Including A Filter Patents (Class 210/295)
  • Patent number: 7575656
    Abstract: A system that treats wastewater by subjecting it to a heat source and destroying the microbes present therein and disposes of the wastewater to the atmosphere through evaporation. The components of the system are designed for in-ground or below-grade placement for aesthetic purposes and to eliminate a need for separate structures for housing or enclosing the system. The system does not generate a discharge as part of its regular operation and thus eliminates the need for disposal to an on-site feature or public sewer utility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventors: Matthew Glen Moore, William Edgar Moore
  • Patent number: 7571622
    Abstract: A reversible cooling/heating system has an in-line accumulator/dryer unit. The accumulator/dryer unit has a body having first and second ports. A foraminate conduit is positioned at least partially within the body. A desiccant at least partially surrounds a first portion of the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Ballet, Pierre Delpech
  • Publication number: 20090188854
    Abstract: A filter device for filtering liquid passing there through, the filter device comprising a housing (101) for securing to a source (3) of the liquid and having a liquid accommodating duct (10) there through for accommodating the liquid. The duct (10) extends from an upstream end for communicating with the liquid source (3), to a downstream end terminating in an outlet (14) through which the liquid is discharged from the filter device, wherein the filter device incorporates a filter element (110, 111, 113) for substantially removing bacteria from the liquid passing there through.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: Aqua-Nu Filtration Systems Limited
    Inventors: Patrick FARRELLY, Sean McCormack, Robert Verkerk, David Maybin
  • Patent number: 7553413
    Abstract: A plasma concentrator of this invention having a concentrator chamber, concentrator gel beads, a filter, and an agitator. The agitator has agitator blades extending outwardly from the lower end. The agitator end is positioned in the concentrator chamber and supported for rotation about its central axis and for reciprocal movement along its central axis. The concentrator has a top with an upper opening through which the upper end of the actuator stem extends, and a lower opening in which the filter is positioned. The concentrator chamber can have a cylindrical inner wall, and the agitator blades can have an outer edge in close proximity to the inner wall with the space between the outer edge and the inner wall being less than the diameter of the gel beads. The filter is selected to block effective flow of plasma therethrough under ambient gravity conditions and permit plasma and plasma concentrate flow therethrough under centrifugal forces of the separation gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignees: Hanuman LLC, Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Randel Dorian, Michael D. Leach, Richard Wood Storrs
  • Patent number: 7534327
    Abstract: A device for recovering drinking water from condensate includes a self-supporting moulded part 11 formed of a transparent synthetic resin such as PET or PC, which is resistant to UV radiation. The moulded part 11 presents an open bottom area 16 with a collecting channel 15 on the edge side, with the collecting channel 15 presenting an inner wall 18 oriented towards the circumferential surface 12 and serving, at the same time, as floating aid, and with the moulded part 11 being provided with a pouring opening in its upper section 13 . For the manufacture of this device, a vacuum is created in a special deep-drawing tool not only in the region of the circumferential surface to be produced but also in the region of the collecting channel to be formed, and the moulded part is separated from a separated deep-drawing tool element outside the zone of the collecting channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventor: Stephan Augustin
  • Patent number: 7531098
    Abstract: A system for automatically processing blood components is described. The system includes a console, which contains all motors, pumps, sensors, valves and control circuitry, and a unique disposable set that includes a cassette supporting a centrifuge with an improved design, pump interfaces with an improved design, component and solution bags, and tubing. Various processes are implemented using a specific disposable set for each process which allows automatic identification of the process to be performed the console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Terumo Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas C. Robinson, Thomas P. Robinson, Richard D'Elia, Paul Eibe, Thomas Sahines
  • Patent number: 7531094
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for two-stage blood dialysis of a patient. In one embodiment, the system comprises a first filtration device for receiving the blood from the patient and for producing a first filtrate and processed blood. The system further comprises a second filtration device for receiving the first filtrate and producing replacement fluid and waste product. At least one of the first and second filtration devices preferably comprises a Taylor vortex-enhanced blood filtration device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: KKJ, Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer K. McLaughlin, Don Schoendorfer
  • Publication number: 20090101598
    Abstract: A method of removing suspended solids from a gasification process water stream includes, in an exemplary embodiment, providing a gasification process water stream containing process derived suspended solids, settling at least a portion of the suspended solids from the process water stream in a settling apparatus, providing a filter apparatus having a plurality of filter elements, and removing a portion of the settled solids from the settling apparatus. The method also includes precoating the filter elements with the settled solids removed from the settling apparatus, directing a portion of the process water stream from the settling apparatus to the filter apparatus, and filtering the portion of the process water stream directed from the settling apparatus through the precoated filter elements to remove suspended solids particles to form a filtrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: James Scott Kain, Priyadharshini Swaminathan, Dinh-Cuong Vuong
  • Patent number: 7517451
    Abstract: The present invention provides a filter for drinking water, including six filtering bottles. The fifth filtering bottle is formed with ion exchange resins, and the sixth filtering bottle is formed with a ceramic filtering core. The arrangement of the original third and fourth filtering bottles of the prior art is transposed, and a device for preventing a magnet of the filter from rusting is provided. The filtering bottles are orderly in turns and connected by tubes, and the fourth filtering bottle is connected with the fifth and sixth filtering bottles by a three-way pipe. Water is poured into a first filtering bottle and discharged from the fifth or sixth filtering bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventor: Chih Chou Liu
  • Patent number: 7509759
    Abstract: An apparatus for dewatering dredge spoils includes a floating barge having a planar upper surface or deck. One end of the barge, such as the stern, is partially flooded or otherwise ballasted so that the deck slopes downwardly from the bow toward the stem. Dredge spoils removed from a waterway are deposited onto the bow where they flow down toward the stem. A plurality of concrete blocks on the deck form an attenuator that, in turn, defines one or more settling ponds on the surface of the barge. A weir across the stem of the barge forms an additional settling pond at the rear of the barge. Solids suspended in the water removed from the waterway settle out onto the deck when the dredge spoils are deposited onto the bow. Remaining solids suspended in the water deposit onto the deck as the water flows through the settling ponds. The relatively clear water that remains then flows back into the waterway off the stem of the sloped barge after passing through the settling ponds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: General Construction Company
    Inventors: Brian Bernard Langdon, Kenneth Anthony Preston, Thomas Edward Coultas
  • Patent number: 7504033
    Abstract: A structure for automatic cleaning of a water quality purification cartridge includes a water quality purification cartridge having a water purification flow path and a raw water flow path. An upstream side surface of the water quality purification cartridge is cleaned by raw water flowing through the raw water flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Kotobuki Tsushou Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Takagi, Fumitaka Shiratake
  • Patent number: 7497944
    Abstract: A system and method are used in connection with processing of blood components. The processing of blood components may involve centrifugal separation and/or filtering of the blood components. In some examples, at least some blood components are centrifugally separated in a chamber and then filtered via a filter rotating along with a centrifuge rotor, wherein the filter is located closer than the chamber to an axis of rotation of the rotor. The filter may include a porous filtration medium configured to filter leukocytes, platelets, and/or red blood cells. Some examples include a pressure sensor sensing pressure of pumped blood components. The sensed pressure may be used in connection with controlling the pumping of the blood products and/or in connection with determining the location of an interface associated with the blood products. Other uses of the sensed pressure are also possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: CaridianBCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Niclas Högberg, Emanuel Hällgren, Peter Pihlstedt, Brian M. Holmes, Lars Persson, Lars Strandberg, Geert Van Waeg, Frank Corbin, III
  • Patent number: 7488427
    Abstract: System and methods for collecting and preparing fat for autologous fat tissue transplantation. The system includes syringes, filtering and transferring assemblies coupled with the syringes, a centrifuge and a centrifuge insert releasably coupled with the centrifuge. Substances, including oil, fat, and denser substances, such as tumescent fluid, connective tissue, hormones and/or other non-fat substances, are harvested through a cannula into a syringe. Syringes are placed in the centrifuge insert, and subject to centrifugation. Centrifugation stratifies the substances into a top oil stratum, a middle fat stratum, and a bottom denser substance stratum. Denser substances are filtered out of the syringes during or after centrifugation. Oil is removed through an aspiration port in the plunger head of the syringe plunger. Fat is transferred from the first syringe into one or more smaller syringes through an adapter in the assembly coupled with the first syringe and the smaller syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Lipose Corporation
    Inventor: Robert M. Freund
  • Patent number: 7469846
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the wet-mechanical treatment of a substance mixture, particularly of refuse of all types, comprised of inert substances, water and of organic substances having a water-soluble and bioconvertible portion, whereby water is used as a solvent, washing agent and separating agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Ecoenergy Gesellschaft fur Energie—und Umwelttechnik mbH
    Inventor: Reinhard Schu
  • Patent number: 7445711
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly with a filter housing and at least one filter cartridge. The at least one filter cartridge is tubular, has a tube wall provided with a filter and comprises a central discharge channel with a discharge connection for discharge of filtered medium. The tube wall has a filter through which the medium to be filtered is able to flow transversely to the tube wall. The filter housing has a filter chamber, surrounded by a side wall, in which the at least one filter cartridge is accommodated with the longitudinal direction parallel to the side wall. The invention furthermore is directed to a filter cartridge intended for such an assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Indufil B.V.
    Inventors: Peter Alexander Josefus Pas, Frits Nicolaas Johannes Jacobus Greter
  • Patent number: 7445708
    Abstract: A unit for purifying water contaminated by droplets of hydrocarbonaceous liquid has an essentially vertically positioned filter, an inlet chamber for the contaminated water that is partially defined by a first vertical surface of the filter, supply means for contaminated water debouching in the lower portion of the inlet chamber, and outlet means connected to the upper portion of the inlet chamber for discharging hydrocarbonaceous liquid separated from the water in the inlet chamber. The operational period between filter cleaning and/or the hourly capacity of the filter is increased by injecting fine gas bubbles into the contaminated water in least one location selected from locations in the lower portion of the inlet chamber and locations in the supply means to produce a stream of gas bubbles upwards along the first vertical filter surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: M-I Epcon AS
    Inventor: Stein Egil Oserod
  • Patent number: 7413665
    Abstract: A system for separating a composite fluid into component parts thereof, including: a centrifuge having a rotor with a separation space and at least two valve members disposed thereon and a container set having a separation container adapted to be disposed in the separation space of the rotor and first and second collection containers connected to the separation container by a first and a second tubes. The tubes are adapted to be disposed in operative relationship with the valve members so that flow through the tubes may be controlled thereby. Three components of the composite fluid may be separated therefrom by the present system and two components may be moved to the collection containers. The container set may further include a third collection container connected to the separation container by a tube, and a third component may thus be moved to this third container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Gambro BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Holmes, Johan-Petter Hagström, Per-Olov Lundberg, Geert Van Waeg, Peter Nordgren
  • Publication number: 20080179263
    Abstract: A combined filter apparatus includes a first filter element, a second filter element disposed in stacking arrangement to the first filter element, a housing enclosing the filter elements, a seal sealing the dirty side of the first filter element from the dirty side of the second filter element, a first inlet disposed in the housing for fluid flow to the first filter element, a second inlet disposed in the housing for fluid flow to the second filter element, and an outlet disposed in the housing for fluid flow from at least one of the filter elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Mark T. Wieczorek, Naren Shaam, Charles W. Hawkins, Chad M. Thomas, Ted Loftis, Barry M. Verdegan, Zemin Jiang
  • Patent number: 7402245
    Abstract: A first aspect of the present invention relates to a digested sludge treatment apparatus for treating digested sludge generated by subjecting organic waste matter to anaerobic digestion, comprising: an apparatus for decarbonating the digested sludge; a removal apparatus for removing coarse contaminant particles from the digested sludge; and an apparatus for separating or concentrating crystals containing magnesium ammonium phosphate from the digested sludge after the digested sludge passes through the decarbonation apparatus and removal apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuaki Shimamura, Takao Hagino, Noriko Ueda
  • Patent number: 7396466
    Abstract: A system (10) comprising multiple units (40a-40h) and method for filtration of wastewater (20) is disclosed. Simultaneous denitrification of a single filter unit and normal filtration of the remaining filter units is provided for. Separate flow control systems (36) are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Tetra Process Technologies Seven Trent Services Company
    Inventors: Joseph M. Bonazza, Donald J. McCarty, Navin Kadakia, David C. Slack
  • Patent number: 7396451
    Abstract: A system for separating a composite fluid into component parts thereof, including: a centrifuge having a rotor with a separation space and at least two valve members disposed thereon and a container set having a separation container adapted to be disposed in the separation space of the rotor and first and second collection containers connected to the separation container by a first and a second tubes. The tubes are adapted to be disposed in operative relationship with the valve members so that flow through the tubes may be controlled thereby. Three components of the composite fluid may be separated therefrom by the present system and two components may be moved to the collection containers. The container set may further include a third collection container connected to the separation container by a tube, and a third component may thus be moved to this third container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Gambo BCI, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Holmes, Johan-Petter Hagström, Per-Olov Lundberg, Geert Van Waeg, Peter Nordgren
  • Patent number: 7374677
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for two-stage blood dialysis of a patient. In one embodiment, the system comprises a first filtration device for receiving the blood from the patient and for producing a first filtrate and processed blood. The system further comprises a second filtration device for receiving the first filtrate and producing replacement fluid and waste product. At least one of the first and second filtration devices preferably comprises a Taylor vortex-enhanced blood filtration device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: KKJ, Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer K. McLaughlin, Don Schoendorfer
  • Patent number: 7357859
    Abstract: A method for testing the integrity of a membrane includes steps of placing a magnetically susceptible material in a fluid upstream of the membrane, collecting the material downstream of the membrane using a magnetic field, and detecting the material using a sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Nandakishore Rajagopalan, Todd N. Rusk, Robert A. Sanford
  • Publication number: 20080083668
    Abstract: A magnetically enhanced oil filter apparatus includes an oil filtration assembly which includes a filtration assembly base having oil inlets and an oil outlet located in the filtration assembly base. A filtration material support bracket rests on the filtration assembly base. A quantity of filtration material is supported by the filtration material support bracket. A flow director shroud is connected to the filtration material support bracket. A top portion of the flow director shroud extends over the filtration material. A retainer spring urges the filtration material support bracket in firm contact with the filtration assembly base. A magnetic flux assembly rests on the oil filtration assembly, and assembly-to-assembly connection means are provided for connecting the magnetic flux assembly to the oil filtration assembly. The apparatus of the invention permits ferromagnetic particles to be removed from oil prior to being filtered through a quantity of filtration material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph C. Caiozza
  • Patent number: 7344641
    Abstract: A system for the treatment of residential wastewater which comprises a septic tank, a holding tank in fluid communication with the septic tank and a reactor containing a plurality of media on which the wastewater is sprayed, and cyclonic clarification means. The system is designed to treat the wastewater such that it does not need to be passed to a drainage field for final disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Société Systèmes Ecobox
    Inventor: Edward Gresko
  • Patent number: 7332126
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for performing the steps of nucleic acid template purification, thermocycling reaction and purification of the products of the thermocycling reaction characterized in that the steps take place sequentially in a microfluidic disc. Also disclosed is a microstructure for fluids comprising at least one inlet opening connected to a first chamber incorporating a means for purifying template nucleic acid which, in turn, is connected to a second chamber incorporating a means for a thermocycling reaction which, in turn, is connected to a third chamber incorporating a means for purifying products of the thermocycling reaction, and a microfluidic disc comprising a plurality of such microstructures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: GYROS Patent AB
    Inventors: Nigel Eric Tooke, Per X. Andersson
  • Patent number: 7306716
    Abstract: A water treatment system has a battery rechargeable by a manual generator, thus eliminating the need for an external power source. The water treatment system uses the rechargeable battery to power a pump and a UV lamp. After the water passes through a filter, the UV lamp treats the water being pumped through the apparatus. The system optionally includes a flashlight, also powered by the rechargeable battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventor: David W. Baarman
  • Patent number: 7285209
    Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus for filtration of water from hydrocarbons comprised of a fresh-feed inlet, a first dead end filter, that is hydrophobic, a second sweeping-flow filter, that is hydrophobic, a common housing containing both the first and second filters, a system for the recirculation of the retentate, a chamber for water settling, and an outlet for clean fuel permeate. This invention takes advantage of the properties of the functional groups of a surfactant, by using the surfactant to allow a hydrophobic medium to attract water, attach the water molecules to the hydrophobic medium, and then allow for agglomeration of the water molecules, which finally become large enough to detach and be swept away by the sweeping-flow. This invention can thus be used to remove high concentrations of water, up to 5%, in hydrocarbons, while allowing a high flow rate by preventing blockage of the final filter by water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventors: Guanghua Yu, Chang-Wei Jen, Montfort Thierry
  • Patent number: 7279107
    Abstract: A system and method are used in connection with processing of blood components. The processing of blood components may involve centrifugal separation and/or filtering of the blood components. In some examples, at least some blood components are centrifugally separated in a chamber and then filtered via a filter rotating along with a centrifuge rotor, wherein the filter is located closer than the chamber to an axis of rotation of the rotor. The filter may include a porous filtration medium configured to filter leukocytes, platelets, and/or red blood cells. Some examples include a pressure sensor sensing pressure of pumped blood components. The sensed pressure may be used in connection with controlling the pumping of the blood products and/or in connection with determining the location of an interface associated with the blood products. Other uses of the sensed pressure are also possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Gambro, Inc.
    Inventors: Niclas Högberg, Emanuel Hällgren, Peter Pihlstedt, Brian M. Holmes, Lars Persson, Lars Strandberg, Geert Van Waeg, Frank Corbin, III
  • Publication number: 20070209984
    Abstract: A water purifier system is provided including a housing having a first, upper reservoir and a second, lower reservoir. A filter cartridge is arranged to be received within the housing, the filter cartridge having at least one inlet for receiving water from the first reservoir and at least one outlet for dispensing water into the second reservoir. A UV source is disposed within the second reservoir for purifying the water contained therein, and a control interface is removably connected to the housing for controlling the operation of the UV source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Applicant: FKA DISTRIBUTING CO. D/B/A HOMEDICS, INC.
    Inventors: Mordechai Lev, Roman S. Ferber
  • Patent number: 7244353
    Abstract: A method of and system for purifying fluid of an internal combustion engine or hydraulic system utilizes an evaporation chamber separate from a filtering chamber. A metering valve may be oriented between the filtering chamber and the evaporation chamber to control the flow of fluid to the evaporation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Oil Purification Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Barclay Whitmore, Javier G. Gutierrez, Jose G. Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 7163520
    Abstract: An extracorpeal blood circuit for removal of contrast from human blood using a filter and withdrawal filter pump and a by-pass pump. The withdrawal filter blood pump operates when a contrast bolus has been detected. Otherwise the bypass blood pump maintains physiological blood flow from the coronary sinus preventing the need for deflation and re-inflation of the balloon catheter. When contrast is detected blood the bypass blood pump is stopped to prevent contrast from leaking back into the patients circulatory system via the bypass pump and CS blood flow is maintained at its physiological blood flow resulting in the heart being oblivious to the transition by the prefilter blood pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: CHF Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Bernard, John J. O'Mahony, Andrew J. Halpert, Mark Gelfand, Howard R Levin
  • Patent number: 7157012
    Abstract: Object of the preferred embodiment is to remove sol-form microparticles and nitrogen components contained in CMP wastewater. Sol-form microparticle components contained in CMP wastewater are removed by a filtration treatment using a filter device 13, having a gel-form second filter. Also, nitrogen components in the CMP wastewater are removed by an electrochemical treatment using electrode 12. The filtration treatment and the electrochemical treatment can be carried out in individual tanks or can be carried out in the same tank. By performing the filtration treatment and the electrochemical treatment in the same tank, a space-saving water treatment device can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Umezawa, Masahiro Iseki, Daizo Takaoka, Tsuyoshi Rakuma, Mineo Ikematsu, Motoyuki Tsuihiji, Hirofumi Iinuma
  • Patent number: 7156992
    Abstract: A water treatment device includes a case having an inlet fitting on an underside thereof and a plurality of cylinders overlapped and received in the case. Each cylinder has a tube received therein and four first ribs connected between the tube and an inner periphery of the cylinder so as to define four first partitions for respectively receiving four curved magnetic pieces therein. Three second ribs are located in each tube and define three second partitions in each tube and each second partition has a plurality of mineral particles received therein. A first one of the three second ribs has an upper notch defined in a top edge thereof and a second one of the three second ribs has a bottom notch defined in a bottom edge thereof. A plurality of holes are defined through an area of the closed end of each cylinder and the area is located between the first one of the three second ribs and a third one of the three second ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Yi-Yu Chien
  • Patent number: 7156995
    Abstract: Mineral contaminants are removed from water in a system in which water is sprayed into an air head at the top of a tank through a diffuser and withdrawn through a pick-up tube. A solenoid valve operates to allows air from a compressor to flow into the top of the tank through a shuttle valve which is opened by the air pressure. Simultaneously a drain valve connected to the shuttle valve opens a drain, venting water and air from the tank. The shuttle valve, closed by the solenoid valve, closes the air supply line and connecting the shuttle valve to atmosphere, and pressure within the aeration tank can close the shuttle valve, which causes closing of the drain valve. The part of the valve which opens the drain is made responsive to excess pressure within the air tank to open the drain and so acts as a pressure relief valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Hellenbrand, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward T. Maas, Alan G. Mast, Daniel A. Klein, Don D. Vaughan, Jerry N. Miller
  • Patent number: 7125485
    Abstract: A water cooler/water purification station that is portable, and small in size that is capable of cooling and purifying about 8 to 15 liters of water per hour between 3 to 10° C. The water cooler/water purification station is equipped with an ultraviolet lamp which serves to kill bacteria in stagnant water. A removable kit is positioned in the top of the housing. The Kit includes various sensors, as well as, the UV lamp and an exit passageway 70 for treated water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: Jamel Hanbli
  • Patent number: 7108785
    Abstract: A blood conditioning device having a housing with a helical blood acceleration section which includes a helical flow path for impressing centrifugal forces on the entrained bubbles in the blood to concentrate them towards the center of the flow path, a bubble pick off tube aligned with the centerline of the acceleration section which collects and recirculates the bubbles to the cardiotomy reservoir upstream of the device during operation, and a blood filtration section to intercept the flow of particles in the blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Convergenza Handelsanstalt
    Inventors: Hans Plechinger, Hans-Jürgen Tiedtke, Klaus Stevens
  • Patent number: 7101480
    Abstract: A water treatment apparatus in which the various components that constitute the apparatus (prefilters, osmotic membrane filters, pump, et cetera) are contained in an enclosure. The enclosure includes a body provided with compartments that accommodate the components of the apparatus and at least one cap provided internally with channels for conveying the water in output from one compartment to the next. In this manner, the components of the apparatus are mutually connected without the need to use piping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Franco Carlotto
  • Patent number: 7094339
    Abstract: In the method, an adapter is substituted for the filter-enclosing cap of a conventional in-line strainer device to permit introduction into a plumbing system of a flushing solution withdrawn from an independent supply. The method is typically used for introducing antifreeze into the system for winterization purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventor: Donald G. Collier
  • Patent number: 7086536
    Abstract: A fluid filtering device includes a housing, a driving device, a filter and a scraping device. The housing has a top portion, a wall portion downwardly extending from the periphery of the top portion and an inlet disposed in the top portion to allow the entry of fluid. The driving device is disposed above the top portion. The filter is disposed near the bottom surface of the housing. The filtered fluid and the impurities are discharged through the underside and the outside, respectively, of the filter. The scraping device has a connecting element driven by the driving device, a scraping element disposed below the connecting element and abutting the upper edge the filter and a flexible element disposed between the connecting element and the scraping element and exerting a constant downward force on the scraping element. Therefore, this invention can provide a fluid filtering device that is structurally simple, may be further miniaturized and may be used in various types of places.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventor: Rey-Chin Chu
  • Patent number: 7077272
    Abstract: An antibacterial member is constituted such that a propolis component is contained in, or adhered to, a water-insoluble base member. This antibacterial member is mixed into a filter member to be disposed in a flow passage in an antibacterial filter. Water in the antibacterial filter receives the antibacterial action from the propolis component when coming in contact with the antibacterial member. Thus, microorganisms in water is extinguished, and generation and propagation of germs, bacteria, algae and the like are suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Healthybank Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazunori Shimada
  • Patent number: 7077953
    Abstract: An acid recovery system used in a hydrolysis operation includes a chromatographic unit to provide initial separation of sugar and acid. The sugar product provided by the chromatographic unit is processed to produce higher value products, such as ethanol. The remaining acid is contaminated by sugar. A nanofiltration unit containing a nanofilter membrane processes the sugar contaminated acid. The acid is allowed to permeate across the nanofilter membrane while sugar is rejected. The permeate is provided to a conventional acid recovery system and recycled for use in the hydrolysis process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Harris Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey T. Ranney
  • Patent number: 7078439
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for separating liquid products and catalyst particles from a slurry used in a Fischer-Tropsch reactor system. The preferred embodiments of the present invention are characterized by a separation system that uses a sedimentation chamber, which contains at least one inclined channel that enhances the settling of particles within the slurry. The enhanced settling separates the slurry into a catalyst-rich bottom stream and a catalyst-lean overhead stream. The catalyst-rich bottom product stream is preferably recycled to the reactor, while the catalyst-lean overhead stream can be further processed by a secondary separation system to produce valuable synthetic fuels. The inclined channel may be provided by a structure selected from the group consisting of tube, pipe, conduit, sheets, trays, walls, plates, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Oluwaseyi A. Odueyungbo, Rafael L. Espinoza, Sergio R. Mohedas, James Dale Ortego, Jr., Beatrice C. Ortego, Ralph T. Goodwin, Todd H. Harkins
  • 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: 7060178
    Abstract: A filter-testing fixture holds a single fuel filter and is adjustable to accommodate a range of filter sizes and shapes. The fixture has a base section that defines a water collection reservoir, and the base opens upward toward a housing. Water separated from fuel in the housing thus drains into the reservoir. A fuel inlet conduit passes through the reservoir, one end of the conduit being disposed above the base section. The first, or filter-supporting, adapter is removably attached to this end of the conduit, and both the first adapter and this end are disposed within, the housing. The housing removably and sealingly mates to the base, and a cap assembly likewise removably and sealingly mates to the housing. A second, repositionable, filter-holding adapter is connected to the inner surface of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: John Korpi, Michael Manceor
  • Patent number: 7037411
    Abstract: In an apparatus capable of distilling and refining an easily polymerizable substance, piping is performed so that when a strainer in action is switched to a backup strainer, the strainer can be switched after removing air in the backup strainer to replace air in the backup strainer with a discharge liquid of a pump. According to the apparatus, switching the strainers installed on an upstream side of the pump for extracting a liquid of a vacuum distillation column, which distills and refines the easily polymerizable substance, can be performed with no trouble during operation of the distillation column. When the apparatus includes a device for measuring a differential pressure between an upstream side and a downstream side of the strainer in action, two or more strainers installed in parallel can be switched at proper times and the easily polymerizable substance can be produced efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Shuhei Yada, Yasushi Ogawa, Hirochika Hosaka, Yoshiro Suzuki, Mitsuo Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7014763
    Abstract: The inventions separate the activated sludge, biochemical reaction stages of the batch treatment process of a sequencing batch reactor from the clarification and sedimentation stages by separating the locations where each process takes place. The separation may be accomplished in a variety of ways including constructing separate basins for each process, installing baffles or other partitions in a single vessel to isolate the areas where each process takes place, or other methods of process separation as are known in the art. In each process, treatment occurs through the performance of a series of operations. The operations are repeated for each batch of wastewater processed by the SBR. In a conventional SBR process, the cycle of operations for clarification and sedimentation are dependent on a preceding biochemical reaction step. However, in the present invention the clarification and sedimentation operations are independent of the biochemical reaction operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lloyd W. Johnson, Kenneth A. Mikkelson, Dennis M. Gleason, Edward W. Lang
  • Patent number: 7001512
    Abstract: A process for treating waste products discharged in a waste water from an animal operation, such as a swine confinement facility includes a holding tank for receiving waste water from the flushing of the facility in which solids to accumulate at the bottom thereof; wherein as conveyor transfers solids from said bottom at a rate preventing agitation of the waste water, to a compactor for removing additional water content and to a product dryer for converting the solids into a dry product. The product dryer includes a water heating system with water lines connected in a closed loop to the holding tank. The heating system thermal treats the circulating waste water and waste solids to a temperature sufficient to reduce undesired constituents therein. The product dryer is vented to a separator for recovering ammonia contents in the waste material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: David Ralph Newsome
  • Patent number: 6988568
    Abstract: A vacuum boring and mud recovery method comprising a vacuum container, a vacuum producing device to create a vacuum within said container, a conduit to vacuum solid particles and liquids into the vacuum container and a dispensing device to dispense the liquid or solid particles from the vacuum container without eliminating the vacuum environment within the vacuum container. Vacuum container contents are stored within the container while simultaneously dispensing the solid particles and or liquids. The vacuum container method may also have a separating device disposed within it to separate solids and liquids by category. The vacuum container method is a continuous operation vacuum container, which can simultaneously fill, store and dispense solid particles and liquids with the added ability to simultaneously separate the solids and or liquids before they are dispensed from the vacuum container. This is accomplished without eliminating the vacuum environment within the vacuum container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Lynn Allan Buckner
  • 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