With Pump, Gas Pressure Or Vacuum Source Patents (Class 210/258)
  • Patent number: 7182859
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating organic waste. The apparatus includes a tank having an interior chamber. A weir having a lower opening is disposed in the tank and this weir divides the tank into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber. The inlet chamber receives organic waste and an outlet discharges liquid to a waste disposal system from the outlet chamber. Microbes capable of biodegrading organic waste are introduced into the inlet chamber. A pump recirculates liquid from the bottom of the inlet chamber to the top of the inlet chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: PMC Environmental Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffery L. Ostahowski, Ronald L. Panter
  • Patent number: 7182854
    Abstract: A sanitation system comprising of a first tank for receiving waste water fluid typically comprising solids, a maceration pump for pulling waste water fluid from the first tank, a cross flow filter comprising of media for receiving the sheared fluid forming unfiltered waste water and product water, a second tank for receiving the product water from a product water manifold connected to the second segment, a vented loop in communication with the second tank for receiving raw water and displacing product water from the second tank, a macerating water jet adapted to pull product water into the vented loop and on demand further macerate the product water, then into a third tank for receiving water from the vented loop and raw water for de-chlorinating the product water, and a control panel comprising a microprocessor to optimize the operation of the sanitation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Headhunter, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kroesser, Paul Mellinger, Mark Mellinger, Lynn Wallace, Art Smith, Randy Lego, Scott Hudson, Melvyn Wayne Mellinger
  • Patent number: 7179369
    Abstract: The invention relates to an oil filter installation for cleaning or cleaning and dessication of the oil in a tap changer at a power transformer or a plunger core coil, wherein a measuring device for detecting the volume flow of the throughflowing oil is provided and the electric pump motor is influenced by way of an interposed frequency converter in accordance with the result of a comparison of this measured value with a target value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Dohnal, Karsten Viereck
  • Patent number: 7179372
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for filtering or purifying water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Robert L. Miller
  • Patent number: 7175756
    Abstract: The device for treating working fluid includes a fluid level detecting device for detecting a fluid level of cleaned fluid in a cleaned fluid tank, and a control unit for determining an adjustment value for a discharge rate command for a filter device pump, based on the fluid level detected by the fluid level detecting device. The control unit operates to determine a renewed discharge rate command by adding the adjustment value thus determined to the present discharge rate command, and to output the renewed discharge rate command to a pump controller. The pump controller drives the filter device pump according to the discharge rate command to transfer the working fluid from the polluted fluid tank to the cleaned fluid tank through the filter device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd
    Inventors: Yuki Kita, Yushi Takayama
  • Patent number: 7175758
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for recycling a wash solution used in powder coating which uses filters. The invention also relates to methods and apparatuses for recycling wash solutions used in spray washing, steam cleaning or car washes using filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Robert L. Miller
  • Patent number: 7156983
    Abstract: A swimming pool backwash control arrangement includes a timing device incorporated with a valve for controlling normal re-circulating flow and backwash flow through a swimming pool filter. The timer is constructed to be in series with the electric power circuit to the pool pump and is activated when the valve is moved to the backwash flow position. The timer functions to maintain electric power to the pump for a user-specified or a pre-set period. At the end of the period the timer will cause the circuit to open thereby disabling the pump. Power can be restored to the pump by returning the valve to its normal re-circulating flow position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: John G. Burrey
  • Patent number: 7153419
    Abstract: A liquid treating device without any restrictions for a sludge discharge device set above a liquid tank is provided. A cyclone separator adapted to swirl liquid to subject sludge to centrifugal separation from the liquid and precipitate the sludge is connected to the circulating pump adapted to pump up liquid coolant containing the sludge discharged to a liquid tank from a machine tool. An opening/closing valve for sludge discharge is arranged at a discharge port of a sludge pot adapted to condense the sludge precipitated by the cyclone separator. A sludge discharge device to discharge only the sludge to the exterior from a sludge storage tank part adapted to store the sludge and liquid discharged from the sludge pot via the opening/closing valve temporarily is set. A supernatant liquid stored in the sludge storage tank part of the sludge discharge device in the suction side of the pump is recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Nikuni
    Inventor: Yuji Mizuno
  • Patent number: 7153286
    Abstract: The present invention provides automated peritoneal dialysis systems, methods of operating the systems and devices for performing same. A typical therapy performed by the present invention begins by draining dialysis solution that is already in the patient's peritoneal cavity. The system pumps fresh dialysate from one of a plurality of supply bags, through an in-line heater to the patient's peritoneal cavity. After a dwell period, the spent dialysate in the cavity is pumped out of the patient to a drain or other disposal means. The system then pumps fresh dialysate from the supply bags to the patient and the procedure is repeated as defined in the therapy protocol. The system can pump a last bag of dialysate to the peritoneal cavity for an extended dwell, such as a daytime dwell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Don Busby, Peter Hopping, Robert Childers, Shahid Din, Brian Lauman, Rick Kienman, Ian Richardson, Joseph H. Bowman, Jr., Loren M. Lundtveit, Jose Alvaro, Bruce Ming-Da Eu, Sherwin Shang
  • Patent number: 7141167
    Abstract: A filter device for filtering liquids including a filter membrane, a main body which is arranged upstream from the filter membrane, and which has a feed channel perpendicular to the surface of the filter membrane, a gap extending between the filter membrane and the main body forming a tangentially directed cross-flow, and a return channel which is used to return the tangential flow to the feed channel. The flow is primarily returned thereto by means of a contraction in the feed channel at the mouth of the return channel. Preferably, a solid separator is disposed in the return channel. At least one baffle element is arranged in the feed channel in order to create a turbulent flow. The tangential flow along the filter membrane is used to clean said membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: N F T Nanofiltertechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Wilfried Hofmann
  • Patent number: 7122149
    Abstract: A fluid processor, suitable for the production of sterile water for injection, having a processor assembly and a process control system comprising a pump, a flow splitter, flow restrictors and a pressure relief valve. In a preferred embodiment, the processor assembly comprises a heat exchanger, a reactor and a heater arranged in a nested configuration. The preferred embodiment of the present invention also include a treatment assembly having a combination of filter, reverse osmosis and ion exchange devices and further incorporates an assembly and method allowing for the in situ sanitization of the fluid processor during cold start and shutdown to prevent bacteria growth during storage of the fluid processor. The fluid processor may include an electronic control system comprising a touch screen operator interface, a programmable logic controller and sensors for measuring temperature, pressure, flow rate, conductivity and endotoxin level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Applied Research Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Lixiong Li, Timothy J. Campbell, Robert K. Nichols, Jr., Kristopher S. Cozart
  • Patent number: 7122116
    Abstract: A water treatment system that includes a water storage tank fluidly connected to a water source through an inlet, a chlorination device fluidly connected to the water storage tank and the inlet, a media filter vessel at least partially contained within the water storage tank and a pump fluidly connecting the media filter vessel with the water storage tank. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the chlorination device includes a chlorination device configured as a chlorination vessel containing a chlorine tablet. Flow through the chlorination device is regulated to provide decontamination treatment. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the water treatment system includes a media filter vessel contained at least partially within the water storage tank and completely within a footprint or diameter of the water storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: R-Kind Water Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony D. Hackett, Samuel P. Kingrey
  • Patent number: 7118677
    Abstract: In order to use so-called gray water for the flushing of toilets, for example in a conveyance such as a passenger aircraft, the gray water is passed through at least one filter, preferably through a coarse filter followed by a fine filter, into a treatment tank where it is anodically oxidized. The rinsing is performed by a pump that may be a rotary pressure pump or a piston cylinder pump. The pump passes the processed or oxidized water through an excess pressure valve and through at least one spray nozzle into a toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Claus Hoffjann, Hans-Juergen Heinrich
  • Patent number: 7112282
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for extending the life of fountain solutions used in commercial printing presses comprises withdrawing fountain solution from the dampener recirculation system of a printing press and directing the withdrawn fountain solution through a sediment prefilter, a separation filter, and a post treatment filter. The sediment prefilter preferably comprises a melt blown polypropylene filter; the separation filter preferably comprises a diatomaceous earth filter; and the post treatment filter preferably comprises a zeolite filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventors: David J. Stinson, David A. Douglas, Roy E. Seibert, Jose A. Villarreal
  • Patent number: 7108790
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for generating sterile infusion fluid from non-sterile infusion fluid produced by a machine. In one embodiment, the sterile infusion fluid is produced by a sterile fluid generating device that is an ancillary device designed to operate in conjunction with the existing machine. For example, the sterile fluid generating device is used in conjunction with a dialysis machine according to one embodiment resulting in sterile infusion fluid being produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Nephros, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory R. Collins, James Summerton, Edward Spence
  • Patent number: 7100683
    Abstract: An in-well aeration device which includes a water pumping section disposed within the well for drawing water from the well, an aerating section operatively connected to the water pumping section for drawing air into the well and subsequently injecting the air into the well water above the level of the water pumping section, and a motor operatively connected to the water pumping section and the aerating section for operating both sections simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: AMTROL Inc.
    Inventors: Albert R. Heilmann, David Beretta, III
  • Patent number: 7087159
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for extending the life of fountain solutions used in commercial printing presses comprises withdrawing fountain solution from the dampener recirculation system of a printing press and directing the withdrawn fountain solution through a sediment prefilter, a separation filter, and a post treatment filter. The sediment prefilter preferably comprises a melt blown polypropylene filter; the separation filter preferably comprises a diatomaceous earth filter; and the post treatment filter preferably comprises a zeolite filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventors: David J. Stinson, David A. Douglas, Roy E. Seibert, Jose A. Villarreal
  • Patent number: 7087157
    Abstract: A multi-phase separation system utilized to remove contaminants from fluids includes a pre-filtering module for filtering a contaminated fluid to provide a filtered contaminated fluid. A condenser module receives the filtered contaminated fluid and a contaminated gas phase for condensing the contaminated gas phase to a contaminated liquid. A phase reaction chamber converts the filtered contaminated fluid to a contaminated mist wherein the mist is subjected to a low energy, high vacuum environment for providing a first change of phase by separating into a contaminated gas phase and a liquid mist phase. The contaminated gas phase is carried out of the phase reaction chamber by a carrier air. A vacuum pump provides the low energy, high vacuum environment in the phase reaction chamber and delivers the contaminated gas phase to the condenser module for condensation providing a second change of phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Advanced Phase Separation, LLC
    Inventor: Wayne W. Spani
  • Patent number: 7083719
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for performing peritoneal dialysis are provided. To this end, in part, a medical system is provided that includes (i) a liquid pump; (ii) tubing in communication with the liquid pump; and (iii) at least one processor that operates with the liquid pump to: (a) pump liquid through the tubing, the tubing having an end and a hydrophobic filter at the end, the filter allowing air but not the liquid to escape from the end of the tubing, (b) receive a signal indicating a pressure increase inside the tubing, and (c) cause the pumping to stop when air has been purged substantially from the tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Joseph H. Bowman, Jr., Loren M. Lundtveit, Jose Alvaro, Ben Kellam, Don Busby, Bruce Ming-Da Eu
  • Patent number: 7081205
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for desalinating water are provided. A vessel includes a water intake system, a reverse osmosis system, a concentrate discharge system, a permeate transfer system, a power source, and a control system. The concentrate discharge system includes a plurality of concentrate discharge ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Water Standard Company, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew W. Gordon, Charles R. Cushing, Steven J. Duranceau, J. Michael Cavanaugh
  • Patent number: 7077956
    Abstract: A device for preparing dialysate for a dialysis machine is provided with a cartridge (9) containing salts (S), a first line (6) for supplying purified water to the cartridge (9) to form a saturated solution in the said cartridge (9), a second lin (7) for supplying the said saturated solution from the cartridge (9) to the first line (6) and for mixing the saturated solution with the purified water and forming the dialysate, and a discharge line (18) for discharging the said saturated solution from the second line (7) and from the said cartridge (9) at the end of the dialysis treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventor: Paolo Rovatti
  • Patent number: 7077954
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for recirculating machine tool coolant in which coolant and entrained debris flowing in a shallow stream trough are raised to a higher level by rotation of a bladed wheel in a housing arranged to receive the liquid flow stream. Coolant and debris is then directed down at a magnetized body in a plunging discharge to bring ferrous debris into contact with an upwardly facing surface of the magnetized body. The coolant and nonferrous remaining entrained debris is collected in a tank and pumped back to the filter apparatus by a chopper pump which has a hardened impeller having cutting edges cutting up the remaining debris as it is pumped by the impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Jack R. Bratten
  • Patent number: 7074337
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for filtering or purifying water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Inventor: Robert L. Miller
  • Patent number: 7074339
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and method is disclosed for separating solids from a liquid. The apparatus and method comprises a first separator for circulating the solids and the liquid to concentrate the solids within the liquid. The concentrated solids are discharged into a second separator. The second separator extends upwardly for separating and discharging the concentrated solids from the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Settled Solids Management, Inc
    Inventor: Norman Kenneth Mims
  • Patent number: 7060189
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for recycling a wash solution used in powder coating which uses filters. The invention also relates to methods and apparatuses for recycling wash solutions used in spray washing, steam cleaning or car washes using filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Robert L. Miller
  • Patent number: 7052606
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for red blood collection and filtration is provided wherein a red blood cell collection assembly provides for leukoreduction filtration concurrent with or soon after the red blood cell separation and collection procedure. Such procedures involve filtering the separated red blood cells in a diluted state after and/or prior to flushing the filter with storage solution. Storage solution may thus be passed through the leukoreduction filter before, with and/or after the RBCs have been filtered therethrough. The red blood cell collection, filtration and storage assembly is preferably preconnected to a blood component separation disposable assembly, including, for example, a centrifuge vessel and a blood removal/return assembly for removing blood from a donor, passing the blood to the centrifuge vessel for separation of the blood into components for collection and providing for filtration of the separated red blood cell component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Gambro, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce M. Gibbs, Jon D. Herskovits
  • Patent number: 7045061
    Abstract: A dialysis device 1 includes a water supply passage 15 for supplying clean water to solution supply chambers 35a and 35b, and a waste solution passage for discharging a used dialysis solution from solution collection chambers 34a and 34b, and the water supply passage includes a concentrate solution pump 21 that supplies a dialysis concentrate solution from concentrate solution supply source 19. The concentrate solution pump is a piston pump 40 that moves a piston 42 up and down in a cylinder 41 to feed a solution, the piston pump is provided in the way of washing passage 26 provided between the water supply passage and the waste solution passage, and an open/close valve 27 that intermittently opens and closes is provided in the washing passage to flow the clean water in the water supply passage through a gap between the cylinder and the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Nishimura, Yoichi Itoh
  • Patent number: 7045060
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for treating a liquid with a first and a second chemical. A liquid to be treated flows into a first inlet port of an intake manifold. A second inlet port of the intake manifold introduces a first chemical into the liquid. A first static mixing device comprising a spirally twisted tube forming a plurality of helixes and having an inlet port connected in fluid communication with an outlet port of the intake manifold is provided for mixing the first chemical with the liquid. The outlet port of the first static mixing device is connected to a first inlet port of an interconnecting manifold. A second inlet port of the interconnecting manifold introduces a second chemical into the liquid. A second static mixing device has an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet port of the interconnecting manifold for mixing the second chemical with the liquid and for eluting the treated liquid from an outlet port of the second static mixing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Inflowsion, L.L.C.
    Inventors: John Kevin Liles, Gregory A. Schmidbauer
  • Patent number: 7022223
    Abstract: A floating pond skimmer is coupled by a fluid conduit to a remote filter/aerating apparatus. The skimmer sucks a mixture of solids and water, grinds/chops the solids, and pumps the reduced solids and water through the conduit to the filter/aerating apparatus which separates the solids from the mixture and aerates the water from the mixture. The floating skimmer preferably includes a vortex chamber, an on-board pump with a grinding impeller, an adjustable ballast, and an anchor. The filter/aerating apparatus includes an inclined screen and a drain tray beneath the inclined screen coupled to a water discharge conduit. Optionally, an aeration pump is coupled to the discharge conduit. Also optionally, a removable solid waste hopper is located at the lower end of the inclined screen. Otherwise the solid waste simply falls into a compost pile at the bottom of the inclined screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Tesomas Holdings LLC
    Inventors: H. Scott Lovestead, James E. Richardson
  • Patent number: 7014778
    Abstract: A method and device are provided for treating a waste water waste-product mixture from a toilet by coupling the toilet to a waste product mixture to a waste product holding tank, connecting the tank with a vacuum container having a stirring member for breaking up the waste product and a heating system for drying the waste product to an ash, introducing water from a water holding tank that communicates with the toilet to the ash to form a gel, separating the water from the gel, returning the water to the water holding tank, and discharging the gel residue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Yoshiharu Fuchigami
  • Patent number: 7011742
    Abstract: A system for transferring blood product between a blood storage bag and a processing bag. The system includes an airtight containment chamber for supporting therein one or more blood storage bags. A door is provided for access to the chamber and there is included an airtight fixture that allows tubing from the blood storage bag to exit the chamber. A fluid pump is coupled to the containment chamber for establishing either pressure or vacuum within the containment chamber. A controller controls the air pump to, in turn, control the transfer of a blood product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: ZymeQuest, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith Rosiello
  • Patent number: 6994782
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing phosphorus from a wastewater effluent stream from a hog waste lagoon. The wastewater effluent is introduced to the bottom of an inverted cone-shaped continuous crystallizer including a fluidized bed of struvite therein. An effective amount of ammonia is introduced to the wastewater effluent at the bottom of the crystallizer to elevate the pH of wastewater effluent a predetermined amount. An effective amount of magnesium is also introduced to the wastewater effluent at the bottom of the crystallizer. The composition adjusted wastewater effluent is then continuously passed upwardly through the fluidized bed of struvite to reduce the total phosphorus content of the wastewater effluent a predetermined amount of up to about 80% or more. The treated wastewater effluent stream is removed from the top of the crystallizer, and struvite crystals that grow large enough to sink from the bottom of the crystallizer are periodically removed from a collection chamber therebeneath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventors: Keith E. Bowers, Philip W. Westerman
  • Patent number: 6986849
    Abstract: A liquid/solid separator system mounted on a mobile cart and connected to a process tank for reducing the rate at which fluids are consumed in manufacturing processes. The system may include automation and also may include a shear stepped screen including tilted wire wedge wires arranged at varying cant angles. The system may include a fine screen basket received in a settling box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventor: William O. Irvine
  • Patent number: 6984319
    Abstract: An environmentally friendly acid neutralizing filter cartridge is adapted to be mounted in a cartridge mounting body of an engine oil circuit for filtering particulates and neutralizing acid in oil. The filter cartridge comprises a support housing that comprises substantially no metal parts such that the filter cartridge can be readily incinerated. A full flow particulate filter and a bypass particulate filter are arranged in the support housing. A bed of acid neutralizing particles is contained in the support housing. The housing is configured such that a predetermined primary flow path is defined through the filter cartridge that passes through the full flow particulate filter and bypassing the bed of acid neutralizing particles; and a predetermined bypass path is defined through the filter cartridge that passes, in sequence, through the bed of acid neutralizing particles and the bypass particulate filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Baldwin Filters, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Merritt, Gene W. Brown
  • Patent number: 6982033
    Abstract: The Aerobic Treatment Plant with Filter Pipe (“ATPFP”) processes sewage for buildings not connected to a municipal sewer system. It employs a multi-stage process for cleaning sewage in a single, light-weight, easy-to-install unit. Sewage is initially cleaned in the aerobic tank, which is divided into an inner chamber and an outer chamber by a funnel-shaped clarifier hanging down in the aerobic tank, with the opening in the bottom of the clarifier held above the bottom of the aerobic tank. Air droplines hang down in the outer chamber of the aerobic tank, so that sewage in the outer chamber is aerated, stimulating aerobic microorganisms which digest the sewage. The sewage in the outer chamber then moves into the inner chamber inside the clarifier where gravity separates solids from the effluent. This cleaned effluent is then drained to the post-treatment tank for additional cleaning, where it may be chlorinated before it is filtered to screen out debris and then stored for discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventors: Hubbard H. Donald, George E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6982035
    Abstract: An anaerobic digester is disclosed including a single orbicular vessel having two chambers configured for the separate treatment of high-solids and low-solids phases of organic matter. The vessel combines a high solids, plug flow path wherein low solids liquids are separated and directed to a high rate treatment path. The invention provides a novel and simple apparatus for the anaerobic conversion of both high solid and low solid wastes to methane, carbon dioxide, a liquid effluent that can be used as fertilizer, and a solid residue that can be used as a soil amendment. The invention combines the advantages of high solids loop digesters and low solids high rate digesters into a single orbicular vessel. Due to the orbicular geometry, in which a first chamber is a path surrounding and orbiting a second chamber, the apparatus has greater thermal and material efficiencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: David M. O'Keefe
  • Patent number: 6979309
    Abstract: A flow management system for extracorporeal blood treatment application helps to ensure proper balance of incoming and outgoing fluids by precise balancing of relatively small balance chambers. The invention employs combinations of features that help to ensure accuracy including underfilling of the waste flow side of a fixed volume chamber and mechanical connections to synchronize valves and pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: NxStage Medical Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Burbank, James M. Brugger, Dennis M. Treu, C. David Finch, Jr., Barry N. Fulkerson, Steven A. White
  • Patent number: 6969462
    Abstract: A pipe mounting apparatus for a water filter includes a first half body with a top, a first pipe assembly, a second half body with a top, a second pipe assembly and a mounting bracket. The first pipe assembly is formed on the top of the first half body and has a pump inlet and a pump outlet. The second half body is attached to the first half body. Likewise, the second pipe assembly is formed on the top of the second half body and communicates with the first pipe assembly to form a water filtering loop. The mounting bracket is mounted over the two half bodies to support a booster pump. Consequently, the booster pump will be quickly and easily connected to the pump inlet and the pump outlet with fittings or pipes to pump the water into the water filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Po-Chi Liang
  • Patent number: 6969414
    Abstract: A waste stream separator separates liquid and solid waste from a conveying air stream. The liquid and solid waste are first separated from the air steam by gravity and filtration in a removable primary waste barrel. The air is then drawn through a secondary waste barrel and vacuum chamber with a moisture separator and water-resistant HEPA filter to produce dry, filtered air at the output port of the system. The liquid passing through the filter media in the primary waste barrel and the liquid collecting in the secondary waste barrel can be withdrawn for further treatment. When filled with waste, the primary waste barrel can be readily removed and sealed for disposal. If necessary, polyacrylate can be injected into the primary waste barrel to convert any remaining liquid to a solid gel prior to disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Technical Mechanical Resource Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Francis P. Fisher
  • Patent number: 6964646
    Abstract: A device for autologous blood transfusion includes a centrifuge unit with an autotransfusion set rotatably mounted thereto. The autotransfusion set includes a separation unit for concentrating a cell fraction by centrifugation and a tubing system for providing a connection to a blood supply. The tubing system includes a blood supply line leading to the separation unit for supplying blood to be processed and a return line leading away from the separation unit. A filter is integrated into the autotransfusion set in order to eliminate leukocytes and/or tumor cells, thereby yielding greater safety in autotransfusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Fresenius HemoCare GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Biesel
  • Patent number: 6962654
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying dissolved gases (such as oxygen, ozone, chlorine etc.) for chemical and biological processes is described. The methods and apparatus described are particularly suitable for use in the biodegradation of organic matter (such as in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment), and other uses. The apparatus may comprise a dissolved gas supply system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Hydrotreat, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnny Arnaud
  • Patent number: 6960294
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for separation of solids from liquids and separation of liquids from liquids (such as oil from water) by dissolved gas floatation. A dissolved gas floatation clarifier is described as is a liquid-gas mixer, a liquid-liquid mixer, and solid-liquid chemical feeders. The methods and apparatus of the present invention are particularly suitable for supplying dissolved air and mixing of chemicals for use in separation of solids in dissolved air floatation clarifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Hydrotreat, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnny Arnaud
  • Patent number: 6953529
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for particulate removal from liquids is disclosed and includes a Coanda tilted wire wedge wire screen in combination with a liquid-flow velocity control orifice mounted within a cylindrical air-tight vessel that can be operated under pressure. The liquid flow velocity control orifice and Coanda tilted wire wedge wire screen in combination with the pressurized system provides for highly efficient and uniform removal of particulate matter that includes a self-cleaning feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventor: Robert K. Weir
  • Patent number: 6949079
    Abstract: Programmable, fluid pressure actuated blood processing systems and methods are used in association a blood separation device. The systems and methods employ a cassette, which contains several preformed, pneumatically actuated pump stations, several preformed fluid flow paths, and several preformed, pneumatically actuated valves in the fluid flow paths. The systems and methods also employ a programmable pneumatic actuator to hold the cassette and selectively apply pneumatic force to the valves and pump stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Westberg, Rohit Vishnoi
  • Patent number: 6946069
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating solid particles from the suction effluent of, for example, a dental office, preferably driven by a dental office vacuum pump, includes a surge tank for accommodating effluent overfill connected to a sedimentary deposit tank for sedimentation of effluent particles. A bypass conduit is connected to the surge tank inlet which is equipped with a vacuum break valve for allowing air into the system when the suction openings are closed. The sedimentary deposit tank has a series of baffle chambers through which effluent flows in sequence, and in each of which chambers sediment is deposited for later removal. The surge tank preferably has a liquid level sensor and warning device. Modular filters or adsorbants may be installed in the sedimentary deposit tank, or a modular auxiliary filter may be connected downstream of the tank. Chemical injection may be used to improve sedimentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: SolmeteX, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard H. Chilibeck
  • Patent number: 6939471
    Abstract: A method for determining a treatment parameter on a haemofiltration device, as well as a haemofiltration device for applying the method, based on the recognition that a determination method known from haemodialysis can, with little modification, be transferred to haemofiltration. To this effect a physical-chemical characteristic of the substitution fluid and of the fluid which is removed from the haemofilter by way of an ultrafiltrate outlet pipe, is determined. Furthermore, this characteristic is acquired before, after or during a change of this characteristic in the substitution fluid, and is evaluated. As a result, the ion dialysance and thus the urea clearance of a haemofiltration device, which can also be operated as a haemodiafiltration device, can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Malte Gross, Andreas Maierhofer
  • Patent number: 6936176
    Abstract: A transportable water treatment system comprising: an inlet adapted to receive water having a pressure of between 10 to 60 psig, a primary regenerable filter connected so as to receive water that has flown through the inlet, the primary regenerable filter configured to separate solids from water flowing therethrough, a secondary regenerable filter, the secondary regenerable filter connected downstream from the primary regenerable filter, and a chemical feed unit connected downstream of said secondary regenerable filter, the chemical feed unit configured to treat water flowing through introduction of chemicals to the water, a water discharge pipe adapted to discharge treated water from the chemical feed unit, where said inlet, the primary regenerable filter, the secondary regenerable filter, the chemical feed unit, and the discharge pipe make up a transportable water treatment and the transportable water treatment is adapted to fit within a bed of a sub-compact pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Water Missions International
    Inventors: George C. Greene III, George C. Greene IV, Sean P. Kerrigan
  • Patent number: 6932902
    Abstract: A hydraulic oil filtration apparatus 40 comprises an actuation control valve V, a pump-pressure oil passage 41, a connection oil passage 43, a tank oil passage 51, a return filter 60, a drain oil passage 53, a drain filter 70 and an aspirator structure 90. The actuation control valve V controls to charge and discharge a hydraulic actuator A such as a boom cylinder 22 and travel motors with hydraulic oil from a hydraulic pump P, which is connected through the pump-pressure oil passage 41 to the actuation control valve V The hydraulic actuator A is connected with the actuation control valve V by the connection oil passage 43, and the actuation control valve V is connected to a tank T by the tank oil passage 51, in which the return filter 60 is provided. The part of the tank oil passage 51 downstream with respect to the return filter 60 is connected to the hydraulic pump P by the drain oil passage 53, in which the drain filter 70 is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: WAKO Industrial Co Ltd
    Inventors: Shin-ichi Hirasawa, Yukio Adachi, Takeshi Yoshitome
  • Patent number: 6932910
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for recycling a wash solution used in powder coating which uses filters. The invention also relates to methods and apparatuses for recycling wash solutions used in spray washing, steam cleaning or car washes using filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventor: Robert L. Miller
  • Patent number: 6929742
    Abstract: In the case of a fine filter for a fuel feed unit of a motor vehicle, a filter element has at least two sections which surround the fuel feed unit concentrically. In the fitted state of the fine filter, the sections are fastened to the fuel feed unit and to a surge chamber. The filter element has proven particularly cost-effective and enables the use of a particularly small mesh width while requiring little space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernrd Wehrum, Gerd Weise