Having Membrane Patents (Class 210/257.2)
  • Publication number: 20140295525
    Abstract: A method of producing cellulase includes steps (1) to (3): (1) subjecting an aqueous solution of cellulase derived from filamentaous fungi to filtration through an ultrafiltration membrane with a molecular weight cut off of 100,000 to 200,000 to obtain a filtrate and concurrently obtain a concentrated enzyme liquid as a retentate; (2) further subjecting the filtrate obtained in step (1) to filtration through a second ultrafiltration membrane with a molecular weight cut off of 5,000 to 50,000 to obtain a second concentrated enzyme liquid as a retentate; and (3) mixing the concentrated enzyme liquid obtained in steps (1) and (2) to obtain cellulase derived from filamentaous fungi.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kurihara, Katsushige Yamada
  • Patent number: 8845902
    Abstract: Provided are filtration systems that can be referred to as Pneumatic Alternating Cell Separator (PACS), useful components thereof in the form of assemblies or kits of parts that can be used to build the system, and use of the system for filtering fluids, for instance, in cell culture perfusion systems comprising a filter-containing chamber, an expansion chamber and a gas flow controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Crucell Holland B.V.
    Inventors: Alain Pralong, Hans Ulrich Dellenbach
  • Publication number: 20140246368
    Abstract: A membrane separation device that treats water constructed such that at least two permeate streams of different electrical conductivity are generated therein, including at least two membrane modules arranged in a common pressure vessel such that they can be successively subjected to incoming flow of the water to be treated, wherein the pressure vessel is a tube in which the at least two membrane modules are arranged one behind the other in an axial direction and the at least two membrane modules are spirally wound modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: P & LS Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Neubrand, Juergen Johann, Swen Beusshausen
  • Patent number: 8821719
    Abstract: The arrangement for connection of a medical device, particularly a dialysis device, to a permeate line for the supply of permeate into the device is characterized by an adapter comprising a first supply line section with a terminal coupling member for connection to the water line, a pressure sensor and two successively arranged shut-off valves, and two second supply line sections that branch off from the first supply line member by means of a branching member. Both second supply line sections are connected to two different lines of the device in such a manner that disinfection fluid flows through both second supply line sections in a disinfection process of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Franz Ferdinand Becker
  • Publication number: 20140238940
    Abstract: A reservoir for use with a blood collection system includes a housing defining a cavity and a single stage filter. The housing has an inlet for receiving fluid from a source and an outlet. The inlet is in fluid communication with the cavity. The single stage filter includes a filter membrane configured to filter the fluid entering the housing from the inlet, and a frame defining the structure of the single stage filter. The frame also supports the filter membrane within the housing, and has a wiper edge that seals against an inner wall of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Haemonetics Corporation
    Inventors: Donald J. Schwarz, Steve Mastroyin, Seth Kasper
  • Patent number: 8815095
    Abstract: An artificial kidney that regenerates dialysate includes: a catheter having an inflow lumen and an outflow lumen for communication with a peritoneal cavity of a patient; a fluid circuit in fluid communication with the catheter for circulating dialysate into, through and out of the peritoneal cavity; a pump configured to circulate the dialysate; a cleaning cartridge coupled to the fluid circuit for removing solutes from the dialysate, including a therapeutically effective amount of urea from the dialysate as the dialysate circulates along the fluid circuit; and wherein the fluid circuit is configured to receive a volume of ultrafilterate removed from the patient, such that the pump can mix the ultrafiltrate volume with the dialysate to an increase an overall therapy fluid volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventor: Brian R. Micheli
  • Patent number: 8815088
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a dialysis fluid pump comprises: a housing having an accommodating space formed therein; a dialysis fluid supply tube and a dialysis fluid recovery tube, at least a portion of each of which is accommodated in the accommodating space; a cam rotatably installed in the accommodating space; a motor for rotating the cam; and a first backflow pressure preventer and a second backflow pressure preventer adapted to be mobile in the accommodating space and be pushed by the cam. The dialysis fluid supply tube is made of a flexible material which can be contracted or relaxed, and one end thereof is connected to a dialysis fluid supply tank and the other end thereof is connected to a hemodialysis filter. The dialysis fluid recovery tube is made of a flexible material which can be contracted or relaxed, and one end thereof is connected to a dialysis fluid recovery tank and the other end thereof connected to the hemodialysis filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignees: Ancbio Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nak-Myung Choi, Kyungsoo Lee, Cho Hay Mun, Sa Ram Lee, Dong Wook Lee, Byoung-Goo Min, Jong-Weon Choi
  • Publication number: 20140217020
    Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning and disinfecting a medical therapy device that delivers any one of hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration and hemofiltration. The system has a base module that has at least one segment of a controlled compliant flow path and at least one pair of jumpered ports configured on the base module. One or more components have connections connectable to the jumpered ports of the base module to provide for fluid communication between the segment of the controlled compliant flow path in the base module and a flow path defined by the one or more components. The base module is connected to the one or more components that define a flow path configurable for carrying out in part at least one function performed during any one of hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration or hemofiltration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Meyer, David B. Lura, Bryant J. Pudil, Martin T. Gerber, Mark F. Daniels
  • Patent number: 8795517
    Abstract: A machine-readable medium with instructions for pumping blood from a patient's blood stream into an access line, introducing an anticoagulant solution into the pumped blood, filtering the pumped blood and delivering it to a return line, introducing a substitution fluid into the pumped blood, introducing a calcium and magnesium solution into the blood traveling through the return line, and returning the blood back to the patient's blood stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Nikkiso Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Lannoy
  • Patent number: 8784668
    Abstract: In a regenerative dialysis system, in a method for controlling a regenerative dialysis system, and in a controller for a regenerative dialysis system, an embodiment of the system comprises an input pump that pumps fresh dialysate fluid into a dialyzer at an input rate. An output pump pumps used dialysate fluid from the dialyzer at an output rate. An ultrafiltration rate of the system is related to the output rate relative to the input rate. A sorbent cartridge filters the used dialysate fluid to generate the fresh dialysate fluid. A controller controls the ultrafiltration rate of the system in response to a flow rate of the dialysate fluid through the sorbent cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J Beiriger
  • Patent number: 8778617
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the binding constant of a compound of interest to proteins comprising the following steps: a) adding the high affinity compound to a two-chamber system, wherein the two chambers are separated by a semipermeable membrane, which is permeable for the compound of interest, and determining the amount of the high affinity compound of interest in one of the chambers after the distribution equilibrium has been reached, b) adding a sink compound to one of the chambers whereby the sink compound can not permeate the membrane, and determining the distribution coefficient of the compound of interest to the sink compound after the distribution equilibrium has been reached, c) adding an unspecific protein to the other chamber, whereby the unspecific protein can not permeate the membrane, and determining the distribution coefficient of the compound of interest to the unspecific protein in presence of a sink compound after the distribution equilibrium has been reached, and d)
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Hoffmann-La Roche Inc.
    Inventors: Frauke Assmus, Holger Fischer
  • Patent number: 8758623
    Abstract: A rapid one-pass liquid filtration system efficiently concentrates biological particles that are suspended in liquid from a dilute feed suspension. A sample concentrate or retentate suspension is retained while eliminating the separated fluid in a separate flow stream. Suspended biological particles include such materials as proteins/toxins, viruses, DNA, and/or bacteria in the size range of approximately 0.001 micron to 20 microns diameter. Concentration of these particles is advantageous for detection of target particles in a dilute suspension, because concentrating them into a small volume makes them easier to detect. Additional concentration stages may be added in “cascade” fashion, in order to concentrate particles below the size cut of each preceding stage remaining in the separated fluid in a concentrated sample suspension. This process can also be used to create a “band-pass” concentration for concentration of a particular target size particle within a narrow range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: InnovaPrep LLC
    Inventors: David S. Alburty, Andrew E. Page, Zachary A. Packingham, Daniel B. Marske
  • Patent number: 8741148
    Abstract: A water treatment system including a reverse osmosis module and a control valve controlling communication between a water source and the module. A feedwater biased storage tank stores permeate and its pressurization by feedwater is controlled by a feedwater control valve. Flow of signal pressure to a signal pressure chamber of the feedwater control valve is restricted to reduce the rate at which a fluid generated force is applied. A check valve in parallel with the restriction allows relatively unrestricted flow out of the signal chamber when signal pressure is terminated. A tank pressurization control valve controls the operation of the feedwater control valve and controls the pressurization of a feedwater biasing chamber in the storage tank. Per-meate is stored in an accumulator for flushing the reverse osmosis module when the storage tank reaches a predetermined limit. Cleaning substances or additives can be introduced into the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Kinetico Incorporated
    Inventors: Stuart Park, Stephen Goff, Steven Hoopes, Peter Halemba
  • Patent number: 8728319
    Abstract: A purifying device and a process for deeply treating printing and dyeing wastewater are provided. The device includes a nanometer catalytic microelectrolysis system, a membrane filtration and separation system and a a membrane washing regeneration system. The method includes the following steps of: drawing the printing and dyeing wastewater by a first water pump (12), pumping a first part of the wastewater into a nanometer catalytic microelectrolysis tank (13) to perform catalysis microelectrolysis, and a second part of the wastewater into a neutralization tank (16) to mix with the water from the nanometer catalytic microelectrolysis tank (13) to precipitate, filtering the wastewater by a sand filtration tank (17), and then pumping the wastewater into an adsorption and filteration device of granular active carbon (18) for adsorption and filtration. The process has lower cost and higher energy efficiency, and can realize recycled water to be reused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Boying Xiamen Science and Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shiwen Zhang
  • Patent number: 8728314
    Abstract: A membrane element is provided between a pair of water collecting cases. Water collecting spaces in which permeate having penetrated through the membrane element is collected are formed in the water collecting cases. The water collecting case of one membrane module and the water collecting case of the other membrane module are coupled via coupling portions. The coupling portions have flow holes. The water collecting space of the water collecting case of the one membrane module and the water collecting space of the water collecting case of the other membrane module communicate with each other via the flow holes of the coupling portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Masutani, Yasunobu Okajima, Tomokazu Kitano
  • Publication number: 20140131278
    Abstract: Systems and methods condition a filter assembly. Purging liquid is passed through the filter assembly to remove contaminants from the pores and voids of the filter medium and from the upstream and downstream sides of the filter medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: PALL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Atsushi Sakamoto, Hisayuki Kataoka, Takehito Mizuno, Kazuma Tsutsumi
  • Publication number: 20140131281
    Abstract: A membrane filtration method and membrane filtration device including a pre-treatment membrane module that filters raw water with a filtration membrane and obtains pre-treated water; a reverse osmosis membrane module that filters the pre-treated water obtained from the pre-treatment membrane module with a reverse osmosis membrane and obtains permeate and retentate; a communicating tube channel that directly joins the pre-treated water outlet of the pre-treatment membrane module and the pre-treated water inlet of the reverse osmosis membrane module; and a branch tube channel that branches from the communicating tube channel and diverts a portion of the pre-treated water flowing in the communicating tube channel from the communicating tube channel. The filtration membrane of the pre-treatment membrane module is backwashed using the pre-treated water that has been diverted by the branch tube channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Morikawa, Kazunori Tomioka, Tomohiro Maeda
  • Publication number: 20140110319
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing haemodialysis on a patient comprises: first blood transfer means (3) for selectively withdrawing blood from a patient and storing it in a first storage portion (5); second blood transfer means (11) for removing filtered blood from a filtration device (7) and storing it in a second storage portion (13); and a fluid measurement system (51a, 51b) for periodically measuring the respective volumes of blood in the first and second storage portions; adding the volume of blood in the first storage portion to the volume of blood in the second storage portion at that time in order to calculate the total volume of blood within the first and second storage portions at that time; and comparing the total measured volumes of blood within the first and second storage portions measured over a predetermined time interval to calculate the volume of fluid removed from the blood during that predetermined time interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: THE NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST
    Inventors: Malcolm Coulthard, Michael Whitaker, Clive Griffiths, Michael Drinnan
  • Publication number: 20140102976
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for continuous treatment of water. According to the invention, such a method comprises a step of biological treatment of water followed by a step of filtration, characterized in that it comprises a step of enzymatic treatment planned between said step of biological treatment and said step of filtration, said step of enzymatic treatment being carried out by enzymes fixed on at least one three-dimensional support, said enzymes being capable of degrading at least a part of the organic matter contained in the water coming from said step of biological treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: VEOLIA WATER SOLUTIONS & TECHNOLOGIES SUPPORT
    Inventors: Alicia Mansour, Thierry Arnaud
  • Publication number: 20140102985
    Abstract: Described are water-on-water valves for use in reverse osmosis filtration systems. The water-on-water valves are regulated by the pressure in a product line, which contains fluid from a product line of the filter module and/or the product side of a water-on-water storage tank. Exemplary valves are shuttle valves that are regulated by the pressure downstream of the product side of a reverse osmosis filter module. The valves may comprise a piston within a housing, and an end of the piston may have an enlarged diameter relative to the maximum diameter of the remainder of the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Laurence W. Bassett, Dian Zheng
  • Patent number: 8691095
    Abstract: A high efficiency water purification system is provided incorporating recovery of a portion concentrate wastewater associated with the reverse osmosis unit. This reduces the overall volume of concentrate wastewater requiring discharge/disposal by reusing the purified concentrate of a concentrate recovery units as RO feed water. Initial feedwater is pressurized and passed through an RO membrane, and separated into a permeate flow and a concentrate flow. A portion of the higher pressure concentrate is then directed to an additional set of thin film composite membranes (concentrate recovery membranes). The concentrate recovery membranes are arranged in an array such that the concentrate pressure is adequate to provide the force required to drive the concentrate through the recovery system membranes. The permeate produced by the concentrate recovery system is directed back to the feed of the primary RO unit; thereby, reducing the volume of raw feed water required for system operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Water Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Hooley, William E. Kovacs
  • Patent number: 8691086
    Abstract: A reverse osmosis system and method of operating the same includes a first pump receiving feed fluid at a first pressure and increasingly pressurizing the feed fluid to a second pressure higher than the first pressure. A membrane housing having an inlet, a membrane, a permeate outlet and a brine outlet. The inlet receiving feed fluid. A hydraulic energy management integration system (HEMI) having a turbine portion, a pump portion and a motor. The brine outlet fluid is in fluid communication with the turbine portion. The reverse osmosis system also includes a second pump and a controller controlling the motor to retard rotation of the HEMI while the first pump increasingly pressurizes the feed fluid to the second pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Fluid Equipment Development Company, LLC
    Inventor: Eli Oklejas, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140091041
    Abstract: A standardised, modular mobile water purification unit for the production of safe potable water and for treatment of wastewater is disclosed to fulfill the water need for humans, animals and households. In one embodiment, the unit can be based on a standardized climate-controlled container that is robust both physically and functionally, can be easily transported and quickly set up in remote regions and disaster areas. The unit may work for purification of water of brackish, sea or polluted surface water, and of wastewater, and can be customised to the given water type based on easy changeable treatment modules. The unit includes a rigid frame that can be removed from the container, and also includes a control system for remote monitoring and control of the unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Elo Nielsen
  • Patent number: 8685244
    Abstract: A disposable cartridge for use in a hemodialysis machine has a blood flow path for carrying a volume of blood to be treated in a dialyser and a dialysate flow path, isolated from the blood flow path, for delivering a flow of dialysate solution through the dialyser. The cartridge is received in an engine section of the machine. The engine section has first and second platens which close when the cartridge is inserted to retain the cartridge. Actuators and sensors arranged on the second platen control operation of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Quanta Fluid Solutions Ltd.
    Inventors: Keith James Heyes, Hugh Christopher Bramley, Mark Reeves, Mark Jervis
  • Patent number: 8685250
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method for remineralizing desalinated water. The desalination system includes, but is not limited to, a conventional reverse osmosis membrane system, forward osmosis membrane system, electro dialysis system, Multi Stage Flash (MSF) system, and Multi Effect Distillation (MED) system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young Chul Choi, Chunwoo Lee, Pranay Mane
  • Patent number: 8673138
    Abstract: A fuel filter includes a filter element disposed in a filter housing. The filter element is penetrated by fuel flowing in a radial direction from a raw end to a pure end. The fuel filter has a first water separator and a smooth-flow second water separator disposed in series with and connected to the first water separator. Fuel is discharged from the second water separator by a pressure difference generated in the fuel filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Braunheim
  • Publication number: 20140069869
    Abstract: A fluid treatment system is disclosed comprising a cross flow filter (110) comprising a feed portion, a concentrate portion, and a permeate portion. The treatment system further comprises a permeate storage apparatus (130) fluidly connected to the permeate portion and comprising a pressure boundary comprising an inner wall surrounding a pliable bladder (150), the pliable bladder fluidly separating a permeate chamber from an atmospheric chamber (170). The treatment system may further comprise a permeate pressurizing device (180) fluidly connecting the permeate chamber to a system output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Hemang R. Patel, Robert E. Astle, Martin J. Blaze, Laurence W. Bassett
  • Publication number: 20140042074
    Abstract: Disclosed is an energy-saving and eco-friendly filtration system which is capable of minimizing the amount of the energy required for the filtration, thereby remarkably reducing the cost of water treatment. The filtration system of the present invention comprises: a feed water tank for storing a feed water to be treated; a hollow fiber membrane module for filtering the feed water supplied from the feed water tank; and a filtrate tank for storing a filtrate produced by the hollow fiber membrane module, wherein the hollow fiber membrane module comprises a plurality of hollow fiber membranes for filtering the feed water, and the sum of head pressure of the feed water in the feed water tank and water pressure of the filtrate in accordance with siphon principle is higher than the threshold membrane pressure of the hollow fiber membranes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicants: KOLON INDUSTRIES, INC., KOLON BENIT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jung-min Noh, Dae Joong Kim, Dong-eul Park, Ah Reum Lee, Yong-Cheol Shin, Kwang-Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 8647508
    Abstract: A system and method for processing samples. The system can include a loading chamber, a detection chamber positioned in fluid communication with the loading chamber, and a fluid path defined at least partially by the loading chamber and the detection chamber. The system can further include a filter positioned such that at least one of its inlet and its outlet is positioned in the fluid path. The method can include positioning a sample in the loading chamber, filtering the sample in the fluid path to form a concentrated sample and a filtrate, removing the filtrate from the fluid path at a location upstream of the detection chamber, moving at least a portion of the concentrated sample in the fluid path to the detection chamber, and analyzing at least a portion of the concentrated sample in the detection chamber for an analyte of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Kurt J. Halverson
  • Patent number: 8640882
    Abstract: A compact fluid purification device includes a housing having an inlet for receiving unfiltered liquid and an open end and a first valve disposed within the inlet and being configured to only permit unfiltered liquid to flow into a hollow interior of the housing. The device has a plunger that is movable between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position. Movement of the plunger toward the fully extended position causes unfiltered liquid to be drawn into the interior of the housing and the device includes a second valve disposed within the outlet and being configured to only permit filtered liquid to be discharged from the plunger housing. The unfiltered liquid is filtered when the plunger is moved toward the fully retracted position causing the unfiltered liquid in the interior to flow into the inside of the filter elements and then across the filter elements and into the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Nephros, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory R. Collins, James Summerton
  • Patent number: 8636904
    Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane module, a hollow fiber membrane module unit, and a water treatment method. The module or the module unit enable the efficient contact of microorganisms on the surface of a membrane with a gas. The module and the unit have excellent durability. The hollow fiber membrane module is formed so that the end parts of sheet-form hollow fiber membranes are formed in a substantially rectangular shape and the end face of the anchoring member on a side where the hollow fiber membranes open is formed in a substantially circular shape. The hollow fiber membrane module unit is formed in such a manner that a plurality of modules is disposed. The water treatment method is used to purify treated water with the microorganisms adhered onto the outer surfaces of the hollow fiber membranes by using the module or the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Watari, Satoshi Takeda
  • Patent number: 8617398
    Abstract: A process for treatment of water. Hardness and non-hydroxide alkalinity are removed from feedwaters to an extent sufficient to avoid scaling when concentrated. Sparingly ionizable components in the feedwater are urged toward increased ionization by increasing the pH of the feedwater. In this manner, species such as silica become highly ionized, and (a) their rejection by membranes used in the process is significantly increased, and (b) their solubility in the reject stream from the membrane process is significantly increased. Sparingly ionized species such as boron, silica, and TOC are highly rejected. Recovery ratios of ninety percent (90%) or higher are achievable with many feedwaters, while simultaneously achieving a substantial reduction in cleaning frequency of membranes used in the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Debasish Mukhopadhyay
  • Patent number: 8617392
    Abstract: Device (5) for filtering blood including a filter unit (7) having a blood filter, an inlet (8) for blood to be filtered and being connectable to an artery of a patient and a blood outlet (9) for filtered blood and being connectable to a vein of the patient, and having a filtrate container (6,14), that encloses the filter unit (7), for receiving filtrate (12) passing through the blood filter during a filtering process and that the filtrate container (6,14) is a closed container, which in a filled state is arranged to establish a counter-pressure over the blood filter, whereby the filtering process is interrupted. The invention also concerns a system including the above device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventor: Anders Nilsson
  • Patent number: 8603337
    Abstract: A water heater and purifier has a membrane element and employs an exothermic and pressure-generating chemical reaction. The exothermic reaction heats water, and the gaseous reaction products pressurize an enclosure and force water through a membrane filter for purification. Disinfection of the water is achieved using heat, filtration, and optionally a chemical disinfectant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Mainstream Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Paul E. Yelvington, Robert A. Damitz, Samantha J. Roman, Ian T. McCarrell
  • Publication number: 20130319944
    Abstract: Provided are filtration systems that can be referred to as Pneumatic Alternating Cell Separator (PACS), useful components thereof in the form of assemblies or kits of parts that can be used to build the system, and use of the system for filtering fluids, for instance, in cell culture perfusion systems comprising a filter-containing chamber, an expansion chamber and a gas flow controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Alain Pralong, Hans Ulrich Dellenbach
  • Publication number: 20130313195
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for systems for removing contaminants from a leachate, methods of removing contaminants from a leachate, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc., Alachua County Public Works
  • Patent number: 8591739
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for separating particles and dissolved matter from a fluid stream. Specifically, the present invention includes a first pressure source which transports untreated fluid into a separator annulus with a filter element disposed therein. The untreated fluid is placed under appropriate pressure sufficient to produce turbulent flow, increased particle kinetics and/or cavitation physics allowing the desired fluid to penetrate and pass into and through the filter media. The filtered fluid is then transported to a collection tank. The contaminant particulate matter retained on the exterior of the filter media may be removed by the instantaneous reverse pressurization of the separator annulus by a second pressure source thereby removing the contaminant particles away from contact with the filter media, and which may then be transported to a waste collection tank or a concentrator for further treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Tervita, LLC
    Inventors: Raymond Ford Johnson, Markley Dean Johnson, Rodney Grage
  • Patent number: 8568588
    Abstract: The apparatus for osmotic power generation and desalination using a salinity difference includes: a first osmotic membrane reactor having a first salt water position space and a third salt water position space separated by a first forward osmotic membrane; a second osmotic membrane reactor having a second salt water position space and a draw solution position space separated by a second forward osmotic membrane; a high pressure pump connected between the second salt water position space and the third salt water position space; a desalination unit obtaining fresh water by separating a draw solute from a draw solution diluted through a transmission of water in salt water of the second salt water position space by way of the draw solution position space; and a turbine driven by flow force of salt water discharged from the third salt water position space to produce electric energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials
    Inventors: Yu Chang Kim, Sang Jin Park, Young Kim, In-Seob Park, Byung-Ik Choi, Kong Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 8562833
    Abstract: A subsurface wave action harnessing system includes a seabed mounting plate adapted for securing to a seabed, a wing having generally opposed first and second wing surfaces extending between a first and second wing ends, the second wing end being pivotably mounted to the seabed mounting plate such that pivoting motion about a pivot axis generally parallel to the mounting plate is imparted to the wing by subsurface wave action acting on the first and second wing surfaces, and a drive arm pivotably connected to the wing to convert the pivoting motion into reciprocal motion. An electrical generator, water purifier or other wave action load can be driven by the drive arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Clean and Green Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Elbert Lee Marcum
  • Publication number: 20130264250
    Abstract: A first connector of a connector assembly of a sterile batch container can be unsealed. The connector assembly can be attached to a filling port of the sterile batch container and can have a sterile filter arranged between the filling port and the first connector. The first connector can be coupled so as to receive produced purified water. A transmembrane pressure can be monitored across the sterile filter while flowing the purified water through the connector assembly into the sterile batch container so as to provide a sterile fluid stored therein. The connector assembly can be detached from the filling port of the sterile batch container. After the detaching, the sterile batch container can be coupled to the blood treatment system. In response to a change in the transmembrane pressure exceeding a predefined level, an alarm signal can be generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: James M. BRUGGER, Jeffrey H. BURBANK, Brian C. GREEN
  • Publication number: 20130264288
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating plasma from blood in a separation vessel, separating the separated plasma into desired plasma proteins in a plasma separator fluidly connected to the separation vessel to receive the separated plasma, and adding photosensitizer to the desired plasma proteins for viral inactivation treatment of such proteins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. HLAVINKA, Thomas J. FELT, Gabriela MALDONADO-CODINA
  • Publication number: 20130264286
    Abstract: A biological sample filtering system for filtering biological liquid samples includes: a sample-mounting box; a plurality of column units disposed in sample wells in the sample-mounting box; a filtrate-collecting container; a control valve connected to the sample-mounting box and the filtrate-collecting container; and a vacuum pump connected to the filtrate-collecting container for generating a vacuum in the box chamber that permits a liquid in the biological liquid samples to be flushed from the column units into the filtrate-collecting container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: Cells Scientific Corporation
    Inventor: Chi-Sheng Tai
  • Patent number: 8546127
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for collection of a target material from a liquid sample comprising target species that contain the target material. The apparatus comprises a fluid flow conduit in communication with a filter medium having a pore size adapted to retain target species thereon and pass, as filtrate, lysate containing the desired target material. A lysing agent conduit communicates with the fluid flow conduit and delivers lysing agent to the filter medium to lyse the target cells thereby releasing the desired intracellular target material. The lysing agent may be recirculated through the filter medium for a sufficient time to permit sufficient quantity of lysate to circulate through the system for lysate collection and subsequent assay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Dean Marschke
  • Patent number: 8540872
    Abstract: A portable water treatment plant includes a membrane filter, a booster pump and a pressurized water tank. The membrane filter preferably receives water through a pump in a screen filter, but could receive water from other sources. The booster pump pumps water from an output of the membrane filter into the pressurized water tank. The water from the membrane filter is preferably pumped through at least one carbon filter for additional filtering. An air compressor is used to inject air into a backwash solution. An auxiliary inlet and an auxiliary outlet are created to receive a removable reverse osmosis filter. An electronic controller includes a touch screen monitor, which provides control of and displays various information concerning the portable water treatment plant. The electronic controller senses the insertion of the reverse osmosis filter into the portable water treatment plant. Chemicals in the cleaning solutions are neutralized before discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignees: Watertronics, LLC, World Water Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J. Ryan, Andrew J. Castro, Daniel W. Eellers, III, Neal A. Verdegan
  • Patent number: 8540882
    Abstract: One embodiment of a method to system for enhancing TOC removal while maintaining membrane filter performance is the implementation of a dual pH control system. This embodiment will enhance the ability to maximize TOC removal while maintaining optimum membrane filter performance. By adjusting pH, dosing a chemical coagulant and incorporating liquid-solids separation, a considerably higher degree of TOC removal is possible. By adjusting pH again after liquid-solids separation this embodiment can drastically increase the efficiency of the membrane microfiltration/ultrafiltration system. Thus pH control for soluble organic removal is critical. This pH level however may not be the ideal set point for minimizing membrane fouling which is the basis for this embodiment. An example: the pH set point for optimum soluble organic removal is designated to be 5.5. However, the optimum pH set point for optimum membrane performance is 7.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregg A. McLeod
  • Patent number: 8535521
    Abstract: A hemofiltration system or method removes unwanted molecules from a flow of blood using cascaded first and second hemofilters. Filtration of the blood in first hemofilter raises hemoconcentration of unwanted protein-bound molecules. Combination of a substitution fluid with outflow from the first hemofilter creates a concentration differential between bound and unbound molecules that frees unwanted molecules from protein bonds. Filtration of the combined fluids in a second hemofilter removes the unwanted free molecules. A second substitution fluid may be added to the twice filtered blood fluid for return to a patient. Removal of inflammatory mediators, apoptotic mediators, and certain electrolytes may be effected, and the removal may be optimized by controlling fluid flows and transmembrane pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Lannoy
  • Patent number: 8529766
    Abstract: To provide a water purifier, containing: a diluting unit configured to bring targeted water for purification into contact with an aqueous solution containing a volatile solute and a polymer via a semi-permeable membrane so as to separate water from the targeted water by the semi-permeable membrane, and configured to dilute the aqueous solution with the separated water; a separating unit configured to separate the volatile solute and the polymer from the diluted aqueous solution obtained by the diluting unit so as to obtain purified water; and a dissolving unit configured to return the separated volatile solute by the separating unit to the aqueous solution containing the polymer, and to allow the separated volatile solute to dissolve in the aqueous solution containing the polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Koichi Minami, Morihito Ikeda, Hiroshi Arakatsu
  • Publication number: 20130228505
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for preparation of purified water and medicaments for various uses including blood treatment are described. Methods, devices, and systems for creating multiple-treatment batches are described. For example, a medicament fluid circuit can include a container with an interior chamber. The container can have a fluid filling port and a fluid extraction port. Both ports can be connected to the interior chamber. The filling port can have two sterilizing filters, each of which has a membrane. The sterilizing filters can be connected in series the membranes are separated by a distance of at least 0.5 cm. A first of the sterilizing filters can have a sealed inlet. The fluid extraction port can be sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: NXSTAGE MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. BURBANK, James M. BRUGGER
  • Patent number: 8524086
    Abstract: Certain disclosed embodiments concern systems and methods of preparing dialysate for use in a home dialysis system that is compact and light-weight relative to existing systems and consumes relatively low amounts of energy. The method includes coupling a household water stream to a dialysis system; filtering the water stream; heating the water stream to at least about 138 degrees Celsius in a non-batch process to produce a heated water stream; maintaining the heated water stream at or above at least about 138 degrees Celsius for at least about two seconds; cooling the heated water stream to produce a cooled water stream; ultrafiltering the cooled water stream; and mixing dialysate components into the cooled water stream in a non-batch process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignees: State of Oregon acting by and through the State Board of Higher Education on behalf of Oregon State University, Home Dialysis Plus, Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard B. Peterson, James R. Curtis
  • Patent number: 8518262
    Abstract: A method of integrating individual water treatment assemblies into a seamless water treatment control system. A Reverse Osmosis assembly contains a controller wherein all other pretreatment and post-treatment assemblies are electrical coupled thereto. The controller is preprogrammed for use in recognizing the coupling of the pretreatment and/or post treatment assemblies wherein and for receiving all control commands for operation thereof. The controller employs cells that allows and installer to interconnect assemblies by coupling low voltage control signal wiring having predefined inputs, set up as PnP, or by use of a personal wireless network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventors: Scott Watkins, Raymond Perdue