Filter Patents (Class 210/348)
  • Patent number: 6669905
    Abstract: Systems and methods treat plasma by separating targeted blood cell species such as red blood cells and platelets from the plasma by filtration through hydrophilic polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Jean Marie Mathias, Agneta Blom, Luc Mespreuve, Daniel Vandendaul, Jean-Marc Payrat
  • Patent number: 6653400
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for producing a saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer in which visible imperfections (particularly fish eyes) of the saponified copolymer is inhibited. In this invention, a mixture solution is prepared by adding water to a methanol solution after saponifying an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, and insoluble materials are removed from this mixture solution. Various types of filter or centrifugal separator are used to remove insoluble materials. It is preferable that the weight ratio of methanol to water is from 5:5 to 9:1, the concentration of the saponified copolymer is from 30 to 60 wt %, and the temperature is from 55 to 80° C. This method is particularly suitable for producing a saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer having an ethylene content of 20 to 70 mol % and a saponification degree of at least 95 mol %.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Kuraray Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaharu Kawahara, Toshio Tuboi
  • Patent number: 6620382
    Abstract: A method to treat cancer uses ultrapheresis, refined to remove compounds of less than 120,000 daltons molecular weight, followed by administration of replacement fluid, to stimulate the patient's immune system to attack solid tumors. In the preferred embodiment, the patient is ultrapheresed using a capillary tube ultrafilter having a pore size of 0.02 to 0.05 microns, with a molecular weight cutoff of 120,000 daltons, sufficient to filter one blood volume. The preferred replacement fluid is ultrapheresed normal plasma. The patient is preferably treated daily for three weeks, diagnostic tests conducted to verify that there has been shrinkage of the tumors, then the treatment regime is repeated. The treatment is preferably combined with an alternative therapy, for example, treatment with an anti-angiogenic compound, one or more cytokines such as TNF, gamma interferon, or IL-2, or a procoagulant compound. The treatment increases endogenous, local levels of cytokines, such as TNF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Biopheresis Technologies, LLC.
    Inventor: M. Rigdon Lentz
  • Publication number: 20030168397
    Abstract: A dual flow filter unit for the filtration of a pressurized liquid such as oil, comprising a closed housing (10) having an inlet (31), and main and secondary outlets (32, 13) for that liquid. The unit further comprises a main filter element (21) arranged in the housing (10) and having an unfiltered fluid surface exposed to the majority of the liquid flow, the flow through the main filter (21) being directed to the main outlet (32) from the housing (10); and a secondary filter element (17) exposed to a portion of the liquid flow supplied to the housing inlet (31), any flow through the secondary filter being directed to the secondary outlet (13) from the housing. The main filter element (21) offers a low resistance to the flow of fluid therethrough relative to the secondary filter element (17) so that the majority of the flow through the inlet (31) is filtered by the main filter element (21) and the remainder by the secondary filter element (17).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Alan Philip Roper, Michael Charles Fallows
  • Publication number: 20030167970
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method to produce grade road base material using recycled oilfield waste, called “oil and gas waste,” and aggregate waste and a novel road base material. Hydration and mixing of the waste materials along with a binder, will achieve an irreversible pozzolanic chemical reaction necessary for stabilization into a road base. An asphalt emulsifier may be included in the binder to manufacture asphalt stabilized road base. The entire method is a cold batch process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: JIREH-SABAOTH, LTD.
    Inventor: David L. Polston
  • Publication number: 20030146144
    Abstract: A drain water filter assembly for filtering debris laden liquids. The filter assembly has an apertured filter holder constructed and arranged to be placed into a basin, tub or sink. A removable and disposable filter is provided for placement within and securement to the filter holder structure. The filter holder has an elevated bottom portion which permits debris to be filtered and the filtered drain water to be dispensed through the apertures in the elevated portions of the filter holder bottom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: John C. Votel
  • Publication number: 20030146170
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for collecting and processing whole blood. Whole blood is collected at several remote donor sites and transported to a central blood-processing center, where information regarding demand for blood products is used to direct processing of whole blood into blood products. Whole blood is initially collected in collection bags unattached to satellite bags instead of commonly used multiple bag sets. When the determination is made at the blood processing center as to which blood products are to be made, the appropriate satellite bags and/or other system components are sterile docked to the blood-collection bag and the whole blood is processed. The use of blood-collection bags initially unattached to satellite bags eliminates waste and simplifies the transportation and processing of whole blood. Also disclosed are blood collection systems that remove leukocytes and collect whole blood into blood-collection bags unattached to satellite bags.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Frank Corbin, Steven Gage Urdahl
  • Patent number: 6589904
    Abstract: The present invention provides an activated carbon produced by a process, which includes: activating a carbonaceous material, to obtain an activated carbonaceous material; and contacting the activated carbonaceous material with an acid. Another embodiment of the present invention provides an electrode for an electric double-layer capacitor, which includes the above-described activated carbon. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a filter, which includes the above-described activated carbon. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a shaped article, which includes the above-described activated carbon. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for producing activated carbon, which includes activating a carbonaceous material, to obtain an activated carbonaceous material; and contacting the activated carbonaceous material with an acid, to obtain the activated carbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignees: Kuraray Co., Ltd., Kuraray Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideharu Iwasaki, Nozomu Sugo, Shushi Nishimura, Yoshifumi Egawa, Hajime Aoki
  • Patent number: 6576460
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a filtration-detection device for detecting or quantifying an analyte in a test sample including a filtration device having a first binding material immobilized thereto, wherein the first binding material is capable of binding to a portion of the analyte, and a detection assembly positioned relative to the filtration device to detect or quantify analyte bound to the first binding material. The present invention also relates to methods of using the filtration-detection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignees: Cornell Research Foundation, Inc., Innovative Biotechnologies International, Inc.
    Inventors: Antje J. Baeumner, Richard A. Montagna
  • Patent number: 6558341
    Abstract: A progressive filtration system for a chest drainage unit during continuous autrotransfusion comprising a gross filter for filtering incoming blood at the inlet portion of a collection chamber of a chest drainage unit and a conventional fine micron filter assembly located at the bottom portion of the collection chamber for refiltering collected blood prior to reinfusion of that blood back to the patient. The micron filter assembly includes a valve cap at the top portion of the assembly that functions as a plug to seal the top portion of the assembly and as a one way valve that permits reflux of later developing blood clots that might clog the tubing once the blood has already passed through the assembly. The valve cap is also adapted for sealing engagement with a drop tube that places the filter assembly in fluid flow communication with an outlet of the collection chamber located at the top portion of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Sherwood Services, AG
    Inventor: David Rork Swisher
  • Publication number: 20030035758
    Abstract: Devices and use thereof, the device comprising a filter and a means for region specific compression of the filter. Alteratively, the device comprises a filter; a region containing the filter; a fluid access port to the region containing the filter; a fluid egress port from the region containing the filter; and a lateral fluid flow path through the filter connecting the fluid access port to the fluid egress port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Applicant: BIOSITE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Kenneth F. Buechler, Richard Roger Batt
  • Publication number: 20020183677
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for enhanced plasmapheresis comprising a filter membrane under an orbital motion or movement that has optimal local shear forces and maximum plasma flow output. The methods for biological separation and therapies comprise platelet collection, viral particle removal, cell washing and processing for stem cell selection, bone marrow purging, red blood cell collection, auto-transfusion, auto-immune disease treatment, selective macro-molecule removal, toxin removal, LDL removal, extracorporeal plasma delipidation, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Yu-An Chang, Daniel Duff, Hosheng Tu
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20020172816
    Abstract: Charged, high-strength, high-modulus, melt-processed microfibers, films having a charged, microfibrillated surface, and methods of making the same are described. Charged microfibrillated articles of the invention can be prepared by imparting fluid energy, typically in the form of high-pressure waterjets, to a highly oriented, highly crystalline, melt processed film to liberate microfibers or microfibrous flakes therefrom. Microfibrillated articles of the invention find use as tape backings, in the preparation of woven or nonwoven articles, filters for particulate contaminants, such as face masks and water or air filters, fibrous mats, such as those used for removal of oil from water, wipes for dust or debris removal, and thermal and acoustical insulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mario A. Perez, Diane R. Wolk, Betty Z. Mei, Seyed Abolhassan Angadjivand, Michael D. Swan
  • Publication number: 20020136936
    Abstract: A trap for an energy conversion device comprises a trapping system comprising a filter element and a trap element, and fluidly coupled to a reforming system. The trapping system is monitored by a combination of devices including an on-board diagnostic system, a temperature sensor, and a pressure differential sensor, which can individually or in combination determine when to regenerate the trapping system. The method for trapping sulfur and particulate matter using the trapping system comprises dispensing fuel into the energy conversion device. The fuel is processed in a reformer system to produce a reformate. The reformate is introduced into the trapping system and filtered to remove particulate matter and sulfur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Malcolm James Grieve, Jeffrey G. Weissman, Subhasish Mukerjee
  • Publication number: 20020125179
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an air cushion bed with a water-draining device, comprising a water tank with an air cushion on top, air conduits, pumps and a controller. The foregoing air cushion contains multiple air bladders that are linked together; the air conduits are installed at both sides of the upper part of the air cushion with air holes toward various directions; the controller activates the pump to convey air, further controlling the inflation and deflation of the air bladders and the air spurting from the air conduits. The base plate of the water tank is tilted, having a water outlet at the lowest part, therefore the wastewater, contained by the water tank, can be channeled through the tilted base plate and discharged through the water outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Chi-An Chang
  • Publication number: 20020121472
    Abstract: A filter retrieval device having an actuatable dilator tip for retrieval of an intravascular filter from a body lumen is disclosed. An outer shaft coupled to a distal sheath is advanced along a filter wire to desired point within the vasculature. An intravascular filter such as a distal protection filter can be advanced along the filter wire to a point distal a lesion to collect debris dislodged during a medical procedure. Disposable in part within the distal sheath is an actuatable dilator tip adapted to retrieve the filter at least in part within the distal sheath. Actuation of the dilator tip may be accomplished by any number of means, including a resilient member such as a spring coil, or by a reduced inner diameter portion disposed on the distal sheath adapted to engage a plurality of recessed surfaces disposed on the dilator tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Joseph Garner, Matthew L. Young, Andrew Forsberg, Louis Ellis, Gary Hendrickson
  • Publication number: 20020095058
    Abstract: The versatile multi-purpose packing with the special structure has at least twofold functionality and contains material separation elements and second functionality elements provided in alternate layers, wherein the material separation elements have a profiled surface, and each of the second functionality elements has two or more closed chambers provided on top of each other and filled with a physically, chemically or biologically active packing material in terms of the second functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Axel Gohrt, Joachim Grub, Stefan Kaminsky, Stephan Muller
  • Patent number: 6391654
    Abstract: A kit for testing male fertility comprises a vessel, a base unit, a liquid supply containing liquid and two filters. The first filter is a sample separation filter which forms a hindrance to transmission of spermatozoa. The second filter of the kit is a spermatozoa detection filter comprising a reagent for identifying spermatozoa. Activation of the kit is prevented until a transport medium, such as the liquid, fills a gap allowing spermatozoa to transmit to a detection zone. The kit may be of one-piece construction and utilizes a thin piece of filter material to separate motile from non-motile spermatozoa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Genosis Limited
    Inventor: Paul North Bateman
  • Publication number: 20020056683
    Abstract: A system for dispensing and filtering fluid is disclosed, in which the fluid flow path is substantially vertical from the fluid inlet through fluid dispense. Substantially all wetted surfaces are Teflon® or some similar non-contaminating fluid, for applications such as cleanroom processes. A valve and a filter chamber are incorporated into a pump head to simplify the flow path and reduce potential contamination points. Preferred methods, and chips or other microelectronic devices fabricated from the apparatus or methods, are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventor: Gregory M. Gibson
  • Publication number: 20020008059
    Abstract: The grease filter remover is a device that by working the handle the head pivots moving the stationary fingers. Moving the handle up and out will pivot top of head inward moving lower fingers out and top fingers in. Moving handle down and inward will pivot bottom of head inward moving lower finger inward and top of finger outward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald J. Krebel
  • Patent number: 6337214
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for detecting the presence of a test material in a test sample. The test sample is introduced into a test column which has at least two snares. One of the snares has a control capture material for detection of the presence of control. Each of other snares has a capture material specific to a corresponding test material for which detection being sought. The capture material will bind with the corresponding test material to form a bound material. The test column is then washed to remove materials which have not been bound to the capture materials. Finally, the presence of bound materials is detected on each of the snares. The method is useful for detection of a pathogen indicator in a test sample, particularly suitable for detection of DNA and RNA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: ACGT Medico, Inc.
    Inventor: Hai Xing Chen
  • Publication number: 20010037969
    Abstract: A filter cartridge housing formed of a manifold and a bowl containing a filter cartridge is disclosed. The filtration cartridge and bowl are connected to each other to form a unitary construction. The filtration cartridge and bowl are in fluid communication with the manifold in a manner which prevents mixing of a fluid feed to the module and a permeate removed from the module. A threaded ring substantially fixed in a position relative to either the bowl or the manifold is used to positively drive the manifold and bowl together and apart as needed and to form a secure and liquid tight seal between the two components when they are together. The threaded ring is held by a key in the keyway on of the outer surface of the bowl or manifold. The threads of the ring mate with the threads on the manifold or bowl. As the ring is relatively fixed by the key/keyway to its position on the bowl or manifold, it moves the bowl relative to the manifold as the ring is rotated onto or off of the mating threads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Applicant: Mykrolis Corporation
    Inventor: Ralph J. Stankowski
  • Patent number: 6309608
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the semi-automated synthesis of libraries of organic compounds are disclosed. More specifically, the present invention comprises multi-vessel reaction blocks, accessory components, and complementary workstations designed to facilitate the semi-automated production of libraries of chemical compounds by combinatorial and parallel synthesis techniques. The invention is particularly well suited to the conduct of solid-phase or solution-phase parallel syntheses of single compounds and compound mixtures in a high-throughput manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventors: Peng Zhou, Stephen Matson
  • Publication number: 20010034055
    Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery that certain membranes, which include side chains or molecular “brushes” having, for example, tertiary amino functional groups, can be used as highly effective filters to capture viruses/virus particles from liquids without removal of proteins. New methods based on this discovery include removing viruses from liquids such as blood or plasma, removing viruses from pharmaceuticals, concentrating and/or purifying viruses, e.g., for use in gene therapy, and producing recombinant viruses in new bioreactors. The invention also includes new methods of therapy or adjunct therapy for viral infections, in which a patient's blood or plasma is filtered through the membranes to remove viruses to reduce the viral load. The invention also includes new bioreactors and viral filters containing the membranes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventors: William Lee, Jeffrey R. Morgan, Martin L. Yarmush
  • Patent number: 6306609
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided articles for use in non-invasive measurements of nitric oxide levels in a variety of fluid media, e.g., in mammalian body fluids. Articles according to the present invention comprise a nitric oxide trapping agent contained within a vessel, wherein the vessel comprises a semi-permeable membrane. Nitric oxide diffuses through the semi-permeable membrane and is trapped therein for subsequent quantitative analysis. Articles of the present invention are particularly useful in selectively detecting nitric oxide in the presence of other NOx species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignees: Medinox, Inc., MCW Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Ching-San Lai
  • Publication number: 20010025815
    Abstract: A filter element 10 for purifying fluids having a filter medium 11, an enclosure member 12, and a rod 13. The filter medium 11 has folds 14, which may be zigzag-shaped, and which define a fold height 15 and a pleat surface 16. At right angles to folds 14 extend end faces 17, which represent the course of the folds 14. The enclosure members 12 are arranged on the end faces 17. To support the folds 14, the rod 13 pierces through the pleat surfaces 16 of the folds 14 creating joints 19. These joints 19 are sealed, e.g., by additional seals or by fusing the filter medium to the support rod or the support rod to the filter medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventor: Alfons Schwinghammer
  • Publication number: 20010024710
    Abstract: The present invention provides an integral net having a lattice of polymeric material defined by holes traversing the integral net from one surface to the other. The present invention also provides a method for producing an embossed sheet of polymeric material by first contacting a billet of polymeric material with an embossing tool having a plurality of protrusions whereby the embossing tool impresses indentations into the billet to a given depth. Subsequently, the method involves skiving the embossed billet. By this method, an embossed sheet of the polymeric material is removed from the billet, which embossed sheet can be an integral net.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Inventors: John B. Ronan, David E. Newman, Scott Hopkins, Jeffrey B. Burns
  • Publication number: 20010020601
    Abstract: In order to prevent undesirable deformations in a plate-shaped filter holder for a sterilising container, including a peripheral outer pressure rim, a central pressure region, a mounting device for fixing the filter holder on the sterilising container, and including webs between the outer pressure rim and the central pressure region which leave open breakthroughs therebetween, it is proposed that the webs extend at least partially in a direction which comprises a component in the peripheral direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Applicant: Aesculap AG & Co. KG AM Aesculap-Platz
    Inventors: Lorenz Gabele, Wolfgang Schwanke
  • Patent number: 6241885
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet. The apparatus uses a single central rod coupled to one end of the housing. A support member is coupled to the other end of the rod. The support member has a plurality of threaded apertures extending therethrough through which threaded members are screwed for use for holding annular filter members in place. The support member and threaded members may be used at either end of the housing to hold the filter members in place. In several embodiments, the threaded members have convex, conical shaped ends which mate with concave conical shaped surfaces of seal members which act to center and seal the ends of the annular filter members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Pieter J. H. Moddemeijer
  • Publication number: 20010001643
    Abstract: A 96-well solid phase extraction (SPE) plate assembly comprises a common base plate having plural apertures (bores), and removable extraction cartridges (containers, tubes) extending through the bores. The plate assembly is mounted on a conventional 96-well plate vacuum manifold. The cartridges preferably snap into the base plate, but may also screw in. The apertures have annular counterapertures (counterbores) complementary to annular ridges protruding from the side walls of the cartridges. Each ridge snaps into a corresponding counteraperture. The modular design allows the end user to customize the extraction medium mix of the extraction plate assembly by inserting extraction containers having different sorbents into a common base plate. Gaskets are used to maintain a vacuum seal between the base plate and extraction cartridges, for maintaining a pressure gradient across the sorbents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Publication date: May 24, 2001
    Applicant: Nigel Simpson
    Inventors: NIGEL SIMPSON, DAVID R. NAU, ALBERT J. BUFFA
  • Publication number: 20010000893
    Abstract: A method of forming a filter package includes disposing a filter and a liquid in a container with the filter immersed in the liquid and sanitizing the liquid and the filter while in the container. After sanitizing, the container may be hermetically sealed to enclose the sanitized liquid and filter. The container may be vented during sanitizing to allow vapor of the liquid to exit from the container and prevent pressure from building up in the container. The container may be either rigid or flexible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: May 10, 2001
    Inventors: Scott D. Hopkins, Daniel W. Spencer, Joseph A. Peri
  • Patent number: 6209727
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved separation device in which a plate unit containing the filter comprises a separate abutment ring and a cassette which can be easily connected thereto, said cassette comprising at least one filter together with, if required, a frame belonging thereto so as to support the filter. If the filter consists of a flexible membrane, this is fitted into a special frame. However, if the filter is a rigid self-supporting filter of a porous material, for example, a ceramic filter or the like, a separate frame is not needed to support the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Valmet-Raisio Oy
    Inventors: Vesa Henttonen, Pasi Leimu, Mikko Suikki, Jaakko Paatero, Claes Karlsson, Milan Teppler
  • Patent number: 6207209
    Abstract: A method for removing phospholipids from vegetable oil miscella is provided. The method includes steps of feeding vegetable oil miscella to a conditioned polymeric microfiltration membrane, and recovering a permeate stream having a decreased weight percent of phospholipids compared with the weight percent of phospholipids provided in the miscella. The polymeric microfiltration membrane can be conditioned for the selective separation of phospholipids in the miscella. A method for conditioning a membrane for selective separation of phospholipids from vegetable oil miscella, and the resulting membrane, are provided. The membrane which can be conditioned can be characterized as having an average pore size of between about 0.1&mgr;and about 2&mgr;.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Bassam Jirjis, Harapanahalli S. Muralidhara, Dennis D. Otten
  • Patent number: 6073778
    Abstract: A wringer bowl assembly is fabricated from a base plate, a top plate, and at least one side face extending therebetween. The side face includes an output hole which is where a fluid mixture is separated into its fluid and solid components. Screen units extend across the output holes to prevent the solid component of the fluid mixture from passing therethrough. Each of the screen units extends through a curved path over a portion of the circumference of the wringer bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Inventor: Robert H. Dudley
  • Patent number: 6001128
    Abstract: Improved glaucoma filtration device materials comprise at least one monomer having the formula: ##STR1## wherein: X is H or CH.sub.3 ;m is 0-10;Y is nothing, O, or S;R is nothing, H, or an aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic/aromatic combination of up to twelve carbon atoms, which can be unsubstituted or substituted with Cl, F, Br, or an alkoxy of up to four carbon atoms; anda cross-linking monomer having two or more ethylenically unsaturated groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Alcon Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Gustav Graff, Mutlu Karakelle, John W. Sheets, Jr., John M. Yanni
  • Patent number: 5980709
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for defining an area (4) of a layer on a porous substrate comprising compressing a volume of the substrate to produce a compressed region (8) which defines, or which in combination with an edge (7) of the substrate or of the layer defines, a boundary of the area and which substantially prevents the transport of material through or across its surface. The present invention also relates to an electrochemical sensing device comprising: a porous substrate; and an electrode (1) on one side of the substrate; wherein a region of the substrate is compressed to an extent which forms a barrier to migration of electrolyte within the substrate, the compressedregion defining, or in combination with an edge of the substrate or the electrode defining, a zone on the electrode of predetermined area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: USF Filtration and Separations Group
    Inventors: Alastair McIndoe Hodges, Oddvar Johansen, Thomas William Beck
  • Patent number: 5976824
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting a binding member of interest from a liquid specimen utilizes a collection receptacle in which the specimen is deposited, with an affinity-filter media being place in communication with a discharge port in the collection receptacle and a transfer device for drawing specimen from the collection receptacle and through the filter for capturing the binding member of interest. The collection receptacle, affinity-filter media and carrier therefor and the transfer device may be supplied in kit form for use in a clinical environment. A hypobaric vessel may be used and the transfer device and this vessel may also serve as a disposal receptacle for the liquid specimen passed through the filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventor: Julian Gordon
  • Patent number: 5929204
    Abstract: Vinylphenol-type polymers are useful materials and are used in many fields such as photoresist, packaging material for IC, printed circuit board, lense, etc. When the polymers are used in an electronic field such as photoresist and packaging material for IC, it is desired to reduce metal concentration in the polymer in the order of ppb units. A simple and effective process for removing metals from vinylphenol-type polymers is disclosed. The process comprises passing an organic solvent solution of a vinylphenol-type polymer either through (a) a filter containing an ion exchange material and/or a chelate-forming material and generating a zeta (.zeta.) potential by a cationic charge modifying agent or through (b) (i) a filter containing an ion exchange material and/or a chelate-forming material and (ii) a filter generating a zeta (.zeta.) potential by a cationic charge modifying agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Maruzen Petrochemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Noguchi, Tadashi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 5922378
    Abstract: The invention provides a water filtration vessel of the type having an upper reservoir for receiving tap water, a lower reservoir for storing filtered water and a filter-retaining passageway connecting between the upper and the lower reservoirs, further having a dispenser, mounted in communication with the lower reservoir for controllably adding a prequantified amount of a comestible additive to the filtered water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventors: Michael Kagan, Ian Solomon, Yehuda Vatkin
  • Patent number: 5858218
    Abstract: A coolant reclamation device for use in conjunction with a conveyor of a first width wherein the conveyor receives solid contaminants and coolant from a machine tool operation. The conveyor transports the solid contaminants and coolant to the coolant reclamation device. The coolant reclamation device includes an elongate body which defines a chamber and contains an elongate opening which provides direct access to the chamber. The device also includes an elongate screen located over the opening. The coolant reclamation device is positioned relative to the conveyor so that the solid contaminants and coolant discharged from the conveyor impinge the screen whereby the solid contaminants remain on the surface of the screen and the coolant passes through the screen into the chamber. The elongate body contains a return port through which the chamber is in fluid communication with the coolant reservoir via a conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Kennametal Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew T. Setlock, Richard B. Reffner
  • Patent number: 5858236
    Abstract: A wringer bowl assembly is fabricated from a base plate, a top plate, and a plurality of side faces extending therebetween. The side faces extend through a single plane eliminating all need to work the side faces to create a bowl. Each of the side faces includes a an output hole which is where a fluid mixture is separated into its fluid and solid components. Screens extend across the output holes to prevent the solid component of the fluid mixture from passing therethrough. Face plates cover the side faces protecting the side faces from wear due to the movement of the solid component along the sides of the wringer bowl assembly. Each of the face plates includes at least one blade which aids the movement of the fluid mixture from the base plate to the output holes to be separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Inventor: Robert H. Dudley
  • Patent number: 5811257
    Abstract: The subject invention pertains to an assay device suitable for use in testing samples for the presence of microorganisms. The assay device of the subject invention comprises a housing having two chambers therewithin, each chamber being partially defined by a first filter material and each having a liquid inlet, the device also comprising means for holding the first material in a first or second position, respectively, such that the chambers are either separate or in communication. This arrangement allows assays to be made more accurately, since material that is otherwise retained in the corners of the assay chamber can be simply washed away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Celsis International, P.L.C.
    Inventor: Peter Leonard Grant
  • Patent number: 5693217
    Abstract: A hydraulic fluid circuit having a primary stream filter and a centrifuge disposed on a bypass, in which a device for setting a minimum response pressure for operation of the centrifuge and for maintaining an overall maximum pressure in the fluid circuit is arranged between primary stream filter and the centrifuge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Erdmannsdoerfer, Martin Schetter, Martin Weindorf
  • Patent number: 5611853
    Abstract: A composition of matter comprising naturally-occurring humic allophane soil or Ando soil as an essential ingredient admixed with a binder material, said composition is useful in preparation of solid media effective as deodorant, absorbent, adsorbent and the like for treating fluids, in particular contaminated water and malodor air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignees: Haruo Morimoto, Katusi Maeno, Takahiro Yamada
    Inventor: Haruo Morimoto
  • Patent number: 5584236
    Abstract: A device for fat removal from cooked meat product that employs a draining apparatus in a cooking vessel or container. The draining apparatus includes a draining slot array, a draining box, a draining tube and a controller element. Fat and excess liquids, which are liberated during cooking, are drained out of the container through the draining slots, and into the draining box and draining tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: Geoffrey Margolis
  • Patent number: 5578459
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting a cell sample from a liquid specimen utilizes a collection receptacle in which the specimen is deposited, with a filter media being place in communication with a discharge port in the collection receptacle and a transfer device for drawing specimen from the collection receptacle and through the filter for capturing the cellular component of the specimen on the filter media for defining a cell sample for analysis. The collection receptacle, filter media and carrier therefor and the transfer device may be supplied in kit form for use in a clinical environment. A hypobaric vessel may be used and the transfer device and this vessel may also serve as a disposal receptacle for the liquid specimen passed through the filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Julian Gordon, Donald I. Stimpson, Wang-Ting Hsieh
  • Patent number: 5403720
    Abstract: A method for measuring the number of living microorganisms in a specimen which comprises entrapping the microorganisms on a hydrophobic filter after the dyeing thereof, or alternatively dyeing the microorganisms after entrapping them on the hydrophobic filter, removing excessive coloring matter by washing, and then determining the number of the microorganisms by the degree of coloration thereof. A kit for measuring the number of living microorganisms which comprises a hydrophobic filter, a syringe to which the filter is fittable, a coloring matter solution, a cleaning solution, and a color reference table. The present invention enables the rapid and convenient measurement of the number of living microorganisms in the specimen without use of special equipment. In accordance with the present invention, the measurement is usually completed within ten minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Idemitsu Kosan Company Limited
    Inventors: Mikio Sato, Futoshi Kawane
  • Patent number: 5360650
    Abstract: A cylindrical filter is formed from a sheet of filter material which includes two connected layers of filter media. Opposed edges of the sheet are joined to form the cylinder by separating the media adjacent the edges and then sealing together the first of the separated layers followed by sealing the second of the separated layers. The two seals are spaced inwardly of the edges and are spaced from one another. In this way, failure of one seal does not result in failure of the cylindrical filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Grimes
  • Patent number: 5320716
    Abstract: Thin polymeric films, coatings and ionic conductors by cross-linking a polymer matrix, such as a polyethyleneimine, polyetheramine, polyallylamine or polyacrlyamide, with a fluorocarbon containing epoxide or anhydride. The compositions are of high integrity and posses properties, such as insulation, ion conduction, anticorrosion, antifouling and self-adhesion. Specific compositions absorb and release acidic gases and liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Inventor: Masud Akhtar