Within Sealed Enclosure Patents (Class 210/398)
  • Patent number: 5975313
    Abstract: A blood-tube cap has a generally tubular collar having a front end adapted to fit with a needle holder and a rear end adapted to fit with a blood tube and forming an axially extending passage between its ends, a pierceable membrane in the passage adjacent the front end, a flow-calming body in the passage rearward of the membrane, and a coating of a blood-reacting substance on the body. The passage is generally cylindrical and centered on an axis and the body is wedged in the passage. Furthermore the body is of cruciform cross section so as to leave spaces around itself through which the blood can flow, while effectively contacting the coating substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Sarstewdt AG & Co.
    Inventor: Walter Sarstedt
  • Patent number: 5928508
    Abstract: A medium is separated into a solids-containing component and a liquid component. The latter flows through a filter. Clogging of the filter is avoided in that the latter is moved relative to the medium perpendicularly to the flow direction of the liquid through the filter element. At the same time, the medium is agitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Kleinschroth, Johann Lisson, Klaus Blinn, Josef Sowka
  • Patent number: 5837138
    Abstract: A device for separating a component from a fluid includes a closed carrier drum having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A filter element is positioned in the carrier drum. The filter element has a top face and a bottom face and a cylindrical wall extending therebetween. A fluid duct is positioned between the top and bottom faces of the filter element along a longitudinal axis of the filter element. The longitudinal axis of the filter element is positioned coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the carrier drum. The filter element and the carrier drum are rotatable about their coaxially positioned longitudinal axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Rowe Parsons International Inc.
    Inventor: Hendrik Arie Boele
  • Patent number: 5762794
    Abstract: Article conveyor apparatus and method are disclosed having fluid containment, and particularly for conveying of articles such as cans having an oily liquid thereon when transported from a processing or forming station. The articles are mass transported along a predetermined path that is closed to the atmosphere except for infeed and discharge of articles, with the articles being transported by engagement with a moving belt having openings therein. The inlet of a chamber, otherwise closed to the atmosphere and having negative fluid pressure maintained therein during normal operation, is positioned adjacent to the belt so that the negative pressure maintains articles in contact with the belt during transport along the predetermined path regardless of path orientation and also draws fluid from the transported articles and belt into the chamber through the openings in the belt and the chamber inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Goldco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Simkowski, Thomas M. Ingraham
  • Patent number: 5750025
    Abstract: An extracorporeal blood processing system is disclosed which includes a disposable for an apheresis system. The disposable can include a blood processing vessel and a contoured support. The blood processing vessel includes sidewalls to define the vessel and a blood inlet port and a blood component outlet port. The support is provided proximate to the blood component outlet port and exteriorly relative to the fluid-containing volume of the blood processing vessel. The support may be contoured to direct the desired blood component types(s) toward the blood component outlet port and is in an overlapping relation with the exterior surface of the blood processing vessel. The support and part of an adjacent channel wall collectively define a generally funnel-shaped collect well that collects blood components flowing thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Cobe Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Holmes, Jeffrey J. Blakeslee, Victor D. Dolecek
  • Patent number: 5707512
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the separation, in particular filtration of liquids and solids from solid-liquid mixtures, such as from a mineral, ore, coal or sludge suspensions of contaminated earth. The processing space of the filtration apparatus is submitted to overpressure and includes a collector container for solid-liquid mixture, a pressure filter, a discharge system and container for condensate and solid matter. The separation or filtration takes place at an overpressure and at an elevated temperature, preferably 40.degree. C. to 300.degree. C., conveniently 60.degree. C. to 200.degree. C., preferably about 150.degree. C. The pressure filter device communicates with a source for a heated medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Patentverwaltungs-Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Manfred Koch, Hubert Riemer, Reinhard Pinter
  • Patent number: 5676847
    Abstract: A method for recovering crystals from a crystal-containing slurry, which comprises supplying the slurry to a rotary filter having a rotating cylindrical filter medium, filtering the supplied slurry in a filtering region to retain the crystals on the filter medium and washing the filter cake formed on the rotating filter medium repeatedly in a plurality of washing regions by spraying a washing liquid onto the cake in each region by supplying any one of washing regions on the aft side in the rotating direction of the filter medium with the spent washing liquid of the washing region adjacent to said one washing region on the fore side in the rotating direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Mitsui Petrochemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryoichi Yamamoto, Toshiyuki Sakata, Hiroshi Suzuki, Etsuro Okamoto
  • Patent number: 5643468
    Abstract: A slurry is subjected to a filtration and washing process in order to separate the liquor from the solids. The filtration and washing process is carried out in a housing (101) enclosing an inert gaseous atmosphere which also passes through the filter cake and may be recycled, after treatment, to remove contaminants therefrom. To prevent recontamination of the filter cake as a result of the recycled gas entraining contaminant vapors within the housing (101), the gas is introduced into the housing (101) at a downstream location (152a, 166) relative to the direction of travel of the filter cake on a movable filter medium (100) and in such a way as to develop a contaminant concentration gradient whereby the cleanest cake is contacted by gas having the lowest contaminant level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Imperial Chemical Industries PLC
    Inventor: Alan Macpherson Ure
  • Patent number: 5593583
    Abstract: Filter for continuous filtration of liquids containing solids in a closed cylindrical vessel with a pressure difference between the liquid to be filtered and the filtrate, with disks which are formed by hollow filter sectors and supported at a distance from one another on a driven horizontal hollow shaft normal to the shaft, with filter beds on both sides of every filter sector and a hollow space located between the latter allowing the filtrate to flow out through the hollow shaft, and with devices which are movably pressed against on both sides of every filter disk for removing and discharging solids from the filter beds forming the outer sides of the filter disks and for cleaning these filter beds, wherein every device for removing and discharging solids from and cleaning the filter beds is formed by a closed hollow box unit which is completely surrounded by the liquid to be filtered and has a plurality of chambers which are separated from one another, wherein every chamber has at least one inlet gap compre
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Joachim Geldmacher
  • 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: 5540846
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the separation, in particular filtration of liquids and solids from solid-liquid mixtures, such as from a mineral, ore, coal or sludge suspensions of contaminated earth. The processing space of the filtration apparatus is submitted to overpressure and includes a collector container for solid-liquid mixture, a pressure filter, a discharge system and container for condensate and solid matter. The separation or filtration takes place at an overpressure and at an elevated temperature, preferably 40.degree. C. to 300.degree. C., conveniently 60.degree. C. to 200.degree. C., preferably about 150.degree. C. The pressure filter device communicates with a source for a heated medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Andritz-Patentverwaltungs-Gesellschaft m.B.H.
    Inventors: Manfred Koch, Reinhard Pinter
  • Patent number: 5507498
    Abstract: A sealing device for sealing a slide plate translatable across an extrusion bore in a polymer filtration apparatus includes an annular seal having a sealing surface which is biased against the slide plate by an annular spring. The seal has a thrust surface which is angled relative to the sealing surface and is located at an opposite axial end of the seal from the sealing surface. The annular spring exerts radial forces against the thrust surface of the seal to bias the seal in an axial direction against the slide plate. Pressurized polymer in the extrusion bore further biases the seal against the slide plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Synergy Extrusion Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Delano B. Trott
  • Patent number: 5507947
    Abstract: In an apparatus for separating particulate material from a particle-containing liquid, at least the section of the cylindrical housing (10) provided with perforations (5) is designed as a driveable drum sieve (2') so that the solid materials are optimally separated from the liquid phase and are at the same time freed from particulate impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Inventor: Maximilian Kriegl
  • Patent number: 5500114
    Abstract: A separator device for separating solid material from liquid, particularly in sewage, has an outer casing with respective solid material and liquid outlets, a drum rotatable within the casing and formed of mesh panels for flow of liquid therethrough, spirals within the drum for moving the solid material within the drum, upon rotation, towards an outlet therefrom position above the solid material outlet of the casing, the spirals being each supported at their outer periphery by the periphery of the drum and at their inner periphery by an inlet feed tube and/or a central driven shaft of the drum, and in-line bearings around the shaft and a journal outside respective opposite ends of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Managed Pollution Systems Limited
    Inventors: Michael S. Potter, Arthur S. Pittwood
  • Patent number: 5431814
    Abstract: A rotary filtration apparatus for separating a selected material suspended in a fluid, the apparatus comprising a housing having a selected axis of rotation, the housing being rotatably mounted on a rotation device which rotates the housing about the selected axis of rotation of the housing; the housing sealably enclosing and defining a fluid sealed cavity extending radially outwardly from the axis of the housing; a filter mounted within the cavity of the housing such that the cavity is divided into at least a first fluid retentive input chamber and a second fluid retentive output chamber, the input and output chambers being disposed on opposite sides of the filter; a fluid input line sealably communicating with the fluid input chamber for feeding the material suspended in the fluid into the input chamber under a selected pressure; the filter being selectively permeable to the fluid under the selected pressure and selectively impermeable to the selected material under the selected pressure, the fluid being fe
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Inventor: Glen Jorgensen
  • Patent number: 5423977
    Abstract: A continuous filtration device comprising a cylindrical filter rotationally driven around the axis thereof, a filtration tank in which an outer chamber having an inlet for a liquid to be cleaned and an inner chamber having an exit for a liquid filtrate are separated by the filter, a cleaning means disposed in the outer chamber for spraying a cleaning liquid at high pressure at an acute angle to a surface of a filter to be cleaned, and a guide plate disposed at a position on the side opposite to the cleaning means with respect to the surface to be cleaned for guiding obstacles removed by cleaning and detaching them from the filter. The filter can be automatically cleaned by spraying a liquid to be filtered, liquid filtrate or similar other liquid to the surface of the contaminated filter. The device is useful, for example, for filtration of marine fuel oils or lubricants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignees: Nippon Yusen Kaisha, Fuji Filter Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seijiro Aoki, Yuichi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 5397471
    Abstract: A self-cleaning scroll and screen centrifuge for processing a combined liquid and solid material to separate the solid material from the liquid. The centrifuge is designed for use in the food processing industry and therefore has fluid injectors for cleaning all surfaces within the centrifuge including opposed mating surfaces which function as noncontacting seal mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Tema Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Rodebush, Michael T. Mullins, Michael L. Vastola
  • Patent number: 5366626
    Abstract: In horizontal belt filter apparatus wherein the belt is progressed by alternate incremental motion of the upper run and the lower run, wash liquor used for washing the belt in the lower run, e.g. by spraying into a wash box, is recycled and used for washing filter cake on the upper run at several spaced apart locations. Also, in the upper run, a respective compression device is arranged subsequent to each supply of wash liquor in the direction of travel of the upper run, and during compression gas is blown into the filter cake through the pressure plate of each device so as to maximise extraction of liquid. Trays mounted below the belt are connected to vacuum during stationary periods of the upper run and are arranged to ensure separate collection of liquid for successive sections of the upper run, which liquid may optionally be recycled to upstream locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: D & C Limited
    Inventor: Henri G. W. Pierson
  • Patent number: 5320753
    Abstract: Filtration process and filters for use with materials such as, but not limited to, melts, utilizing a band of filter medium sealed in the filter rollers to seal the material from the outside. In one embodiment, the seal rollers reduce to a minimum the leakage of melt to the outside and make it possible to advance the filter medium through the filter continuously. In various embodiments, the filter medium can be advanced either by the takeup spool or by driving the seal rollers and the rate of movement of the filter medium through the filter can be controlled to maintain a constant pressure drop across the filter. Two component wear-resistant seals are also provided. Maintaining constant conditions through continuous advancement of the filter medium during filtration yields higher product quality and dimensional stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Peter T. Keillor, III, William A. Kirksey
  • Patent number: 5296143
    Abstract: An apparatus for filtering liquids, such as fibre pulp suspensions, includes annular hollow filter discs each of which has two annular liquid pervious, opposed walls covered with filter material, spray nozzle means for cleaning the filter material, and means providing relative movement between the filter material and spray nozzle means. The annular opposed walls of each filter disc are only attached to each other at their radially outer ends, whereas they are spaced from each other at their radially inner ends, such that an annular opening is defined between the interior of the filter disc and a filtrate chamber extending centrally through the filter discs. The spray nozzle means extends from the filtrate chamber through the annular opening into each filter disc. As a result, an extremely pure fine fraction can be produced, clogging of the filtering material is efficiently counteracted, and the operative part of the filter material can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Ingenjorsfirman R. Frykhult AB
    Inventor: Rune Frykhult
  • 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: 5228987
    Abstract: A system for clarifying liquids, having particular utility in dry cleaning operations. The system includes a filter apparatus which includes a plurality of axially spaced filter elements each having a high pressure side through which unclarified liquid is directed and upon which solids in the unclarified liquid accumulate and a low pressure side in communication with a liquid outlet of the filter apparatus. A liquid agitating impeller is disposed between respective adjacent pairs of the filter elements for defining a predetermined spacing between the filter elements and for creating liquid turbulence and agitation between the filter elements in response to rotation of a common shaft upon which the filter elements and impellers are mounted for effecting substantially complete removal of accumulated solids on the high pressure sides of the filter elements without movement between the impellers and filter elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: Hydro-Tek, Inc.
    Inventor: Kostas S. Arvanitakis
  • 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: 5143631
    Abstract: The housing (2, 3, 4) of the filtering device has a cover (4), provided with a filtrate outlet (9), a cover that is detachable applied to a housing part (3) exhibiting an intake (7) for the suspension (8) to be filtered. A filter (11) is placed between housing part (3) and cover (4). A rotor (14), provided with stripping lamellae (17) for stripping the solids settling on the filter (11), rotates in the housing (2, 3). The filter (11) is formed by a flat, plane screen (11) placed perpendicular to the axis of a rotor (22). The intake (7) is aligned radially to the lamellae (17). For replacing or cleaning the filter (11), it suffices to remove the housing cover (4). The lamellae (17) are cleaned by the suspension flowing in the filtering device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: Lonza Ltd.
    Inventor: Hansjorg Furrer
  • Patent number: 5139671
    Abstract: An appratus for treating medium consistency pulp in connection with different treatment apparatuses, such as washers. According to the prior art the treatment of pulp, for example, the washing process, starts at a low consistency, approximately 1-3% so that it is necessary always to dilute pulp before washing, whereby the water consumption of the plant increases and the need of power in, for example, pumping and in the treatment generally increases. The present invention makes it possible to treat medium consistency pulp, because the feeding means is able to spread the pulp as an even layer on the perforated surface of the treating apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: A. Ahlstrom Corporation
    Inventors: Kaj O. Henricson, Seppo K. Kokkonen, Olavi E. Pikka, Harri T. Qvintus, Erkki A. Ruuskanen, Erkki E. Savolainen
  • Patent number: 5094760
    Abstract: A pressurized liquid filter in which a series of spaced apart, vertically extending filter plates are mounted between the sides of housing, inflatable hose seals extending across each top entrance and bottom exit. Filter media strips are draped vertically into the spaces, each disposed over a perforated sheet forming the outer layer of either side of each filter plate. The space between each pair of filter plates is subdivided into two filtering chambers by a dual element dewatering diaphragm mounted in a frame disposed centrally in each space. Liquid slurry is introduced into each chamber under pressure, flow induced to pass through the filter media strips and passing into vertical passages in the filter plates and into collection troughs extending along each row of passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Inventor: Jack R. Bratten
  • Patent number: 5055205
    Abstract: This invention increases the efficiency and flow rate of rotary drum filtration and makes possible the use of such filtration for volatile and high temperature materials. According to the invention a rotary drum filter unit operates continuously in a pressure vessel and solids are intermittently discharged from the vessel. The filtered solids are scraped from the drum periphery and dropped into a trough in the vessel communicating with a discharge passageway. When the passageway is filled with solids, a shroud, driven by a reciprocating ejector traps the solids in the passageway. The ejector compacts the trapped solids forming plugs which are sequentially discharged from the pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Alar Engineering Corporation
    Inventor: Harold R. White
  • Patent number: 5053127
    Abstract: A system for continuously esparating lighter and intermediate density matter, such as plasma rich in platelets from whole blood moves blood through a diverging centrifugation gap between inner and outer walls of a rotor rotating about a central axis within an outer housing. The centrifugation action creates layered flow along an intermediate section. However by crating trailing wakes in the gap between the rotor and housing, localized remixing patterns tending to move in the opposite direction are induced in the layered matter. Platelet rich plasma may then be extracted through adjacent platelet concentrate ports on the inner wall of the rotor. An interior passageway system passes the platelet rich plasma to a platelet concentrate reservoir. Recirculation of blood in the rotor-housing gap between the output and input, and pumping action provided by the diverging centrifugation gap, aid in enhancing throughput and concentration levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: William F. McLaughlin
    Inventors: Donald W. Schoendorfer, Claude E. Berthe
  • Patent number: 4999104
    Abstract: In a disk-type decker that is employed to drain suspensions and that has axially distributed suspension chambers and filtrate chambers that are separated by rotating screen disks and open into a stationary tub, the filtrate chambers are evacuated to increase the throughput of the decker and improve and accelerate drainage. The filtrate chambers are for this purpose divided by radial and axial transverse partitions into individual filtrate-chamber sections distributed along the circumference and sealed off from one another. When the screen disks and hence the filtrate-chamber sections rotate and the sections enter into flow engagement with filtrate outlets at the bottom of the decker, they are simultaneously evacuated, accelerating drainage through the disks. The results are a higher throughput, a lower material density in the filtrate, and lower specific investment costs at the same throughput or material density in the filtrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Assignees: Andreas Kufferath GmbH & Co., Andreas-Kufferath-Platz
    Inventor: Uwe Krieger
  • Patent number: 4944887
    Abstract: A fluid filter is disclosed which includes a casing defining a fluid chamber with inlet and outlet apertures to and from the chamber to respectively conduct unfiltered fluid to the chamber and filtered fluid from the chamber. A flow path is defined within the chamber and a filter is interposed in the flow path substantially normal to the direction of flow of the fluid in the chamber. The filter includes a screen having a covering of a filter aid, such as diatomaceous earth, on an upstream side of the screen. The filter is regenerated by reciprocating the screen relative to the casing in a path corresponding to the path defined by the direction of flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: Essef
    Inventor: Stanley H. Frederick
  • Patent number: 4944883
    Abstract: A system for continuously separating lighter and intermediate density matter, such as plasma rich in platelets from whole blood moves blood through a diverging centrifugation gap between inner and outer walls of a rotor rotating about a central axis within an outer housing. The centrifugation action creates layered flow along an intermediate section. However by crating trailing wakes in the gap between the rotor and housing, localized remixing patterns tending to move in the opposite direction are induced in the layered matter. Platelet rich plasm may then be extracted through adjacent platelet concentrate ports on the inner wall of the rotor. An interior passageway system passes the platelet rich plasma to a platelet concentrate reservoir. Recirculation of blood in the rotor-housing gap between the output and input, and pumping action provided by the diverging centrifugation gap, aid in enhancing throughput and concentration levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Inventors: Donald W. Schoendorfer, Claude E. Berthe
  • Patent number: 4936986
    Abstract: A nonclogging rotary disk filter is disclosed. The invention has relief holes provided in rotatable disks such that oil, other liquids, and gases may be separated from a liquid while the disks are rotated at high speeds. The relief holes are located close to the rotatable shaft supporting the disks. When the disks are rotated at high speeds, lighter liquids, oil, and gas bubbles tend to migrate to the area near the shaft which has relatively low centrifugal forces. In a gravitational field, the relief holes allow the lighter liquids, oil, and gas bubbles to migrate upwardly through the disks for removal. The disks are rotated fast enough to establish a barrier layer in a liquid over a working area of the disk surface having a surface velocity greater than 15 feet per second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: Pure Stream International Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Tarves, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4936991
    Abstract: A liquid filter includes a filtering medium of a collapsed cylindrical form which defines cooperating accordian pleats that form contaminant collecting walls. The medium is self-supporting, and divides the filter into inlet and outlet chambers across the medium. When the restriction of the medium increases, thereby increasing the pressure differential across the medium, the accordian pleats collapse until corrugations on the pleats engage with one another, thereby resisting further collapse of the medium. As the pressure differential increases still further to the extent that the corrugations are collapsed, a part of each fold is kept apart by adjacent double thickness portion of the fold or pleat, so that a minimum flow of liquid through the filter is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Peyton, Horace M. Misturado
  • Patent number: 4925550
    Abstract: A batch-action apparatus for filtering a fluid medium comprises a hermetically sealed housing (1) communicating with systems (9, 10 and 11) for feeding the fluid medium, discharging the clean medium, and evacuating filter cake.The housing (1) accommodates a flexible filter hose (2) one end (4) of which is turned inside out and attached to the housing (1), whereas the other end (7) thereof is connected to a hoisting mechanism (3) acting to move the hose (2) relative to the fixed end (4) of this hose. The end (4) of the hose (2) turned inside out forms an annular cavity (8) to which the fluid medium is fed and which varies in volume under the action of filter cake build-up or in response to the movement executed by the hoisting mechanism (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Inventors: Viktor V. Shishkin, Nikolai F. Kryazhevskikh, Jury P. Shapovalov
  • Patent number: 4900440
    Abstract: The dynamic pressure filter is constructed with a plurality of coaxially disposed rotor sectors and stator sectors. Filter surfaces are mounted on each of the sectors to define annular filter chambers for receiving a suspension to be filtered under pressure. In addition, vortex breakers are provided at the downstream end of each filter chamber for destroying the flow structure of the suspension prior to flow into the downstream filter chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: Sulzer Brothers Limited
    Inventors: Heinrich Ziegler, Jan R. P. de Fries
  • Patent number: 4844789
    Abstract: A slurry of comminuted cellulosic fibrous material (e.g. paper pulp) is acted upon so that particles contained in the slurry are separated out from the slurry and introduced into a second liquid flow, while maintained under superatmospheric pressure. A partition divides a liquid tight pressure resistant vessel into first and second distinct chambers isolated from each other except by a slit at a mid-portion. An inlet for the slurry and an outlet for the first liquid are connected to the first chamber, and an inlet for the second liquid and an outlet for the second slurry to the second chamber. A screening disk is mounted for rotation in the vessel so that it fills the slit, with portions disposed in both the first and second chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Kamyr AB
    Inventor: Kjell U. W. Lundqvist
  • Patent number: 4839047
    Abstract: An intermittent-action apparatus for filtering liquid has a sealed casing (1) in which a hollow cylinder (8) is mounted so as to define with the casing (1) an annular space (9) communicating with a system for removing precipitate. A driven drum (12) is provided in the upper part of the casing (1), and one end (11) of a filtering hose (10) is secured to the drum, the other end (13) of the hose being turned inside out and secured along the perimeter to the hollow cylinder (8) so as to define around the remaining part of the hose an annular space (14) for liquid being filtered, the annular space varying in volume during accumulation of precipitate therein and during movement of the hose under the action of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Inventors: Viktor V. Shishkin, Nikolai F. Kryazhevskikh, Jury P. Shapovalov
  • Patent number: 4832843
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises a hermetically sealed hollow housing (1) accommodating in the interior thereof a flexible filtering member (2) in the form of a hose, the ends of which are turned inside out and attached to the periphery of the inside surface of the housing (1). Cavities (3,4) formed between the hose (2) and housing (1) communicate with a discharge device (8) for discharging the fluid medium being cleaned.Provided in the interior of the housing between the fixed ends of the hose (2) is a partition wall (9) having a slot-shaped opening (10) for the passage of this hose and dividing the interior of the housing (1) into two chambers (12, 13). Each such chamber (12, 13) is connected to the feeding device (17, 21) for feeding the fluid medium being cleaned and to the evacuation device for evacuating filter cake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignee: Inzhenerny Tsentr "Truboprovod"
    Inventor: Viktor V. Shishkin
  • Patent number: 4826607
    Abstract: Filter cake produced from a slurry is compressed in an enclosure (6) having a pair of opposed flexible walls (5) at least one of which is constituted by a filter and drainage medium. The filter cake is cyclically deformed while under compression with the filter cake supported at least one position (14, 52) within its periphery whereby the unsupported parts of the filter cake are cyclically deformed about the periphery and the position or positions of support. All parts of the filter cake are thus subjected to substantially uniform bending whereby drying of the filter cake is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: Steetley Quarry Products Limited
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Pearce
  • Patent number: 4821536
    Abstract: The seal has particular use as a seal in vats having a rotatable drum. The seal prevents material from getting between the ends of the drum and adjacent vat inside surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: Donald E. Bardsley
  • Patent number: 4728424
    Abstract: For the separation of a slurry into cake and water, a set of rotary filter discs are mounted on a hollow shaft at constant longitudinal spacings and in positions of registry with one or more rows of bores in the hollow shaft. Each filter disc has a filter cloth or like filter element enveloping a carrier disc, so that the water that has passed the filter cloth flow into the bores in the hollow shaft through a gap between the carrier disc and the hollow shaft. Arranged alternately with the filter discs are baffle plates which also are each enveloped by a filter cloth for the separation of water from the slurry. Each filter disc has one or more flow accelerating members mounted astride the peripheral edge thereof. The flow accelerating members create cavities in the slurry with the rotation of the filter discs, thus facilitating the flow of the slurry between filter discs and baffle plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: International Metal Finishing, Inc.
    Inventor: Kaname Miura
  • Patent number: 4650581
    Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for separating a phase dispersed by emulsion or by suspension in a continuous phase of different density, comprising a coalescence enclosure 1 provided with an inlet 1a and with an outlet 1b which enters a separation enclosure 4, the coalescence enclosure 1 assuming the shape of an elongated surface of revolution about an axis XX' slanted with respect to the vertical and containing at least one rigid or semi-rigid sheet 7 rolled up about the inclined axis XX' to form windings of which the generatrices extend along the enclosures, these windings being spaced apart and substantially covering all of the free cross-section of the enclosure; this sheet in particular may be rolled up in a spiral and may consist of a material preferentially wetted by the dispersed phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Assignee: Elf France, S.A.
    Inventors: Michel Angles, Pierre Hoornaert, Alain Audouin, Henri Roques, Yves Aurelle, Louis Lopez
  • Patent number: 4615801
    Abstract: According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve filtration and dehydration of a large quantity of dregs. During the operation, since the rotary filtration cylinder 6a is washed, the holes in the rotary filtration cylinder 6a will not be choked with the dregs so that there is no need to interrupt the operation to clean the rotary filtration cylinder 6a during the operation and it is possible to continue the operation by treating a large amount of the dregs in a short period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1986
    Inventor: Chung Y. Lee
  • Patent number: 4613568
    Abstract: A method and device is disclosed for the release and separation of substances such as parasites or parasite eggs from meat. In the method, meat is agitated with pepsin and filtered through a series of at least two filters, the last of which retains the parasites or parasite eggs. The device includes a reactor which tapers downwardly, and which has in its lower part an outlet valve connected via a conically widening part with a separator device. The separator device includes a cylindrical connecting piece which accepts holder rings for holding one or more filters or sieves in releasable connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1986
    Assignee: A/S N. Foss Electric
    Inventor: Gottfried Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 4541929
    Abstract: A sieve drum (2) for drying solid materials such as, for example, brown coal is rotatably supported for being rotated around its axis (8). A conveying screw (3) is arranged within the interior of the sieve drum and can be rotated independent from the rotation of the sieve drum (2). The sieve drum (2) is designed as a slot-sieve drum, the slots (26) of which extend within the mantle of the drum from one front end (7) of the drum to its other front end (5). The sieve drum (2) and the conveying screw (3) are arranged within a tightly closable pressure resistant housing (1), steam supply openings (22) being connected to the housing (1) outside of the sieve drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1985
    Assignee: Voest-Alpine Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Alois Janusch
  • Patent number: 4492634
    Abstract: An improved pre-evacuated blood sampling collection tube having two oppositely positioned rubber stoppers sealing the corresponding oppositely positioned open ends of the said cylindrical tube, and interposed within the said tube is a slideable perpendicularly placed filtration disc that filters and separates the cellular elements of the whole blood from its fluid counterpart during the process of centrifugation. One embodiment of the tube having a special structural extension baffle at one of the two sealing rubber stoppers, said structural extension found proximal to the puncturable entrant area of the blood specimen into the tube, acts as the structural baffle that prevents or curtails hymolysis of the red blood cells during the sudden onrush of blood from the blood source through the bore of the collection needle, and into the vacuum of the said collection tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1985
    Assignee: EMDE Medical Research
    Inventor: Antony-Euclid C. Villa-Real
  • Patent number: 4359387
    Abstract: Flowable material is pumped between upstream and downstream passages in a body through an aperture portion formed in a side member that communicates between the passages. An annular seal member engages the slide member under the urging of a Belleville spring. The slide member, formed as a filter, has a region of uniform porosity that is moved progressively through the path of flow of the material for changing the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1982
    Assignee: Beringer Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Delano B. Trott
  • Patent number: 4343701
    Abstract: In a filter device a filter media belt is positioned over a horizontal grid panel. Ends of the belt extend beyond the panel and each is attached to a rotatable forward and rear spool carried outside a cover which encases the grid panel. The cover defines an inner chamber above the grid panel which may be selectively sealed by a closure of doors located at each end of the cover. The cover, doors, and grid panel are sufficiently reinforced to allow the inner chamber to be partially filled with a batch of a liquid-particulate mixture and then pressurized to force the liquid portion through the filter belt and grid panel. During pressurization, longitudinal gasket devices maintain edges of the filter belt sealed against the grid panel. With the liquid portion removed, the particulate in the form of a cake remains on the filter belt. The chamber then is depressurized, the doors opened, and the belt moved forward by rotation of the forward spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1982
    Assignee: AMSTED Industries Incorporated
    Inventor: David G. Parshall
  • Patent number: 4319996
    Abstract: The filter device of this invention comprises a housing with an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber separated by a deformable microporous membrane, the outlet chamber containing a perforated membrane support surface of concave compound curvature which is spaced from the wall of the outlet chamber, the deformable membrane being in contact with and conforming to the compound curvature of the support surface when fluid flows through the membrane from the inlet chamber to the outlet chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1982
    Assignee: Gelman Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Monty E. Vincent, Karlis Vizulis
  • Patent number: 4311590
    Abstract: A phase separation apparatus is provided for effecting phase separation of two immiscible liquids. The apparatus comprises an inner rotatable tube the bottom end of which is charged axially with the two liquids, and an outer tube which forms an outer chamber surrounding the inner tube. The inner tube includes a plurality of slots or openings along the length thereof and when the inner tube is rotated the heavier phase liquid will be separated from the lighter phase and will exit through the slots in the inner tube into the outer chamber for collection. The lighter phase is collected at the top of the inner tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1982
    Inventor: Henry P. Sheng