluid replacement systems and methods for use in association with a hemofilter convey an individual's blood through an extracorporeal fluid circuit to the hemofilter to remove waste fluid. The systems and methods convey waste fluid from the hemofilter through a waste line. The systems and methods convey blood from the hemofilter through a blood return line after removal of waste fluid. The systems and methods balance the removal of waste fluid with replacement fluid. The systems and methods can selectively operate in a bolus mode, to increase the volume of replacement fluid supplied to the individual. The systems and methods can also selectively operate in a rinse back mode, during which a volume of replacement fluid circulated into the blood return line, to thereby flush the blood return line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Treu, Jeffrey H. Burbank, James M. Brugger
  • Publication number: 20030196964
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, preferably having an adsorbent prefilter located upstream from the filter medium. Preferably, the prefilter is adapted to remove natural organic matter in an influent prior to the influent contacting the microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, thereby preventing loss of charge on the filter medium. The microbiological interception enhanced filter medium is most preferably comprised of fibrillated cellulose fibers, in particular, lyocell fibers. At least a portion of the surface of the at least some of the fibers have formed thereon a microbiological interception enhancing agent comprising a cationic metal complex. A filter medium of the present invention provides greater than about 4 log viral interception, and greater than about 6 log bacterial interception.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Evan E. Koslow
  • Publication number: 20030196963
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, preferably having an adsorbent prefilter located upstream from the filter medium. Preferably, the prefilter is adapted to remove natural organic matter in an influent prior to the influent contacting the microbiological interception enhanced filter medium, thereby preventing loss of charge on the filter medium. The microbiological interception enhanced filter medium is most preferably comprised of fibrillated cellulose fibers, in particular, lyocell fibers. At least a portion of the surface of the at least some of the fibers have formed thereon a microbiological interception enhancing agent comprising a cationic metal complex. A filter medium of the present invention provides greater than about 4 log viral interception, and greater than about 6 log bacterial interception.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Evan E. Koslow
  • Publication number: 20030191005
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting whole blood and then separating it into components for subsequent use or storage. A self-contained bag set is used to collect the sample, which may then be placed into container adapted to fit into a centrifuge for separation of components. Each component is then sequentially extracted according to density, with a sensor present in the container to control the operation of valves directing the collection of each component. Each component may then be separated into its own storage container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Philip H. Coelho, Eric Sommer, Richard Klosinski, Jim Hobbs, Pablo Rubinstein
  • Patent number: 6616849
    Abstract: The present invention proposes a method of and system for continuously processing liquid material by which enzymes in the liquid material are inactivated and the liquid material is sterilized effectively. In one example of the system according to the present invention, a liquid material is introduced into a processing chamber 11 from an introduction port at the bottom, and liquefied carbon dioxide formed into micro-particles by a filter 16 is also introduced in the chamber 11. The micro-particles of liquefied carbon dioxide dissolves into the liquid material efficiently. The liquid material taken out from a take-out port 18 is introduced into a warming pipe 20 kept at such a preset temperature and pressure where the carbon dioxide turns to a supercritical fluid. After that, the liquid material is introduced through a pressure control valve 24 into a pressure-reducing chamber 24. The carbon dioxide rapidly changes from supercritical fluid to gas, and vaporizes from the liquid material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Yutaka Osajima, Mitsuya Shimoda, Michinosuke Takada, Masaki Miyake
  • Patent number: 6612447
    Abstract: A filter for removing leukocytes from blood comprises a filter media enclosed in a housing. The filter media includes a main filter region comprising a porous membrane structure extending between first and second skin surfaces. The porous membrane structure is formed by intersecting cells having a range of diameters. The cells adjacent to the first skin surface have diameters generally smaller than the diameters of the cells adjacent to the second skin surface. The first skin surface includes an open area defined by pores, which are formed by the intersection of cells with the first skin surface. The majority of the open area is defined by pores having a diameter of between about 12 &mgr;m and 28 &mgr;m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Julian P. Breillatt, Jr., Shmuel Sternberg
  • Patent number: 6607659
    Abstract: A drilling mud clarification or reclamation system is provided. High gravity and low gravity solids are removed from the drilling mud in respective centrifugal separator stages. A plurality of in-line mass flow sensors are provided to provide real-time indication of the effectiveness of the clarification of the drilling mud, and to provide control signals to a central control station. The heavier weight components are separated from the mud and returned to the system for further use. The lighter weight components are removed and are discarded to clean the mud. A cuttings dryer is provided to remove oil from cuttings which have been separated from a shale shaker stage. A de-sludging centrifuge is also provided to remove very fine cuttings which may have a harmful effect on the viscosity of the mud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Hutchison-Hayes International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary L. Hensley, Lee Hilpert
  • Patent number: 6601710
    Abstract: A fluid filter assembly for filtering fluids such as blood is described. The assembly includes first and second filter housing elements formed by an injection molding process. Each element is flexible and includes a peripheral flange formed thereabout and a fluid communicating port formed therein. Filter media, such as a filter membrane, is sealed between the mating flanges of two elements. The fluid filter assembly is capable of collapsing and expanding during the filtration process depending upon the composition of the fluid passed there through. A method for making the filter assembly and systems for using the filter assembly are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Daryl R. Calhoun, Randy Murphey, Allen R. Wons, Roberto E. Perez
  • Publication number: 20030121864
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a process and an apparatus for removing deep sub-micron particles from water. The invented process includes adjusting pH value and conductivity, adding an oxidation agent, performing an electro coagulation reaction/an electro-oxidation reaction, and performing a flocculation sedimentation, etc. The invented apparatus includes a front adjustment tank for adjusting the properties of waste water, wherein the adjustment includes a pH adjustment, an electrolyte adjustment, or an oxidant addition, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Kon-Tsu Kin, Hong-Shiang Tang
  • Patent number: 6579253
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Burbank, James M. Brugger, Dennis M. Treu
  • Publication number: 20030106861
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventors: Bruce M. Gibbs, Jon D. Herskovits
  • Patent number: 6565758
    Abstract: A system for dispensing, collecting, and processing wash fluid includes a first movable support frame including a first tank that stores clean wash fluid, a first pump that pressurizes the clean wash fluid and delivers the pressurized wash fluid to a dispenser, a second tank that stores used wash fluid, and at least one of a separator unit and a reverse osmosis unit that process used wash fluid delivered from the second tank. A second movable support frame includes a used washed fluid collection area and a second pump at one end that transfers the collected wash fluid back to the second tank of the first movable support frame through a conduit. The second movable support frame also includes an inclination adjustment mechanism that adjusts the inclination of the second movable support frame so that the collected fluid is supplied to the second pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: The Centech Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon Thomas
  • Publication number: 20030080034
    Abstract: Units (10), systems (100), and methods with treated water are provided in which a treated water source (12, 104) is included integrally in a host piece of equipment (10, 102). The host piece of equipment (10, 102) includes host functions such as ice making (14, 106). Other equipment, such as dispenser (108) may be coupled to the equipment (102) to share the treated water from treated water source (104).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventor: Robert S. Bosko
  • Publication number: 20030080071
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: Trojan Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Williamson, Douglas Penhale, Scott Roger
  • Patent number: 6554789
    Abstract: A layered fluid circuit includes first and second panel sections formed from sealed sheets of flexible material. A pattern of seals is formed in the first panel section to define a first fluid circuit. A pattern of seals is formed in the second panel section to define a second fluid circuit. The flexible sheets are aligned to place the first and second panel sections in a relationship with the first fluid circuit overlaying the second fluid circuit. The layered fluid circuit can be placed in a tray for use. Defined operating regions can be formed in one or both fluid circuits, such as an in-line clamping regions, in-line pump tubes, or in-line sensor regions, or in-line fluid holding compartments, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Brugger, Jeffrey H. Burbank, Dennis M. Treu, Robert Thomas
  • Patent number: 6547961
    Abstract: An apparatus for recycling a grinding slurry capable of effectively removing unwanted components at a reduced cost. Slurry used in a grinding treatment is at first recovered as recovery slurry. The recovery slurry is then recycled so as to obtain recycled slurry. One or more cyclone separators are provided and used for sizing the used slurry to obtain slurry particles having a predetermined particle size. The slurry having the predetermined particle size is supplied as recovery slurry. When the recovery slurry is recycled to produce recycled slurry, one or more supersonic wave generators are used for irradiating supersonic waves to the recovery slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignees: NEC Electronics Corporation, Toyoko Kagaku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuyoshi Uto, Nobuki Kondo
  • Patent number: 6514406
    Abstract: A water treatment apparatus comprises a first housing having an inlet, an outlet, and a chamber defined therebetween wherein the inlet is connected to an upstream water pipe. A series of magnets are arranged for attachment about the upstream water pipe for directing a magnetic field onto water flowing downstream into the first housing chamber. First and second electrodes of a copper and silver alloy are positioned in the first housing chamber for releasing copper and silver ions into the water therein to reduce bacteria levels of the water. A heating coil is disposed in the first housing for boiling the water in the first housing chamber. The apparatus includes a second housing having an inlet, an outlet, and a chamber defined therebetween. A conduit connects the outlet of the first housing with the inlet of the second housing for supplying water vapor from the first housing chamber to the second housing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: James E. Katehis
  • Publication number: 20030010719
    Abstract: A method and device for renal replacement therapy is described that sterile-filters solution that can subsequently be used as a replacement fluid in the same unit. The devices and methods include a pump that can be reversed from its normal forward-pumping direction to sterilize a container of replacement fluid to produce sterile replacement fluid. The sterile replacement fluid is captured in a fluid bag. Upon sterilization of the contents of the container, the pump switches to run in its normal forward-pumping direction. The sterile replacement fluid produced by the previous process is now injected into a patient to perform renal replacement therapy. The waste produced during the renal replacement therapy can be trapped in the container that previously held the non-sterile solution. Systems for sterile filtration and subsequent renal replacement therapy that include pre-connected, sterilized, disposable kits for fluid management and batch collection of sterilized fluid are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Brugger, Jeffrey H. Burbank, Dennis M. Treu
  • Publication number: 20030010717
    Abstract: Systems and methods handle air and rinsing fluid during fluid processing. The systems and methods eliminate air from a fluid processing system prior to, during, and after use. The systems and methods provide a connector assembly for establishing fluid flow from a fluid source. The connector assembly has discrete first and second passages that prevent communication between the fluid in first passage and the fluid in the second passage. Prior to system use, the connector assembly may be utilized in a priming function to remove residual air from a fluid circuit prior to use. The connector assembly may also be utilized after use to perform a rinse-back function. The rinse-back function serves to remove residual fluid from the system after use. The connector assembly can comprise two, single lumen connectors or one connector with two lumens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: NX Stage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Brugger, Dennis M. Treu
  • Patent number: 6506309
    Abstract: A system comprising an ozone generator for generating ozone and a venturi for mixing the liquid to be ozonated with the generated ozone. The ozone generator is coupled to an orifice for supplying the generated ozone thereto. A pump is coupled to an outlet of the reservoir for pumping liquid to be ozonated from the reservoir to venturi. An outlet of the venturi is connected to a return inlet of the reservoir for supplying ozonated liquid back to the reservoir. A mixing chamber interconnects the outlet of the venturi to the return inlet of the reservoir, and the mixing chamber facilitates adequate mixing of the ozone supplied to the liquid to be ozonated and facilitates substantially complete dissolving of any remaining ozone bubbles and ozone pockets within the liquid to thereby result in substantially uniform mixture of ozonated liquid for supply back to the reservoir having an increased contact rate of ozone to liquid of about 80% to 90%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Awois, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph G. Daniels, David A. Spofford
  • Patent number: 6503404
    Abstract: A method according to the present invention for treating excess wastewater from a sewer system includes receiving excess wastewater from the sewer system in a first portion of a shaft structure; allowing a first quantity of the wastewater to flow from the first portion of the shaft structure into a tunnel in inhibitable fluid communication with the shaft structure; allowing a second quantity of the wastewater to flow from the first portion of the shaft structure into a second portion of the shaft structure when flow into the tunnel is inhibited; injecting a treating agent into the second quantity of wastewater so as to treat the second quantity of wastewater; and allowing a portion of the second quantity of wastewater to flow from the second portion of the shaft structure to an effluent passage in fluid communication with the second portion of the shaft structure after the step of injecting a treating agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Saad A. Ghalib
  • Publication number: 20030000886
    Abstract: A fluid filter assembly for filtering fluids such as blood. The assembly includes first and second filter housing elements formed by an injection molding process. Each element is flexible and includes a peripheral flange formed thereabout and a fluid communicating port formed therein. Filter media, such as a filter membrane, is sealed between the mating flanges of two elements. The fluid filter assembly is capable of collapsing and expanding during the filtration process depending upon the composition of the fluid passed there through. A method for making the filter assembly and systems for using the filter assembly are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Julian P. Breillatt, John C. Burnham, Allen R. Wons, Randy Murphy, Daryl R. Calhoun, Daniel R. Lynn
  • Patent number: 6495034
    Abstract: A swimming pool installation including a skimmer device, a vacuum system, a pump and a valve module is disclosed. A seat divides the valve module into an upstream chamber coupled to the skimmer device and a downstream chamber coupled to the vacuum system and the pump. A piston having a seal is mounted in the upstream chamber for reciprocal movement in opposition to the seat and is biased away from the seat. A pawl is mounted to the piston for rotation and stops are mounted adjacent the pawl. The piston moves reciprocally in response to a cyclical application and removal of water movement there across caused by a cyclical operation of the pump, which causes the pawl to interact with the stops and cycle between a locked condition securing the seal away from the seat and an unlocked condition permitting the seal to move against the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Daniel Lee Schmidtke
  • Patent number: 6495039
    Abstract: An in-line biological liquid filtration system and method comprises a collection container for receiving biological liquid. A filter is located downstream of the collection container and in fluid flow communication therewith. A storage container for receiving filtered biological liquid is located downstream of the filter and the storage container is in fluid flow communication with the filter and with the collection container. An additive solution is located in the storage container. At least one automatic control member automatically restricts a flow of biological liquid or additive solution when flowing the liquid or solution between the collection container and the storage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Whatman Hemasure, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric K. Lee, Franco Castino
  • Publication number: 20020179518
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dialysis machine with an ozone generator. Two dialysate delivery pumps connect to a diluting tube inside the dialysis machine respectively, each of which is joined with a drug container. Reversed Osmosis water is drawn from one end of the diluting tube, flows into the drug container for producing the drugs of dialysate or chemicals for disinfection. While the other end of the diluting tube is connected to a dialyzer. The improvement of the device is in that an ozone generator is connected to the water inlet end of the diluting tube. The ozone generator includes an anode and a cathode for electrolysis of water. Water decomposes to hydrogen and ozone gas. The diluting tube is disinfected by ozone so as to avoid inconvenience of disinfecting and sterilizing the diluting tube and the risk of exposure to residual disinfectant chemicals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Kuo-Hsin Ho
  • Publication number: 20020179537
    Abstract: A method is described for separating, retrieving and concentrating platelets from whole blood relying on aggregation of the platelets followed by filtration. This method eliminates the need of a centrifuge for separating said cells from blood. To obtain cellular concentrates of platelets, blood is mixed with compatible agents that will aggregate cells while retaining contained growth factors. The resulting aggregates can then be separated from blood by filtration. If desired, the filter-captured aggregates are subject to a brief washing cycle where they are washed clean of residual aggregating agent, plasma, and red cells. Aggregates can then be partly or wholly deaggregated and the cells retrieved. The result is a suspension of cells and small aggregates with therapeutic levels of concentrated blood cells with included growth factors that are available for delivery to a wound site. A device that accomplishes the aforementioned process is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Sivaprasad Sukavaneshvar, S. Fazal Mohammad
  • Patent number: 6489132
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Safety Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Virginia C. Gordon, John T. Sorensen, Soheila Mirhashemi, Michael Mittelstein, John F. Elias
  • Patent number: 6488860
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for separating whole blood into blood components. The device has a collecting container for collecting whole blood, a primary container, and one or a plurality of satellite containers downstream from the primary container. The collecting container is connected to the primary container via a branch line containing a leucocyte filter. In addition, a bypass line is provided between the collecting container and the primary container for creating a fluid connection that circumvents the leucocyte filter. The primary container is also connected, via an additive line, to an additive container containing an additive agent for storing a blood component. The method involves collecting the donor's whole blood in the collecting container and conveying it, via the bypass line, into the primary container. The whole blood located in the primary container is then separated by centrifuigation into an erythrocyte layer and a mixed layer of blood plasma and thrombocytes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Fresenius AG
    Inventors: Giorgio Mari, Paolo Verri
  • Publication number: 20020166806
    Abstract: A waste water treatment system includes an electrodialysis reactor, a negative electrode plate immersed in waste water in the reactor, an anion-selective membrane unit defining a compartment and immersed in the waste water in the reactor for selectively permitting negative ions in the waste water to enter into an interior of the compartment, and a reverse osmosis membrane unit for periodically receiving the waste water from the reactor to separate the waste water into a stream of concentrated solution and a stream of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: KINTECH TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Joseph Kuo
  • Patent number: 6475382
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: CO2 Solution Inc.
    Inventor: Carmen Parent
  • Publication number: 20020148765
    Abstract: A biological fluid processing or fluid filtration system is provided having novel open and closed loop processing systems wherein the gases transferred into and out of the system during processing pass through a porous medium in upstream and/or downstream gas inlet or outlet housings or vents in a manner which precludes the fluid being processed or filtered from ever contacting the housings or vents. Each housing or vent is separated from the fluid by a column of gas in its respective transfer line. The upstream gas inlet housing or vent is in communication with the unfiltered biological fluid, and the downstream gas inlet housing or vent is in communication with the filtered biological fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: Majid Zia, Chaouki A. Khamis
  • Publication number: 20020148764
    Abstract: Blood collection systems include an integral flexible filter to remove leukocytes from blood components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Applicant: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Lynn, Julian P. Breillatt, John C. Burnham, David B. Howard, Allen R. Wons
  • Patent number: 6464875
    Abstract: A system and method for converting animal, vegetable, and food byproduct materials into useful bio-gas and fertilizer, and/or soil amendment products has an anaerobic digester, a liquid-solids separating unit, an ammonia stripper, an ammonia absorption unit, a solids processing unit, and an equilization tank. The system and method use anaerobic digestion to break down the fats, oils, and greases, proteinaceous, and carbonaceous substances contained in the byproducts. Anaerobic digestion creates bio-gas, mainly methane and carbon dioxide, waste biosolids, which can contain phosphorous, nitrogen and other trace minerals, and a liquid effluent with significant ammonia levels. Ammonia, a useful ingredient for fertilizer formulation, is recovered from the effluent. The solids and the extracted ammonia and/or phosphorous can also be used to make fertilizer and/or soil amendment materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Gold Kist, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven R. Woodruff