Serially Connected Distinct Treating With Or Without Storage Units Patents (Class 210/252)
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Publication number: 20020134721Abstract: An apparatus for preparing dialysis liquid which includes a container holder 112 for holding a container 102 in the inverted state, the container having a tubular body portion which defines an internal volume for accommodating powder preparation for preparing dialysis liquid, a bottom wall defined at an end of the tubular body portion, and a sealing member for closing an outlet opening defined at the end of the tubular body portion opposite to the bottom wall, a cutter 118, movable toward and away from the sealing member, for cutting the sealing member, a concentrated liquid tank 114a provided under the container holder 112, a mesh member 116, horizontally disposed above the tank, for receiving the powder preparation which has fallen from the container 102, a nozzle 120 for applying water to the powder preparation, for preparing dialysis liquid, which has fallen on the mesh member from the container after the sealing member is cut by the cutter 118.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2002Publication date: September 26, 2002Inventors: Kanji Kurome, Ken Imai, Tsuneo Deguchi
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Publication number: 20020130073Abstract: A kidney dialysis machine includes a number of flexible members extending from the machine to corresponding receptacles at a patient station. The flexible members are arranged in a cable bundle at a point intermediate of the machine and the ends of the members. A retaining member is wrapped around the bundle to hold the bundle together. The retaining member is attached to a spring that has one end connected to the retaining member and an opposite end attached to the kidney dialysis machine. The spring holds the bundle off the floor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2002Publication date: September 19, 2002Inventor: John McCartney
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Patent number: 6440372Abstract: A system dynamically adjusts the delivery rate of a cryopreservation solution to red blood cells to permit freezing. The delivery rate is preferably determined according to an equation that maintains a linear change of red blood cell osmolarity over time so as to prevent osmolarity shock of the red blood cells. In the preferred embodiment, the system includes a controller that is preconfigured to automatically deliver the cryopreservation solution to the red blood cells in accordance with the equation. The system may also support the recovery of thawed red blood cells by diluting the red blood cells and washing them of the cryopreservative. Again, the system preferably adjusts the delivery rate of a dilution solution so as to prevent osmolarity shock of the red blood cells during the recovery phase. The recovered red blood cells may be suspended in a preservation solution to further increase their shelf-life following the recovery phase.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2001Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Haemonetics CorporationInventor: Etienne Pages
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Patent number: 6427848Abstract: An improved dual fabrication liquid circulatory system for an electric discharge fabrication machine, having an oily-water separation system of single, dual, or triple-tank types. The single-tank oily-water separation system utilizes a water level sensor to control the switch of an electric magnetic valve and the discharge of oily-water fabrication liquid from an oil discharge pipe and a water discharge pipe. The dual-tank oily-water separation system directs fabrication liquid into a filtration tank such that fabrication liquid enters a water storage tank through a water discharge pipe and the floating oil flows into an oil storage tank from an oil discharge pipe. The triple-tank oily-water separation system includes a water filtration tank and an oil filtration tank with the water filtration tank divided into two tanks by a separation board. The floating oil in the upper oil layer enters an oil filtration tank through a flow pipe and enters the oil storage tank through an oil discharge pipe.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2000Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Inventor: Chiao-Chin Shih
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Patent number: 6428697Abstract: Methods comprise processing wastewater to produce useful products. Preferably wastewater is ash leachate from landfills which is processed using magnetohydrodynamic treatment followed by electrolytic cell treatment to produce sodium hypochlorite. Methods further comprise removal of hazardous substances from wastewater for subsequent storage and processing of wastewater.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2000Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Inventor: William W. Edgar
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Patent number: 6426005Abstract: A treatment system for treating water/wastewater includes two continuously operating granular media filters that are operated together in series. The water/wastewater to be treated is introduced as an influent into the first of the granular media filters and is treated therein. Treated, processed water/wastewater or effluent is produced as is a first reject which contains impurities separated from a granular media bed in the first granular media filter and which is discharged from the first granular media filter. The effluent from the first granular media filter is further filtered in the second continuously operating granular media filter such that the effluent from the second granular media filter is clarified water and a second reject discharged from the second granular media filter contains impurities separated from a granular bed in the second granular media filter.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2000Date of Patent: July 30, 2002Assignee: Parkson CorporationInventor: Hans F. Larsson
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Patent number: 6423231Abstract: A method of hemodiafiltration including the steps of supplying a blood inflow, diafiltering the blood inflow using a first non-isosmotic dialysate fluid to provide a partially diafiltered blood outflow, mixing the partially diafiltered blood outflow with a substitution fluid to provide a blood/substitution fluid mixture, and diafiltering the blood/substitution fluid mixture using a second non-isosmotic dialysate fluid.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Nephros, Inc.Inventors: Gregory R. Collins, Edward C. Spence
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Patent number: 6422397Abstract: Blood collection systems include an integral flexible filter to remove leukocytes from blood components.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Baxter International, Inc.Inventors: Daniel R Lynn, Julian P Breillatt, Jr., John C Burnham
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Publication number: 20020079258Abstract: Components for composing an infusion line are classified into unit groups including a spike unit, a main tube unit, an injection device unit, an infusion filter unit, and a one-way valve unit. Plural kinds of units are provided for each unit group, each unit being formed of one or more components. A combination of the unit groups is determined by allowing the spike unit and the main tube unit to be indispensable and selecting at least one of the unit groups from the remaining unit groups. An arrangement of the selected unit groups is determined, with the spike unit being positioned at one end. At least one kind of the units is selected from each of the unit group based on the combination. The selected units are combined, with the end on the distal side relative to the spike unit being composed of a connector used for a connection to a member for access to a patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2001Publication date: June 27, 2002Applicant: JMS Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kenji Sawa
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Patent number: 6406631Abstract: In a blood dialysis system including a source of substitution fluid and a blood dialysis machine, a hemodiafiltration system comprises a first dialyzer including a first blood compartment having a first blood inlet which receives blood to be cleaned and a first blood outlet which expels partially diafiltered blood and a first dialysate compartment having a first dialysate inlet and a first dialysate outlet, means for mixing the partially diafiltered blood with substitution fluid from the source to obtain a blood/substitution fluid mixture, and a second dialyzer including a second blood compartment having a second blood inlet which receives the blood/substitution fluid mixture and a second blood outlet which expels diafiltered blood and a second dialysate compartment having a second dialysate inlet and a second dialysate outlet.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Nephros, Inc.Inventors: Gregory R. Collins, Edward C. Spence, James Summerton
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Patent number: 6387255Abstract: Triphase extraction tower having two chambers connected at their top and bottom parts of overflows, and having ports for feeding and removing a first and second disperse phase.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1999Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Bayer AktiengesellschaftInventors: Artak Eranosovich Kostanian, Werner Bäcker
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Patent number: 6387281Abstract: There is disclosed a process for treating sewage or similar organic sludge to produce a pasteurized and dried product comprising the steps of: dividing the sludge into at least one first portion and at least one second portion; drying the first portion so that the first portion has a higher dry solids content than that of the second portion; mixing the fist portion and the second portion to produce a mixture having a dry solids content which is intermediate between that of the first and second portions; adding an alkaline admixture to the mixture in order to pasteurize the mixture and thereby produce the product without employing subsequent drying by aeration.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2001Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: R3 Management LimitedInventors: Robin Millard, Frederick H. Kurtz
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Patent number: 6383371Abstract: An alternating anaerobic contact system for treating wastewater through an apparatus including one enclosed vessel partitioned into two or more enclosed chambers wherein each chamber is flow connected to other chambers by conduits or an apparatus including two or more enclosed vessels wherein each vessel is flow connected to other vessels by conduits. Each apparatus comprises at least one conduit which allows for (1) an anaerobic liquor to flow between a pair of chambers or vessels and (2) for treated wastewater to be separated and collected from the anaerobic liquor. Each apparatus overcomes the degassification problems common to anaerobic contact processing by assuring that the partial pressures of each chamber or vessel remain consistent. Each apparatus, furthermore, performs the settling stage of anaerobic contact processing in either a separate chamber or vessel thereby eliminating the need for external tankage, pumps, and piping.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1999Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Freese and Nichols, Inc.Inventor: Leonard Eldan Ripley
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Patent number: 6379564Abstract: A fluid filter increases the useful life of the filtered fluid by removing contaminants therefrom, and may optionally provide for in-line delivery of additives to the filtered fluid. The filter may be an oil filter, a fuel filter, or other fluid filter. The fluid filter includes a casing which defines a hollow space therein, a mechanically active filter element within that space, and a chemically active filter element also retained within the hollow space proximate the mechanically active filter element. The chemically active filter element includes a nonwoven web made up of a plurality of fibers. Each fiber has a longitudinally extending internal cavity formed therein, and a corresponding longitudinally extending slot opening from that internal cavity to the outer surface of the fiber.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Inventors: Ronald Paul Rohrbach, Gordon William Jones, Peter D. Unger, Daniel E. Bause, Lixin L. Xue, Russell A. Dondero
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Publication number: 20020040871Abstract: A wastewater treatment process that provides improved reduction of total solids through endogenous respiration while reducing biochemical oxygen demand and utilizing biological nutrient reduction. The wastewater treatment process uses an efficient aeration delivery system to drastically reduce the time needed to oxidize organic matter, and re-circulates, shreds and homogenizes the organic matter and microorganisms and oxygenates the entire mass many more times than traditional systems resulting in a greater biological solids digestion rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2001Publication date: April 11, 2002Applicant: PREMIER WASTEWATER INTERNATIONAL, LLC.Inventors: Paul G. Garcia, Leonard Davidson, H. Matthew Russell, Martin Perry Johnson, Paul F. Garcia
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Patent number: 6367634Abstract: Blood collection systems include an integral flexible filter to remove leukocytes from blood components.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2000Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventors: Daniel R. Lynn, Julian P. Breillatt, Jr., John Burnham
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Patent number: 6364120Abstract: A fryer system has a tub and a filter screen assembly located in the tub to filter cooking fluid. A filter pan or crumb catcher having a perforated surface is positioned above the tub to receive cooking fluid from a cooking vat of the fryer system. A pan is positioned between the filter pan or crumb catcher and the tub to receive cooking fluid and direct it to the tub, with the pan extending beyond outer edges of the filter screen assembly to substantially prevent the flow of cooking fluid from the filter pan or crumb catcher directly onto the filter screen assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1999Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Ultrafryer Systems, Inc.Inventors: Rosendo A. Sanchez, Albert C. McNamara, Jack E. Garner, Allen F. Clark
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Patent number: 6361692Abstract: 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: April 13, 2000Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventor: Daniel F. Bischof
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Patent number: 6358422Abstract: Apparatus in fluid communication with a water leg portion of a hydrocarbon-contaminated water, e.g., a water leg portion of an offshore drilling or production platform sump tank for conveying water, separated from oil, into contact with organophilic media canisters such that the hydrocarbons and other organic materials commingled with the sump tank water will be adsorbed onto the organophilic media and detected by the embedded probe in selected canisters. The canisters are provided in a plurality of stacks and are in fluid communication with a header disposed at the bottom of the vessel housing the various stacks of canisters. Solids that do not pass through the canisters are accumulated at the bottom of the vessel and easily drained through a drain port. The water will pass through the media and will be conveyed back to the ocean water without contamination.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: AMCOL International CorporationInventors: Jeffrey J. Smith, Jerald W. Darlington, Jr., Michael R. Johnson, John Occhipinti, Elmo Robichaux, Michael A. Berger
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Patent number: 6349835Abstract: The invention concerns a water treatment method and installation, which consist in subjecting the water to be treated to membrane filtration (1) to satisfy the requirement for a relatively high flowrate of water for ordinary use (UF), subjecting the water that has been subjected to membrane filtering to reverse osmosis filtering (2) to satisfy the requirement for a smaller flowrate of water of improved quality (OS) and, outside periods of production of water filtered by reverse osmosis, sweeping the upstream face of the osmosis membrane (9) with the flow of membrane-filtered water drawn off to be consumed.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2001Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: PolymemInventors: Franc Saux, Jean-Michel Espenan, Jean-Claude Bontemps
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Patent number: 6346197Abstract: A system and process for removing contaminants from water and wastewater, where the water or wastewater is transformed into purified water that can be discharged to the environment. Wastewater is transported through several stations for purification, including an electrochemical cell. The purification process begins by sending the wastewater to a classifier through an in-line basket strainer. The wastewater stream in the classifier is drawn through a solid-liquid hydrocyclone, which returns the solids to the classifier and sends the remaining liquid to feed tanks. Contaminants that float are removed from the wastewater by skimming from the surface of the feed tank. The wastewater underflow from the feed tanks is pumped directly to the electrochemical cell where it enters into the bottom of the cell, and exits from the top of the cell. The discharge, including coagulated solids, hydrogen gas, and oxygen gas, is mixed with a polymer as well as compressed air just prior to entering a static in-line mixer.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2000Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Assignee: McKay Creek Technologies Ltd.Inventors: Robert J. Stephenson, Bruce D. Tennant, Donald Hartle
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Publication number: 20020014448Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2001Publication date: February 7, 2002Inventors: Mitsuyoshi Uto, Nobuki Kondo, Ikuyo Kondo
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Publication number: 20020005378Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2001Publication date: January 17, 2002Inventor: Yoshihiko Sano
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Publication number: 20020003112Abstract: A method and system for removing heavy metals from wastewaters is provided wherein the wastewaters are pre-treated with a polymeric metal removing agent to assist in the removal of the heavy metals. The polymeric metal removing agent promotes the precipitation of large particles which may then be filtered by a high flow rate, low pressure filtration system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2001Publication date: January 10, 2002Inventor: Josh H. Golden
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Patent number: 6319399Abstract: A plumbing system for a pure water supply of a dialysis clinic includes an isolation block assembly to which the various purifying components can be quickly connected and disconnected. The isolation block assembly includes an isolation block which has both a supply passage and a discharge passage defined therethrough. A first self sealing quick connect part is connected to the supply passage outlet. A second self sealing quick connect part is connected to the discharge passage inlet. The purifying component may be connected to the isolation block assembly through the use of flexible conduits having complementary self sealing quick connect parts connected thereto, so that the flexible conduits may be connected to the quick connect parts of the isolation block assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1999Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Dialysis Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Peterson, Richard M. Russell
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Patent number: 6315895Abstract: A dual-stage hemodiafiltration cartridge is presented and includes a first hemodiafiltration stage including a first housing with first filtering elements disposed therein. The first housing has a blood inlet and a first dialysate outlet at one end and a first dialysate inlet at an opposite end. The cartridge further includes a second hemodiafiltration stage having a second housing with second filtering elements disposed therein. One end of the second housing has a blood outlet and a second dialysate inlet. An opposite end has a second dialysate outlet. An inter-stage connector is connected to one end of the first housing and to one end of the second housing and is adapted to allow flow of blood from a blood side of said first filtering elements to a blood-side of the second filtering elements and flow of dialysate fluid therethrough from the second stage to the first stage.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1999Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Assignee: Nephros, Inc.Inventors: James Summerton, Gregory R. Collins
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Patent number: 6303036Abstract: An apparatus and method for hemodiafiltration are disclosed. The apparatus includes a first dialyzer cartridge containing a semi-permeable membrane that divides the dialyzer into a blood compartment and a dialysate compartment. Fluid discharged from the blood compartment of the first dialyzer cartridge is mixed with sterile substitution fluid to form a fluid mixture and the mixture enters a second dialyzer cartridge. The second dialyzer cartridge contains a second semi-permeable membrane which divides the second dialyzer cartridge into a blood compartment and a dialysate compartment. Hemodiafiltration occurs in both cartridges.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2000Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Nephros, Inc.Inventors: Gregory R. Collins, Edward C. Spence
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Patent number: 6299769Abstract: A sterile disposable hemodiafiltration set to be connected to a dialysis machine includes a dialyzer with an extracorporeal blood path and a dialysis liquid supply line which can be connected to the dialyzer. The hemodiafiltration set includes a sterilized unit consisting of a hose connection with a sterile filter therein wherein the hose connection is arranged for connection at one end thereof to the extracorporeal path via a separate pump and provided with a three-way joint at the other end thereof for connection of the latter end between the dialysis liquid supply line and the dialyzer.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1999Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Assignee: Althin Medical ABInventors: Thore Falkvall, Per-Olov Carlsson, Lars-Olof Sandberg
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Patent number: 6299770Abstract: A water disinfection device is provided having a base fora stabilized support. The base forms a support collar having an annular retaining ring held by a retaining arm, and which holds a durable container of a volume not to exceed 2 liters. A disinfection module provides an ultraviolet disinfection source such that the distance between the surface of the disinfection module and the interior of the durable container is less than 7.5 centimeters at any point except the opening.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2000Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Inventors: Ray R. Diener, Thomas R. Hecht
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Patent number: 6299776Abstract: A biochemical oxidation system and process is disclosed for the removal of insoluble sulfides from metal ores. A liquid mixture of an ore slurry and of a liquid biochemical oxidation medium is flowed through a plurality of covered overflow tanks connected in series. The liquid mixture is continuously aerated in an aeration chamber formed in the tanks with a mixture of a purified oxygen gas and a purified carbon dioxide gas as introduced into the aeration chamber. A substantially sulfide-free liquid mixture is discharged from a last tank into a clarifier in which at least a portion of the biochemical oxidation medium is separated from the liquid mixture for recirculation into the tanks.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1997Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Assignee: General Signal CorporationInventors: John R. McWhirter, James L. Stanton, Paul M. Kubera
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Patent number: 6280622Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for separating particles having different sedimentation velocities. The system includes a container containing a binding substance including first particles and ligands attached to the first particles. When the binding substance is mixed with a liquid carrying at least second and third particles, the ligands bind the first and second particles together to form groups of bound particles. The groups of bound particles are separated from the third particles in a fluid chamber configured to be mounted on a centrifuge rotor. One of the disclosed methods includes forming a saturated fluidized bed of particles to retain the particles groups in the fluid chamber. Another of the disclosed methods includes removing at least some of the first particles after the binding substance is mixed with the liquid carrying second and third particles.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Gambro, Inc.Inventors: Raymond P. Goodrich, Todd Curtis Green
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Patent number: 6277272Abstract: A dialysis system which does not need to use a physiological saline in replenishing a solution or cleaning and priming the dialysis system, does not need a troublesome setting operation and can easily and accurately set a flow rate of a replenisher solution. The dialysis system includes a closed type water-removal control apparatus 1, a dialyzer 2, a fresh dialysate line 3 as well as a used dialysate line 4, a dialysate pressurizing line 5, a dialysate pressurizing pump 51 provided in the dialysate pressurizing line 5, an artery side blood line 6, a blood pump 61 provided in the artery side blood line 6 and a vein side blood line 7. According to the dialysis system, by pressurizing a dialysate into a communication line of the dialysate, the dialysate is made to flow from a dialysate flow path 21 into a blood flow path 22 through a dialysis membrane 23 of the dialyzer 2 and the inside of a blood circulation path can be cleaned and primed.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1999Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Assignee: Nipro CorporationInventors: Taku Nikaido, Mitsutaka Ueda
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Patent number: 6274034Abstract: A dialysis system which does not need to use a physiological saline in replenishing a solution or cleaning and priming the dialysis system, does not need a troublesome setting operation and can easily and accurately set a flow rate of a replenisher solution. The dialysis system includes a closed-type water-removal control apparatus 1, a dialyzer 2, a fresh dialysate line 3 as well as a used dialysate line 4, an RO water pressurizing line 5, an RO water pressurizing pump 51 provided in the RO water pressurizing line 5, an artery side blood line 6, a blood pump 61 provided at the artery side blood line 6 and a vein side blood line 7. According to the dialysis system, by pressurizing RO water into a communication line of the used dialysate, dialysate is made to flow from a dialysate flow path 21 into a blood flow path 22 through a dialysis membrane 23 of the dialyzer 2 and the inside of a blood circulation path can be cleaned and primed.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1999Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Assignee: Nipro CorporationInventors: Taku Nikaido, Mistutaka Ueda
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Patent number: 6241945Abstract: A customized pump, filtration, oxygenation and/or debubbler apparatus includes a first pump module, a filtration module, an oxygenation module, a debubbler module and/or a second pump module. Each module is formed of stackable support members with filtration, oxygenation and/or degassing membranes interposed therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1998Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: Life Science Holdings, Inc.Inventor: Donald R. Owen
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Patent number: 6235199Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and apparatus for biological-processing unit fluid conveyance and pumping systems. The invention teaches methods of reducing fluid flow resistance and reducing pumping requirements for supplying fluid to the biological-processing unit. Some preferred embodiments of the invention are optimized for dialysis machines and dialysis clinics. In some select embodiments the invention is accomplished utilizing two supply legs in fluid parallel communication. A clinic utilizing fluid parallel supply legs has reduced fluid resistance as compared to a clinic utilizing series arranged supply legs. This reduces initial set-up costs, operating costs and time to construct fluid conveyance systems. Other advantages and embodiments are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1999Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Assignee: Dialysis Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Peterson, Richard M. Russell
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Patent number: 6214242Abstract: A method and apparatus for stripping a volatile compound from waste water comprises creating a high velocity spray of air and stream of water at a first inlet to a first expansion chamber to volatize the compound, recombining the water and air flow through a second and successive expansion chambers and recreating a spray at each such chamber, whereby additional volatile compounds are released from the water at each stage to steadily reduce the contamination of the water. The decontaminated water and volatile compound-laden air are separately collected after exiting the last expansion chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Inventor: Frederick B. Swensen
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Patent number: 6210578Abstract: The invention presents a residual water treatment plant for small flows, characterized by the combination of a primary sedimentation zone followed by anoxic and aerobic packed zones, placed serially all of them, with packing, alternating descending and ascending flows and aerated according to the oxygen requirement, there being a recirculation of treated water with sedimented mud between the secondary sedimentator and the first anoxic compartment or primary sedimentation zone, which produces treated water with enough quality for reutilization activities, after prior disinfecting (for example, watering, automobile-washing, flushing of sanitary facilities, floor-washing, and so forth). The plant requires the use of a low energy consumption air compressor, especially specified to minimize its maintenance and noise. The treatment microplant has a compact design, which requires a small area (of the size of a water cistern for 1100L, 1.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1999Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Assignee: Universidad Nacional Autonoma de MexicoInventors: Juan Manuel Morgan Sagastume, Adalberto Noyola Robles
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Patent number: 6210567Abstract: A filtration device for tank water for aquarium fish having several partitions dividing the casing into several filtration chambers. A removable filtration cartridge is inserted into each filtration chamber. The cartridge has top and bottom panels with perforations formed in the panels to allow water to flow through the cartridge. The partitions are arranged in an alternating pattern. One partition has an opening near the bottom of the casing, and the partition extends to the top of the casing. The next partition does not have an opening near the bottom of the casing and the partition does not reach the top of the casing. This arrangement allows water to flow through the filtration device in a zigzag pattern. The removable cartridges allow individual filter mediums to be replaced without removing all the beneficial bacteria from the system.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1999Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Inventor: Shunsuke Takada
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Patent number: 6207048Abstract: A water treatment kit includes a package; a housing stored within the package, the housing having a first water treatment chemical therein and a plurality of holes defined in an outer wall portion thereof for dispensing the first water treatment chemical into water; and at least one chemical dosage stored within the package independent of the housing, the chemical dosage comprising a second water treatment chemical; the first water treatment chemical of the housing and the second water treatment chemical of the chemical dosage being dispensed within the water at respective controlled rates to treat the water. The first water treatment chemical includes copper sulfate and a copper ionizable grid and the at least one chemical dosage includes sodium or potassium monopersulfate. The package includes a handle formed in an upper portion thereof to facilitate easy handling of the kit, and two molded half sections which are joined by a living hinge.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1999Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Inventor: Jonathan J. Bonelli
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Patent number: 6197197Abstract: A modular fluid transport system is provided for transporting fluids in a dialysis clinic from a fluid source to the dialysis machines. The system includes modular ductwork and modular fluid conduits. The connecting stations may include quick detachable interface manifolds which allow dialysis machines to be easily changed out. The components of the fluid transport system may be heat sterilized. The components of the system may be prefabricated off site and then quickly assembled in the dialysis clinic. Flexibility in the arrangement of equipment within the clinic is provided for.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1998Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Dialysis Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Peterson, Richard M. Russell
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Patent number: 6193472Abstract: One embodiment of the invention encompasses a fluid vacuum system for vacuuming-up discharge fluid from a fluid source without applying a vacuum to the fluid source. The system comprises a discharge conduit, a vacuum source, and a vacuum-breaker. The discharge conduit is in fluid communication with the fluid source. And, the vacuum-breaker connects the discharge conduit to the vacuum source such that the vacuum source applies a vacuum to the discharge fluid without applying a vacuum to the fluid source. Select embodiments are optimized for use with dialysis machines in dialysis clinics. A closed system, preferably a vacuum system, is provided for disposal of noxious odors and fluids.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1999Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Dialysis Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Peterson, Richard M. Russell
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Patent number: 6190554Abstract: Wastewater treatment systems which utilize an interacting surge anoxic mix zone for facilitating nitrogen removal and an aerobic sequential batch reaction, clarification and decantation zone for facilitating aeration for BOD removal and nitrate production for the surge anoxic mix zone.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1998Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Inventor: Mikkel G. Mandt
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Patent number: 6190548Abstract: An enclosed, elongated structure for placement in the ground to filter and biologically pretreat wastewater after it leaves a septic tank and before it enters a drain field. The structure includes an upstream chamber or compartment connected to an inlet and containing a filter media such as stone and two or more baffles positioned crosswise to the direction of flow to direct the wastewater through multiple, sequential downward and upward flow paths through the stone for filtering and for anaerobic biological conversion of undesirable substances in the wastewater. A downstream chamber or compartment vented to atmosphere contains a filter media such as gravelly sand and receives the wastewater flow from the upstream chamber for further progressive filtering and for aerobic biological conversion of undesirable substances. Beneath the gravelly sand is a U-shaped perforated pipe for collecting the wastewater and directing it to an outlet leading to the drain field.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Inventor: Albert Frick
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Patent number: 6180004Abstract: A wastewater treatment system having a treatment tank with an inlet and an outlet, a pump tank having an inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the treatment tank, and a connector affixed to a wall of the treatment tank and to a wall of the pump tank so as to maintain the treatment tank and the pump tank in fixed spaced relationship to each other. A pretreatment tank has an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet of the treatment tank. The connector is affixed to the wall of the pretreatment tank so as to maintain the pretreatment tank and the treatment tank in fixed spaced relationship to each other. The bottoms of the treatment tank, the pump tank and the pretreatment tank are arranged in coplanar relationship. The connector is in the form of a band extending around a portion of a circumference of the walls of the treatment tank, the pump tank and the pretreatment tank.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Aqua Partners, Ltd.Inventor: T. Gig Drewery
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Patent number: 6171493Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 19, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Lexion MedicalInventors: Majid Zia, Chaouki A. Khamis
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Patent number: 6146521Abstract: An apparatus and a method for ozone-treating biosludges and of reducing biosludges occurring upon a biological treatment of aqueous organic waste, wherein the apparatus is made up ofa plurality of reactors for effecting the ozone treatment of the biosludge by contacting the biosludge with an ozone-containing gas,biosludge passages for flowing the biosludge to be ozone-treated through all the reactors in series,gas supply means for supplying the ozone-containing gas to each of the reactors,a pressurization means for maintaining each of the reactors under a pressurized condition andstirrers each disposed in each reactor for realizing a nearly equalized ozone absorption rate for all the reactors.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1998Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Assignee: Kurita Water Industries Ltd.Inventor: Hidenari Yasui
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Patent number: 6139740Abstract: A reverse osmosis water purification system comprises an impulse turbine operatively connected to a source of water to be purified. A feed pump is connected to the impulse turbine to supply a source of high pressure water to be purified. A first purification membrane chamber is connected to the feed pump to receive a supply of high pressure unpurified water from the feed pump. The first purification membrane chamber has an outlet for discharging purified water and a discharge opening for discharging high pressure unpurified water. A hydraulic turbocharger has a turbine end T and a pump end P. The pump end P has an inlet for receiving the high pressure unpurified water from the first purification membrane chamber and an outlet which discharges the high pressure unpurified water. A second purification membrane member chamber is connected to the outlet of the pump end P of the hydraulic turbocharger for receiving the high pressure unpurified water.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1999Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: Pump Engineering, Inc.Inventor: Robert A. Oklejas
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Patent number: 6139730Abstract: An automatic oil-water separator which separates wastewater into oil or grease and water fractions is disclosed. The separator does not include any mechanical pumps in its structure and therefore does not generate oil or grease and water emulsions which are characteristic of separators using pumps and which are very difficult to separate. The separator is constructed without moving parts, filters or coalescing plates and operated without the addition of chemicals or the use of electricity.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1998Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: Jay R. Smith Manufacturing Co.Inventors: Stephen L. Buehler, Steven E. Whitmire
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Patent number: 6132609Abstract: A combination water filter tank, which includes a rectangular housing, three transverse partition boards disposed in the housing and defining a first sedimentation chamber, a second sedimentation chamber, a third sedimentation chamber and a fourth sedimentation chamber, a water inlet for guiding water from an external water source into the first sedimentation chamber, a plurality of first longitudinal partition boards of different heights respectively disposed in the first sedimentation chamber, three L-shaped water guide boards respectively suspended in the second sedimentation chamber, third sedimentation chamber and fourth sedimentation chamber, a plurality of second longitudinal partition boards respectively disposed in the second sedimentation chamber, third sedimentation chamber and fourth sedimentation chamber on the middle at an elevation below the L-shaped water guide boards, and a water outlet for guiding water out of the fourth sedimentation chamber.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2000Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Inventors: Tsun Shin Chang, Shih Ching Chuang
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Patent number: 6123841Abstract: A waste-water filtration device for fish cultivation comprises a thin rotatable filter material through which waste water flows from the inside surface to the outside surface, a removing means which comprises a brush on either of the inside or outside surfaces for relatively scraping the inside and outside surfaces of said rotatable filter material, and a drive assembly which comprises a power supply means and a bearing means to drive the rotatable filter material whereby the rotatable filter is cleaned by removing the waste matter which adheres to said filter material.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1997Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Assignee: Ryubi Company Ltd.Inventor: Fumihiro Gotoh