Movable Medium Patents (Class 210/359)
  • Patent number: 5951876
    Abstract: A fluid treatment apparatus comprises two titanium mesh filters (12,22) connected in series across a flow passage. Each filter (12,22) is irradiated by UV light from respective lamps (13a,13b,23a,23b), so as to kill any micro-organisms trapped on the filters. Backwashing means (18,19,28,19) are provided for backwashing each filter in succession whilst fluid flowing along the passage is filtered by the other filter. In this manner micro-organisms are unable to pass through the apparatus untreated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Water Recovery plc
    Inventor: Malcolm Robert Snowball
  • Patent number: 5914145
    Abstract: A method for the removal of solid contaminants which utilizes two rotating mesh screen containers designed to pass the food therethrough while trapping the solid contaminant. The rotation of the first cylindrically-shaped mesh screen causes the food to pass through because of the centrifugal force leaving behind a portion of the solid contaminants. The second mesh or membrane-like placed around the first screen but rotated in the opposite direction is also utilized to trap solid contaminants which are large enough to be trapped by the mesh screen when it is not oriented so as to pass through the screens along its length. Different spacings in mesh and different rotation velocities are utilized to change contaminant screen characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Inventor: Scott Packer
  • Patent number: 5900147
    Abstract: The invention relates to a filter medium particularly for filtering in a suction drier. According to the invention, the filter medium is manufactured of a material that can be made to oscillate essentially at a standard frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Outokumpu Mintec Oy
    Inventor: Bjarne Ekberg
  • Patent number: 5860937
    Abstract: An assembly for collection of a sample of a body fluid from a subject's body of the present invention includes a hollow tube defining an axis with an open end and a closed end. The hollow tube defines a chamber therewithin for receiving a sample of a collected fluid from a subject. The tube has a resilient closure disposed in the open end to close the chamber and to form a seal capable of maintaining a pressure differential between atmospheric pressure and a pressure less than atmospheric pressure within the chamber. The chamber contains an aliquot of an aqueous additive for treating the fluid sample. The chamber also includes a matrix formed from a fibrous material having capillary spaces therein for absorbing the aliquot of the aqueous additive and an aliquot of a water immiscible liquid with a density greater than about 1.07 grams per milliliter to encapsulate the aqueous additive absorbed on the matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson & Company
    Inventor: Richmond R. Cohen
  • Patent number: 5840197
    Abstract: The screen changer of the invention is structured such that a material discharge passage formed in a housing is brought into communication with the in-flow passage of a through passage formed in the housing through the upstream chambers of through passage portions respectively formed in slide bars, and the molten materials that have passed through the in-flow passage in the initial operation of the extruding machine are discharged into the above material discharge passage, thereby being able to remove the mixtures remaining in the extruding machine prior to the normal operation of the extruding machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: The Japan Steel Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Ishida, Hideki Mizuguchi
  • Patent number: 5792349
    Abstract: In order to create a rotating drum filter with a filter medium that is extremely fine-meshed and nonetheless has a long service life, whereby the filter medium need not be completely replaced given localized damage thereto, it is inventively proposed that the filter medium be formed of a composite element body with at least two metallic layers, namely with an extremely finely porous, outer metal layer or, respectively, stainless steel fabric that is firmly applied onto at least one metallic supporting grid layer or, respectively, onto a stainless steel fabric layer that is coarse-meshed compared thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Kloeckner-Humboldt-Deutz AG
    Inventors: Rolf Buettner, Rainer Bonn
  • Patent number: 5786227
    Abstract: A fluid collection, filtration, and storage device is described. The device has a first tube with a closed first end, an open second end, inner tube-wall surfaces, and an internal diameter; a second tube with a first end porously closed by a filter and an open second end and having an external diameter smaller than the internal diameter of the first tube, the second tube slidably contacting the inner tube-wall surfaces of the first tube at the first end of the second tube when the second tube is inserted in the first tube; and a cap adapted to seal the open second end of the first tube and the open second end of the second tube in a single closing operation while the second tube is inserted into the first tube. The kit is particularly adapted for collecting and storing viscous biologic samples, such as saliva, in the inner tube after the sample has been mixed with a preservative or other substance initially located in the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Biex, Inc.
    Inventor: David Edward Charlton
  • Patent number: 5786228
    Abstract: A fluid collection, filtration, and storage device is described. The device has a first tube with a closed first end, an open second end, inner tube-wall surfaces, and an internal diameter; a second tube with a first end porously closed by a filter and an open second end and having an external diameter smaller than the internal diameter of the first tube, the second tube slidably contacting the inner tube-wall surfaces of the first tube at the first end of the second tube when the second tube is inserted in the first tube; and a cap adapted to seal the open second end of the first tube and the open second end of the second tube in a single closing operation while the second tube is inserted into the first tube. The kit is particularly adapted for collecting and storing viscous biologic samples, such as saliva, in the inner tube after the sample has been mixed with a preservative or other substance initially located in the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Biex, Inc.
    Inventor: David Edward Charlton
  • Patent number: 5766467
    Abstract: A filter arrangement for backflushable filtration as well as a filter candle are formed in such a way that dead spaces and screw connections that are difficult to subject to backflushing are avoided, especially in the non-filtrate space (6). The filter candles (7) are held by a head portion (13). The head portion (13) is pressed against a holder arrangement (3) by means of tensioning means (9) arranged in the filtrate space (6). A support element (10) connects the head portion (13) with the tensioning means (9), said tensioning means (9) being able to bear against a contact surface (11) of the support element (10). The filtered liquid is led from the inside of the filter candle (7) through a flow-through channel (22) between the outside surface (20) of the support element (10) and the inside surface (21) of the opening (4) in the holder arrangement (3) into the filtrate space (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Filtrox-Werk AG
    Inventors: Raffaello Rech, Erwin Baumann
  • Patent number: 5711874
    Abstract: A water treating apparatus consisting of a water path having entrance(s) and exit(s) and ceramic grain(s) movably inserted in said water path is provided in the present invention. When water is put in said water path of said water treating apparatus, said ceramic grains may be moved and rolled by the pressure of said water flowing in said water path and said moving and rolling ceramic grains may disturb the flow of said water to intensify the effectiveness of water treatment by said ceramic grains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: I.B.E. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Kawata
  • Patent number: 5685978
    Abstract: A portable, self-contained concrete reclaimer for use at construction sites to collect, break-down, and transport uncured waste concrete washed from concrete delivery equipment, to recycling facilities for use in the manufacture of fresh concrete. The concrete reclaimer comprises a screen having openings sized to separate aggregate from sand, cement and water when uncured waste concrete is washed thereon. The screen being sized to cover a portion of a water tight reclaiming tank having an open top, a closed wall, a bottom continuously sealed to the closed wall, and an upwardly extending partition disposed therein to divide the reclaiming tank into at least two separate, adjacently disposed compartments including a first receiving compartment adapted to receive and contain sand, cement and water, and an adjacent second receiving compartment adapted to receive and contain aggregate separated therefrom during the concrete washing and reclaiming procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Inventors: Harold W. Petrick, Michael H. Petrick
  • Patent number: 5665231
    Abstract: A filter of the type having first annular filter media comprising a generally columnar stack of annular filter media lamina for providing filtration for one circuit, a harness for retaining the filter media lamina in stacked columnar alignment comprising a generally circular end piece having a diameter somewhat greater than the diameter of the filter media lamina engaging one end lamina, an annular portion engaging the opposite end lamina, a plurality of elongated strips integral with and extending from the periphery of the annular portion with the end piece receiving and retaining the free ends of the elongated strips. There is a second filter media providing filtration for another circuit. The two filter media are housed adjacent to one another in a hollow cylindrical shell closed at one end. An annular retainer is integral with the shell near the other shell end for engaging the second media and retaining both media axially within the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Brian James Langsdorf, Ralph Allen Knopp, Gerard Walter Bilski
  • Patent number: 5650068
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for detecting the presence of binding ligands, especially blood group antigens or antibodies thereto, which utilize a matrix of substantially noncompressable microparticles, which matrix provides superior performance in allowing movement of nonagglutinated reactants, especially red blood cells, while constraining, preferably in a so-called "band formation" agglutinated reactants, especially red blood cells. The device of the invention further comprises a chamber the transverse cross-sectional shape thereof being an ellipse, or preferably a flattened ellipse with two sides parallel to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Ortho Diagnostic Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Rosemary K. Chachowski, Thomas M. Setcavage, Kathleen J. Reis
  • Patent number: 5639365
    Abstract: A filter consisting of a filter tube of a porous polymeric material having tendency to collapse towards a predetermined flattened configuration and a porous support sleeve disposed around the filter tube, so as to support the filter tube against internal fluid pressure, while providing no more resistance to flow of fluid than the filter tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Scimat Limited
    Inventors: Robert Hamilton McLoughlin, John Anthony Cook
  • Patent number: 5603828
    Abstract: A screen changer has not only the conventional slide bars with material injection channels and first air withdrawing channels, but also second air withdrawing channels, as well as material withdrawing channels when the slide bars are in an intermediate position where the filter portions provided through those slide bars in a direction normal to the axis are sealed and isolated within through-holes in the housing; said second air withdrawing channels communicate the topmost parts of the downstream compartments with the outside of the housing and are provided such that after penetrating through the slide bars, they extend along the outer surfaces of those slide bars; said material withdrawing channels are provided through the housing such that they communicate the exit ends of the downstream compartments with the outside of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: The Japan Steel Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Ishida, Tomomi Kato
  • Patent number: 5603831
    Abstract: An improved aquarium pump for use with an aquarium filter which includes a filter box, a rotating biological filter element and a spray bar, the pump supplying water to the rotating biological filter element and the spray bar. The pump may include a pair of impellers for supplying water to the filter box and the spray bar, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Aquaria, Inc.
    Inventor: Roy S. Hickok
  • Patent number: 5578207
    Abstract: The invention relates to a filter device for extruders and injection-molding machines, the screen elements being formed by a candle filter and, if required, by a plurality of candle filters, which are arranged in the circumferential direction on the screen plunger, extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the screen plunger, and are flowed through from the outside inward for filtering purposes and from the inside outward for backwashing purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Firma Kreyenborg Verwaltungen und Beteiligungen KG
    Inventor: Jan U. Kreyenborg
  • Patent number: 5567310
    Abstract: A strainer includes a filter which is easily detachable without the possibility of fluid leakage. The strainer has a housing defining a bore and is formed with a fluid inlet and outlet, and an end plate formed with a circular hole and cutouts provided along the edge of the circular hole, opposite to each other. A closure member is rotatably mounted in the bore of the housing and is formed with a passage through which the inlet and the outlet can communicate with each other, and a filter mounting hole. A filter is detachably inserted in the filter mounting hole. It has a flange and a knob formed with a protrusion. The edge of the circular hole is sandwiched between the protrusion and the flange. By turning the knob, the closure member can be turned to a position where it closes both the inlet and outlet. By pulling the knob in this state, the filter can be pulled out of the filter mounting hole for cleaning or replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Nakashima
  • Patent number: 5567309
    Abstract: An improved filtration device capable of filtering and storing liquid which can then be removed from the device for analysis. A top cap is placed over a filter cap such that a seal is created between these two caps. The filter cap has an opening on its bottom end which is covered by a filter membrane. A storage reservoir is created in the device when the top cap and the filter cap are sealed together. These caps are then slidably received by a vial containing unfiltered sample such that a seal is formed with the interior wall of the vial and the outer wall of the top cap. A needle with a needle housing pierces the top cap and forces the device downward which directs the sample in the vial through the filter on the filter cap and into a storage reservoir to be removed through the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Alcott Chromatography, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Classon, Karl N. Caldwell, Louis O. Leazenbee
  • Patent number: 5549816
    Abstract: A re-usable piston filter including an elongated tubular barrel member with a closed lower end and an open upper end, an elongated tubular piston member having an open upward end and a fluid-permeable lower end, and filter means detachably secured to the lower end of the piston. Downward movement of the piston in the barrel forces liquid in the barrel through the filter and into the tubular piston. An air valve in the barrel can be opened to enable the piston to be withdrawn from the barrel. The filter at the lower end of the piston can be changed or removed as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Hach Company
    Inventors: Daniel L. Harp, Gary Johnson, Joe Myers
  • Patent number: 5538630
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for refining waste water. The apparatus includes a housing having an inlet for receiving the waste water and an outlet for delivery of refined water; a cylindrical drum member rotatably mounted in the housing, the drum member having a radial thickness t between inside and outside surfaces thereof, a multiplicity of circularly cylindrical passages being formed in the drum member, the passages having a passage diameter d of approximately 0.75 inch, at least a portion of each passage terminating with the outside surface at a corner radius r of not more than approximately 0.002 inch; a vent for admitting air into the housing; and a drive for rotating the drum to a peripheral speed of at least 1000 feet per second, whereby molecules of the waste water are physically separated from the contaminants for forming the refined water, the refined water flowing from the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventor: James L. Burns
  • Patent number: 5516426
    Abstract: A continuous, self-cleaning rotary filtering system is herein provided which includes a plurality of filtering elements within a rotatable filter housing adapted for rotation between an inlet plate having single or multiple inlet ports and an outlet plate having single or multiple outlet ports so that a substance to be filtered is passed from the inlet ports through at least one incomplete toroidal cavity within the inlet and outlet plates, through the filter elements and into the outlet ports. The apparatus is further provided with single or multiple backflushing capabilities, whereby, when the filter housing is rotated passed a single or multiple backflush port, a cleaning agent will be caused to flow backward through at least one of the filter elements and backflush ports to purge contaminants from the system via the backflush port or ports without interrupting the stream flow or pressure of the substance to be filtered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventors: Harold L. Hull, Cathy D. Santa Cruz
  • Patent number: 5510194
    Abstract: Perforated plates for use as filter media and devices for fluid injection and extrusion have a multiplicity of holes of a uniform size and a selected diameter as small as 0.5 micron. The plates are made by a "wire drawing" process wherein a sacrificial wire material in a plate metal can is repeatedly extruded and restacked, elongating the wire and reducing its diameter. Plates are then cut from the extruded composite, and the wire metal is removed by selective etching. By use of this process, perforated plates with several features unavailable previously are obtained. In particular, the plates have much smaller holes, higher porosity, and uniform size and shape, along with any desired thickness and a high length-to-diameter ratio. Such plates are ideally suited for use as a medium for various types of filters where removal of contaminants sized in the lower micron range is desired. Size and distribution of the holes in the plate are precisely controllable, enabling separations of materials of specific sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Alabama Cryogenic Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Hendricks, Michael L. Dingus
  • Patent number: 5480546
    Abstract: A screen dram for the dewatering and/or washing of cellulose pulp, comprises a first cylinder (2) made from non-stainless material, which is rotatable about its axis (5); a cylindrical screen plate (6) arranged coaxially on the outside of the first cylinder, but at a distance from it, and between the screen plate and the first cylinder an annular chamber (7) which can receive liquid which has passed through the screen plate, which chamber contains passages (26) which extend in the axial direction towards one or both ends of the drum for the withdrawal of the screen liquid. The chamber (7) is lined with stainless steel (8) in the form of one or more cylindrical plate sections (8a, 8b . . . 8n). These, by virtue of shrink joints, can be joined to and bear in seal-tight arrangement against the cylindrical casing of the first cylinder. Preferably, the stainless steel contains at least 5% molybdenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Kvaerner Pulping Technologies Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Lennart Bergkvist, Sten Gustafsson, Kjell Lindblom, Jan Anderson, Rolf Ekholm, Ronny Hoglund
  • Patent number: 5318704
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing contaminants from a liquid comprises a casing and a tubular filter dividing the casing into two compartments. The tubular filter is formed of fibers attached at each end to end supports which are movable axially relative to one another and rotable relative to one another about the longitudinal axis of the filter. A helical spring is disposed within the tubular filter and is so dimensioned that it does not close when the end supports are in their closest operational position. The spring resists inward movement of the fibers when the end supports are moved axially towards each other and rotated to twist the fiber, thereby preventing the compartment defined by the interior of the tubular filter from tending to close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: Kalsep Limited
    Inventor: Ronald C. Cosgrove
  • Patent number: 5308508
    Abstract: A depth filtration method employing a depth filter media sheet, a method of forming the depth filter media sheet and the structure of the depth filter media sheet are described wherein the depth filter media sheet is formed from a wet strength layer and a filter septum layer, the filter septum layer being substantially thicker than the wet strength layer and being formed as a matrix from at least one fiber selected to provide substantial loft and pore structure throughout the filter depth of the filter septum layer, the wet strength layer and the filter septum layer being arranged adjacent each other and preferably bonded together with a lateral surface of the filter septum layer being substantially totally exposed for receiving fluid to be filtered with the porous matrix of the filter septum layer being available to receive and capture particulate solids from the fluid, the filter septum layer also preferably including a second fiber or additional fibers selected in combination with the first fiber for defin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Womack International, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas H. Womack
  • Patent number: 5277109
    Abstract: This invention is particularly useful in food processing for separating crumbs and particles of breading material which have become suspended in frying oil, so that the oil may be reused. Separation is done in a unique cylinder having a hollow piston, whose forward end has a screen and whose aft face is imperforate. The cylinder has an openable door at its forward end. Near its end door the cylinder has a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet spaced somewhat aft therefrom. When the piston is in its retracted position its screen end is positioned axially between the inlet and outlet, so that the liquid may pass through the screen. Air pressure in the portion of the cylinder aft of the piston acts against its imperforate face to drive it forward. The screen end of the piston filters and drives the liquid back to the outlet, solids are compacted against the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Custom Metalcraft, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles A. Muench
  • Patent number: 5240606
    Abstract: An apparatus and method provide automated collection and transfer of particles from a liquid suspension to a glass slide for visual examination. A solution which contains particles, for example cells, is drawn through a filter element so that particles too large to pass through the filter element collect against a first surface of the filter element. A transfer fluid, such as alcohol, is applied from a second surface of the filter element to the first surface, to transfer cells from the filter element to a glass slide positioned adjacent the filter element. An alternative transfer mechanism applies a selected pneumatic signal to the filter element for transferring collected cells to the viewing slide. The apparatus includes a device for dispersing the liquid suspension of particles prior to the collection process and particles collect against the filter element with a spatial distribution advantageous for visual examination. The transfer operation maintains this spatial distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Cytyc Corporation
    Inventors: Stanley N. Lapidus, Lewis T. Polk, Jr., Fredric L. Farber, J. Morgan Barlas, Anne A. Hurley
  • Patent number: 5234589
    Abstract: A filter assembly for filtering contaminants from liquid. A housing has a filtering chamber and an inlet port and an outlet port communicating with the chamber for flow of liquid therethrough. Filter media is located in the filtering chamber for filtering contaminants from liquid flowing through the filter media to the outlet port. A sump region is provided in the filtering chamber at the bottom thereof below the inlet port. Contaminants in the liquid entering the chamber from the inlet port tend to gravitate toward the sump region for collection. A separator member is located in the filtering chamber below the inlet port. This separator member substantially separates the filter media and sump region, and gravitating contaminants gravitate from the inlet port to the separator member. The separator member provides for communication of the gravitated contaminants into the sump region but tends to trap those contaminants in the sump region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Kagisho Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Marino R. Sussich, Paul J. Sussich
  • Patent number: 5213686
    Abstract: Compressible material is compacted into a plug by a device including a housing, solid outer wall, and restricting adjustable portion at an outlet. A root wall is rotated about an axis and conveys the material to be compressed in a channel having solid sidewalls. Without significant extraction of liquid from the material, the material is compressed until discharged in a compacted plug form from the housing outlet. A pneumatic cylinder provides an adjustable force for effecting the compaction adjacent the housing outlet. Examples of compressible materials that may be acted upon in the practice of various industrial processes include wood chips, high consistency paper pulp (cellulose pulp), wax and fibrous waste (for making artificial fireplace logs), and mud and straw (for producing building blocks or bricks).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Kamyr, Inc.
    Inventors: Erwin Funk, Rudy Koteles
  • Patent number: 5173196
    Abstract: A device for the removal of solids from slurries by continuous compaction in a screen chamber. Pressure of liquid in the chamber causes continuous extrusion of a dewatered solid from an open ended chamber. The walls of the chamber may be constructed from longitudinal wedge bars spaced apart to provide filtering spaces between them. A high pressure pumping arrangement, including a first slurry pump and an auxiliary piston pump, is provided to maintain a high-pressure throughout the chamber to facilitate the continuous extrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Inventor: Dennis P. Macrae
  • Patent number: 5167813
    Abstract: Disclosed are a process for laminating a functionally gradient material and a laminating apparatus for the same. The process therefor includes a suspending step and a functionally gradient material laminating step. In the functionally gradient material laminating step, solid-liquid separation is carried out to a suspension while varying the mixing rates of the suspension particles contained therein continuously or in a multi-staged stepwise manner. Therefore, the functionally gradient material layer thus laminated offers a composition gradient varying continuously or in a multi-staged stepwise manner in the thicknesswise direction thereof in a superior continuity, and the composition fluctuates less in the planewise direction thereof. In addition, the process and the laminating apparatus have obviated the atomizing and the spraying which adversely affect a working environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Nagao Kogyo
    Inventors: Masashi Iwata, Won-Deok Yi, Niichi Hayashi, Shigeo Watanabe, Norio Ota
  • Patent number: 5143627
    Abstract: An apparatus and method provide automated collection and transfer of particles from a liquid suspension to a glass slide for visual examination. A solution which contains particles, for example cells, is drawn through a filter element so that particles too large to pass through the filter element collect against a first surface of the filter element. A transfer fluid, such as alcohol, is applied from a second surface of the filter element to the first surface, to transfer cells from the filter element to a glass slide positioned adjacent the filter element. An alternative transfer mechanism applies a selected pneumatic signal to the filter element for transferring collected cells to the viewing slide. The apparatus includes a device for dispersing the liquid suspension of particles prior to the collection process and particles collect against the filter element with a spatial distribution advantageous for visual examination. The transfer operation maintains this spatial distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: Cytyc Corporation
    Inventors: Stanley N. Lapidus, Lewis T. Polk, Jr., Fredric L. Farber, J. Morgan Barlas, Anne A. Hurley
  • Patent number: 5124041
    Abstract: A filter system for separating and binding biomolecules contained in a solution includes a first filter means for selectively passing components of the solution that are smaller than the biomolecules, thereby concentrating the biomolecules in the solution. Also included is a binding membrane means having an affinity for the biomolecules for binding the biomolecules to the binding membrane means, with the binding membrane means being located where the biomolecules are concentrated by the first filter means. In the preferred mode, the binding membrane means is chosen to selectively bind the biomolecule of interest. According to a preferred method of the invention, biomolecules from a sample volume are bound to a binding membrane by urging the sample volume against a biomolecule-binding support membrane that is in contact with a cut-off filter membrane such that the sample volume will pass through the biomolecule-binding support membrane before passing through the cut-off filter membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: Applied Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald G. Sheer, Michael L. Kochersperger
  • Patent number: 5112484
    Abstract: A filtration device for separating filtrate and concentrate from a solution may contain a variable dead stop feature. The apparatus includes a housing with a means for collecting filtrate and a multiple sided filter unit insertable within the housing. The filter unit contains a semipermeable membrane thereon for separating filtrate from concentrate and a means for directing filtrate to a discharge within the housing. The apparatus also contains a means for preventing concentrate within the housing from escaping through the discharge opening of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Zuk, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Zuk, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5112481
    Abstract: A fluid filter comprising a housing having a central aperture formed in the bottom thereof, a filter element rotatably disposed in the housing and arranged to receive a flow of fluid to be filtered from an upstream side of the element to a downstream side thereof, and a fluid inlet and outlet manifold disposed at the bottom of the housing in communication with the central aperture for providing fluid inlet and outlet communication through said aperture with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The filter element is supplied with filter aid material which is periodically regenerated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Inventor: Mordeki Drori
  • Patent number: 5110463
    Abstract: A slurry filter apparatus in which a pump mechanism having a valve and a valve seat, each of which is made of a wear-resisting metal material, is capable of moving a slurry of high density and containing hard particles, under pressure, the flow of slurry being injected so as to strike the face of the filter at an a predetermined, non-tangential angle. Coarse particles contained in the slurry are uniformly dispersed by the shearing forces due to cavitation generated through the high pressure injection of the slurry and abrupt speed changes of the flow of slurry. A caked layer of particular material is thereby prevented from forming on the surface of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Fuji Filter Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takahashi Yuichi, Azuma Katsuji
  • Patent number: 5060483
    Abstract: An automatic apparatus for the continuous freeze concentration of liquids. The apparatus includes a heat exchanger for freezing the liquid to form a slurry of ice crystals and concentrated liquid. Communicating with the heat exchanger via a line or pipe is at least one, and preferably two, separating and rinsing columns, connected in parallel, to which the slurry is pumped for separating the concentrated liquid from the ice and subsequently rinsing the ice to remove any residual liquid therefrom. First and second receptacles are provided for collecting the concentrated liquid and the ice from the columns, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Wolfgang K. Heiland, E. Richard Radewonuk
  • Patent number: 5032262
    Abstract: A system for removing objects from flowing liquid includes a screen for removing the objects from the liquid. The screen includes a movable component and a driving mechanism for moving the component through a closed path so as to move the objects upwardly. The system further includes a shield for pressing the objects against the screen. The shield is parallel to the screen. The system further includes supporting means for supporting the shield and for permitting the shield to be pushed away from the screen by the objects while maintaining the angular orientation of the shield with respect to the screen. The supporting means includes a linkage system which is connected to an upper portion of the shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Hydropress Wallander & Co. AB
    Inventor: Carl-Otto Wallander
  • Patent number: 4995972
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and apparatus for removing liquid from a permeable material, such as slurries, sludges, porous solids and permeable foams. The method and apparatus involve constraining the material to be deliquified such that the material interfaces with at least one surface which is permeable to the liquid to be removed and then heating the material at one or more locations remote from the permeable surface or surfaces. Such constraining and heating of the material causes the in situ vaporization of the liquid in the vicinity of the remote location or locations. The vaporized liquid expands and forces at least some of the remaining unvaporized liquid through the permeable surface or surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Inventors: Timothy A. Kramer, Kent M. Kramer
  • Patent number: 4990253
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sample filtration device of the type employing differential pressure. An outer container filled with a sample to be filtered slidably receives a hollow plunger having filter media disposed near one end and sealing means disposed in an annular groove about the periphery of the plunger. The annular groove of the plunger is formed by two components: an annular shoulder on a collector portion and the axial face of an annular ring formed in a retainer portion. The two portions are frictionally engaged to retain the filter in place and form the annular groove for the sealing means. This construction permits straight-pull molding of the component parts which eliminates mold mismatch flaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventor: John L. Vcelka
  • Patent number: 4976934
    Abstract: A recirculating fiber filter (1) and method is provided for removing particulates from moving fluid streams. High aspect ratio fibers (2) are used which readily nest with each other to form the high voidage fiber filter bed. In the method, fibers are continuously removed from the bottom of the bed regenerated to remove particulates and recycled back to the top of the bed and distributed thereon. Dirty fluid is passed from the top to the bottom of the filter. Dendrites of the particulate impurity appear to buildup in a thin section (A) at the top of the filter and provide the primary mechanism for further particulate entrapment. Recirculation of fibers offers a continuously fresh volume of fibers at the top for capture of particulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Battelle Development Corporation
    Inventors: Robert E. Maringer, Herman Nack, Richard Razgaitis
  • Patent number: 4962044
    Abstract: According to the invention, a piston fit filter/dispenser vial and method of using same is provided. The vial comprises a conventional filter, for example a piston fit serum filter closing the lower end of the vial and a closure having a pressure source fitting closing off the upper end of the vial. The vial also includes a transfer tube having a first end inside the vial adjacent to the filter and a second end outside vial. Filtrate, for example filtered blood serum, within the vial may be transferred in predetermined aliquots to one or more awaiting sample containers from the vial by applying a predetermined volume of air from a pressure source via the pressure source fitting whereby displaced serum is forced up the transfer tube and out of the vial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1990
    Assignee: Hoffmann-La Roche Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest A. Knesel, Jr., Daniel R. Shoemaker, David V. Fansler
  • Patent number: 4957637
    Abstract: A device for separating and isolating heavier components from lighter components of blood mixtures after centrifugal separation, comprising a barrel for holding the blood mixture having slidably positioned therein an inner container for containing the lighter components, a one-way valve responsive to movement of the container within the barrel (a) for controlling the flow of the lighter components into the container, (b) for preventing the lighter components from re-entering the barrel from the container, and (c) for creating a vacuum to assist in drawing the blood mixture to be separated into the barrel, and a filter for filtering the lighter components during their entry into the inner container. The inner container includes an opening for access to the separated and isolated lighter components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Assignee: Sherwood Medical Company
    Inventor: William D. Cornell
  • Patent number: 4919824
    Abstract: Solid particles with entrained liquid are removed from a filtration tank and deposited on a chute inlet to a pair of rollers. One roller is pressed toward the opposite roller such that the solid particles pass through the nip of the rollers and the liquid is squeezed therefrom. The solid particles are scraped from the rollers on the outlet side of the deliquifier for collection. The liquid is collected on the inlet side of the rollers for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Assignee: Henry Filters, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Creps, Matthew O. Kelley
  • Patent number: 4909932
    Abstract: A liquid filtration device includes a tubular container having an end wall at one end with an emptying orifice therein and a detachable cover closing the opposite end. A filling orifice is disposed in the container adjacent to the cover and a fixed filter is secured in the container immediately adjacent the emptying orifice. A movable filter is disposed in the container for movement between the cover and the fixed filter by means of an operating component connected to the movable filter and extending outwardly of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Inventor: Bertrand Monnet
  • Patent number: 4897194
    Abstract: A liquid separator to extract liquid, usually water, from a water-solid mixture. The liquid separator has a housing with an inlet and an outlet separated by a liquid extraction chamber. The housing sidewalls defining the extraction chamber are porous, and are preferably comprised as a plurality of spaced apart rails or slats. The spacing between the rails provides a porosity for extraction of water. The rails are movable inwardly and outwardly relative to the housing in order to vary the volume of the extraction chamber. Bias means are provided that normally bias the rails inwardly of the chamber. A water-solids mixture is pumped through the chamber and tends to expand the chamber against the force of the biasing means. The combination of effects upon the subject mixture is to cause water extraction through both the squeezing by the slats and the friction occassioned by the dewatering of the subject mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Inventor: David A. Olson
  • Patent number: 4897193
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new technique and device for mass transport operation and physical separation, being substantially quantitative and involving selective barriers. According to the new technique, the mass transport through the selective barrier and physical separation are carried out in the same device. The device consists of a mixing-reservoir into which is fitted snugly a mixer-separator, having a channel in the vertical axis of the mixer-separator, the mixer-separator being provided with means for accumulating a gas pocket to decrease the pressure exerted on the barrier. The completely solid-free liquid passing through the selective barrier is removed by pushing in the mixer-separator, said liquid being accumulated in a collecting container. Typical examples of such selective barriers are: membrane, bed of adsorbent material, paper, plastic, glass and metal filters or any other porous material, and hollow fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Assignee: Technion Research and Development Foundation, Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Cais, Moshe Shimoni
  • Patent number: D369214
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Inventor: Frederic L. Nason
  • Patent number: D372070
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Unipath Limited
    Inventors: Krzysztof W. Zak, David J. Wood