Vacuumized Filtrate Receiver Patents (Class 210/406)
-
Patent number: 7045068Abstract: An apparatus for separating liquid from a slurry comprised of a solid and a liquid is described. The apparatus comprises a container sized and configured to receive the slurry which container comprises a removable cover sized and configured to enclose an atmosphere within the container when the cover is attached to the container, a filter disposed within the container for separating the liquid from the slurry, and a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the enclosed atmosphere of the container which pump is configured to create a vacuum within the container that causes the liquid to move through the filter, which pump is configured to vacuum material comprised of solid material, liquid material, gas or a combination of two or more of the foregoing. Related methods of separating liquid from the slurry using the apparatus of the invention are also described.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2005Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Walker-Dawson Interests, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Hutchinson, Richard F. Dawson
-
Patent number: 7029584Abstract: A device for filtering liquids comprising two shafts which are parallel to each other or at an acute angle wherein each shaft carries a stack of disks that extend perpendicularly to the shaft axis and are rotated thereby. The disks of one stack are engaged in the intermediate spaces of an adjacent disk stack and at least one of the shafts is driven. At least one of the shafts is hollow and is provided with bores and some of the disks have channels therein which are fluidly connected to the inside of their respect hollow shaft. A support ring is oversized in relation to the shaft so that a channel is formed between the inner surface of the support ring and the outer surface of the shaft and this channel extends over at least part of the length of the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2001Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: aaflowsystems GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Dieter Bläse, Hans Olapinski, Hans-Peter Feuerpeil
-
Patent number: 7025212Abstract: A plasma- or serum-collecting device with simple structure and easy to handle is provided. The device comprises a vacuum blood drawing tube accommodating a blood-filtering unit, wherein the vacuum tube contains a space above the blood-filtering unit to preserve blood to be filtered and a partition wall under the blood-filtering unit to keep a backspace at reduced pressure, and the blood-filtering unit contains a communicating needle to break the partition wall at the bottom.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2003Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshikazu Amano, Toshihiro Mori
-
Patent number: 7005077Abstract: A method and system for separating human waste solids from liquid for a shipboard toilet system that allows for the separation of solid waste, compaction of the solid waste and storage of solid waste. Wastes are deposited into a shipboard toilet system that uses vacuum toilets to flush waste into a large, inclined solid waste separation tank. A vacuum pump is attached to the separation tank to maintain negative pressure within the tank and system and to move the separated liquid stream. The separation tank has a separating screen disposed across its entire width to retain solid wastes while allowing liquid to flow through. After separation from liquids, solid waste material is compacted and dewatered with a helical screw through an inclined tube, and packaged for later removal as landfill or burned in the ship incinerator.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2005Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Inventors: Samuel L. Brenner, John D. Vincent
-
Patent number: 6989099Abstract: A device and method for removal of liquid from the downstream side of a membrane or a well, such as a well of a multiwell plate. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a wicking structure, which channels droplets of liquid away from a membrane in communication with a plurality of wells. In the preferred embodiment, the wicking structure is placed in a manifold.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2005Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Assignee: Millipore CorporationInventors: Jeffrey S. Busnach, Brian Foley, Phillip Clark, Joseph E. Gabriels
-
Patent number: 6913152Abstract: A vacuum filtration apparatus (900) for detecting microorganisms and particulates in liquid samples. The apparatus includes a base (901), an absorbent pad (991), a filter (990), a funnel (930), and a lid (960). The funnel is releasably attached to the base, and may contain an integral flexible seal for releasably sealing the filter to the base. The outer wall of the lid may be segmented to make it flexible, this flexibility allows it to be releasably attached to the funnel or the base. The apparatus is designed so that any funnel will fit any base, and any lid will fit any base or any funnel when all parts are manufactured to normal tolerances. The apparatus may be configured to to keep the filter wrinkle free in both the dry and wet states.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2002Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Inventor: Peter Zuk, Jr.
-
Patent number: 6911145Abstract: An apparatus for separating liquid from a slurry comprised of a solid and a liquid is described. The apparatus comprises a container sized and configured to receive the slurry which container comprises a removable cover sized and configured to enclose an atmosphere within the container when the cover is attached to the container, a filter disposed within the container for separating the liquid from the slurry, and a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the enclosed atmosphere of the container which pump is configured to create a vacuum within the container that causes the liquid to move through the filter, which pump is configured to vacuum material comprised of solid material, liquid material, gas or a combination of two or more of the foregoing. Related methods of separating liquid from the slurry using the apparatus of the invention are also described.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2002Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Walker-Dawson Interests, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Hutchinson, Richard F. Dawson
-
Patent number: 6906227Abstract: The application relates to a process for producing high-purity bis(4-hydroxyaryl)alkanes from adducts of bis(4-hydroxyaryl)alkanes and aromatic hydroxy compounds, which are obtained by acid-catalysed reaction of the aromatic hydroxy compounds with ketones.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2000Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Bayer AktiengesellschaftInventors: Rainer Neumann, Rolf Lanze, Frieder Heydenreich, Michael Bödiger, Michael Prein
-
Patent number: 6893562Abstract: A device and method for removal of liquid from the downstream side of a membrane or a well, such as a well of a multiwell plate. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a wicking structure, which channels droplets of liquid away from a membrane in communication with a plurality of wells. In the preferred embodiment, the wicking structure is placed in a manifold.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2000Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Millipore CorporationInventors: Jeffrey S. Busnach, Brian Foley, Phillip Clark, Joseph E. Gabriels
-
Patent number: 6872301Abstract: A high shear rotating disc filter having a hollow interior and constructed of a porous material such as sintered metal or ceramic with finely structured openings. The disc is mounted and secured onto a hollow shaft. The hollow shaft is connected to a vacuum source, external to the filter, that allows for the passage of the filtrate to a receiver. There are elongated slots in the wall of the shaft which provide the passage of filtrate from the disc. The shaft provides rotational force for the discs.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Inventor: Anthony Schepis
-
Patent number: 6868973Abstract: The present invention provides a drum type refining or washing apparatus in which the refining or washing efficiency of a pulp suspension or a food suspension is remarkably enhanced by the filtration function of a rotary drum and by the filtrate sucking force of a filtrate receptive cell.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2004Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Sakae Kohki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Eiichi Kamo, Nobuyuki Kamo
-
Patent number: 6869572Abstract: A card or insert having a plurality of recesses for a sample preparation device, the card containing cast-in-place composite and/or non-filled structures which are useful as sorptive or reactive media or for size-based separations. Any particular card size or configuration can be used, and the inclusion of a large amount of adsorptive particles in polymer is achieved while still maintaining the membrane three dimensional structure. In a first preferred embodiment, the composite structures comprise particles entrapped within a porous polymeric substrate, and are cast in-place into a plurality of recesses in an insert for a multi-well sample preparation device, thereby providing an effective platform for high throughput micromass handling.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2000Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Millipore CorporationInventors: William Kopaciewicz, Cheryl Brucato
-
Patent number: 6846421Abstract: A liquid filter method includes use of a filter media belt enclosed by sealably mated cover pan and floor pan defining a vacuum chamber connected to a sealed clean liquid tank, with clean liquid pumped out continuously to draw liquid to be filtered into an upper region of the filter chamber via an inlet hose connected to a source of liquid to be filtered. The cover pan is lifted after the vacuum is relieved to allow indexing of the filter media belt. A main control valve to the clean liquid tank is closed and pumping liquid continues during indexing. A vacuum control device limits the maximum vacuum developed in the clean liquid tank and a vacuum pump removes air from the tank for priming and to eliminate excess accumulated air. A hose seal for the cover is mounted to the filter belt to be moved in and out by the belt movement, allowing cleaning of the seal. A double loop hose seal creates an intervening space into which liquid is directed to minimize air leaks.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2002Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Inventor: Jack R. Bratten
-
Patent number: 6837990Abstract: A new vacuum cyclone seafood collection retainer is disclosed. Two men easily assemble this new cyclone collection retainer, made in portable sections, and the sections can be rotated for best orientation of the hose connections. This vacuum cyclone facilitates the use of a large-scale vacuum system to offload shrimp from the holds and bins of shrimp boats and trawlers up onto the dock and into collection tubs for weighing and processing. This new vacuum cyclone system will offload shrimp and other small seafood much faster, cheaper, and with less damage to the shrimp than the conventional methods now employed. One large-scale vacuum supply pump can be connected through a common vacuum supply tank to multiple vacuum cyclone collection retainers providing multiple unloading dockside facilities.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2003Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Inventor: Joseph Layne Orillion
-
Patent number: 6833077Abstract: A precoat renewal system for a filter, such as a disc filter. The renewal system includes a plurality of nozzles coupled to spray piping and valving with each nozzle being positioned for spraying an area of one side of a disc. The nozzles and at least a portion of the spray piping is movable such that the nozzles may be displaced relative to the discs. The nozzles and piping are arranged in groups or zones with each zone covering a specified percentage of the discs in the filter and each zone representing about 40% or less of the surface area of the filter media of the discs in the filter. The system may be configured such that high pressure fluid may be supplied to that particular zone for removal of a precoat layer on the disc while other zones may be concurrently washed with a lower pressure fluid.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2002Date of Patent: December 21, 2004Assignee: GL&V Management Hungary Kft.Inventor: Peter J. Flanagan
-
Publication number: 20040245163Abstract: A device, system, kit, and method are provided for filtering relatively large volumes of whole blood to recover purified RNA for analysis. The device can include: a filter including a body having an interior, a first filter connector in communication with the interior of the body, a ribonucleic acid-capturing (RNA-capturing) membrane disposed within the interior, and an optional filter frit disposed within the interior adjacent the RNA-capturing membrane. The system can include a vacuum adapter plate including a substrate having a first surface, a second surface, and one or more through-holes each extending at least from the first surface to the second surface. The first filter connector can connect to a respective through-hole to form a fluid communication between the filter and the vacuum adapter plate. The system can include a collection vessel in fluid communication with the filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Gary Lim, David W. Ruff, Michael A. Tanner, Somaya L. Bit
-
Patent number: 6827853Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removing an oil contaminant from a surface of an aqueous solution, comprising manually controlling a surface skimmer from a remote location to remove a layer or a batch of an oil contaminant from an oil-aqueous solution mixture by the skimmer, where the aqueous solution is contaminated by the oil as a result of an industrial process. The present invention also provides a system for carrying out the method, which comprises a surface skimmer, a collection means which is preferably a separator, a conduit connecting the skimmer to the collection means in an airtight fashion, and means for creating negative pressure in the skimmer, where the skimmer is capable of manual control from a remote location; in further embodiments, the system further comprises an air filtering means.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2003Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Universal Separators, Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Terrien, David T. Walker
-
Patent number: 6800197Abstract: A rotating drum pressure differential filter is provided whereby a layer of filter medium is continuously refreshed by a spray applicator device after the layer is utilized to filter components sample medium and a portion of the layer is subsequently scraped to remove sample medium waste from the layer. Methods of filtration using the device are also provided as are systems employing two or more such filters. A spray applicator device useful for refreshing a filter medium on the outer surface of a rotating drum pressure differential filter is also provided as is a retro fit kit useful in modifying existing rotating drum pressure differential filters to enable the continuous formation of a refreshed filter medium layer. The continuously refreshed filter and filter systems provide a minimized down time of the filter and system operations. Multiple-stage filtration processes are also provided and are particularly in the recovery of enzymes from fermentation broths.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2000Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: Genencor International, Inc.Inventors: Antti Kosola, Ryszard Braun, Stefan Ekbom
-
Publication number: 20040188344Abstract: The present invention is a filter assembly for vacuum filtration formed of a housing having an upper portion and lower portion, a filter separating the upper from the lower portion of the housing, an inlet formed in the upper housing, an outlet and a vacuum port formed in the lower portion, a gasket arranged at a lowermost surface of the lower portion and the upper portion is having a height sufficient to trap any air that might enter and keep it away from the membrane surface. Preferably, it is of a curved shape, preferably in the form of a dome. Optionally, the upper portion of the housing may also contain a vent, particularly a vent controlled by a valve, for the removal of air periodically from the upper portion, especially when a large incursion of air has occurred.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2004Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventors: Chris A. Scott, Matthew John Dunleavy, Louis Bonhomme
-
Patent number: 6776294Abstract: This concerns a device whose filtering membrane is gripped annularly at the periphery between a first member forming part of an intake body and a second member forming part of a drainage body with one out of the first member and second member having an elastomer seal by means of which it comes into contact with the membrane, and whose locking means are adapted to allow the opening of the device by requiring only a separation movement between said first member and said second member. The drainage method proposes directly placing the device on a vacuum flask, the sealing with regard to the stopper of said flask being obtained by a rib tapering towards its end.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2002Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: Millipore CorporationInventor: Jean Lemonnier
-
Patent number: 6761820Abstract: A paint overspray particulate filtration system includes a collection tank, a floatation consolidation tank, and a vacuum filter assembly having a filter medium that traverses a pair of vacuum chambers. A positive displacement vacuum producer for the first vacuum chamber discharges a first supply of pressurized air at a temperature preferably greater than about 170° F. and a pressure preferably greater than about 6 psig, while a centrifugal compressor discharges a second supply of pressurized air at a temperature of perhaps up to 110° F. and at a pressure of perhaps 4 psig. The first pressurized air supply is heat exchanged with the second pressurized air supply, whereupon the cooled first pressurized air supply is directed through a submerged diffuser nozzle to aerate the collection tank and/or the consolidation tank. The warmed second pressurized air supply is directed onto the paint sludge carried atop the filter medium to enhance sludge dewatering.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2002Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Air and Liquid Systems, Inc.Inventor: James E. Miller
-
Publication number: 20040063169Abstract: A filtration assembly (10) for use in collecting a fluid sample possibly containing microorganisms, and capturing the microorganisms of interest in the sample such that the captured microorganisms can be subsequently detected. The filtration assembly includes a sample reservoir (20) for collecting and holding the fluid sample to be filtered, a fluid port (38) and a vent (70) in communication with the sample reservoir, a filter element (45) disposed in a flow path between the sample reservoir and fluid port, and a cover member (50) detachably covering the sample reservoir.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventor: Jeffrey Kane
-
Patent number: 6702939Abstract: A sewer-cleaning tool includes a sleeve is sized to have an inside diameter incrementally greater than the outside diameter of the pipe. A sleeve is sized to have an inside diameter incrementally greater than the outside diameter of the pipe. A scoop, having a spoon shaped main body, is carried by a lower portion of the sleeve. A fence assembly includes left and right fence segments attached along their lower edges to the scoop and at an upper rear location to the sleeve. A reinforcement assembly includes left and right rods connected to an upper and forward location on the left and right fence segments, respectively, and to the sleeve. In operation, a water hose delivers water upstream of the cleaning tool, causing debris to be washed to the tool and evacuated, while the water moves through the fence assembly, increasing the ratio of debris to water collected.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Inventors: Ronald L. Thompson, William R. Peacock
-
Publication number: 20040031746Abstract: A plasma- or serum-collecting device with simple structure and easy to handle is provided. The device comprises a vacuum blood drawing tube accommodating a blood-filtering unit, wherein the vacuum tube contains a space above the blood-filtering unit to preserve blood to be filtered and a partition wall under the blood-filtering unit to keep a backspace at reduced pressure, and the blood-filtering unit contains a communicating needle to break the partition wall at the bottom.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2003Publication date: February 19, 2004Inventors: Yoshikazu Amano, Toshihiro Mori
-
Publication number: 20040011749Abstract: An apparatus for separating liquid from a slurry comprised of a solid and a liquid is described. The apparatus comprises a container sized and configured to receive the slurry which container comprises a removable cover sized and configured to enclose an atmosphere within the container when the cover is attached to the container, a filter disposed within the container for separating the liquid from the slurry, and a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the enclosed atmosphere of the container which pump is configured to create a vacuum within the container that causes the liquid to move through the filter, which pump is configured to vacuum material comprised of solid material, liquid material, gas or a combination of two or more of the foregoing. Related methods of separating liquid from the slurry using the apparatus of the invention are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2002Publication date: January 22, 2004Inventors: Robert J. Hutchinson, Richard F. Dawson
-
Patent number: 6666978Abstract: An apparatus producing a vacuum in several cavities configured in a microtitration filter plate, each cavity having an upper sample liquid input aperture and a lower aperture fitted with a filter covering the aperture cross-section. The apparatus includes a device that produces a vacuum and that can be connected to the lower apertures such that, upon connection, a vacuum can be applied to the apertures and such that, during the vacuum stage, the sample liquid in the cavities is aspirated through the filters. A flexible plate is mounted in planar contact at the side of the upper cavity apertures on the microtitration filter plate. The flexible plate, when mounted on the microtitration plate and when the vacuum is applied, hermetically seals the upper apertures of unfilled cavities.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2002Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: Eppendorf AGInventor: Bernd Steinel
-
Patent number: 6659288Abstract: A plasma- or serum-collecting device with simple structure and easy to handle is provided. The device comprises a vacuum blood-drawing tube accommodating a blood-filtering unit, wherein the vacuum tube contains a space above the blood-filtering unit to preserve blood to be filtered and a partition wall under the blood-filtering unit to keep a backspace at reduced pressure, and the blood-filtering unit contains a communicating needle to break the partition wall at the bottom.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2001Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshikazu Amano, Toshihiro Mori
-
Patent number: 6622870Abstract: A filtering device for separating liquid and solid material from a mixture consists of an endless filter belt. Filtrate is separated off by means of the pressure difference above and below the filter belt. The device is placed in a high pressure space in order to keep liquid substances which at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure would become gaseous. The applied pressures can rise to roughly 20 bar.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 1994Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Pannevis B.V.Inventor: Alphons Arnoldus Johannes Antonius Prinssen
-
Patent number: 6588601Abstract: An apparatus for removing fines from the bottom of a tank includes an extraction device having an internal chamber along with a vacuum arrangement which, when activated, lowers the pressure within the chamber. An inlet structure adjacent the bottom of the extraction device is adapted to be juxtaposed against fines accumulated on the bottom of the tank, the inlet device acting, when the vacuum is activated, to move fines toward the internal chamber by superimposing on the moving fines an inwardly convergent motion. A cable is provided for lowering the extraction device toward the bottom of the tank. The apparatus includes a distributor above the extraction device. The distributor defines a quiet zone above the device for separation of fines from the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2000Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Canadian Enviromental Equipment & Engineering Technologies Inc.Inventor: Paul Costinel
-
Patent number: 6572902Abstract: A process for producing improved alkaline water includes filtering potable source water to remove selected particles and then purifying the filtered water. Selected alkaline minerals are added to the purified water, with the resulting mineralized water being then electrolyzed to produce streams of acidic water and alkaline water, the alkaline water having a pH within the range of 9-10, a TDS range of 22-240 ppm (parts per million) and alkalinity in the range of 12-216 ppm.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Advanced HInventors: Robert M. Abramowitz, George Arnold
-
Patent number: 6555014Abstract: A method for filtering a liquid and an apparatus for carrying out the method in which at least one container is provided from which a filtering aid is fed to a dosing device by a delivery device, and the filter aid is supplied to an injecting container and/or to a filter element via the dosing device.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbHInventors: Karl-Guenter Bremer, Karl-Heinz Buehl
-
Publication number: 20030062302Abstract: The present invention provides for a multiple well filter plate and method of producing same, the multiple well filter plate comprising a molded plate and a filter sealed via an adhesive, the method particularly adapted for producing multiple well filter plate having substantial well densities and small volume sample wells.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2002Publication date: April 3, 2003Inventors: Phillip Clark, Kurt Lautenschlager
-
Publication number: 20030034303Abstract: An apparatus and a method for dividing a fluid into desired proportions by means of a filtering device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2001Publication date: February 20, 2003Inventor: Jeffrey A. Olson
-
Publication number: 20030029787Abstract: The present invention includes methods for the production of a continuous differential permeable membrane and for devices that use such a membrane. One form of the present invention is a filtration apparatus having fluid permeable and fluid impermeable regions. The apparatus may be used allows for high throughout processes such as chemical synthesis and biological separations.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2001Publication date: February 13, 2003Inventors: Ying-Horng Liu, Kevin J. Luebke
-
Publication number: 20020189992Abstract: A liquid handling member such as for application in hygiene articles, which comprises a membrane assembly separating a first and a second zone, which is connected to a suction device. This assembly comprises a membrane material having an actual surface area along its surface contours, and also has a projected surface area corresponding to an area projected to surface generally aligned with the member surface during its intended use.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2002Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventors: Mattias Schmidt, Bruno Johannes Ehrnsperger
-
Publication number: 20020192739Abstract: This concerns a device whose filtering membrane (4) is gripped annularly at the periphery between a first member (9) forming part of an intake body (2) and a second member (32) forming part of a drainage body (3) with one out of the first member and second member having an elastomer seal (13) by means of which it comes into contact with the membrane (4), and whose locking means (7, 31) are adapted to allow the opening of the device by requiring only a separation movement between said first member (9) and said second member (32).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2002Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventor: Jean Lemonnier
-
Patent number: 6495031Abstract: A liquid filter apparatus includes a filter media belt enclosed by sealably mated cover pan and floor pan defining a vacuum chamber connected to a sealed clean liquid tank, with clean liquid pumped out continuously to draw liquid to be filtered into an upper region of the filter chamber via on inlet hose connected to a source of liquid to be filtered. The cover pan is lifted after the vacuum is relieved to allow indexing of the filter media belt. A main control valve to the clean liquid tank is closed and pumping liquid continues during indexing. A vacuum control device limits the maximum vacuum developed in the clean liquid tank and a vacuum pump removes air from the tank for priming and to eliminate excess accumulated air.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2001Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Inventor: Jack R. Bratten
-
Patent number: 6475377Abstract: An apparatus for removing solids from a liquid/solid mixture disposed in a tank and rising to a mixture level, the apparatus including a suction assembly defining a suction opening, the suction assembly linked to a vacuum that causes suction at the opening, a support assembly formed about the suction surface including first and second essentially circular housing walls having wall edges and a filter belt loop sealed to the edges and sized such that the belt is slack and subject to deformation between the edges, a belt section disposed to cover the suction opening and a processor controlling a motivator to periodically alter belt position with respect to the suction opening.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2000Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Jorgensen Conveyors, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Fox, Keith K. Nelson
-
Patent number: 6461503Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for the filtration of fluid media, in particular for the pre-screening of media, that has a primary pack of hollow discs, which are arranged parallel to each other at regular distances to each other, the walls of which are made of a sieve material. The apparatus also has a primary, hollow shaft, which penetrates and is fixed to the hollow discs, connecting its interior to the cavities of the discs, and is fitted with a drive. Also included is a secondary pack of discs, which are arranged similarly to the hollow discs of the primary pack. There is a secondary shaft that is arranged similarly to the primary shaft. The two packs with their respective shafts are designed and arranged in such a way that the discs of one pack protrude into the spaces between neighboring discs of the other pack. There is a container that encloses the packs and the shafts. The container has an inlet for the medium to be treated, as well as an outlet for the retentate.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2000Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: aaflosystems GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Dieter Bläse, Hans Olapinski, Hans-Peter Feuerpeil
-
Patent number: 6406555Abstract: A dilution tool (100) and a method to prepare a solution by mixing of two fluids in a filter (130) to form a desired solution. Sealless pumps (141, 142) are driven by a common motor (143) to pump the fluids at a constant ratio of their respective flow rates while the flow rate of the solution varies. The conductivity or resistivity of the solution is measured with a measurement device (166) to determine the concentration.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Motorola Inc.Inventors: James A. Grootegoed, James F. Vanell
-
Patent number: 6358406Abstract: A vacuum filter includes a cylindrical filter drum 12 having both a perforate section 14 and an imperforate section 16. The drum is positioned in a tank 20 so that the imperforate section is oriented upwardly therein. A level controller is provided to maintain the level of contaminated fluid below the top of the imperforate section but above the perforate section. A filter belt 54 wrapped around the filter drum is repositioned by rotating the drum when the differential pressure between the interior and exterior of the drum reaches a predetermined value. The inlet ends 35 of the suction pipes 34 are continuously positioned at the lowest point of the drum so that the pump does not lose suction when the drum is rotated thereby facilitating continuous filtration of the contaminated fluid through the vacuum filter.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Inventor: Gene Hirs
-
Patent number: 6350414Abstract: A device for simultaneous processing of a number of liquid specimens is disclosed. The device is in the form of a plate having a plurality of compartments, each compartment being adapted to hold a liquid specimen and having an aperture at its top for introducing and withdrawing liquid into and from the compartment, respectively. Each compartment has a vent opening at a side wall at about mid portion thereof between the compartment's top and bottom, the vent opening is at one end of a duct and the other end of the duct opens to the atmosphere wherein each of the compartments has an upper converging portion ending in an aperture with an annular rim adapted for tight engagement with a filter sheet and having a bottom portion with an inverted dome shape.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1999Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: Trek Diagnostic Systems Inc.Inventors: Benny Ballin, Amir Geron, Anat Weinstein, Nir Barkai
-
Patent number: 6336561Abstract: A disposable rotary drum filter for processing batches of slurry. The device includes an outer housing in which is disposed a rotatable inner drum that is covered with a filter material. Preferably the device is fabricated from a plastic material that is sterilizable. The inner drum is preferably magnetically coupled to an external drive unit, eliminating seals required if it were necessary for a drive shaft to pass through the housing. The inner drum rotates through a slurry. The filtrate outlet is connected to a vacuum source that draws the slurry through the filter material. Solids in the slurry are thus deposited as a filter cake on the outer surface of the filter material, while liquid from the slurry passes through the filter material to be collected as a filtrate. Air drawn into the housing through an inlet passes through the filter material and partially dries the filter cake that has been rotated out of the slurry.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2000Date of Patent: January 8, 2002Inventors: John Michael Kossik, Jeff F. Delys
-
Patent number: 6331431Abstract: A high throughput device is provided for simultaneously isolating periplasmic fractions from multiple samples of host cells. The device can be formatted to operate in a series. A method for simultaneously isolating multiple periplasmic fractions is also provided. The method includes (a) providing a high throughput device for isolating periplasmic fractions from multiple samples of host cells having an outer membrane via attaching a removable sample chamber having a membrane chamber wall to a vacuum chamber and applying a vacuum thereto (b) removing media with the vacuum and (c) removing the outer membrane of the host cells (d) attaching a collection chamber to the vacuum chamber and applying a vacuum thereto in order to carry out a collection of the periplasmic fractions that pass through the membrane of the chamber wall from the host cells.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 1995Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Ixsys, Inc.Inventors: Scott M. Glaser, William D. Huse, William P. MacConnell
-
Publication number: 20010045387Abstract: A plasma- or serum- collecting device with simple structure and easy to handle is provided. The device comprises a vacuum blood-drawing tube accommodating a blood-filtering unit, wherein the vacuum tube contains a space above the blood-filtering unit to preserve blood to be filtered and a partition wall under the blood-filtering unit to keep a backspace at reduced pressure, and the blood-filtering unit contains a communicating needle to break the partition wall at the bottom.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2001Publication date: November 29, 2001Applicant: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.;Inventors: Yoshikazu Amano, Toshihiro Mori
-
Patent number: 6294098Abstract: In an apparatus containing rotating filter media that removes solids from a fluid stream, the invention provides devices and methods for improved cleaning of the filter media. Solids trapped on the filter media are removed by the application of a suction pressure that draws the filter media into contact with a backwash shoe. The backwash shoe has one or more orifice slots in a radially tapered or oblique angular configuration or in a combination of radially tapered and oblique angular configurations. The orifice slot configuration creates an hydraulic condition where the unit of orifice area applied per unit filter area has a generally uniform ratio across the rotating filter media. This configuration equalizes the distribution of the backwash flow over the filter area, thereby maintaining the filter media in a more uniformly clean and effective filtering condition.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2000Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Aqua-Aerobics System, Inc.Inventor: Eugen O. Bergmann
-
Publication number: 20010013487Abstract: A filter device for filtration of fluids with extraction of a filtered sample fluid from containers and tube conduits for measuring purposes, the filter device has a closed fluid circuit including at least one first filter element, a fluid pump, a second filter element arranged so that a sample fluid is suctioned via the first filter element out of a container or tube conduit and via the second filter element is pumped back into the container or tube conduit, or vice versa.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2001Publication date: August 16, 2001Inventor: Holm Kaendler
-
Patent number: 6245244Abstract: A method and kit for separating plasma from small quantities of whole blood. A mixture of less than 100 &mgr;l of whole blood, a blood anticoagulant and a diluent, is formed in a container provided with a sealing cap. The mixture is forced through a filter containing glass fibers by applying sub-atmospheric pressure to a side of the filter opposite the mixture. The method can be performed in a hypodermic syringe, or in a capillary.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1998Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: Micro Diagnostic Innovations Nederland B.V.Inventor: Felix Wilhelmus Marie De Rooij
-
Patent number: 6220453Abstract: This invention provides a blood filter unit capable of obtaining a necessary volume of a plasma or serum sample from blood to be assayed easily at any place, which comprises a blood filtering material and a holder accommodating the blood filtering material and having a nozzle for sucking blood and a filtrate outlet, and the inside of the holder being kept reduced pressure conditions.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masao Kitajima, Sigeru Tezuka, Yasuo Washizawa, Kenichiro Yazawa
-
Patent number: 6187209Abstract: A filtering apparatus has an open canister with an inlet port. A canister lid is provided which includes an outlet port for the passage of fluids from the canister. Liners are also provided which are shaped to fit the interiors of the canister and the lid, with at least the canister liner preferably being flexible. The sample to be filtered is positioned inside the canister liner, with the lid and lid liner being put in place thereafter. A filter element is located between the sample and the outlet port. Seals are formed between the canister liner and lid liner, and around the outlet port to prevent fluid leakage. A pressure differential is created between the canister and the canister liner so that the fluid in the sample is ejected from the outlet port and the canister liner collapses around the retained solids.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2000Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLCInventors: Rodney M. Shurtliff, Kerry M. Klingler, Terry D. Turner