With Pump, Gas Pressure Or Vacuum Source Patents (Class 210/258)
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Patent number: 6039868Abstract: A system for separating plasma from whole blood comprises a blood separation device and a blood separation driver. The blood separation device includes a flexible tube having a needle and shield at one end and a filter member at the other end. The needle may be used to access blood in a conventional blood collection device. The separation driver applies a peristaltic force to the flexible tube of the blood separation device, thus drawing blood from the collection device through the tube and to the filter member. Plasma may be collected from the filter element.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1997Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Assignee: First Medical, Inc.Inventors: Michael P. Allen, Stoughton L. Ellsworth, Lawrence M. Ensler, Kumar Subramanian
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Patent number: 6036860Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for the continuous remediation of a site contaminated with a hazardous substance. The remediation apparatus includes a material selectively permeable to the hazardous substance located at the site. Once isolated, the hazardous substance is removed to a remote vessel by utilization of an automated gas-injection system. The remediation apparatus also incorporates a valve configured to protect the system from detrimental, and potentially dangerous, overloadings of hazardous substances.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1997Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Inventor: Peter J. Tolan
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Patent number: 6033561Abstract: An extracorporeal blood processing method and system wherein blood is extracted from a mammalian subject through a blood withdrawal tube having a blood pump, such as a peristaltic pump, positioned thereon. A "distal segment" of the blood withdrawal tube extends from the mammalian subject to the inlet side or withdrawal pump. A "proximal segment" of the blood withdrawal tube extends from the outlet side of the blood pump to an extracorporeal blood processing apparatus. An anticoagulant feed tube is connected to the "proximal segment" of the blood withdrawal tube such that a flow of anticoagulant solution may be combined with blood exiting the outlet of said blood pump and passing through the "proximal segment" of said blood withdrawal tubing.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1995Date of Patent: March 7, 2000Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventor: Donald W. Schoendorfer
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Patent number: 6027658Abstract: An in process fluid delivery reservoir and method is disclosed for continuously filtering particulate matter and oils from industrial fluids, such as coolants, oils, aqueous emulsions, etc., which are necessary in the operation of machine tools. The reservoir utilizes a primary containment area with a primary chip screen and a first baffle to trap much of the particulate matter and contain tramp oil. The reservoir also contains secondary and tertiary containment areas which utilize upper and bottom baffles to further trap the particulate matter and tramp oils, when said reservoir is utilized with aqueous emulsion. The industrial fluid remaining in the tertiary containment area is ready to be delivered to the machine tool for reuse.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1998Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Assignee: Xonex CorporationInventors: Richard M. Soble, George V. Strapko
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Patent number: 6024868Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for extracting contaminants from the ground using a vacuum extraction process. Specifically, the invention discloses a circuit that can control the flow of atmospheric air into a vacuum extraction well. By controlling the air flow into the well, the air flow circuit serves to regulate the vacuum that is applied to sub-surface contaminants. This vacuum lifts the contaminated effluent from the ground, so it can be subjected to further processing.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1997Date of Patent: February 15, 2000Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Michael T. Salotti, Richard A. Williams, Ronald E. Hess
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Patent number: 6022473Abstract: An oil changing system that utilizes one oil pump for draining contaminated oil from a vehicle and pumping clean oil into the vehicle without contamination. The inventive device includes a tank, a pair of wheels attached to the tank, a motor connected to a pump, a pair of couplers attached to opposing sides of the pump, a first filter and a second filter, a volume indicia attached to the side of the tank, a cavity within the tank which contains a light, and a drain pan fluidly connectable to the pump by a drain hose. The user positions the drain pan below the oil drain spout of the engine to receive the contaminated oil. The contaminated oil that is received by the drain pan is then drawn by the pump through the drain hose where after the contaminated oil is dispersed through an exhaust hose. The exhaust hose may be connected to a pipe system within a building structure to drain the contaminated oil into a common reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1998Date of Patent: February 8, 2000Inventor: Doug Mickelson
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Patent number: 6015487Abstract: A number of embodiments of improved systems for cleaning contaminants from a cooling liquid for machining operations. The system includes a series flow relationship between a rare earth magnetic separator, an amorphous filter and a mechanical filter with an arrangement for ensuring balanced flow and facilitating continued operation while at least some of the filters are serviced. Also disclosed are a number of arrangements for cleaning the amorphous filter automatically without requiring excessive manual labor.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1998Date of Patent: January 18, 2000Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kazuaki Mori
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Patent number: 6004463Abstract: A waste water system adapted to receive liquid waste from a septic tank or the like and purify the same.There is a primary processing section comprising a first processing tank to receive the waste water. This primary section has air operated valve means to cause the operating steps, namely the opening and closing of the inlet and outlets of the tank, aeration of the liquid in the tank, supplying a dose of a treatment liquid into the liquid of the tank, and also causing recirculation of some of the biomass in the tank back to the septic tank. The liquid from the first processing section is transmitted to a second processing section where the liquid is circulated through filters, and also through an ultra-violet heater to cause final purification of the liquid. There is a control system which is responsive to liquid level in the two tanks, and also responsive to air pressure in a compressed air manifold that supplies pressurized air to various valves to control the operation of the system.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1998Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Inventor: Thomas R. Swett
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Patent number: 5997738Abstract: A water saving device for a reverse osmosis water fountain machine is provided in which an aspirating pipe with a solenoid valve is coupled to an intake pipe line at the front end of the reverse osmosis cylinder. Before that joint, another solenoid valve is connected to the intake pipe line. The rear end of the aspirating pipe extends into a reservoir. A solenoid valve is connected to a drain pipe line of the reverse osmosis cylinder, and extends into an input pipe of a reservoir. All of the solenoid valves are controlled by a central processing unit to change the working state of the water purification system. One such operating state is the recycling of the waste water from the reverse osmosis cylinder, thereby reducing the amount of waste water produced.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1998Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Inventor: Shang-Chun Lin
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Patent number: 5989423Abstract: A disposable cassette for use in peritoneal dialysis includes a pair of diaphragms, tube connectors, pump chambers, channel paths, and valves. A disposable dialysate delivery set for use in peritoneal dialysis includes a cassette, multiple liquid flow paths, multiple valves, tube connectors, and disposable flexible plastic tubes to convey dialysate to and from the patient and other locations within the system. A system for performing peritoneal dialysis includes disposable supply containers of fresh dialysate, a cassette including a pump, a disposable heater container, and conduits for carrying fresh dialysate and carrying heated dialysate.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1996Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Deka Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, Richard Lanigan, Douglas E. Vincent
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Patent number: 5980736Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for processing rain and/or surface water having a container for storing the water to be processed, a circulating arrangement for circulating the water to be processed in the container, a measuring arrangement for measuring the water quality of the water to be processed, and a processing arrangement for treating the water to be processed in dependence upon the water quality measured by the measuring arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1997Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Inventors: Leo Putz, Reinhard Witt, Christian Putz
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Patent number: 5976363Abstract: A water station, or cabinet, or console, particularly for use in kitchens and in restaurant kitchens and in oriental restaurant kitchens, contains (i) a reverse osmosis system, and (ii) a sink. The water cabinet dispenses copious amounts of (i) water purified by reverse osmosis ("RO water"), as well as (ii) tap, or supply, water and (iii) waste water from the reverse osmosis (RO) process, respectively from three faucets in position over the sink. The cabinet is compact: it fits within the footprint of, and replaces, a conventional restaurant sink. The RO water purification performed by the RO system completely within the cabinet is water-conserving, typically producing RO purified water and waste water at a ratio as low as one-to one (1:1) by using an adjustable feedback path for waste water. Operational status is clearly visible. Maintenance is easy, with sediment filters replaceable on-line.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 1996Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Inventors: Jerry Monroe, Wayne Windenburg
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Patent number: 5976388Abstract: An improved autologous blood salvage system is provided in which blood is removed from a patient and may be processed in a manner wherein an anticoagulant solution is for cycled for reuse. Further, the system may be employed for contemporaneous blood filtering and red blood separation. In one embodiment, anticoagulated blood is contemporaneously filtered and defoamed within a rotating processing bowl, while red blood cells are separated, washed and collected within the bowl and an anticoagulant solution is cycled from the bowl for re-use. During a red blood cell removal mode, the flow of anticoagulated blood into the bowl may be suspended/terminated and the bowl pressurized to remove the red blood cells. The improved system provides for the recovery of a high quality red blood cell product, with reduced processing time requirements/user training, and reduced disposable componentry and related costs.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1997Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Cobe Cardiovascular Operating Co., Inc.Inventor: Gary Allen Carson
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Patent number: 5965015Abstract: An oil-water separator system and method to separate contaminated oil and water into clean water and free coalesced oil for collection and removal. The system includes a process tank for the oil and water, a pump to pump the oil and water through first and second stage oil-coalescing filters and through a full depth, fibrous filter under back pressure to provide filtered clean water of selected purity; typically, less than 20 ppm. The coalesced and filtered oil-water is returned and recycled to the process tank wherein a free coalescing oil layer forms on the surface, which free coalesced oil is removed by a belt skimmer for collection and removal.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1998Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignee: Whatman Inc.Inventors: John J. Ronan, Kenneth A. Perrotta, Paul E. Rebe
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Patent number: 5954971Abstract: Automated filtration of whole blood or blood components is accomplished in a manner that ensures consistent flow or pressure characteristics through the filter. A feedback circuit monitors pressure in the vicinity of the filter inlet and controls operation of a fluid pump that sends one or more unfiltered blood components into the filter. Using this arrangement, a variety of parameters relating to filtration efficacy can be precisely controlled, including flow rate, flow pressure, and average pressure over a predetermined volume. The system may provide an alarm or automatic cut-off in the event a maximum value of one of the parameters is reached or exceeded. The system is also capable of serially filtering multiple blood products through the single filter and accommodating different flow or pressure characteristics associated with each such product.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1997Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Assignee: Haemonetics CorporationInventors: Etienne Pages, Alain Dransart, Yair Egozy, Yves Baratelli
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Patent number: 5951863Abstract: Medical drug formulation and delivery system includes a reverse osmosis device for purifying water from a source comprising a housing having an inlet for passage of water from the source, a first outlet for passage of purified water from the housing and a second outlet for passage of waste water remaining after purification. A first reverse osmosis multilayer assembly is disposed within the housing in fluid communication with the inlet for purification of at least a first portion of the water from the source. Water treatment chemicals can be positioned in a core about which the first reserve osmosis multilayer assembly is wound. The treatment chemicals are in fluid communication with the first reverse osmosis multilayer assembly to receive the first purified portion of water and for removal of at least chemical contaminants therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1994Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: Robert J. Kruger, Warren P Frederick, R. Hayes Helgren, Mark E. Larkin, Joaquin Mayoral, Brad A. Schmolesky, Roman W Siczek, Kenneth J. Timmons
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Patent number: 5948251Abstract: A method of disinfecting a blood tubing set on a dialysis machine after the blood tubing set has been used in a dialysis treatment. One end of the blood tubing set is connected to a disinfection port on the dialysis machine and an opposite end of the blood tubing set is connected to a waste drain. The dialysis machine provides a supply of a disinfectant solution to the disinfection port. A blood pump on the dialysis machine pumps the disinfectant solution from the disinfection port to the waste drain through the blood tubing set to expel contaminants from the blood tubing set. The blood tubing set is preferably connected to a dialyzer which is disinfected when the disinfectant solution is pumped through the blood tubing set. A supply of cleaning solution or water may be pumped through the blood tubing set and dialyzer to expel the disinfectant solution. A supply of air may be pumped through the blood tubing set and dialyzer to expel substantially all fluid from the blood tubing set and dialyzer.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1997Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: COBE Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: James Brugger
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Patent number: 5944987Abstract: The present invention especially for machine applications, also improves the invention air cleaning device, U.S. Pat. No. 4,585,599 dated Apr. 29, 1986. The present invention is the said air cleaning method U.S. Pat. No. 4,585.599 and which is in addition forming a multipurpose combinatory oil, air, gas, and pollution filtration system based on processing oil through purified water mixtures, includes water of hydration, in general, is based on the interaction of two liquid systems distinguished in nature and viscosity from each other. For example: oil as the solute which include polluted particles mixed within and purified water (H20) as the solvent and which are optionally charged electrostatically with opposite charges positive and negative. In addition, electro-magnetic separator is provided within for attracting magnetic particles from the oil into the water, for disposal.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1997Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Inventor: Yanush Edward Czarno
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Patent number: 5944998Abstract: Rotary filtration devices and processes are disclosed. The devices have at least one inner member and at least one outer member, one or both of which rotate so that they rotate with respect to one another and which define a fluid filtration gap therebetween. There are one or more filters facing the fluid filtration gap and which are located either on the inner member or on the outer member or on both. During the filtration process, permeate passes from the feed fluid in the fluid filtration gap through the one or more filters. The inner member has an internal pathway for the flow of feed fluid. Fluid from the body of fluid to be filtered flows from the body of feed fluid to be filtered through the internal pathway, reverses direction, and then flows through the fluid filtration gap back to the body of feed fluid.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1998Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Assignee: Membrex, Inc.Inventors: Philip M. Rolchigo, Leonard T. Hodgins
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Patent number: 5945004Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating waste liquids containing body fluids so as to prevent problems such as nosocomial infection due to such waste liquids containing body fluids discharged from patients under (surgical) operation or treatment, particularly those waste liquids containing blood or an irrigation liquid used to irrigate the body cavity of such patient. The method includes collecting a waste liquid containing body fluids into a container, separating the waste liquid into a supernatant liquor and a flocculate within the container, discharging the supernatant liquor from the container, and disposing of the flocculate remaining in the container together with the container.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1997Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Assignee: Daiken Iki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Junichi Ohira, Junichi Yamanaka, Satoru Toyoshima, Koichi Murayama
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Patent number: 5942336Abstract: A method for recycling contaminated flush water from a wet electrostatic precipitator emission control system in a wood panel fabrication process. The recycled flush water containing solid byproducts from the emission control system is combined with wood products in a wood panel fabrication mix in a predetermined ratio of flush water to wood products, resulting in a finished wood panel having improved internal bond strengths and formaldehyde scavenging capacity without the need for excess binding resins and formaldehyde scavengers.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1997Date of Patent: August 24, 1999Inventors: Blaine F. Sorenson, Gary A. Raemhild
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Patent number: 5938918Abstract: A domestic water clarifier comprising a storage tank and a batch tank having an annular inner wall is described. Raw water is pressurized and injected into the batch tank along with a quantity of a flocculent chemical such that the raw water and the flocculent chemical swirl around the inner annular wall of the tank, thereby mixing the raw water and the flocculent chemical. The mixture is then allowed to stand, thereby separating into clarified water and floc. The clarified water is drawn off to the storage tank and stored until needed. The batch tank is then flushed to remove the floc and to prepare the batch tank for the next clarification cycle.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1997Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Inventor: William J. Kidd
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Patent number: 5932091Abstract: The effluent outflow from a shipboard oil/water separator is further reduced in oil content by passage through ultrafiltration membranes arranged in series as an added downstream treatment prior to overboard discharge. Effluent from the oil/water separator is buffered by delivery through a feed pump and use of a recirculation pump through which such downstream ultrafiltration treatment is subject to conditional flow control as well as periodic backflush cleansing of the filter membranes.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1998Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Kevin Todd Tompkins, Jerome S. Stefanko, Brian L. Owsenek, Lawrence W. Tomlinson, Joseph A. Gavin
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Patent number: 5932103Abstract: A method for withdrawing priming fluid from the extracorporeal circuit of a dialysis machine is described which substantially prevents return of the priming fluid back to the patient. In accordance with the method, priming fluid is drawn from the extracorporeal circuit through the dialyzer membrane and into the dialysate circuit. Blood is introduced into the extracorporeal circuit as the priming fluid is withdrawn through the dialyzer. Withdrawal of the priming fluid may be accomplished by pumping the blood pump in the forward direction at a first rate and operating a pump in the dialysate circuit at a second rate. Valves in the dialysate circuit are operated such that the pump in the dialysate circuit draws priming fluid across the dialyzer membrane into the dialysate circuit, and thereby prevents the priming fluid from being returned to the patient.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1997Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Assignee: Aksys, Ltd.Inventors: Rodney S. Kenley, Christine F. Schroeder
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Patent number: 5932112Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating ship ballast water before it is discharged into coastal waters. The ballast water may contain harmful non-indigenous microorganisms. Before discharge, the ballast water is oxygenated and deoxygenated to reduce the populations of anaerobic and aerobic microorganisms, respectively. If anaerobic microorganisms are of no concern, the oxygenation step can be eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1997Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Assignee: Browning Transport Management, Inc.Inventor: Wilson J. Browning, Jr.
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Patent number: 5928503Abstract: The present invention relates to a desktop drinking water machine and includes a reverse osmosis mechanism consisting of a reverse osmosis filter and a pair of active carbon filters. The reverse osmosis mechanism is linked to a pump through an inlet pipe, a pure water pipe connected to a reservoir and an outlet pipe connected to the original reservoir where both pipes link the original reservoir to the pump. A water level sensor in the reservoir is linked with the pump through a processor to control a water pumping operation. When the water level rises above the water level sensor, the pump is initiated and delivers water from the reservoir into the reverse osmosis mechanism. Pure water then flows into the storage tank and waste water flows to the reservoir. When the volume of the water in the reservoir is approximately one-third of the volume of the original water maintained in the reservoir, the pump is deactivated.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1997Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Inventor: Lin Shang-Chun
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Patent number: 5925240Abstract: A water treatment system having dosing control for providing treated water having very low organic and ionic contamination, that can be accurately dispensed. The water treatment system having dosing control includes a water inlet hydraulically connected to a pump having a variable speed motor. At least one water treatment device is hydraulically connected downstream of the pump, at least one outlet valve is hydraulically connected downstream of the water treatment unit, and a recirculation line is hydraulically connected from the outlet valve to the pump. The output of the pump is controlled by a regulating device connected to the variable speed motor. The system provides for lower electrical current usage and reduced acoustical disturbances.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1997Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Assignee: United States Filter CorporationInventors: Frederick C. Wilkins, Li-Shiang Liang, Herbert Bendlin, Stephane Dupont, Achim Brust, Felix Nussbaum
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Patent number: 5922197Abstract: A debris suppression device in combination with a manhole on-site remediation system which defines a discharge system having a hose and a pump system to clean out and discharge contaminated and stagnated polluted water that accumulates in manholes and underground vaults, wherein the debris suppression device comprises a submersible bucket formed with a plurality of drain holes located adjacent the opening of the bucket and a plurality of straps which define strut members that are fixedly mounted to the bucket and extend upwardly so as to be secured to the flexible hose, whereby solid materials of various sizes and shapes found in stagnated polluted water are prevented from being pumped or discharged through the remediation system.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1997Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Inventor: Gary D. Sparks
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Patent number: 5922199Abstract: A fuel filter assembly (10) has a head portion (12) and an element portion (14) enclosing a replaceable cartridge (18). The assembly has a first inlet port (22) which accepts fuel from a tank (90) and filters it by passage through a screen (43) supported on a tube (36). The fuel that has been filtered by passage through the screen is delivered from the assembly through a first outlet port (24) for delivery to a lift pump (96). Fuel from the lift pump is returned to the fuel filter assembly through a second inlet port (26). The fuel is finely filtered by passage through a loop of filter media (60). Clean fuel is delivered from a second outlet port (28) to an engine (104). Contaminants separated from the fuel by passage through the screen and the media loop are collected in first and second sump areas (78), (80) of the filter housing respectively. An alternative embodiment (110) includes a prefilter screen (158) integral with a replaceable cartridge (118).Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1995Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Assignee: Parker Hannifin CorporationInventor: David H. Hodgkins
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Patent number: 5919369Abstract: Disclosed are preferred devices and methods which provide extracorporeal treatment of blood or other fluids for effective plasmafiltration or hemofiltration alone or in combination with dialysis. Preferred devices combine plasmafiltration and dialysis devices, and are designed to circulate separate sorbent suspensions through the respective devices and minimize clogging in sorbent circulation loops, including the provision of a shaker or vibrator device operable to vibrate the suspension used in the plasmafiltration device.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1996Date of Patent: July 6, 1999Assignee: Hemocleanse, Inc.Inventor: Stephen R. Ash
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Patent number: 5911884Abstract: A coin-operated purified water dispensing machine has an exterior housing shaped like a kiosk for a mall. A state of the art water purification system is housed in the kiosk. A unique combination of an RO filter and a bladder type storage tank minimizes the necessary components to pump and measure the purified water. A unique tamper proof and bacteria resistant nozzle assembly includes a retractable nozzle having a shutter door to prevent access while in the passive mode. A pinch valve assembly controls the water flow in a non-invasive manner. Also a continuous flow of ozone to the nozzle assembly deters bacteria growth.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1996Date of Patent: June 15, 1999Assignee: Entre Pure IndustriesInventor: Roger Phillip Boulter
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Patent number: 5910252Abstract: Blood from a patient is treated extracorporeally by any selected one of a plurality of predetermined treatments. Each of the treatments involves the flow of blood from the patient into a primary chamber of a filtration unit, past a semipermeable membrane located in the filtration unit which separates the primary chamber from a secondary chamber of the filtration unit, out the filtration unit and back to the patient. A replacement fluid is selectively and controllably added to the blood, as required for the selected treatment. A secondary fluid is controllably and selectively introduced into the secondary chamber of the filtration unit for controllably collecting material passing across the semipermeable membrane from the blood or for supplying material to pass across the semipermeable membrane into the blood as required for the selected treatment. Materials are removed from the secondary chamber and collected in accordance with the selected treatment.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1993Date of Patent: June 8, 1999Assignee: COBE Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Lori A. Truitt, Frank Corbin, III, Donn D. Lobdell, Douglas P. Miller, Keith Manica, George J. Eilers, Steven H. Johnson, Lawrence L. Leppert
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Patent number: 5897773Abstract: Apparatus for skimming liquid from the surface of a body of liquid which includes a lighter liquid floating on a heavier liquid. The apparatus includes an upwardly opening container having a specific gravity which causes the container to float in the body of liquid with an upper edge of the container in the vicinity of the interface between the lighter and heavier liquids. An elongated suction tube has a lower end extending down into the container. The upper end of the suction tube is connected to a source of suction so liquid is withdrawn from the container through the tube.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 1997Date of Patent: April 27, 1999Inventor: Laurence Mark Rhodes
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Patent number: 5895571Abstract: A hemodialysis system includes the following: a dialysate handling unit for providing dialysate to the patient. This unit includes a hemodialysis solution pump and apparatus for monitoring hemodialysis solution safety such as a conductivity tester. Additionally a solution heater and appropriate conventional controls can be provided, as well as a proportioning system, an ultrafiltration measuring unit, and other known apparatus for handling dialysis solution. A blood handling unit is also provided, which includes a membrane dialyzer and holder, a blood pump, blood flow tubing and safety equipment for monitoring blood flow as it is pumped through the arterial/venous blood conduit set tubing from the patient, through the membrane dialyzer, and back to the patient. A first conduit is present for conveying fresh dialysate from the dialysate handling unit to the blood handling unit (or directly to the membrane dialyzer).Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1997Date of Patent: April 20, 1999Assignee: Medisystems Technology CorporationInventor: David S. Utterberg
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Patent number: 5888385Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment and recovery of spent vehicle coolant that involves the following steps:a) removing the spent coolant from the engine;b) treating the spent coolant with sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate to cause dissolved metals therein to form insoluble particles;c) treating the spent coolant of step b) with an aqueous basic coagulating agent such as a polyquaternary ammonium compound in its hydroxide form;d) filtering the spent coolant from step c) through a set of filters and then through a bed of carbon particles, to produce a relatively cleaner liquid; ande) adding to the relatively clear liquid a combination of corrosion inhibitors, buffering agents and alkali, whereby the treated coolant can be recycled to the vehicle for effective coolant performance therein.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1996Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: Century Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Kenneth W. Ische, Michael W. Johnson, William S. Dea, Thomas D. Chandler
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Patent number: 5888382Abstract: A filtration tank and means for subsequent purification of filter bag purified waste water, especially grey water, which is introduced into the top of a filter tank and is evenly distributed by means of spray nozzles on the top layer of purification media, which are built up in layers in a tank around a built-in central pipe. The layers of purification media consist of varying types of material and grain size, density, weight, ect. The water passes through the varying layers of purification medium and is collected on the bottom of the central pipe, where a pump lifts the water through a U.V. treatment apparatus for sanitation.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1997Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: Bakelittfabrikken A/SInventors: Lars Ringdal, Lars Westlie, Jens Christian K.o slashed.ler
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Patent number: 5882509Abstract: Apparatus for treating wash water is disclosed. The apparatus includes a settling tank in which sludge is separated from the wash water, a circulation tank for temporary storage of the clean wash water from the settling tank, and from which the clean wash water can be recycled for washing further chips, and a hydrocyclone for separating water from the sludge for recycle to the settling tank. Methods for treating wash water utilizing such apparatus are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1997Date of Patent: March 16, 1999Assignee: Sunds Defibrator Industries ABInventor: Per Perman
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Patent number: 5879552Abstract: A self-purifying filter apparatus comprising (1) a filter having a first surface and a second surface; (2) flow control means, such as a vacuum pump, for causing a stream of fluid interspersed with solid particulates to pass from the first surface to the second surface through the filter, thereby removing some of the solid particulates from the first stream of fluid and depositing them on the first surface; and (3) a purging device, such as a small reservoir of water (potentially formed, in part, by water previously filtered by the filter), for causing a second stream of fluid to pass from the second surface to the first surface through the filter without substantially changing the position of the filter, thereby rinsing and removing from the first surface at least some of the solid particulates that were deposited there.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1997Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Inventor: Michael T. Bradfield
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Patent number: 5876598Abstract: An improved modular system of solids separation is described. In the invention, a settling tank is provided which consists of one or more hoppers having sloped sides downwardly to a drain. Liquids with entrained solids are permitted to accumulate within the hopper as the solids settle until the settling has been completed; whereupon a pump lowered into the liquid is used to decant the liquid. The pump is suspended from a flexible conduit and is lowered as the liquid level lowers so that it remains submerged until the pump reaches a predetermined level above the level of the suspended solids. The sludge is removed from the hopper by gravity flow by opening a drain valve in the bottom therein and an anti-vortexing cap is provided over the drain. The cap has sides which conform to the hopper vessels but slope in the opposite direction so that the lower edge of the cap side is a predetermined distance from the hopper side adjacent the drain.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1997Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Environmental Treatment Facility, Inc.Inventor: Thomas D. Baxter
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Patent number: 5871639Abstract: A monitoring device for an impurity filtration system of drinking water comprising a microprocessor that controls the overall operations of the monitoring system, a LCD indicating circuit that relates information to maintenance personnel, a detecting component that analyses related data for determining the condition and extents of clogging of the impurity filter devices, a warning component that produces verbal or musical sound for warning consumers about the clogged condition of the water impurity filter devices, and a power switching component that cuts off electricity supply to the water pump of the purification system. In operation, the impurity filter devices will be clogged by impurities after being used for a period of time.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1996Date of Patent: February 16, 1999Inventor: Chao Fou Hsu
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Patent number: 5871647Abstract: The wastewater treatment unit is operable under high intermittent flow rate variations. It comprises a first clarifier in which is carried out a gravitational settling of solids and a second clarifier comprising a network of parallel plates inclined with respect to the vertical and a portion defining a collecting pit. Each plate has an upper edge positioned at a height lower than the filling level of the first clarifier to define an overflow giving access to the collecting pit. The network of plates allows to carry out a further settling of solids to create a counterflow of settled matter toward the first clarifier and a flow of clarified wastewater falling in the collecting pit. A filtering chamber is positioned above the first clarifier and comprises a filtering media supporting a biomass for digesting the organic content of the wastewater coming from the second clarifier.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1997Date of Patent: February 16, 1999Inventor: Yves Lord
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Patent number: 5871620Abstract: To decrease the nitrate content of water, it is proposed to reduce nitrate to nitrogen in two stages. The first of these stages is a photochemical reduction to nitrite, and the second stage is a reduction of nitrite to nitrogen using amidosulphuric acid.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1997Date of Patent: February 16, 1999Assignee: Andrea EgnerInventors: Helmar Haug, Eva Gotthold, Joffrey Janicke, Rene Janicke, Nadine Herter
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Patent number: 5865991Abstract: A monitoring device for a drinking water purification system comprising a microprocessor that controls the overall operations of the monitoring system, a LCD indicating circuit that relates information to maintenance personnel, a detecting means that analyses related data for determining the condition and extents of clogging of the filtration elements, a warning means that produces verbal or musical sound for warning consumers about the clogged condition of the water filtration elements, and a power switching means that cuts off electricity supply to the water pump of the purification system. In operation, the filtration elements will be clogged by impurities after being used for a period of time. If the filtration elements are clogged, the monitoring device will make a sound to warn of such condition of the filtration elements and will eventually cut off the power supply to the pump for stopping water delivery if the clogged filtration elements are not replaced after a certain period of time.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1996Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Inventor: Chao Fou Hsu
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Patent number: 5855782Abstract: The present invention is directed to an arrangement for the elimination of substances by means of a membrane filter wherein the use is foreseen both in the blood cleaning procedures as well as in chemical and biotechnological separation techniques. The fluid containing the substances is run through the primary side of the membrane filter and the secondary side is flowed through by a adsorptive suspension which contains the substance binding particles. A pump drives the adsorptive suspension through the secondary side of membrane filter and causes in this way locally differentiable positive and negative transmembrane pressure differences whereby a local fluid exchange occurs and by means of which the active substances come into contact with the particles. Since the volume of the adsorptive suspension in the secondary circuit is held constant, the mean transmembrane pressure does not alter.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1996Date of Patent: January 5, 1999Inventors: Dieter Falkenhagen, Heinrich Schima, Fritz Loth
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Patent number: 5846419Abstract: A hemo(dia)filtration apparatus (10) is described comprising a dialyzer (12) and two sterile filters (38) and (60). The first chambers (42) and (64) of both sterile filters (38) and (60) may be switched at least intermittently during flow through, thereby flushing out membranes (40) and (62) of both sterile filters (38) and (60) and effectively preventing an accumulation of germs and pyrogens. This prevents an increase in the transmembrane pressure (TMP), which reduces the likelihood of a rupture, thereby ensuring sterility of the dialyzer fluid and improving the operating safety of the hemodiafiltration apparatus (10).Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1997Date of Patent: December 8, 1998Assignee: Fresenius AGInventor: Bernd Nederlof
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Patent number: 5843304Abstract: A materials treatment system which includes filtration and treatment of solid and liquid components of a material, such as a waste material. A filter or substrate assembly is provided which allows liquids to pass therethrough, while retaining solids. The solids are then incinerated utilizing microwave energy, and the liquids can be treated after passing through the filter element, for example, utilizing a treatment liquid such as an oxidant liquid. The filter assembly can also include an exhaust filter assembly which removes solids or particulate matter from exhaust gasses, with the retained solids/particulates incinerated utilizing microwave energy.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1995Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Assignee: Wastech International, Inc.Inventors: Guy Marchesseault, John M. Rummler, Heinz Sauk-Schubert, Thomas Beal
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Patent number: 5840196Abstract: An assembly comprising a wheel capable of rotating rapidly to aerosolize wastewater inside an enclosure designed for placement between a septic tank and its associated drainage area which reduces substantially the pathogenic organism content of effluent emanating from the septic tank. A source of UV light can be added inside the enclosure to further detoxify the effluent.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1997Date of Patent: November 24, 1998Inventor: Craig Thomas Laurent
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Patent number: 5824215Abstract: A water purifier includes a support body having a wide bottom portion for supporting the purifier, and a vertical wall panel having front and rear sides. Filter members for purifying water are mounted on the body at the front side thereof, and a pump, circuit board, electric transformer, and fluid control valves are mounted on the body at the rear side thereof to balance the weight of the purifier.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 1997Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Sang-Wook Suh
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Patent number: 5820752Abstract: A recycling apparatus which preferably treats used antifreeze/coolant in four cycles is disclosed. The recycling apparatus includes a number of tanks for storing the antifreeze/coolant during the various treatment cycles, a number of containers for storing chemical reagents used to chemically treat the antifreeze/coolant and a number of filters used to capture impurities suspended in the treated antifreeze/coolant. During a fill cycle, the used antifreeze/coolant is introduced into a treatment tank and the concentration of the antifreeze/coolant is adjusted, if necessary, to a predefined range. During a mix cycle, the used antifreeze/coolant is mixed with various reagents to adjust the pH value, as well as to coagulate and flocculate the impurities. A reverse mixing and aspiration of the antifreeze/coolant in the tank during the mix cycle ensure that the reagents will mix well and react with the impurities in the used antifreeze/coolant to form a sludge.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1995Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignee: Prestone Products CorporationInventors: Norman D. Berke, Stephen M. Woodward, Aleksei V. Gershun, Peter M. Woyciesjes, Robert J. Rosvally
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Patent number: 5804079Abstract: Systems and methods separate whole blood containing leukocytes in a first separation chamber into a first layer comprising red blood cells, a second layer comprising a suspension of platelets, and an interface between the first and second layers. The systems and methods convey the suspension of platelets into a second separation chamber while simultaneously filtering the suspension of platelets to reduce the number of leukocytes. The systems and methods separate the filtered suspension of platelets in the second separation chamber into a platelet-rich concentrate and platelet-poor component.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1996Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventor: Richard I. Brown