Including A Filter Patents (Class 210/295)
  • Patent number: 6599434
    Abstract: A process and system for recovering fine coal having a size at or below 400 mesh. The process and system includes a series of cyclone separators, a vibrating screen, a centrifuge and a flow path to clean, recover and dewater fine coal having a nominal size of 3 mm down to 400 mesh or below. The process and system includes the use of commercially available components arranged in a novel manner to efficiently recover fine coal for use in various energy supplying systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Norman B. Mullins
  • Publication number: 20030136724
    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: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Johan Jan Scharstuhl, Eric Scharstuhl
  • Publication number: 20030136748
    Abstract: A water purification system comprises: a water source; a dispenser for dispensing water to fill a container; a conduit connected to the source and the dispenser for the transport of the water from the source to the dispenser; one or more filters interposed between the source and the dispenser for filtering the water that is dispensed to the container; and sanitising apparatus for sanitising the container. The sanitising apparatus comprises a reservoir of disinfectant and distributing apparatus for distributing the disinfectant to the container with the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: John Brian Braithwaite
  • Patent number: 6596180
    Abstract: A centrifuge system for the formation of an autologous platelet gel wherein all of the blood components for the gel are derived from a patient to whom the gel is to be applied. First a platelet rich plasma and a platelet poor plasma are formed by centrifuging a quantity of anticoagulated whole blood that was previously drawn from the patient. The platelet rich plasma or platelet poor plasma is then automatically drawn out of the centrifuge bag and proportioned into separate chambers in a dispenser. The first portion is activated where a clot is formed and thrombin is obtained. The thrombin is then latter mixed with the second portion to obtain a platelet gel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Baugh, Lisa M. Lim, Julie S. Johnston, John G. Rivera, Victor D. Dolecek
  • Patent number: 6592753
    Abstract: An oil recovery system, designed to recover oil from oil-contaminated water of a river, lake or sea due to a difference in specific gravity of the liquids. The system includes a 4-stage separation tank 15 having four chambers 51-54. The first chamber 51 includes a hopper-shaped oil floating unit 59 in communication with a piston pump 68 (FIG. 5) and having porous filters 61, 62 therein. The second and third chambers 52, 53 include a plurality of horizontal diaphragms 63 for reducing the processing time for separating oil from water. The system can be continuously operated without being stopped during an oil recovering operation. The oil recovered from discharged pipe 67 is usable so that the system preferably conserves natural resources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: Bo-Young Lee
  • Patent number: 6592826
    Abstract: In a vacuum chamber, which has at least two vacuum regions, substances, especially fluids, are transported in a directed manner from one region into the other region by the application of a suitable vacuum. As a result, it is possibly by the use of filter supports or receiver supports to transport a fluid automatically through corresponding filter supports during a plasmid preparation. The vacuum chamber is charged by means of a gripping robot that operates automatically and is switched by a suitable valve control means. By incorporating the vacuum chamber with its gripping robot and the control means into a pipetting robot system, automatic plasmid preparation, for example in accordance with the Qiagen protocol, is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Gesellschaft fuer Biotechnologische Forschung mbH (GBF)
    Inventors: Helmut Bloecker, Gerhard Kauer
  • Publication number: 20030121864
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a process and an apparatus for removing deep sub-micron particles from water. The invented process includes adjusting pH value and conductivity, adding an oxidation agent, performing an electro coagulation reaction/an electro-oxidation reaction, and performing a flocculation sedimentation, etc. The invented apparatus includes a front adjustment tank for adjusting the properties of waste water, wherein the adjustment includes a pH adjustment, an electrolyte adjustment, or an oxidant addition, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Kon-Tsu Kin, Hong-Shiang Tang
  • Publication number: 20030098271
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a biological sample collection, archiving, purification, and manipulating system and methods for collecting, archiving, purifying, and manipulating biological samples. The system can include a plurality of devices, each having a species-immobilizing filter within a tubular body. The body includes first and second end openings and one or more removable caps or sealing devices for sealing the end openings. A plurality of the devices can be positioned in an array tray for simultaneously archiving, purifying, or reacting respective samples collected in the respective devices. In another embodiment, a plate system is provided that includes a plate having a plurality of through-holes with each through-hole having a species-immobilizing filter disposed therein. The plate system also includes sealing devices such as sealing trays or removable caps for sealing first and second end openings of each through-hole of the plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Ralph Somack, Gary Lim
  • Publication number: 20030047504
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container with a filter component, more particularly wherein the container contains a consumable composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: William Michael Scheper, Christiaan Arthur Jacques Kamiel Thoen, Paul Amaat Raymond Gerald France, Arseni Valerevich Radomyselski
  • Publication number: 20030042201
    Abstract: A point-of-use apparatus and methods for producing medical grade drinking water. Preferred embodiments encompass the use of one or more beneficial reagent delivery devices with which the medical grade drinking water can be fortified with various vitamins, minerals, and various pharmaceutical products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Mark L. Sizelove, Michael A. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6527953
    Abstract: A water purifier including a cover body mounted on top of a cylindrical seat having a partition board, with a delicate filtering cylinder and a plurality of filtering cylinders mounted on to the partition board in two rows. The partition board has a surrounding edge provided with a plurality of circular holes, each of the plurality of circular holes having a cavity box arranged underneath, each of the plurality of cavity boxes having two magnets and a cover board. A plurality of water conduits connects said delicate filtering cylinder and said plurality of filtering cylinders via said circular holes. The cylindrical seat also includes control panel provided with a water inlet for connecting to a tap, a water outlet port for magnetized and purified water, and an overflow port for removing water which accumulates at the partition board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Yu-Cheng Tai
  • Patent number: 6524486
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating microalgae from water without rupturing cells. The method comprises the steps of flocculation, flotation and dehydration. Microalgae suspension from a reservoir is passed to a mixer unit where flocculation is carried out, using modified starch or other flocculating agents. The suspension is then directed to a flotation column. Dissolved gas in water is transferred to the flotation column through a disperser. A layer of foam containing microalgae is formed on the liquid layer in the column, which can be skimmed off through an overflow outlet. The flotation column is a telescopic column of adjustable height, which enables the position of the overflow outlet to be aligned with the level of the foam layer for efficient foam removal. Foam containing microalgae is then passed to a filtration unit for cloth filtration, followed by drying in a drying chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Sepal Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Genady Borodyanski, Irina Konstantinov
  • Patent number: 6517733
    Abstract: A continuous flow slurry cleaning method, apparatus and system including a filter portion and a mud re-circulation manifold for receiving partially filtered slurry, containing the slurry and mixing the slurry with liquid ready for use and thereby enabling a continuous, re-circulating flow through the filter portion. The continuous flow slurry cleaning apparatus and system further include a tank for storing and delivering liquid ready to be used by a drilling machine. The continuous flow slurry cleaning method, apparatus and system further includes a mud circulation/agitation system for keeping solids in suspension and for mixing additives along with the liquid ready for use and thereby modifying the makeup of the liquid ready for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Robin W. Carlson
  • Patent number: 6511599
    Abstract: A filter filters fluid flowing along an axial flow direction and includes a plurality of concentric cylindrical pleated filter elements having a common axis. A plurality of annular radial gaps between filter elements provide additional flow axially through the filter, providing equalized flow and reducing restriction. In further embodiments, a central filter element is concentrically surrounded by a cylindrical pleated outer filter element and provides additional flow axially therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Nelson Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Tadeusz Jaroszczyk, Kent J. Kallsen, Jason E. Dorgan, Z. Gerald Liu, Stephen L. Fallon, James A. Debilzen, Larry T. Gunderson, Brad Henke, Jeffrey S. Morgan
  • Patent number: 6511596
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus comprising a drum drivable in rotation having a conical jacket wall which is mounted on a fixedly arranged core; supply means for carrying the contaminated liquid into the interior of the drum; discharge means for discharging the heavy contaminants from the part of the drum in the proximity of the largest jacket diameter; an at least substantially cylindrical ceramic filter received in the core; and drainage means arranged in the fixed core for draining the cleaned liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: Christianus J. Bogers
  • Patent number: 6500339
    Abstract: The invention provides a filtration apparatus for filtering and regenerating a machining fluid. The filtration apparatus includes a dirty tank for receiving the machining fluid and a clean tank fluidly connected to the dirty tank. A filter is provided between the dirty and the clean tanks for filtering the machining fluid which flows from the dirty tank into the clean tank. A conveyer mechanism is provided in the dirty tank for conveying the sediment of particles separated from the machining fluid in the dirty tank. A filter cleaning device are provided for cleaning the filter. The filter cleaning device includes a nozzle bar which is provided in the clean tank for rotation within a plane parallel to the filter means. The nozzle bar directs the machining fluid in the clean tank onto the filter means to blow the particles off the filter means into the dirty tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Makino Milling Machine Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Susumu Ogasawara
  • Patent number: 6489132
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for qualitatively or quantitatively determining one or more analytes in matrices such as foods, biological fluids, etc. An embodiment for determination of a single analyte comprises a sample receiving vessel, a first membrane and a reagent-containing well. The prepared sample passes through the first membrane whereby extraneous matter is removed, and a filtrate enters the reagent-containing well to provide a filtrate-reagent admixture from which the analyte may be determined. An embodiment for determination for multiple analytes includes one or more additional membranes in series with the first membrane, each such additional membrane being operative to capture one or more analytes. Each of the additional analytes may then be eluted from the membrane upon which it has been captured, into a separate reagent-containing well to provide eluant-reagent admixture from which each desired analyte may be determined. Formulations for preparation additives are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Safety Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Virginia C. Gordon, John T. Sorensen, Soheila Mirhashemi, Michael Mittelstein, John F. Elias
  • Patent number: 6485613
    Abstract: Mass transfer process, in which, in at least two contact stages, and at least two liquid or gaseous phases are brought into contact with one another, at least one component being transferred between the phases and the phases moving countercurrently. The flow through at least one of the contact stages is batchwise for one phase and continuous for another phase. The phases flow through contact stages which are formed by trays in a column, which trays are opened periodically so that the phase which flows through the column in a batchwise manner flows to the next tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Continental Engineering B.V.
    Inventor: Josephus Johannes Petrus Maria Goorden
  • Patent number: 6481448
    Abstract: A washing and recycling unit for on-site washing of heavy machinery. The unit has a supporting frame onto which is mounted a washing liquid storage tank. A washing hose arrangement connected to the tank injects washing liquid over the heavy machinery. A drainage receptacle positioned under the heavy machinery collects used liquid mixture falling from the heavy machinery. The used liquid mixture is sucked up with a suction hose connected to a cyclone which separates rough solids from liquids. A pump and filtering arrangement recycles liquid from a settling tank under the cyclone by pumping it out, filtering it and transferring it into the washing liquid storage tank. A hoisting system mounted onto the supporting frame is used to movably support an operator directing the washing liquid around the heavy machinery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Christian Mathieu
  • Patent number: 6478955
    Abstract: Water to be treated is passed through a membrane (net), magnetic floc positioned in a portion below a level of the water to be treated is deposited to a surface of the membrane, and the surface of the membrane with the magnetic floc deposited is moved to an atmospheric portion above the level of the water to be treated. In the atmospheric portion, excess water from the magnetic floc flows downward due to gravity to concentrate the magnetic floc. A permanent magnet is located near a position to which the membrane surface with the magnetic floc deposited thereon moves. There are further provided between the magnet and the membrane surface a moving body (shell) formed by a non-magnetic material, a spatula for scraping the magnetic floc from the moving body, and a sludge vessel in which a released magnetic floc is recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihide Saho, Hisashi Isogami, Minoru Morita, Tadashi Sano
  • Patent number: 6468804
    Abstract: Methods and devices for continuous electrochemically suppressed ion chromatography are disclosed. In preferred aspect of the invention, a chloromatography effluent comprising analyte ions and electrolyte is split into a first chromatography effluent flow stream and a second chromatography effluent flow stream. Electrolysis ions selected from the group consisting of hydronium ions and hydroxide ions are generated by the electrolysis of water. Electrolysis ions of the same charge as the electrolyte and the second chromatography effluent stream are flowed through a stationary phase thereby suppressing the electrolyte in the second chromatography effluent flow stream. The analyte ions are subsequently detected in the suppressed second chromatography effluent flow stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Alltech Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Anderson, Jr., Raaidah Saari-Hordhaus, Bart C. Benedict, Carl Sims, Yuri Gurner, Hung Anthony Pham
  • Patent number: 6464884
    Abstract: A portable water treatment unit is provided for purifying contaminated water, especially in the aftermath of a natural disaster that compromises a region's water supply. The treatment unit is configured to treat water drawn into the unit. The treatment unit comprises an inlet connected to a pump. The pump outlet is connected to a solid separator for removing larger particles such as sand and silt. A series of filters is connected to the pump outlet, the filters being arranged from coarsest to finest. The filters remove smaller particles from the water. The water from the filters eventually flows into an ultraviolet light disinfection unit configured to purify water by emitting ultraviolet light thereon. An outlet of the UV light disinfection unit is configured to expel purified water for drinking and other uses. Pressure gages are provided for monitoring the pressure drops across the filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Ashok J. Gadgil
  • Patent number: 6461498
    Abstract: An artificial spa generator includes a clean water part 10, a spa generating part 20, and a first guide pipe 15 connecting the clean water part outlet and the spa generating part inlet. A dirt removing filter element 12, a softening filter element 13, and an active carbon filter element 14 are provided in the clean water part. The spa generating part has spa medical stones 21 for introducing minerals into the water. Flow meters 40, 41 are provided upstream and downstream of the clean water part for determining when the filter elements should be changed. A valve/piping arrangement is also included for introducing an odor essence into the spa water from an odor essence storage section 32. A thermometer 50 may also be provided therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: Fu-Ching Tseng
  • Publication number: 20020139758
    Abstract: A filtration apparatus includes a tank having an upper chamber and a lower baffle, layers of stone and carbon between the upper chamber and the lower baffle, a water inlet to the upper chamber, and a water outlet below the lower baffle. The upper chamber is divided by a vertical baffle which separates the water inlet from a backwash outlet. A backwash inlet is provided below the lower baffle. An air manifold coupled to an air pump is placed between the lower baffle and the upper chamber. During backwash, air is mixed with water to cause a turbulent flow. The baffle in the upper chamber prevents filter media from exiting the apparatus during backwash.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: James P. Sharkey
  • Patent number: 6451202
    Abstract: A water treatment system 20 for filtering and treating contaminants in water includes a UV lamp assembly 24 coaxially received within a filter assembly 26. A valve system prevents water from being spilled from the filter assembly when the filter assembly is removed from the base unit 22 and the lamp assembly so that the lamp and filter assemblies are independently replaceable. The valve system includes a check valve 102 controlling flow between the lamp and filter assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, Eric K. Bartkus, David W. Baarman, Kenneth E. Conrad, Terry L. Lautzenheiser, Greg Synder, Scott A. Mollema
  • Patent number: 6451209
    Abstract: According to a method and a system for purifying bathing water for a swimming pool (1), water is passed through a filter (2) for filtration of the water. A subflow (6) of the filtered water on the downstream side of the filter is passed through a UV system (3) for photochemical treatment. A second subflow (7) of photochemically treated water is withdrawn from the first subflow (6) for nanofiltration or reverse osmosis treatment in a membrane filter device (4). The invention makes it possible to remove carcinogenic substances, such as THM and AOX from the water. A method according to the invention may also be used for removing biocides, pesticides and peroxides, in order to prepare water for drinking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Povl Kaas
  • Patent number: 6444475
    Abstract: Methods and devices for removing gas prior to detecting analyte ions are discolored. In one aspect of the invention, gas by-products from the suppression of the mobile phase are removed prior to detecting analyte ions at a detector. In another aspect, the amount of dissolved carbonic acid is reduced in a suppressed carbonate/bicarbonate mobile phase by removing carbon dioxide gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Alltech Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Anderson, Jr., Raaidah Saari-Hordhaus, Bart C. Benedict, Carl W. Sims, Yuri Gurner, Hung Anthony Pham
  • Patent number: 6428697
    Abstract: Methods comprise processing wastewater to produce useful products. Preferably wastewater is ash leachate from landfills which is processed using magnetohydrodynamic treatment followed by electrolytic cell treatment to produce sodium hypochlorite. Methods further comprise removal of hazardous substances from wastewater for subsequent storage and processing of wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: William W. Edgar
  • Publication number: 20020088703
    Abstract: A method to treat wastewater brines to remove the salts prior to discharge. The method includes evaporating the water component of the pretreatment effluent into the atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas Jeffrey Walker
  • Patent number: 6398917
    Abstract: An apparatus for the purification of crude N,N′-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine (DPPD) in which there is an extraction unit containing a liquid permeable container and an adsorption layer downstream of the container, a solvent evaporator downstream of the adsorption layer, a filter unit, a line for returning the filtrate to the solvent evaporator, and a condenser for returning solvent to the extraction unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Degussa-Huels Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Albert-Johannes Frings, Michael Horn, Peter Jenker, Jaroslaw Monkiewicz, Hans-Guenther Srebny, Burkhard Standke, Bertram Trautvetter
  • Patent number: 6391208
    Abstract: A filter for a carpet cleaning device and method for using therefor includes a casing and a partition that extends into the casing to define a primary chamber and a secondary chamber within the casing. A main siphon with an inverted U-shape is mounted in the partition. One end of the siphon extends into the primary chamber while the other end of the siphon extends into the secondary chamber. An auxiliary siphon is located within the secondary chamber, and a pump is attached in fluid communication with the auxiliary siphon. During operation, a wastewater/debris stream is transported into the filter. The stream collects in the primary chamber and establishes a primary fluid level therein. As the primary fluid level rises, carpet fibers and other insoluble debris settle in the primary chamber. Once the primary fluid level is even with the siphon, wastewater fluid is transported from the primary chamber to the secondary chamber and establishes a secondary fluid level therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: David O. Burrow
  • Patent number: 6391165
    Abstract: A system for reclaiming cadmium and tellurium from cadmium telluride solar cell. The system comprises a crushing apparatus for crushing cells into pieces, a first conveyor for transporting solar cells to the crushing apparatus, a barrel for receiving etchant for etching the crushed cell pieces, a second conveyor for transporting crusehed pieces of cells from the crushing apparatus to the barrel, and a screen separator for separating the crushed cell pieces into at least three components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: First Solar, LLC
    Inventors: John Raphael Bohland, Igor Ivanovich Anisimov, Todd James Dapkus, Richard Anthony Sasala, Ken Alan Smigielski, Kristin Danielle Kamm
  • Patent number: 6375833
    Abstract: A filter assembly for filtering pond or aquarium water includes a container (1,2) with an inlet chamber (15) having an upstream region (36) and a downstream outlet (13) leading to an outlet chamber (22). A filter (16) is positioned in the inlet chamber (15) between the upstream region (36) and the outlet (13). In use, progressive clogging of the filter causes the water pressure in the upstream region (36) to rise until it reaches a predetermined threshold when a normally-closed relief valve (28,29) opens to allow water to pass from the upstream region (36) to the outlet chamber (22) without passing through the filter (16). The valve has a coloured valve stem (28) providing a visual indication that the valve is open and that the filter is blocked and requires cleaning. In one embodiment, the outlet chamber (22) contains a source (19) of ultra-violet radiation to which the flow of water is exposed, regardless of whether the valve (28,29) is in the open or closed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Hozelock Limited
    Inventors: Kevin Ian Michael Marston, Andrew David Boddy
  • Patent number: 6372129
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for effecting the recovery of grease and oils from an aqueous waste stream is disclosed. This is accomplished by a combination of steps which include removing coarse food solids from the waste stream, allowing the oils to separate from the water in a separation zone, removing the oil layer to a storage zone, removing the water layer to a heat recovery zone and transferring heat values from the recovery zone to the separation zone with vapor compression refrigeration. The invention saves energy by recycling the heat of the kitchen waste stream to the separation zone. The recovered oil is useful as a marketable product that can be converted into many useful products. When a fines filter is used in the process, the discharged water can be used for non-agricultural uses such as lawn watering or can be used in water closets and urinals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Steven R. Moody
  • Patent number: 6368513
    Abstract: An assembly for automatically and continuously purifying a polluted fluid P includes a main separator 1, a secondary separator 2 having a centrifuge 21 and filter 22 therein, and a backwashing device 11. In operation, the backwashing device returns a fraction of purified fluid E1 to backwash the main separator. The resulting backwashing fluid F is then delivered to the secondary separator via a multi-port valve V where the backwashing fluid is centrifuged and/or filtered to remove impurities therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Moatti SNC
    Inventors: Théophile Christophe, Jean-Claude Moatti
  • Patent number: 6355167
    Abstract: The apparatus according to the invention for filtering contaminated liquids, such as cooling and/or lubricating liquids which are employed during the machining of workpieces with metal removal for example, has a liquid container (11) with an inlet (13) for contaminated liquid and an outflow (15) for filtered liquid, and a filtering insert which can be connected to the outflow is disposed in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: MSG Maschinen-und Stahlbau GmbH
    Inventor: Dietmar Wensauer
  • Patent number: 6349835
    Abstract: The invention concerns a water treatment method and installation, which consist in subjecting the water to be treated to membrane filtration (1) to satisfy the requirement for a relatively high flowrate of water for ordinary use (UF), subjecting the water that has been subjected to membrane filtering to reverse osmosis filtering (2) to satisfy the requirement for a smaller flowrate of water of improved quality (OS) and, outside periods of production of water filtered by reverse osmosis, sweeping the upstream face of the osmosis membrane (9) with the flow of membrane-filtered water drawn off to be consumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Polymem
    Inventors: Franc Saux, Jean-Michel Espenan, Jean-Claude Bontemps
  • Publication number: 20020020679
    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: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Glen Jorgensen, William F. Aitkenhead, Joseph D. Antocci
  • Publication number: 20020017491
    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 contaminates. 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: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventor: Marvin E. Haddock
  • Patent number: 6346197
    Abstract: A system and process for removing contaminants from water and wastewater, where the water or wastewater is transformed into purified water that can be discharged to the environment. Wastewater is transported through several stations for purification, including an electrochemical cell. The purification process begins by sending the wastewater to a classifier through an in-line basket strainer. The wastewater stream in the classifier is drawn through a solid-liquid hydrocyclone, which returns the solids to the classifier and sends the remaining liquid to feed tanks. Contaminants that float are removed from the wastewater by skimming from the surface of the feed tank. The wastewater underflow from the feed tanks is pumped directly to the electrochemical cell where it enters into the bottom of the cell, and exits from the top of the cell. The discharge, including coagulated solids, hydrogen gas, and oxygen gas, is mixed with a polymer as well as compressed air just prior to entering a static in-line mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: McKay Creek Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert J. Stephenson, Bruce D. Tennant, Donald Hartle
  • Patent number: 6338795
    Abstract: A second purifying apparatus 2 for furthermore purifying working solution purified by a first purifying apparatus 1 is disposed downstream of the first purifying apparatus 1. A working-solution introducing pipe 42 which is capable of diffusing and discharging the working solution from the lower end thereof is disposed in substantially the central portion of the working-solution accumulating tank 40 in which the working solution is accumulated. A filter 44 for vertically sectioning the working-solution accumulating tank 40 at an intermediate position is provided. A weir 45 is formed at an upper end of the working-solution accumulating tank 40. Moreover, a separating wall is formed along the inner wall of the weir 45. A solution gathering groove 47 is provided for the outer surface of the weir 45.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Susumu Okajima, Kazuyoshi Takei
  • Patent number: 6332983
    Abstract: A chip treatment device 100 includes a box-shaped housing 110, and an upper surface panel 112 of the housing is connected to a sloped portion 114. The interiors of the housing 110 is divided into upper and lower areas by a partition panel 130, and to the areas are provided a first cutting fluid bath 150 and a second cutting fluid bath 160. Chains 240 stretched between driving sprockets 210 and chain guide units 230 are equipped with scraper units 250 moving in the direction of the arrow. The chips coming in from an entrance opening 180 is separated from cutting fluid while being conveyed on the separation panel 130. First and second filter units 170, 300 filter said cutting fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Bunri Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Tashiro, Makoto Tashiro
  • Patent number: 6312592
    Abstract: Clarifier for liquids laden with suspended matter, comprising: an outer, first, cylindrical tank (4), a central, second, cylindrical tank (1) for collecting the filtered liquid, roughly coaxial with the first; an intermediate tank (2), formed between the outer tank (4) and the central tank (1) and roughly coaxial therewith; structure (19) for the feed of pressurized backwash liquid to the filter medium (14); a hood (26) for recovering the washing liquid after it has passed through the filter medium (14); a rotary bridge (8) which can rotate above the collection of cylindrical tanks (1, 2, 4), a compartment for introducing the liquid that is to be clarified, this compartment being positioned between the intermediate tank (2) and the central tank (1) and feeding the outer tank (4) centrally with liquid laden with suspended matter, the said compartment being itself fed with liquid that is to be clarified from the outside via a number of inlets (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Roumen Kaltchev
  • Patent number: 6312595
    Abstract: A water filtering system includes a first filtering device connected between an inlet pipe and a fluid volume meter. A second filtering device is connected to the fluid volume meter and has a ceramic tube received therein. A third filtering device is connected to the second filtering device and has activated carbon particles received therein. The third filtering device is connected to a fourth filtering device which has a plurality of units received therein. Each unit has three partitions and two of which receive two magnetic members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Kuang-Hui Chien
  • Patent number: 6294091
    Abstract: A centrifuge, comprising in combination a motor driven shaft, a fluid centrifuging chamber carried by the shaft, to rotate therewith, first porting extending endwise in the shaft and opening to said chamber, to deliver fluid to be centrifuged to the chamber, a matrix in the chamber and into which contaminate in the fluid is centrifuged for compaction and separation from the fluid, during chamber high speed rotation, second porting extending endwise in the shaft and communicating with the chamber, to receive fluid from which contaminate has been separated, fluid delivering inlet structure communicating with said first porting, and fluid outlet structure communicating with the second porting. The shaft and centrifuging chamber are assembled via a flange on the shaft that closes the end of the centrifuging chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Alpha Omega Centrifuge Inc.
    Inventor: William D. Hoff
  • Publication number: 20010020599
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for use within a microwave radiation field which enables the operator to perform successively a plurality of chemical or physical processes while the apparatus remains in the microwave cavity. The apparatus according to the invention can be used to perform a total microwave solvent extraction including the steps of drying, extraction, filtration, and concentration. Other examples of processes, which are carried out with this apparatus are digestions, hydrolyses, separations, agitations, and precipitations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Inventor: Werner Lautenschlager
  • Publication number: 20010019027
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a compact solid-liquid separator having a high water surface loading which can limit pollutant's outflow even when flocs are insufficiently pelletized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventors: Sakae Kosanda, Yuichi Fuchu, Yutaka Niida, Koichi Masuda, Seiichi Tsuda
  • Patent number: 6242723
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for use within a microwave radiation field which enables the operator to perform successively a plurality of chemical or physical processes while the apparatus remains in the microwave cavity. The apparatus according to the invention can be used to perform a total microwave solvent extraction including the steps of drying, extraction, filtration, and concentration. Other examples of processes, which are carried out with this apparatus are digestions, hydrolyses, separations, agitations, and precipitations. The apparatus is constructed from a container having an inside vessel. The container and the inside vessel have a substantially closed volume there between. The container and the inside vessel are in fluid communication through a glass fiber filter disposed at approximately the bottom of the inside vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Milestone s.r.l.
    Inventor: Werner Lautenschlager
  • Patent number: 6221315
    Abstract: Apparatus for separating a biological component from a biological fluid are disclosed. The apparatus includes a chamber for receiving a biological fluid including a biological component, and a rotor for creating a centrifugal field within the chamber. A source of particles may be included wherein the particles have a binding site for selectively binding to the biological component. The particles may be aseptically introduced into the chamber. The apparatus may withdraw whole blood from a donor, separate the whole blood to obtain a target cell population and return a selected one of either the target cell population or at least a portion of the whole blood remainder to the donor or patient. A disposable separation inset for use in conjunction with a rotatable separation device such as the apparatus described above may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Giesler, John R. Chapman, Dale R. Ellis, Daniel F. Bischof
  • Patent number: 6210575
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating a suspension, comprising a collection vessel; and a cyclone fixably received within the collection vessel, the cyclone having an inlet for receiving the suspension, a wall having at least a filter medium for separating the suspension into at least two components, and a lower underflow outlet for dispensing one of the two components, wherein the filter medium is porous and in communication with a catalyst, a hydrophillic, or hydrophobic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: The University of Akron
    Inventors: George G. Chase, Steven C. Schapel