Within Flow Line Or Flow Line Connected Closed Casing Patents (Class 210/287)
  • Patent number: 7105089
    Abstract: A liquid-liquid extraction system including an outer chamber and an inner chamber. The outer chamber is adapted to contain one of a feed solution and a liquid extractant and defines a containment region. The inner chamber is adapted to contain the other of the feed solution and the liquid extractant within a lower portion of the inner chamber. The inner chamber is defined by a microporous membrane sleeve that internally maintains a frame. Upon final assembly, at least the lower portion of the inner chamber is positioned within the containment region of the outer chamber such that the microporous membrane sleeve establishes an extraction interface between contents of the inner and outer chambers. In one embodiment, the flow region of the microporous membrane sleeve is immersed within a feed solution otherwise contained within the outer chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Dan L. Fanselow, Todd W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7097765
    Abstract: A water heater filter is provided for the removal of minerals and sediments from water, comprising a cylindrical filter housing element comprising an upper chamber and a lower chamber linked by a small diameter section, an inlet fitting, a conical fine mesh stainless steel wire screen positioned within the upper chamber, a first cotton filter positioned within the lower chamber, a second carbon filter comprising activated carbon enclosed in a porous element positioned within the lower chamber, and an outlet fitting. The water heater filter has particular utility in connection with a household water heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventors: Walter John Jackiw, Aaron Dean Bolin
  • 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comprises withdrawing fountain solution from the dampener recirculation system of a printing press and directing the withdrawn fountain solution through a sediment prefilter, a separation filter, and a post treatment filter.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: 7074325
    Abstract: An apparatus for concentrating and stabilizing conjugated estrogens from pregnant mare urine on solid adsorbent supports to obtain a starting material for pharmaceuticals that contain a natural mixture of conjugated estrogens as active ingredient. The apparatus is suitable for decentralized concentration and stabilization of conjugated estrogen mixtures on cartridges in the vicinity of the horses. The adsorber cartridges can be loaded at the site of urine collection so it is unnecessary to transport large volumes of urine to a central processing point. The loading process can take continuously over a period of weeks until the column is saturated. The effluent urine remains at the site where facilities for its disposal are available. Only the loaded cartridge is transported, and transport can occur at longer intervals of up to several weeks. The stability of the conjugated estrogens on the adsorber assures there is no risk of decomposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Solvay Pharmaceuticals GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Ahnsorge, Ivan Ban, Heinz-Helmer Rasche
  • Patent number: 7032503
    Abstract: A hygiene device for a coffee or espresso machine comprises an upper surface for receiving hot water from the machine, a lower surface adapted to be contaminated by flavor-containing materials in a basket while preventing the flavor-containing materials from contaminating the machine, a sufficiently small opening for allowing hot water to pass through to the flavor-containing materials and preventing the flavor-containing materials from reaching the upper surface, and a handle for allowing a user to move the hygiene device to allow the flavor-containing materials contaminated on the lower surface to be washed away. The hygiene device may comprise a seal member for forming an airtight seal with the rim or side wall of basket to enable a vacuum building-up therein to prevent dripping when disposing the wet flavor-containing materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Household Technology Group LLC
    Inventor: Edward Z. Cai
  • Patent number: 7018531
    Abstract: An oil-conditioning filter, for use with an internal combustion engine, includes a mechanical filter element and a central additive cartridge, for gradually dispensing an oil additive over time. The additive cartridge has a beneficial oil-conditioning agent contained therein. The additive may be provided as a solid block within a storage chamber of the cartridge, or may be a plurality of pellets. Central placement of the cartridge allows for fluid filtration through the mechanical filter element before the additive is added thereto, reducing the likelihood that the additive will be filtered out prematurely upon its initial release. An additive cartridge for installation in an oil filter is also described, including a baffle portion and a storage chamber. Alternative exemplary embodiments of the additive cartridge may include a cylindrical shell, a basket which is operatively attached to an oil filter center tube, or a porous center tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Eilers, Daniel J. Auxter, Michael S. Lynch, Gerard W. Bilski, Gary B. Zulauf
  • Patent number: 6986843
    Abstract: Water purifier includes a container having a room, a filtering material disposed in the room for purifying water for catching particles and fungi such as polio viruses. The filtering material is a sintered activated carbon block filter having pores. The filtering material preferably has a first filtering material and a second filtering material. One thing out of the first filtering material and the second filtering material is formed of a sintered activated carbon block filter whose average pore diameter is relatively small and whose amount of penetrating water is relatively small per unit time. Another thing out of the first filtering material and the second filtering material is formed of a sintered activated carbon block filter whose average pore diameter is relatively large and whose amount of penetrating water is relatively large per unit time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: TYK Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeo Tochikubo, Ichiro Tomatsu, Takeshi Kachi, Kazuto Matsue
  • 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: 6955761
    Abstract: Filters, more particularly to multifunctional filters that are capable of removing as well as adding components to a filtered material are provided by the present invention. In addition to a multifunctional filter, the present invention relates to the use of such a multifunctional filter in an apparatus, to process a filtrate and to the filtrate produced by the process of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Paul Amaat Raymond Gerald France, Arseni Valervich Radomyselski, Dewey Edward Burton
  • Patent number: 6921477
    Abstract: A groundwater treatment system, which includes subterranean inlet, treatment, and outlet portions. The inlet portion is configured to collect groundwater from an aquifer. The treatment portion includes a replaceable treatment media and is configured to receive the groundwater from the inlet portion and expose the groundwater to the treatment media. The outlet portion is configured to receive groundwater from the treatment portion and expel the groundwater to the aquifer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventor: Steven L. Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 6919023
    Abstract: An acid neutralizing filter construction is provided that may be used as a bypass type filter. The filter includes a canister having an open end. An end plate is secured to the canister at the open end and includes an inlet port and an outlet port to provide for fluid communication with a mounting adaptor of an oil circuit. A reactor housing is arranged inside the canister and comprises a bowl and a lid. The reactor housing defines an entrance port and an exit port. An acid neutralizing bed of acid neutralizing particles is deposited in the reactor housing. The acid neutralizing particles comprises primarily of calcium carbonate compound or other suitable medium which may be provided by crushed limestone. A particulate filter is also arranged in the reactor housing between the acid neutralizing bed and the exit port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Baldwin Filters, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Merritt, Gene W. Brown, Allan Roush, John H. Beard
  • Patent number: 6908558
    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 posttreatment 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: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Inventors: David J. Stinson, David A. Douglas, Roy E. Seibert, Jose A. Villarreal
  • Patent number: 6887379
    Abstract: A water purification device that can be inserted into a canteen full of impure water that allows a user to drink purified water directly from the canteen, without the need of a pump. The canteen insert is a multistage purification device that has an inlet section at one end and a canteen insert flange mouthpiece at the other end. After the present purification device has been inserted in the canteen, the user tips the bottom of the canteen upward, holding the flange mouthpiece to their mouth and squeezes gently on the sides of the canteen. This forced gravity action pushes water sequentially through the multiple purification sections of the preferred embodiment and subsequently out of the flange mouthpiece for consumption by the user. The canteen flange mouthpiece can also be replaced by a flute straw mouthpiece that allows the user to withdraw water from the canteen via the straw. The same multiple water purification stages are also used in a straw and an inline purifier embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: Beryl B. Schiltz
  • Patent number: 6878269
    Abstract: A device for body fluid purification, comprising a container having an inlet and an outlet for a fluid and a means for preventing an adsorbent from flowing out of the container and an adsorbent charged in the container, the adsorbent comprising a spherical hydrogel, the spherical hydrogel having an average particle size in a range of from about 460 to 600 ?m and having a substantially uniform particle size and comprising an epoxidated cellulose having hexadecylamine immobilized thereon in an amount of 100 to 300 ?mol per gram of dry weight of said epoxidated cellulose, and water, wherein the weight ratio of said epoxidated cellulose having hexadecylamine immobilized thereon to the water is 2:8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Kaneka Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiki Nanko, Shigeo Furuyoshi, Satoshi Takata, Masaru Nakatani
  • Publication number: 20040251191
    Abstract: A liquid purification system and method using ion exchange resin is provided in which the ion exchange resin is kept in a compacted state by means of elastic material. Since the resin is always compacted, high efficiency of the process is obtained which yields high quality product and low regenerant consumption. Furthermore, this system may use larger tank with larger volume of resin so that longer service interval can be obtained because the system is not affected by low service and regenerant flow rates. An integrated backwash tank is provided in which the resin to be backwashed is transferred to the backwash tank and returned to the main column when backwashing is finished.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Arianto Darmawan
  • Publication number: 20040238430
    Abstract: The present invention is a media-based fluid filtration system that extends the time between backwashing operations and prevents the agglomeration of filtered particles at the top of the media bed through the use of a plurality of rotating vanes and associated tines that continuously agitate the upper portion of the filtration media to create a fluidized bed. The fluid stream to be filtered is introduced at the top of a generally cylindrical filtration chamber at a tangential angle to induce a helical flow inside the chamber. The chamber contains one or more layers of filtering media such as sand, gravel, or the like below the inlet. The incoming fluid stream makes contact with a plurality of pivotally mounted vanes, causing them to rotate. One or more downwardly extending tines are attached to each blade, extending down from the blade into the top layer of the filtering media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Emmanuel G. Moya
  • Patent number: 6824690
    Abstract: A method, composition, and apparatus for removing contaminant species from an aqueous medium comprising: providing a material to which zirconium has been added, the material selected from one or more of zeolites, cation-exchangeable clay minerals, fly ash, mesostructured materials, activated carbons, cellulose acetate, and like porous and/or fibrous materials; and contacting the aqueous medium with the material to which zirconium has been added. The invention operates on all arsenic species in the form of arsenate, arsenite and organometallic arsenic, with no pretreatment necessary (e.g., oxidative conversion of arsenite to arsenate).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Hongting Zhao, Robert C. Moore
  • Publication number: 20040226874
    Abstract: A device for body fluid purification, comprising a container having an inlet and an outlet for a fluid and a means for preventing an adsorbent from flowing out of the container and an adsorbent charged in the container, the adsorbent comprising a spherical hydrogel, the spherical hydrogel having an average particle size in a range of from about 460 to 600 &mgr;m and having a substantially uniform particle size and comprising an epoxidated cellulose having hexadecylamine immobilized thereon in an amount of 100 to 300 &mgr;mol per gram of dry weight of said epoxidated cellulose, and water, wherein the weight ratio of said epoxidated cellulose having hexadecylamine immobilized thereon to the water is 2:8.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Toshiki Nanko, Shigeo Furuyoshi, Satoshi Takata, Masaru Nakatani
  • Publication number: 20040222159
    Abstract: A system for treating storm water in situ within a storm water drainage system includes a process chamber and treatment material that is contained within the process chamber. Preferably, the treatment material is a material that is effective in removing heavy metals from storm water, such as zeolite. A first passageway is provided for admitting storm water from the storm water drainage system into the process chamber. A second passageway is provided for returning storm water from the process chamber back to the storm water drainage system. Also disclosed is a method of retrofitting conventional storm water drainage systems so as to render them capable of effectively removing heavy metals from storm water passing therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: John Peters, John W. Peters, John Markee, Frank R. Maresca
  • Patent number: 6793813
    Abstract: A sealed filtration system includes a housing, having two chambers, that can be submerged. One chamber houses a plurality of subchambers in which various filter media are located, and the other chamber houses a submersible pump or additional filer media. A drain chamber and port is also defined within the housing for each chamber. An external pump can be to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventors: Oscar H. Ethridge, Charlotte S. Ethridge
  • Patent number: 6776904
    Abstract: Methods and a device for removing aldehydes from a waste stream are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the device provides for and the method uses a chemical or an aminated surface having primary amine functionality resulting from the amination of a support material such as silica.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Zhu, Xiaolan Chen, Charles G. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6743353
    Abstract: In this neutralizing apparatus, aerobic microorganisms are propagated on a vinylidene chloride packing material 10 provided in a neutralization tank 3. The aerobic microorganisms produce nitric acid ions from organic alkaline wastewater introduced from a raw water tank 1 and thereby the organic alkaline wastewater is neutralized. Thus, various kinds of alkaline wastewater can be neutralized without using a mineral acid as a poison such as hydrochloric acid or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kasisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Yamasaki, Kazumi Chujo
  • Publication number: 20040099606
    Abstract: Water is separated from an emulsion of water and oil by passing the emulsion through a bed of superabsorbent polymer granules which break the emulsion and absorb water from the mixture of water and oil. An apparatus for separating water from an emulsion of water and oil has at least one separation cell containing a bed of super absorbent polymer granules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Todd A. McGarvey, James A. Lilly
  • Publication number: 20040094465
    Abstract: A water treatment apparatus includes a housing comprising multiple housing portions and a plurality of treatment sections disposed within the housing, each treatment section comprising at least one distinct particulate layer. The apparatus is designed so that no water pressure need be applied to force the water through the apparatus, as gravity pulls the water down through the filtering layers. Water may also be force fed through the treatment apparatus; when the water is force fed, the housing portions need not be vertically stacked, but may be configured in any suitable arrangement. The treatment sections are distributed through the various housing portions in logical groups to perform various kinds of filtering. The housing portions are detachable and sealably stackable in multiple configurations, thus passing water through more or fewer treatment layers, depending on the quality of the incoming water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Rajan G. Rajan, Mathu Rajan
  • Publication number: 20040079694
    Abstract: A module enabling individual adaptation by the user to the respective task in the treatment of fluids using housings and connections of existing filtration devices without any modification is described. The module comprises one or more cells stacked one on top of the other, each of these having at least one opening, the opening of the cell or the similar openings of the cells together forming at least one channel for feeding or discharging the fluid to be treated. Each cell has two flat, porous components delimiting an inner space and designed for passage of the fluid therethrough, the inner space or spaces being connected to the channel. The inner space of the cell or cells contains at least partially a treatment material for the fluid. The method for manufacturing such a module makes provision for a treatment material to be introduced with a carrier fluid into the cells through the channel provided for feeding the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Wolfgang Diemer, Klaus Figgle, Klaus Feifel
  • Publication number: 20040050769
    Abstract: A liquid mixture separator utilizes particles which attracts one liquid of a mixture and does not attract a second liquid of the mixture. The mixture is introduced into a separator wherein a first liquid is attracted to the particles and the second liquid of the mixture is not attracted. The separated first liquid is passed outwardly via a filter which retains the particles, and the separated second liquid is drained from the separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Henry P. Sheng
  • Publication number: 20040045888
    Abstract: A fluid treatment system comprising at least two cylindrical vessels, wherein each vessel contains at least one treatment medium selected from ion exchange resins, polymeric adsorbents, inorganic adsorbents and activated carbon; each vessel has at each end a flat head and a fractal liquid transfer manifold; and the system comprises at least one membrane degasifier unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Jay Alfred Miers, James Thomas McNulty
  • Publication number: 20040026302
    Abstract: A water filtering assembly includes cup-shaped member and a top cover and a space is formed to receive any type of filtering agent which is convenient to be replaced. The cup-shaped member is made of transparent material so that the users may check the water filtering agent to replace with new filtering agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Jack Lee
  • Patent number: 6640582
    Abstract: A self-retaining adsorbent unit for use in combination with an elongated refrigerant-containing housing includes an elongated adsorbent-carrying porous fabric casing with adsorbent disposed therein. A retaining tab is formed at one end of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Multisorb Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel A. Incorvia, Peter R. Millen
  • Patent number: 6623636
    Abstract: An oil-conditioning filter, for use with an internal combustion engine, includes a mechanically active filter element and a chemically active filter element. The chemically active filter element has a beneficial oil conditioning agent contained in a plurality of porous additive-dispensing modules. Each of the additive-dispensing modules includes a hollow housing having a plurality of holes formed therein, and a beneficial oil additive disposed within the housing. Optionally, each additive-dispensing module may also include a porous or semi-porous polymeric membrane covering the housing, to control the rate at which the additive material diffuses outwardly therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Paul Rohrbach, Gordon William Jones, Peter D. Unger, Daniel E. Bause
  • Publication number: 20030173304
    Abstract: Disclosed is an environmentally friendly fluid treatment assembly comprising: a back-flushable filter, a fluid conditioning device and a control valve. During normal operation, fluid is directed by the control valve to pass through the conditioning device wherein the precipitation of solids dissolved within the fluid takes place. The fluid is then directed to flow through a filter medium within the back-flushable filter where precipitates and other solids are removed from the flow. The fluid then exits the assembly via the control valve. During back-flushing, the direction of fluid flow through the assembly is reversed and the filter medium is fluidised while precipitates and other solids are flushed out of the filter through the control valve. The assembly finds particular but not exclusive application to the treatment of water. Water treatment devices comprising an embodiment of the present invention lead to the precipitation of carbonates from hard water and removes those precipitates from the water flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Christopher Michael David Joslin, John Christopher Sutherland Buchanan
  • Publication number: 20030141235
    Abstract: A filtration module is provided which includes a manifold (100), a filtration cartridge (104) and a bowl (102) that houses the filter cartridge. The filtration cartridge and bowl are connected to each other to form a unitary construction. The filtration cartridge and bowl are in fluid communication with the manifold in a manner which prevents mixing of a fluid feed to the module and a permeate removed from the module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: Mykrolis Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph Stankowski, John L. Milcetich
  • Patent number: 6582595
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a water conditioning apparatus that is compact and easily recharged without removal from the installation location. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a water conditioning apparatus that is generally rectangular in shape and is configured to fit into rectangularly shaped spaces of limited size. In another embodiment, the water conditioning apparatus is configured to fit in a corner location. In still another embodiment, the water conditioning apparatus is of modular configuration and includes a self-contained selector valve system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Alex S. Peabody
  • Patent number: 6576123
    Abstract: An ion removal arrangement includes a filter having a filter material made of synthetic or naturally occurring crystalline hydrated aluminum silicates having a framework structure, which contain alkaline or alkaline earth ions. The filter is formed as a double pipe cartridge having an inner pipe and an outer pipe. The filter material is filled in the annular space between the inner pipe and the outer pipe. The filter is installed in the cast iron gutter pipe of a gutter system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: KM Europa Metal AG
    Inventors: Sonja Priggemeyer, Stefan Priggemeyer, Werner Harnischmacher, Herbert Runde, Gerhard Weil
  • Patent number: 6503390
    Abstract: An apparatus for and method of filtering hydrocarbon contaminated water is disclosed herein. The present invention may be used in drainage openings, particularly in parking lots and containment areas for large sources of hydrocarbons such as oil tanks or electrical transformers, to remove hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon contaminated water. The apparatus has a filtration compartment which filters out debris and sediment which may clog the treatment compartment. A pre-filter attachable to the apparatus may be used to further aid in filtering out sediment. A means for melting snow and ice may be incorporated within the filtration compartment such that liquid flow is not hindered during extreme weather conditions. The treatment compartment contains a hydrocarbon absorption media which absorbs any hydrocarbons present in the water rendering such water substantially hydrocarbon-free for discharge directly into a stream or groundwater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Solidification Products International, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Gannon
  • Patent number: 6474098
    Abstract: An adsorbent package is provided for use within the sealed canister of a fluid flow tube of an air conditioning system. The adsorbent package includes a desiccant bag formed of a pouch having a sealed first end and a substantially cylindrical second end. A filter cap is slidably and sealingly received within the second end of the pouch. The cap includes a resilient sealing ring formed proximate a porous end wall. The sealing ring slidably and sealingly engages an inner surface of the canister. The package is constructed of a non-woven spun bonded nylon and can therefore be snugly received within the tight confines of fluid flow tube or canister sections of an integrated condenser receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Stanhope Products Company
    Inventors: Glenn D. Perrine, David V. Flaugher, John M. Evans
  • Patent number: 6457589
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid dispenser. The flow of either filter or unfiltered fluid may be selected by positioning an actuator that also contains the filter. Selection is accomplished by positioning the actuator within two planes that are not coincident, or by positioning the actuator along a single axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Malcolm D. Poirier, Jeffrey E. Fish, Kevin P. McGrath, Bruce S. Williamson
  • Patent number: 6449977
    Abstract: A self-retaining adsorbent unit for use in combination with an elongated refrigerant-containing housing includes an elongated adsorbent-carrying porous fabric casing with adsorbent disposed therein. A retaining tab is formed at one end of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Multisorb Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel A. Incorvia, Peter R. Millen
  • Publication number: 20020121470
    Abstract: Composite media, systems, and devices for substantially removing, or otherwise processing, one or more constituents of a fluid stream. The composite media comprise a plurality of beads, each having a matrix substantially comprising polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and supporting one or more active components which are effective in removing, by various mechanisms, one or more constituents from a fluid stream. Due to the porosity and large surface area of the beads, a high level of contact is achieved between composite media of the present invention and the fluid stream being processed. Further, the homogeneity of the beads facilitates use of the beads in high volume applications where it is desired to effectively process a large volume of flow per unit of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Nick R. Mann, Donald J. Wood, Terry A. Todd, Ferdinand Sebesta
  • Publication number: 20020108899
    Abstract: An ion processing element employing composite media disposed in a porous substrate, for facilitating removal of selected chemical species from a fluid stream. The ion processing element includes a porous fibrous glass substrate impregnated by composite media having one or more active components supported by a matrix material of polyacrylonitrile. The active components are effective in removing, by various mechanisms, one or more constituents from a fluid stream passing through the ion processing element. Due to the porosity and large surface area of both the composite medium and the substrate in which it is disposed, a high degree of contact is achieved between the active component and the fluid stream being processed. Further, the porosity of the matrix material and the substrate facilitates use of the ion processing element in high volume applications where it is desired to effectively process a high volume flows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Nick R. Mann, Troy J. Tranter, Terry A. Todd, Ferdinand Sebesta
  • Patent number: 6428697
    Abstract: Methods comprise processing wastewater to produce useful products. Preferably wastewater is ash leachate from landfills which is processed using magnetohydrodynamic treatment followed by electrolytic cell treatment to produce sodium hypochlorite. Methods further comprise removal of hazardous substances from wastewater for subsequent storage and processing of wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: William W. Edgar
  • Patent number: 6419823
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for sanitizing and cleaning filtration systems is provided. The apparatus includes a chamber fluidly connected to a source of fluid for backwashing the system, and a heat exchanger for increasing the temperature of the fluid. A filter media is positioned within the chamber. The method of sanitization involves backwashing the apparatus to remove debris, then continuing to circulate the backwash fluid through the system while increasing the temperature of the fluid, until the temperature of the water and apparatus is sufficient to deactivate microorganisms. The method may also involve increasing the disinfecting power of the fluid by adjusting the pH of the fluid. The apparatus may be provided with a scavenger to assist in the substantially complete removal of fluid from the chamber during and after a steaming or cleaning process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventors: Harry C. DeLonge, Michael G. Costello, Karen L. Asher
  • Patent number: 6350378
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to easily produce water having fine clusters and containing little chlorinated material. Said object is attained by a water treating apparatus consisting of a cylindrical body having a water inlet at the upper end and a water outlet at the lower end wherein a water passage is longitudinally formed in said cylindrical body, and a blade member is arranged in said cylindrical body and gives water passing through said water passage revolution force and shear force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: I.B.E.Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiharu Oyabu
  • Patent number: 6346421
    Abstract: A method for separating microorganisms, especially infectious agents, from a mixture by two dimensional centrifugation on the basis of sedimentation rate and isopycnic banding density, for sedimenting such microorganisms through zones of immobilized reagents to which they are resistant, for detecting banded particles by light scatter or fluorescence using nucleic acid specific dyes, and for recovering the banded particles in very small volumes for characterization by mass spectrometry of viral protein subunits and intact viral particles, and by fluorescence flow cytometric determination of both nucleic acid mass and the masses of fragments produced by restriction enzymes. The method is based on the discovery that individual microorganisms, such as bacterial and viral species, are each physically relatively homogeneous, and are distinguishable in their biophysical properties from other biological particles, and from non-biological particles found in nature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Large Scale Proteomics Corp.
    Inventors: Norman G. Anderson, N. Leigh Anderson
  • Patent number: 6245228
    Abstract: A water treatment device for purifying small quantities of non-potable water for drinking purposes. The device includes: a primary container, a secondary product container, and a cylindrical filter cartridge. The primary container is filled with untreated water, and brought into contact with a disinfecting agent. The filter cartridge is then attached to the primary container and the secondary container is attached to an outlet port of the filter cartridge, the entire arrangement is then inverted to allow water to flow from the primary container into the inlet port of the filter cartridge. A physicochemical time switch is installed near the inlet port of the filter cartridge and blocks the flow of water from the primary container into the filtering elements until an appropriate amount of time has lapsed for the disinfecting agent to effectively disinfect the water. The physicochemical time switch is either a water dissolvable barrier or an expandable compartment filled with hydrophilic polymeric crystals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Maher I. Kelada
  • Patent number: 6238556
    Abstract: A filtration system for filtering particulate matter from a liquid, the filtration system comprises a pre-filtration apparatus and a main filtration apparatus. The pre-filtration apparatus comprises a vessel having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a back-washing outlet, and a filtering medium disposed in the vessel and capable of filtering large particulate matter from the liquid and passing fine particulate matter. The fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are positioned such that liquid flowing therebetween is passed through the filtering medium. The fluid outlet and back-washing outlet are positioned such that liquid flowing therebetween is passed through the filtering medium. The main filtration apparatus comprises a vessel having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a filtering medium disposed in the vessel and capable of filtering fine particulate matter from the liquid. The fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are positioned such that liquid flowing therebetween is passed through the filtering medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Fluid Art Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William D. Hawk, Gary D. Cryer
  • Patent number: 6235192
    Abstract: A bi-directional filter has a pair of flapper-type check valve assemblies 20, 21 for directing fluid flow unidirectionally through a centrally supported molded desiccant core 22. Each check valve assembly is a three part structure spot-welded into a unitary assembly having a centering support plate, a core support cup and an intermediate flapper valve plate. A depth-type filter media circumferentially surrounds the desiccant core and extends between the check valve assembly on either end of the core for providing filtering for the fluid prior to entering the molded desiccant core. A depth-type filter media 80, 81 is also provided at each axial end of the core for providing fine filtration of the fluid after the fluid has passed through the core. The outer filter media is arranged to allow a portion of fluid therein to bypass the desiccant core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: James J. Melfi, Gary E. Griffin
  • Patent number: 6210567
    Abstract: A filtration device for tank water for aquarium fish having several partitions dividing the casing into several filtration chambers. A removable filtration cartridge is inserted into each filtration chamber. The cartridge has top and bottom panels with perforations formed in the panels to allow water to flow through the cartridge. The partitions are arranged in an alternating pattern. One partition has an opening near the bottom of the casing, and the partition extends to the top of the casing. The next partition does not have an opening near the bottom of the casing and the partition does not reach the top of the casing. This arrangement allows water to flow through the filtration device in a zigzag pattern. The removable cartridges allow individual filter mediums to be replaced without removing all the beneficial bacteria from the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Shunsuke Takada
  • Patent number: 6187187
    Abstract: A shower filter assembly, having a thin or low-profile design, including a recessed inlet, which leads into an internal chamber having a filter element mounted therein to deflect water flowing into the internal chamber substantially evenly through a filter media held within the filter element. Magnets are provided in the compact shower filter to act on the water flowing therethrough, so as to breakdown carbonates therein and prevent the formation of line and scale deposits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: David K. Farley
  • Patent number: 6145670
    Abstract: A bathtub spout water filter for use with a bathtub spout having a spout body with an open rear, and an open front for water egress with a female threaded fitting located behind the open front. The bathtub spout water filter has a frustum-shaped filter body with enclosing sidewalls, a rearwardly extending male threaded end for water ingress adapted to screw into a bathtub spout water supply line, and a frontwardly extending male threaded end for water egress and adapted to screw into the female threaded fitting in the bathtub spout. Filter material is contained within the enclosed filter body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: William Risser