Including A Filter Patents (Class 210/295)
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6964740
    Abstract: A system for separating particles from a contaminated liquid stream includes an apparatus for mixing the liquid with one or more separation enhancement additives and gases. A pressure reducing device having a flow restrictor element within an enlarged tube receives the mixed liquid and creates bubble laden floccs by reducing the pressure of the liquid stream. The pressure reducing device empties into a bloom chamber of a flotation tank, where the bubble laden floccs are directed upwardly to an upper portion of the flotation tank. The flotation tank is configured such that the bubble laden floccs circulate within the upper portion of the flotation tank until they float to the upper surface, while decontaminated liquid flows to a lower portion of the tank for removal. A skimmer removes the floated contaminated floccs from the upper surface of the flotation tank into a dewatering apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventors: Dwain E. Morse, Wade O. Morse, Thomas G. Matherly
  • Patent number: 6953527
    Abstract: A fuel tank for use with small internal combustion engines, the fuel tank having an inlet and an outlet and storing a quantity of fuel therein. A hydrophobic barrier is positioned within the fuel tank in flow communication with the outlet, and permits the passage of fuel therethrough while preventing the passage of water therethrough. In this manner, water is prevented from entering the intake system of the engine. The hydrophobic barrier may be positioned at an inclined angle proximate the fuel outlet, such that water droplets within the fuel are deflected downwardly toward the lower portion of the fuel tank. The fuel tank includes a lower wall with a depressed area defining a water trap in which water may collect, the water trap spaced laterally away from the fuel outlet and the fuel inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventors: David R. Brower, Kevin D. Steffes
  • Patent number: 6936172
    Abstract: A water treatment system which comprises a reverse osmosis device having a fluid inlet, a permeate outlet and a concentrate outlet with a pump to pump a fluid through the reverse osmosis device, and a magnetic treatment device situated upstream of the fluid inlet, and filter means arranged to filter fluid from the concentrate outlet prior to recycling the fluid upstream of the magnetic treatment device. When a plurality of passes, the system reduces membrane fouling as the crystal structure of the precipitate is changed to reduce the amount of calcite to a deposit which precipitates mostly as aragonite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: L. Claude Hebert
  • Patent number: 6909101
    Abstract: This invention is capable of providing a water purifying apparatus with a comparatively simple configuration that can be used easily. First, a usage state is adopted by operating the knob of the faucet. In doing so, the detection means detects the flow of the water. As a result, the control unit supplies electricity to the ultraviolet light generator based on the detection signal form the detection means, and ultraviolet light is emitted. The emitted ultraviolet light then irradiates water within the passage. Water sterilization can then be carried out as a result of doing this. The ultraviolet light generator only generates light when the faucet is in use. It is therefore possible to utilize the ultraviolet light generator for long periods of time and savings are made with respect to power consumption. Further, a curving part is formed in the passage, and the ultraviolet light generator is arranged in the vicinity of the curving part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Inventor: Yoichi Nishioka
  • Patent number: 6899809
    Abstract: A water filtering device suitable for locally, under atmospheric pressure, purifying contaminated water, and which comprises a container that is provided with an inlet opening and an outlet opening, which container is provided with at least: a preliminary filtration element for the removal of particles, if present, of a particle size more than 10 micrometers; a filtration element provided with activated charcoal; and an ultrafiltration element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Prime Water Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Johan Jan Scharstuhl, Eric Scharstuhl
  • Patent number: 6884348
    Abstract: The invention relates to a module of units for an internal combustion engine, comprising, as first unit, a device for separating out contaminants from the lubricating oil in the internal combustion engine, whereby the device has a filter insert, a free-jet centrifuge, driven by means of the flowing lubricating oil, at least one supply channel for lubricating oil to be purified, an outlet channel, for lubricating oil which has flowed through the filter insert and a return channel for oil which has flowed through the centrifuge, whereby the centrifuge is arranged above the filter insert in a common housing. The novel module of units is characterized in that the module comprises a further unit of the internal combustion engine, the further unit, comprising a housing which is detachably connected to the housing of the device and that both housings form the return channel between housing regions, which contact each other in a sealing manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Hengst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Dieter Baumann
  • Patent number: 6881436
    Abstract: Material balance is maintained in a recycling system for aqueous paint by controlling a liquid amount within the recycling system while spray-coating an article. A recycling method includes: coating an article with aqueous paint in a water-curtain-type coating booth; collecting an over-spray paint, that does not adhere to the article, by virtue of a water curtain; sending a collected solution of paint and water to a condensation bath through a booth circulation water bath; separating this solution by an ultra-filtration apparatus into condensed paint and filtrate, with the condensed paint being transferred to a paint tank; and removing condensed paint from the paint tank, if necessary for adjustment of aqueous paint, followed by coating this aqueous paint onto an article, wherein a total amount of liquid present within the recycling system is controlled to be constant during spray-coating of an article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Nippon Paint Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Yamane, Junichi Sueyoshi, Takahito Ohtsu
  • Patent number: 6872307
    Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods establish on line communication between a container and a source of blood containing leukocytes and platelets, such as a human donor. The systems and methods create a centrifugal field between the source of blood and the container that separates from the blood an unfinished suspension of platelets having a first physiologic characteristic different than the desired physiologic characteristic. The systems and methods pump the unfinished platelet suspension outside the centrifugal field through a finishing device. The finishing device changes the first physiologic characteristic to the desired physiological characteristic, thereby creating the finished platelet suspension. The systems and methods convey the finished platelet suspension from the finishing device directly into the container. The systems and methods function without interrupting the on line communication between the container and the source of blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel F. Bischof
  • Patent number: 6840383
    Abstract: A particle separating apparatus is provided with a stock solution feeder (1) for supplying a stock solution containing particles, a bubble generator (2) for generating air bubbles to promote the separation of particles, a first separator (3) for separating the stock solution into a first concentrated solution and a first clear solution, a first discharge passage (4) for discharging the first concentrated solution separated by the first separator (3), a filtering device (5) provided inside the first separator (3) for filtering the particles in the first clear solution, a second separator (6) provided inside the filtering device (5) for separating the first clear solution into a second concentrated solution and a second clear solution, a second discharge passage (22) for discharging the second concentrated solution separated by the second separator (6) to the outside, and a clear solution guide passage (8) for guiding the second clear solution to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Yoichiro Kitano, Hironari Nagahara, Tetsuya Kanbara
  • Patent number: 6837990
    Abstract: A new vacuum cyclone seafood collection retainer is disclosed. Two men easily assemble this new cyclone collection retainer, made in portable sections, and the sections can be rotated for best orientation of the hose connections. This vacuum cyclone facilitates the use of a large-scale vacuum system to offload shrimp from the holds and bins of shrimp boats and trawlers up onto the dock and into collection tubs for weighing and processing. This new vacuum cyclone system will offload shrimp and other small seafood much faster, cheaper, and with less damage to the shrimp than the conventional methods now employed. One large-scale vacuum supply pump can be connected through a common vacuum supply tank to multiple vacuum cyclone collection retainers providing multiple unloading dockside facilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Joseph Layne Orillion
  • Publication number: 20040256306
    Abstract: A apparatus for supplying drinking-water has a drinking-water storage unit, a drinking-water supply system capable of introducing the drinking-water into a drinking cup from the drinking-water storage unit, and an antimicrobial member provided in the drinking-water supply system. This allows easy bacteriostasis or sterilization of the drinking-water poured from the nozzle. Further, an activity effect of the antimicrobial member inhibits the growth of bacteria in the drinking-water supply system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Kazushige Watanabe, Miwako Ito, Takaaki Suga, Motoharu Sato
  • Publication number: 20040251183
    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: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: John G. Korpi, Michael J. Manceor
  • Publication number: 20040245184
    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: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Umezawa, Masahiro Iseki, Daizo Takaoka, Tsuyoshi Rakuma, Mineo Ikematsu, Motoyuki Tsuihiji, Hirofumi Iinuma
  • Patent number: 6814875
    Abstract: A solvent separator includes an introduction member which introduces a mixture including chlorine containing organic solvent and water; a separation unit including a separation member made of a water-repellent and/or lipophilic porous material, which carries out the separation of the mixture; a water drainage member through which water separated by the separation unit is discharged; and a solvent drainage member through which the chlorine containing organic solvent separated by the separation unit is discharged. Also, a method and a device for treating waste liquid are provided by which chlorine containing organic solvent present in waste liquid is selectively separated, decomposed by a photocatalyst, and converted into a harmless substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Kunimasa Muroi, Yoichi Nagasaki, Akira Ohsawa, Go Ito, Jun Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6811700
    Abstract: The wastewater treatment systems have a plurality of treatment modules between the inlet and the outlet, each for treating water with a selected process. Influent is directed to a fixed-film reactor. Water then flows to a hydroponic reactor, in which aquatic plants are suspended atop the liquid for achieving aquatic-root-zone treatment. A filtration device removes any remaining suspended solids following the hydroponic reactor. Recycling may occur to the fixed-film reactor to enhance nitrogen removal from one or both of the hydroponic reactor and the filtration device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Dharma Living Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Austin, David J. Maciolek, Eric Lohan
  • Patent number: 6805806
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus employing membrane filtration in biodegradation processes for treatment of wastewater are described. A bioreactor system is described having an equalization system, a membrane bioreactor system, and a controller. Aeration systems for a membrane bioreactor, such as a mixer, and an ultrafilter subsystem are also described, as is a rotary membrane ultrafilter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Hydrotreat, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnny Arnaud
  • Patent number: 6805801
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to methods and apparatus for removal of one or more solutes from a supercritical process solution. Solute additives and contaminants are removed from supercritical processing solutions via a contaminant removal system that is either part of the process vessel itself or is part of a local recirculation loop in fluid communication with the process vessel. This invention provides supercritical processing methods and apparatus for the removal of additives and contaminants during circulation so that depressurization and substrate removal can occur without contamination. The removal in some cases, for example cleaning residue, can be done continuously during a process to improve its efficiency. Removal mechanisms may include separation, destruction, conversion of the contaminant to acceptable species, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Raashina Humayun, Patrick Christopher Joyce
  • Patent number: 6802983
    Abstract: A method and system for separating impurities, such as large abrasive particles and foreign matter from an abrasive polishing slurry prior to a Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP) procedure performed on a surface of a semiconductor wafer. Impurities greater than about 25 microns are removed by an initial filtration process. The filtrate is then introduced to a solid bowl, sedimentation-type centrifuge to remove particles greater than 0.5 microns thereby providing a polishing slurry for final utilization in a CMP procedure that reduces damage to the surface of the polished semiconductor wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: William Mullee, Glen Jenkins, Michael Jones
  • Patent number: 6790352
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating water contaminated with metal sulfates and sulfuric acid such as acid mine drainage (AMD) which in part recycles high pH effluent from later steps in the process back to the earlier steps of the process. The recycled high pH effluent added with magnesium hydroxide to the entering AMD generates precipitates separable from the stream to leave sulfate ladened water. A tangential filtering process is used to separate the sulfate ladened water into one stream of pure water and a second stream containing sulfate. One portion of the second stream is treated with ammonia to yield a cake of ammonia sulfate and aqueous ammonia. Ca(OH)2 is added to another portion of the second stream to produce calcium sulfate cake and the high pH effluent that is recycled back to the first step in the cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventors: Stephen Ray Wurzburger, J. Michael Overton
  • Patent number: 6787043
    Abstract: A water purification system and method using an ionizer and an ozonation treatment for ionization, oxidation and/or decomposition of undegradeable contaminants is disclosed. A high electron-inducing voltage is first applied to the water in the ionizer so that undergradeable materials are ionized and/pr decomposed, then the water is mixed with ozone so the water is purified to be potable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Moon-Ki Cho
    Inventors: Moon-Ki Cho, Han-Young Kang
  • Patent number: 6780310
    Abstract: A variable vortex, baffle fluid filter apparatus for installation primarily in urban storm water drain sumps. A circular, filter channel that is enclosed on all four sides by filter screens, includes a cylindrical baffle screen that is attached concentrically below the channel for moving impurities to the sump bottom. Provision is made for manually adjusting the velocity of the fluid inlet flow. An angle adjustable, pivotable vane is provided in front of the inlet opening to adjust inlet flow velocity and vortex strength, to keep inlet impurities from sticking to the filter screens. The filter unit provides 150 percent more treatment capacity than comparable filter units and provides easy access for maintenance to all parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: Glenn B. Howe
  • Publication number: 20040159602
    Abstract: A fuel tank for use with small internal combustion engines, the fuel tank having an inlet and an outlet and storing a quantity of fuel therein. A hydrophobic barrier is positioned within the fuel tank in flow communication with the outlet, and permits the passage of fuel therethrough while preventing the passage of water therethrough. In this manner, water is prevented from entering the intake system of the engine. The hydrophobic barrier may be positioned at an inclined angle proximate the fuel outlet, such that water droplets within the fuel are deflected downwardly toward the lower portion of the fuel tank. The fuel tank includes a lower wall with a depressed area defining a water trap in which water may collect, the water trap spaced laterally away from the fuel outlet and the fuel inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: David R. Brower, Kevin D. Steffes
  • Patent number: 6767433
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved solar powered distillation system and method. The solar powered still may have a waterproof membrane that is extruded, molded, or sprayed-on. The membrane may be installed in a lightweight basin as a liner resulting in improved ease of still manufacturing and assembly as well as improved sealing. Further, the membrane may include silicone. In a preferred embodiment, the membrane material may be an opaque food grade non-toxic odorless, tasteless silicon, for example, Dow Corning 40. In one variation, the solar still basin may be formed from an aluminum sided insulation material. In another variation the solar still may include a carbon filter attached to either the input or output of the solar still for filtering out VOCs. The solar still may further include adjustable legs that facilitate leveling the still to ensure the most efficient operation possible. The still may be provided to users in a kit and assembled on site to improve shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: SolAqua, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Foster, Michael J. Cormier, Gregory R. Vogel
  • Patent number: 6767461
    Abstract: A separator for separating particles entrained in a fluid is disclosed. The separator includes a sleeve adapted to be mounted over a rotatable shaft for forming a cavity therebetween, an inlet to the cavity, an outlet to the cavity and means for imparting a centrifugal force on fluid within the cavity. The means for imparting the centrifugal force is operatively connected to the shaft so that, in use, spinning of the shaft creates the centrifugal force. In use, a slurry of fluid and particles enters the cavity through the inlet, the particles are caused to separate from the fluid by action of the centrifugal force, and the separated particles and fluid leave the cavity via the outlet with the particles tending to be closer to the sleeve than the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Environmental Separation Technologies PTY LTD
    Inventor: Richard Caulfield
  • Patent number: 6767459
    Abstract: Fluid processing apparatus comprising a vessel containing a hydrocyclone and defining an inlet chamber, the vessel having a vessel inlet arranged to feed fluid into the inlet chamber, being arranged to receive fluid from the vessel inlet and to pass the fluid to an inlet of the hydrocyclone. The inlet chamber includes coalescing means arranged to coalesce relatively small droplets contained in the fluid received at the vessel inlet into larger droplets before passing the fluid to the hydrocyclone inlet. The coalescing means having a substantially predetermined external shape which defines at least one elongate liner hole for receiving a respective hydrocyclone liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Cyclotech Limited
    Inventors: Alastair Brenton Sinker, Michael James Hess, David Andrew Hadfield
  • Publication number: 20040140271
    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: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: C. Barclay Whitmore, Javier G. Gutierrez, Jose G. Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 6764598
    Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus for filtration of water from hydrocarbons comprised of a fresh-feed inlet, a first dead end filter, having a filter medium that is hydrophobic, a second cross-flow filter, having a membrane that is hydrophobic, a common housing to contain 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 cross-flow. The hydrocarbon may then pass through the second membrane filter uncontaminated by water and be used as clean fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Filtration Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Guanghua Yu, Chang-Wei Jen, Montfort Thierry
  • Patent number: 6746610
    Abstract: The invention relates to an oil system, in particular a hydraulic oil system or a lubricating oil system, comprising a sensor for monitoring the impurity content of the oil in the oil system, the sensor detecting a value which is correlated with the impurity content. A particularly cost-effective construction is achieved, if the sensor is configured as a turbidity sensor which measures the turbidity of the oil, which has been caused by the impurity content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Mahle Filtersysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Rolf Manz, Reinhard Wierling
  • Publication number: 20040104158
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter assembly of a washing machine having a simple structure to separate dirt or particles involved in washing water using a centrifugal force. The present invention includes a filter case comprising inlet and outlet on a circumference and an opening inside to make the inlet and outlet communicate with each other and a filter provided in the filter case, the filter having a plate disposed in front of the opening to prevent a heavy particle from passing through the opening wherein the heavy particle is gathered in a central area by a centrifugal force when water flowing in the filter case via the inlet whirls to pass through the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Keon Kim, Yu Beom Kang, Sang Man Je
  • Patent number: 6742659
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a multiple well filter plate and method of producing same, the multiple well filter plate comprising a molded plate and a filter sealed via an adhesive, the method particularly adapted for producing multiple well filter plate having substantial well densities and small volume sample wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Phillip Clark, Kurt Lautenschlager
  • Publication number: 20040099595
    Abstract: The filter removes volatile, particulate and water-based contaminants from a fluid, such as lubricating oil, of a different density than the contaminants. The device has a cone shaped, jet-propelled, helical-spiral wiper rotor creating centrifugal forces that separate the volatile and heavier particulate matter. Ports in a base assembly facilitate removal of the separated contaminants. A settling tank with vertical grid filter minimizes turbulence for further separation of heavier particulate matter. A volatile tank with vertical grid filter and flow restrictor minimizes turbulence to allow volatiles to rise from the fluid. A filter tank filters out remaining particulate matter from the fluid. A combination of flow restrictors and baffles minimize cross-contamination, thereby maximizing purity of oil returned to the engine. The collection tanks are easily cleaned and reused. The compact design minimizes oil volume necessary for purification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Milton Charles Van Noland
  • Patent number: 6730222
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic separator to separate floatable material from a liquid includes a separating vessel having a cylindrical outer wall; an inlet means for introducing the liquid into the vessel in a manner to promote a low energy rotational flow of liquid in the vessel; a base at one end; a top wall at the end opposite the base, the top wall including an axial outlet opening for receiving a flow containing floatable material separated from the liquid flow to the vessel; a flow modifying member provided within the vessel to define with the top wall an annular opening which is spaced from the outer wall; an annular dip plate spaced from the outer wall of the vessel, the dip plate comprising an upper edge spaced from the top wall to define a gap for the flow of liquid containing floatable matter; and an outlet separate from the axial outlet opening in the top wall, comprising a conduit for removing a primary liquid flow from the vessel, which conduit communicates with the interior of the vessel at a substantially ax
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Hydro International PLC
    Inventors: Robert Yaw Gyamfi Andoh, Mike Faram, Paul Le-Cornu
  • Patent number: 6719900
    Abstract: An agricultural or industrial water filter comprises a spin plate, a flow distributing sleeve, and a cone basin. The spin plate includes fluid passageways disposed at a 20 degree angle relative to the axis of the filter. The flow distributing sleeve is disposed in between the screen and the filter chamber. The screen may be oversize with a screen area that is a multiple of the screen area of a standard screen. The sleeve comprises a plurality of axial slots which are more narrow at the proximal side and wider at the distal side. The end cap is coupled to a bottom of the filter chamber and disposed adjacent to a bottom of the screen. The end cap comprises a cone coupled to the top of a basin. The cone extends upwardly into the space within the screen. A narrow annulus with a small cross-sectional area is formed between the bottom edge of the cone and the top of the basin. The basin includes a flush tube to flush out particles collected in the basin and to cause a high velocity flow through the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Agricultural Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley E. Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20040060870
    Abstract: A multi-stage apparatus and a process for recycling used engine coolant employs a combination of filtration, dissolved air floatation, centrifugation (hydrocyclone separation), semi-permeable nano filtration, reverse osmosis, and continuous deionization for separating ethylene glycol, with or without propylene glycol, and water from used engine coolant. The engine coolant is pre-filtered through a series of filters. The filters remove particulate contaninates. This filtered fluid is then subjected to dissolved air floatation and/or centrifugation to remove organic petroleum contaminants. Then, it is pressurized prior to being passed through semi-permeable nano filtration. The nano filtration separates the feed stream into a ultra filtration solution and a concentrated waste solution. The concentrate solution is returned to a centrifuged coolant tank for continuous circulation through the nano filtration device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Marvin E. Haddock
  • Patent number: 6713299
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the separation of biological materials from one another. The device includes a separation column that is in flow communication with a collection chamber in a reservoir that includes a collection container and a lid. The separation column is mounted on the lid. The collection container includes a concentration zone at the bottom and the container is adapted for use in further separation steps including centrifuging. The device includes a connector that is in flow communication with the collection chamber and is adapted for connecting it to a source of vacuum to help induce flow of liquid through the separation column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Sigma-Aldrich Co.
    Inventor: Eiichi Sengoku
  • Patent number: 6709575
    Abstract: A filtering system (10) is provided for filtering working fluid from a machine (12) and includes a cleanable filter (16) and a centrifuge (82) where filter capacity is too low for a permanent filter yet flow rate is too high for a centrifuge. The system transfers the contaminant storage function from the cleanable filter to the centrifuge. A simple effective centrifuge is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Nelson Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry M. Verdegan, Peter K. Herman
  • Patent number: 6692645
    Abstract: A water reservoir treatment system for a swimming pool, water tank, spa, or fountain water, which is simple to operate, low in maintenance, and highly reliable. The system preferably comprises, in sequence, a water circulation system, a vortex separator for initial separation of particulates, and an absorption or adsorption filter which may be a conventional pool filter using sand, diatomaceous earth, or paper cartridge as filtering medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph Gargas
  • Publication number: 20040020274
    Abstract: The invention relates to a chromatography column for high-pressure liquid chromatography, which can be provided with different connection systems, such as a cartridge retaining device or a reducing screw. The column tube (1, 11) of the inventive chromatography column has an external thread (4,18) at each end and at least one groove (3,14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: G?uuml;nther Sttler, Hans-Dieter Pohl
  • Patent number: 6669838
    Abstract: An apparatus for filtering and sterilizing water utilizing a turbidity and microorganism sensing system. The apparatus includes a UV light source that emits UV and visible light and light sensors. The light sensors include visible light detectors and light pipes that are impregnated with a fluorescent dye to covert UV light to visible light. The turbidity level is assessed by the detection of visible light passing through the water flow path while the microorganism levels are assessed by the detection of visible light that has been converted from UV light passing through the water flow path. The light sensors are in communication with a microprocessor which evaluates the intensity of the visible light and UV light. The microprocessor compares these intensities to a UV and visible light intensity standard to determine whether the water has been properly filtered and irradiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC.
    Inventor: David W. Baarman
  • Publication number: 20030222006
    Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a storage tank, a cover assembly and a filter assembly for filtering hydraulic fluid, gasses and air. The tank includes an opening and an attachment ring bounding the opening. The cover assembly has an inlet port and is removably connected to the attachment ring to support and enclose the filter assembly in the tank. The filter assembly includes a filter element having a filter media ring for filtering hydraulic fluid, and an annular breather filter surrounding the filter media ring at one end of the ring for filtering vent gas and air. The filter element is supported in a diffuser tube received in the tank opening. The diffuser tube includes a stand-off ring with a convoluted groove or channel to provide a vent path between the diffuser tube and the tank opening to direct vent gasses and ambient air through or around the breather filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Albert F. Cella, Donald J. Gembolis, Daniel W. Miller
  • Publication number: 20030164326
    Abstract: A filter cartridge is described for use in a system to remove impurities from the air. The cartridge has a filter section which may provide tortuous air flow channels between an inlet and an outlet of the filter section. The filter section may be formed from a pair of adjoined sheets with at least one of the sheets having an internally directed raised pattern thereon. This raised pattern spaces the adjoined sheets. The adjoined sheets may be rolled-up into a spiral shape and are positioned in the cartridge with said sheets paralleling an air flow direction through said filter section. It is also contemplated that the raised pattern of the adjoined sheets provide linear air flow channels but ones which are less than three millimeters in height. Alternatively, the filter section may comprise an open pore sponge or foam. The cartridge may be provided with an inlet closure plate having openings therein so as to impart turbulence to incoming air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventors: Rolf Eberl, Adolf Eberl, Peter Eberl
  • Patent number: 6605223
    Abstract: An automated blood separation method and apparatus is described that allows for the separation of multiple units of blood simultaneously. The method and apparatus reliably and quickly separates blood into its components. An auto-balancing feature within the apparatus automatically preferably compensates for the changing state of imbalance, thereby eliminating the need for additional balancing steps during the separation process. The apparatus has a rotor into which a plurality of cassettes can be inserted. The cassettes have a number of sections for the containment of the whole blood and for the separated blood components, which are contained in disposable bags. The rotor is placed into a centrifuge assembly, and the blood components are then separated and transferred to the bags in the individual sections of the cassettes. Means for including secondary separation devices such as filters is included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: MEDIcept, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen Jorgensen, Donald E. Barry
  • Patent number: 6602413
    Abstract: A sealed centrifugal clarifier with a pre-sterilized and disposable container which lines the separation chamber is disclosed. More particularly, the centrifugal clarifier contains a feed port that allows a liquid-solid mixture to be continuously fed into the device wherein the solid is sedimented by rotation of the separation chamber and the clarified liquid is released into an outside receptacle through an effluent port. The throughput rate of the clarifier is adjustable and can be determined as a function of the fill radius of the separation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: MEDIcept, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen Jorgensen, William F. Aitkenhead, Joseph D. Antocci