With Flow Controller For Material Being Treated Patents (Class 210/418)
  • Patent number: 6099739
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a magnet filter and a method of cleaning a magnetic filter. The magnetic filter is disposed in a circular passage for processing a cleaning fluid. The cleaning apparatus includes sensors for determining when the magnetic filter should be cleaned, which prevents a loss of effectiveness of the cleaning fluid due to detached metal powder falling off of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mikio Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6068761
    Abstract: A liquid purification device comprising an enclosure having a first portion with an inlet and second portion with an outlet; a partition separating the first and second portion; a hydrate sensitive purification medium disposed within the first portion; a second purification medium disposed within the second portion; a first valve disposed adjacent the inlet of the first portion; and, a second valve operably associated with the partition for permitting flow of the liquid from the first portion to the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: International House of Distinction (HK) Ltd.
    Inventor: Wang Sing Yuen
  • Patent number: 6051136
    Abstract: A disposable sterile apparatus (1) for blood filtration with a system for the optimization of blood recovery in the passage from one pouch to the next, having a main tube (4, 8, 13, 18, 19) containing sterile air, one end of which is designed for the connection to a first container (pouch) (2) containing the liquid to be filtered and the other end of which is connected to a second empty container (pouch) (20): The foregoing tube (4, 8, 13, 18, 19) includes at least one filter (12) being arranged in the flow of the liquid. The apparatus (1) contains a tube (7) for the return of air from the second container (20) to the first container (2) acting to equalize pressure of the liquid at the two extremities of the main tube (4, 8, 13, 18, 19) after the liquid has been filtered. The filter (12) features two interior semi-chambers with filtration material separating them. The first semi-chamber has an inlet port while the second semi-chamber has an outlet port and a venting port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Giorgio Mari
  • Patent number: 6027644
    Abstract: A cartridge based water purification and filtration system which permits cartridge changes without drainage at the input and output ports. Interlocking flanges at the manifold and cartridge lock the cartridge to the manifold and raised surfaces at the cartridge operate the inlet valve with a rotational seating of the cartridge. A spring biased inlet valve depends from a supply manifold input port and cooperates with the filter cartridge to prevent forward flow until the cartridge is seated to the manifold. The check valve includes a split stem which prevents chatter with valve operation. A check valve at the output port cooperates with a sealed bayonet fitting that mates to a concentric outlet port at the cartridge to prevent back flow with cartridge removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: PentaPure Incorporated
    Inventors: Jan H. Magnusson, Alan Lonneman, David M. Botts
  • Patent number: 6024869
    Abstract: A filter head for use in cooperative engagement with an associated liquid filter comprises a block member having a bypass valve assembly, and a back pressure flow valve assembly. The block member defines an inlet port; an inlet channel positioned for fluid communication between the inlet port and the associated liquid filter; a first outlet port; a second outlet port; and an outlet channel positioned for fluid communication between the associated liquid filter and the first and second outlet ports. When in an open orientation, the bypass valve provides fluid communication between the inlet channel and the outlet channel. When in a closed orientation, the bypass valve blocks fluid communication between the inlet channel and the outlet channel. The back pressure flow valve assembly, when in an open orientation, provides fluid communication between the outlet channel and the second outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Stifelman
  • Patent number: 6010626
    Abstract: The small filter comprises a housing (1) and a grip (2). A pump (6, 7, 8) can be operated with the grip. Disposed concentrically around the pump are an activated charcoal filter (3) and a ceramic filter (4). The grip is substantially beaker-shaped with convex front wall (11) and cylindrical lateral walls (14). In its rest position, it enclosed the upper end of the housing, such that the small filter is very compact while the grip still has large gripping or seating surfaces for the fingers and the ball of the thumb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Katadyn Produkte AG
    Inventor: Adriano D'Agostino
  • Patent number: 5993648
    Abstract: A faucet-mounted water filtration device includes a gate valve that is used to select between discharge options. The gate valve contains a thumb rest which is configured to allow manual valve actuation while supportedly engaging a user's thumb. First discharge option includes a conventional bottom discharge into a sink. A second discharge option exists as a water fountain that is formed as a compact, integral feature of the water filtration device. A flow indicator permits a user to check whether the filtration cartridge is working properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: American Standard, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Hunter, Jeffrey K. Aldred, Kraig J. Koski, Ralph Burns
  • Patent number: 5961842
    Abstract: Blood separation systems and methods employ a rotating chamber. The chamber includes an inlet region where whole blood enters for centrifugal separation into packed red blood cells, a plasma constituent, and an interface carrying mononuclear cells between the packed red blood cells and the plasma constituent. The packed red blood cells in the chamber have a hematocrit value H.sub.PRBC. A controller operates in a first mode to convey whole blood into the inlet region while removing packed red blood cells and the plasma constituent from the chamber and while maintaining the interface within the chamber. The controller also operates in the first mode to maintain a set H.sub.PRBC by conveying packed red blood cells into the inlet region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Kyungyoon Min, Richard I Brown, Robert J Cantu, Daniel F Bischof, William H Cork
  • Patent number: 5958225
    Abstract: A filter system is disclosed which comprises a housing having a first inlet and a first outlet. A filter element is located between the first inlet and the first outlet. A temperature sensitive valve controls communication between a first inlet side of the filter element communicating with the first inlet and a return line from a fuel pump so that when the fuel temperature is low, hot fuel returning from the pump is supplied to the first inlet side of the filter element. When the fuel temperature increases, the returned fuel is returned to the fuel reservoir rather than to the first side of the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Lucas Industries
    Inventor: Peter Francis Bradford
  • Patent number: 5937876
    Abstract: A rinsing system used in a photoresist coater to remove a brim portion of the formed photoresist layer on a substrate. The rinsing system has capability to avoid a reversed pressure effect. The rinsing system includes several distribution ducts, which are coupled to a solvent container. Each duct includes an one-way valve, an automatically-releasing-gas filter, and a pump with sequential couplings from the solvent container. The pump is used to transport solvent to the substrate to rinse the photoresist layer. The pump also induces the reversed pressure effect, which can be avoided by the automatically-releasing-gas filter, the one-way valve, and the solvent container. The one-way valve includes a spring to hold a ball-like stopper of the valve so that the reversed pressure effect is consumed by the spring force. The automatically-releasing-gas filter contains a gas and includes a releasing-gas valve to release the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Kuei-Hsi Lai, Ching-Chih Cheng, Hung-Lung Ma
  • Patent number: 5937880
    Abstract: An under counter dish washing machine has an upper spray assembly with a spray base recessed at the top of the wash compartment. An enclosed control housing is provided around the recess to house various controls in order to make use of what is otherwise wasted space. The sump of the machine is covered by a screen having an opening in which a pump filter moves up and down to open and close the drain opening. The filter has a perforated body so that all water draining to the sump must pass through either the screen openings or the perforations of the pump filter. The supply hose which delivers water to the machine is relieved from constant water pressure by a solenoid valve which closes except during a fill cycle of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: TCA, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell L. Payzant
  • Patent number: 5937879
    Abstract: An under counter dish washing machine has an upper spray assembly with a spray base recessed at the top of the wash compartment. An enclosed control housing is provided around the recess to house various controls in order to make use of what is otherwise wasted space. The sump of the machine is covered by a screen having an opening in which a pump filter moves up and down to open and close the drain opening. The filter has a perforated body so that all water draining to the sump must pass through either the screen openings or the perforations of the pump filter. The supply hose which delivers water to the machine is relieved from constant water pressure by a solenoid valve which closes except during a fill cycle of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: TCA, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell L. Payzant
  • Patent number: 5922208
    Abstract: A method for filtering out of a liquid at least one solid substance includes supplying the liquid containing the substance via axial supply to a filter; filtering the liquid wherein the substance remains in the filter as residue; draining away the liquid; compressing a predetermined amount of residue to the shape of a solid bar under the pressure of the liquid during filtering; opening closeable discharge axially opposite the supply end during filtering; and removing the bar out of the filter under the pressure exerted by the liquid on the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Defil N.V. Holland Intertrust (Antilles) N.V.
    Inventor: Petrus Adrianus Cornelis Maria Demmers
  • Patent number: 5902476
    Abstract: A hemodialyzer apparatus comprises a reusable dialyzer membrane as well as reusable blood flow path and dialysis flow path units. The apparatus automatically primes itself and makes dialysis solution from dry chemicals, concentrates, and fresh water which is provided to the apparatus. Also, after use, the apparatus automatically prepares cleaning and rinsing solution for the cleaning and rinsing of the dialyzer membrane as well as the dialyzate and blood flow path means, to provide a system which is so simplified in terms of automatic operation that it may be usable for daily dialysis at home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: Zbylut J. Twardowski
  • Patent number: 5893969
    Abstract: A safety apparatus for pressurized filter vessels includes a protective shroud, a mechanical and electrical interlock device that prevents the opening of the filter vessel cover unless the input and output port valves are closed and electrical power to the pressurizing pump is disconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Mechanical Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: Sidney Goldman
  • Patent number: 5865209
    Abstract: An air gap adapter for use with a water faucet. The air gap adapter has an adapter body with a base portion and an integral riser portion which extends generally vertically upwardly from a rear region of the base portion. The base portion has a hole for a water inlet shank of the water faucet, and the riser portion has brine inlet and outlet bores. The brine outlet bore is vertically oriented in the riser portion, and the brine inlet and outlet bores are open at their upper region. Two barbed connectors are located at a lower region of the adapter body and provide a brine inlet and outlet to the adapter. A venting aperture is formed near an upper region of said riser portion and passes into the brine outlet bore. A cap is positioned on the riser portion above the bores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: QMP, Inc.
    Inventor: Jose Freddy Vidal
  • Patent number: 5846409
    Abstract: An adjustable continuous filtration system for cooking fats and cooling oils. Using a variable orifice restriction such as a valve, the amount of cooking fat or cooking oil recycled to a filter is controlled in accordance with the results of testing the discharged cooking fat or cooking oil for quality control, by changing the size of the orifice. If the discharged fat or oil not within industry standards, the proportion being recycled is increased. If the fat or oil tests appreciably above industry standards, the proportion recycled to the filter is decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: Ronald J. Zappe
  • Patent number: 5846419
    Abstract: A hemo(dia)filtration apparatus (10) is described comprising a dialyzer (12) and two sterile filters (38) and (60). The first chambers (42) and (64) of both sterile filters (38) and (60) may be switched at least intermittently during flow through, thereby flushing out membranes (40) and (62) of both sterile filters (38) and (60) and effectively preventing an accumulation of germs and pyrogens. This prevents an increase in the transmembrane pressure (TMP), which reduces the likelihood of a rupture, thereby ensuring sterility of the dialyzer fluid and improving the operating safety of the hemodiafiltration apparatus (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Fresenius AG
    Inventor: Bernd Nederlof
  • Patent number: 5824219
    Abstract: A water spout seat of the water filtration device is composed of a water discharge tube, a main body, a stop valve, and a trigger member, The main body is provided with a through hole, a water inlet, a chamber, a stop edge located between the through hole and the chamber, a stop lip located between the water inlet and the chamber, and an inclined connection hole located between the water inlet and a water outlet of the main body. The stop valve is provided with a tapered washer which is engaged securely with a tapered hole of a water admitting tube. The through hole, the chamber and the water inlet are located coaxially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventor: Cheng-Chen Lai
  • Patent number: 5776338
    Abstract: A disposable sterile apparatus (1) for blood filtration with a system for the optimization of blood recovery in the passage from one pouch to the next, having a main tube (4, 8, 13, 18, 19) containing sterile air, one end of which is designed for the connection to a first container (pouch) (2) containing the liquid to be filtered and the other end of which is connected to a second empty container (pouch) (20). The foregoing tube (4, 8, 13, 18, 19) includes at least one filter (12) being arranged in the flow of the liquid. The apparatus (1) contains a tube (7) for the return of air from the second (20) to the first container (2) acting to equalize pressure of the liquid at the two extremities of the main tube (4, 8, 13, 18, 19) after the liquid has been filtered. The filter (12) features two interior semi-chambers with filtration material separating them. The first semi-chamber has an inlet port while the second semi-chamber has an outlet port and a venting port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Biofil s.r.l.
    Inventor: Giorgio Mari
  • Patent number: 5772900
    Abstract: A working fluid containing dispersed abrasive grains is used in abrasive machining, and a used working fluid contaminated with cutting chips or swarf produced during the abrasive machining is processed by first filter device, so that the abrasive grains in the used working fluid is recovered in the form of a suspension to provide a reclaimed working fluid in which the amount of the cutting chips is reduced. The used working fluid is reclaimed by the device, and the useful abrasive grains included in the used working fluid can be efficiently utilized without being discarded, whereby the abrasive grains in the working fluid is effectively utilized and the working cost is reduced. The device employs a so-called cross flow filtration system, wherein filtration films have mesh openings which are sufficiently smaller than an average grain size of the abrasive grains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Noritake Co., Limited
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yorita, Takashi Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 5766471
    Abstract: It is a solenoid valve used in hydraulic control. Inside a body 4, a clip plate 11 is provided at the side of an inlet 5. The clip plate 11 is formed integral by a circular support portion 12 and three retaining pawls 13 extending toward its center. On the other hand, a filter 21 of synthetic resin is formed integral by an outer frame portion 22 encircling the inlet 5, an inner frame portion 23 bisecting it and filter portions stretched therebetween. Further, a retaining convex portion 25 projecting toward the inlet 5 is provided at an intermediate portion of the inner frame portion 23. The inner frame portion 23 is elastically deformed to move the retaining convex portion 25 toward the side of the inlet 5 so that it is retained by the three retaining pawls 13 of the clip plate 11. The shape can be achieved wherein the filter 21 does not project so much from the body so that the overall size of the solenoid valve can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignees: Tosok Corporation, Jatoco Corporation
    Inventor: Motohiro Sumiyoshi
  • Patent number: 5762782
    Abstract: Water treatment and pretreatment methods and processes for use in a dialysate preparation machine are described. In one aspect, water is passed through a first filter having chlorine removal properties and then passed into a line. Water is removed from the line at a sample location. The removed water is periodically sampled for the presence of chlorine or chloramines. The presence of chlorine or chloramines indicates that the filtration capacity for chlorine of the first filter is substantially exhausted. The method further includes the step of filtering the water downstream from the sample location in a second filter having chlorine removal properties, and replacing the first filter if chlorine or chlorine is detected during the sampling step. Water pretreatment may be provided by mixing hot and cold water from a source with a temperature-controlled mixing valve and passing the water through the first filter, so as to provide warm, filtered water to the dialysate preparation machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Aksys, Ltd.
    Inventors: Rodney S. Kenley, Dawn Matthews, Dennis M. Treu
  • Patent number: 5750039
    Abstract: Systems and methods centrifugally separate mono nuclear cells from whole blood in a separation chamber. The systems and methods control the exit hematocrit value of red blood cells separated in the chamber by recirculating a portion of the red blood cells removed from the chamber for mixing whole blood entering the separation chamber. The systems and methods also control the entry hematocrit value of whole blood entering the separation chamber by recirculating a portion of the plasma constituent removed from the separation chamber for mixing whole blood entering the separation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Richard I. Brown, Kyungyoon Min
  • Patent number: 5690815
    Abstract: An automated system for processing biological fluid includes a pressure differential generator, a biological fluid processing assembly including a first container operatively associated with the pressure differential generator, at least one satellite container in fluid communication with the first container and a porous medium including a leukocyte depletion medium interposed between the first container and the satellite container and a sensor downstream of the porous medium for sensing and providing a signal reflecting the presence of red blood cells downstream of the porous medium. An automated control arrangement is coupled to the sensor to receive the signal from the sensor and coupled to at least one of the pressure differential generator and the biological fluid processing assembly to control flow between the first container and the satellite container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Eric J. Krasnoff, Thomas J. Bormann, Thomas C. Gsell, Frank R. Pascale, Vlado I. Matkovich
  • Patent number: 5683578
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling and filtering the flow or viscous fluid in a material melting and dispensing device is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rotatable valve assembly having a filter plate and a flow stoppage plate. Rotation of the valve alternately allows or halts the flow of viscous fluid. The convenient ability to block the flow of viscous fluid such as hot melt adhesive at a point immediately downstream of a hopper or material melt space facilitates repair, maintenance, or removal of other downstream elements such as a pump without the need for draining the hopper, while avoiding excessive spillage of hot melt adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Jon C. Zook, Larry Warden
  • Patent number: 5681459
    Abstract: Reject waste water adapter coupling fitting, system and installation method for use with a household undercounter reverse osmosis (R/O) water filtration installation associated with an in-counter sink having a garbage disposer with its outlet connected by standard slip fit plumbing fittings to a sink drain trap plumbed to the household sewer system. The R/O reject waste water undercounter drain line is coupled into the sink drain trap in parallel drainage relation with the disposer outlet plumbing fittings by a baffle Tee plumbing fitting having first and second inlets perpendicular to one another with their input drainage liquid flow separated by an internal baffle. The garbage disposer outlet is coupled by a standard slip fit single inlet/outlet conduit plumbing fitting to the baffle Tee first inlet. The baffle tee has a single outlet slip coupled to the inlet of the trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Inventor: Dennis E. Bowman
  • Patent number: 5653868
    Abstract: A water purifier includes a diverter which can be detachably attached to a water faucet to select a plurality of water passages and a filter cartridge which can be detachably attached to the diverter to purify a water to be supplied through the diverter. The diverter is provided with a connector portion including a projection having a pair of guide grooves. The filter cartridge is provided with an engaging portion which can be inserted and fitted in the guide grooves. Disclosure is also directed to a diverter which includes a substantially cylindrical body which defines therein a main water passage to be connected to the faucet, and a rotatable selecting member which can be coaxially and rotatably fitted on the substantially cylindrical body and which is provided with a plurality of branch water passages which can be selectively registered with the main water passage of the substantially cylindrical body in accordance with the rotation of the selecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Rayon Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Manabu Yanou, Ikuo Igami, Masaaki Okano, Osami Kato
  • Patent number: 5635058
    Abstract: A method, system and adapter couplings for draining the reject bypassed waste water from a reverse osmosis (R/O) filtration unit to a sewer line, and particularly adapted for use in a household or commercial undercounter R/O water filtration installation associated with an in-counter sink having a garbage disposer with its outlet connected by standard plumbing fittings to a sink drain trap in turn plumb to the sewer system. The R/O waste water drain line tube is coupled into the sink drain trap in serial drainage relation with the disposer outlet plumbing fittings by a special convertable Y-Tee plumbing fitting having an R/O drain tube inlet branch and a dishwasher drain hose inlet branch oriented at an acute angle to one another with their respective input drainage liquid flows converging at a common hose nipple outlet of the Y-Tee. The garbage disposer dishwasher drain water inlet nipple is coupled by a standard coupling hose and hose clamps to the Y-Tee outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventor: Dennis E. Bowman
  • Patent number: 5618409
    Abstract: The centrifuge (1) described has at least one device (11,12) designed to control the operation of the centrifuge, the devices being mounted to rotate with the rotating part of the centrifuge and to be operated by a mechanical actuator (13) also rotating with it. Such devices may, for instance, be drain valves, periodically opening discharge valves, sill height adjustment devices, pressure-control devices, temperature-control devices, etc. At least one part of the devices of this centrifuge to be controlled independently of the centrifugal force is designed so that the rotating actuator (13) changes its shape as a function of the temperature and has at least one temperature-specific shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: FLottweg GmbH
    Inventor: Walter Kreill
  • Patent number: 5614091
    Abstract: A filter module for filtering a flow of fluid employs a base member which either mounts a blanking plug or a diverter valve module. The plug is replaced by a diverter valve module for use with those engines that require an auxiliary source of low pressure fuel. A solenoid valve is housed in the module. A pressure regulator valve positioned in the valve module maintains a backpressure in the filter assembly to insure that there is sufficient head to drive the flow of fuel to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Stanadyne Automotive Corp.
    Inventors: Leon P. Janik, M. Craig Maxwell, Robert W. Zeiner
  • Patent number: 5607579
    Abstract: An apheresis apparatus for increasing the purity and yield of platelets separated from donated whole blood by centrifugation incorporates a centrifuge for separating whole blood into lower, intermediate, and higher density components. The centrifuge has inlet and outlet ports in selective fluid communication with a container for receiving lower density blood component from the outlet port. A pump is coupled to the container and the inlet port for recirculating lower density blood component from the first container through the inlet port into the centrifuge at a first, substantially constant, rate so as to widen the region of the centrifuge occupied by the intermediate density component without causing the intermediate density component to exit the centrifuge, and subsequently at a second rate, so as to displace intermediate density component from the centrifuge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Haemonetics Corporation
    Inventors: Allen Latham, Jr., Glen E. Jorgensen, Theodoor H. S. Sibinga, Joseph R. Plante, Tracey E. Knapp
  • Patent number: 5606989
    Abstract: A self-venting valve having its principal parts molded of nylon reinforced with glass fibers is mounted in the bottom of a fuel filter assembly to drain water and other contaminants from the assembly. The self-venting valve includes a plunger portion with a bore therethrough for draining water from the fuel filter assembly and a valve body member which receives the plunger. The valve body member has a vent hole therein which communicates with the interior of the housing to let air into the housing so that as the water drains from the housing a partial vacuum is not created which might interrupt the flow of water. The plunger is biased to the valve closed position by a coil spring, however the valve may be held in the open position by misaligning lugs on the plunger with slots in the valve body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Roll, Willie L. Stamey, Christopher L. Loafman
  • Patent number: 5593596
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for collecting cutting fluid and chips from a number of machine tools and includes a series of sumps each collecting chips and fluid at a particular machine tool, and a central sealed collection tank drawing from all of the sumps by drawpipes inserted in each sump. A single large capacity pump pumps to filtration equipment, with a predetermined vacuum level maintained in the tank by opening and closing an outlet valve between the pump and the filtration equipment. A level switch at each sump causes intermittent opening of an associated valve causing each sump to be placed in communication with the vacuum in the collection tank, and random opening of the valves causes individual sumps to be emptied by the full suction at the collection tank. The drawpipes are equipped with antivortex end shapes to allow rapid evacuation without drawing air into the system. A vacuum pump removes excess air accumulating in the collection tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Jack R. Bratten
  • Patent number: 5589059
    Abstract: The present disclosure sets forth an adapter for installation on an automobile engine in lieu of a disposable cartridge filter. The adapter includes inlet and outlet fittings. The inlet and outlet fittings connect through a pair of flexible hoses to a raised filter housing installed at an elevated location in the engine compartment. The system also includes an oil reservoir which accumulates oil under pressure where the oil under pressure is stored until engine starting. This enhances lubrication within the engine at the upper portions thereof to avoid dry starting which occurs when the oil otherwise settles to the bottom of the engine. The reservoir in conjunction with the filter housing operates with selected valves and checkvalves so a hydrostatic head of oil pressure is achieved even when the engine is not operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Inventor: James E. Semar
  • Patent number: 5584998
    Abstract: A diffuser, which is adapted for use in a filter, includes a pair of tiers. Once of the tiers is supported on and is laterally movable relative to the other tier in response to contact by a closure dome as the dome is applied to an access opening formed in a housing of the filter, whereby the diffuser automatically and properly adjusts itself in relation to the access opening during its assembly in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: H-Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward C. Teter, Thomas D. Searl
  • Patent number: 5573678
    Abstract: Systems and methods for separating mono nuclear cells from whole blood rotate a separation chamber about a rotational axis. The systems and methods introduce whole blood into a first region of the chamber during its rotation to separate the whole blood into a plasma constituent, red blood cells, and an interface between the red blood cells and the plasma constituent. The interface carries mono nuclear cells. While conveying whole blood into the first region, the systems and methods collect the plasma constituent in the first region, while also collecting the red blood cells in a second region of the chamber spaced from the inlet region. The systems and methods create, while conveying whole blood into the inlet region, a back flow of plasma constituent along the interface from the second region toward the inlet region. This back flow of plasma maintains a high-relative hematocrit in the second region and a low-relative hematocrit in the inlet region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Richard I. Brown, Kyungyoon Min
  • Patent number: 5554278
    Abstract: A closed fuel and used motor oil mixing system that is permanently attached to the oil pan and fuel system, and adds oil to the fuel system for combustion with the fuel. The attachment points to the fuel system can be along the return fuel line for deposit into the fuel tank, directly to the fuel tank, or to a drip oiler which drips the oil directly into the top cylinder areas. The system pumps used oil from the oil pan and filters out the particulate matter held in suspension in the oil, before delivering the filtered oil into the fuel system. A valve prevents oil from exiting the oil pan until desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: Bruce L. Henderson
  • Patent number: 5554293
    Abstract: A blood processor for separating blood into cellular blood components and blood fluids including means for receiving a source of blood whose components are to be separated; means, operatively associated with the means for receiving, for separating cellular blood components from blood fluids, the means for separating including means for permitting passage therethrough of blood fluids but inhibiting the passage of blood components therethrough; a pulsating pump for pumping blood from the means for receiving into the means for separating and for agitating the blood within the means for separating; and, wherein the cellular components in the blood are inhibited from blocking the means for permitting passage, thereby facilitating the movement of blood fluids through the means for permitting passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventor: John Uhoch
  • Patent number: 5498328
    Abstract: This invention relates to monitoring apparatus and, in particular, but not exclusively to such apparatus for use in association with mains water supply facilities. A water works 10 has a water main 12, in which is located a filtration unit 13 having a filter 17. A pressure transducer 17a monitors the pressure drop across the filter 17 to initiate backwash. The conditions of backwash are monitored by a control unit 20 which operates valves 21 to 24 so that when abnormal conditions are detected a sample of the backwash fluid can be captured in reservoirs 25 to 27 in accordance with the degree of abnormality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Cross Manufacturing Company (1938) Limited
    Inventor: William F. Smith-Haddon
  • Patent number: 5470473
    Abstract: An assembly for recovering crystals from a slurry comprises a filtration unit including a rotatably mounted cylindrical filter, a slurry input for receiving slurry pressurized by a pump. The filtration unit has an outlet for discharging crystalline material separated from the slurry by the filtration unit. A first hopper connected to the filtration unit at the discharge outlet thereof is provided at a downstream side with a first valve unit which is in turn connected to a second hopper on a downstream side. A second valve unit is coupled to the second hopper at a downstream side thereof. Each of the valve units includes a rotatably mounted dome shaped valve member. The second hopper is provided with a vent extending to a gas storage tank. A conduit links the hoppers to one another for substantially equalizing pressure in the hoppers prior to an opening of the upstream valve during a discharge procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: David B. Park, Michael F. Crawley
  • Patent number: 5466380
    Abstract: A sump system and method for collecting liquid from a number of locations includes a series of sumps each collecting liquid at a particular location, and a central sealed collection tank drawing liquid from all of the sumps by overhead draw pipes. A single large capacity pump pumps liquid back to filtration equipment, with a predetermined vacuum level maintained in the tank by opening and closing an outlet valve between the pump and the filtration equipment. The collection tank may be initially filled from an overhead clean supply header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Inventor: Jack R. Bratten
  • Patent number: 5449456
    Abstract: A household under-counter reverse osmosis (R/O) water filtration installation wherein the R/O reject waste water under-counter drain line is coupled into a sink drain trap in parallel drainage relation with a garbage disposer sink by a baffle Tee plumbing fitting having first and second normally open inlets perpendicular to one another. The garbage disposer outlet is coupled by a standard slip fit single inlet/outlet fitting to the baffle Tee first inlet. The baffle tee has a single outlet slip coupled to the inlet of the trap. An R/O drain adapter elbow of the invention has its inlet connected to the waste water drain line tube and its outlet coupled to the Tee second inlet. The adapter provides an end closure structure which, with the elbow, sealably closes the second inlet of the Tee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Inventor: Dennis E. Bowman
  • Patent number: 5417849
    Abstract: A machine tool coolant filtering system (10) is disclosed as including a plurality of coolant filter tanks (12). Each filter tank (12) is designated for receiving coolant carrying a different material contaminant. A fluid control communication system (22) controls the communication of coolant from the machine tools to the coolant filter tanks (12). A liquid level sensor (40) senses coolant level within a respective tank (12). A modulating valve (46) in communication with the liquid level sensing means (40) senses the liquid level in the respective tank (12). If the coolant level in its respective tank (12) falls below a threshold range, the respective modulating valve (46) is closed to restrict coolant from being removed from its respective tank (12) to maintain the coolant level in the respective tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Henry Filters, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M. McEwen, Michael R. Bailey
  • Patent number: 5403498
    Abstract: This invention provides an automatically controllable water reuse system having, in combination, a) a reservoir for water to be reused, b) a switch for controlling the level of water in said reservoir, c) an electrically powered timing mechanism which controls in a timed relationship filtering and pumping apparatus which can be turned "on" by a water level switch in the reservoir. The timer, pumping, filtering, and valve control combination is timed to provide at least four modes of operation including first and second modes to clean moveable solids from first and second filters, a third mode to pump filtered water for reuse to end points of use, e.g. to a toilet water storage tank or to garden irrigation end points and a fourth mode providing either a rest period before beginning the water pumping, filtering, distribution cycle again or for manual operation of the apparatus to direct the water for reuse to a desired reuse endpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Econeco Inc.
    Inventors: Alan P. Morrissey, James E. Bowers
  • Patent number: 5401421
    Abstract: An energy efficient water purification system which maintains critical operating temperatures for effective reverse osmosis. The system includes hot and cold water inlets providing a flow of heated feed water, a regeneratable pre-treatment system for treating the heated feed water, a reverse osmosis machine for receiving the flow of pre-treated feed water heated to a given temperature to purify the feed water and discharge impurities in a discharge stream and feed the purified feed water to an outlet for end use, and a valve to control the temperature of the heated feed water entering the pre-treatment system, and an energy conserving apparatus comprising a valve arrangement which interrupts the heated water flow into the pre-treatment system and substitutes fresh unheated feed water during regeneration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Inventor: Robert Blum
  • Patent number: 5397470
    Abstract: The filter comprises a tubular body (1) provided with fixing flanges (2,3) for a fluid pipe. An upstream distributing plate (4) is perforated with orifices and extended by sockets (5) which are engaged in the up-stream ends of filtering elements (6). These elements (6) extend axially inside of the body (1). The filter comprises in its downstream part a collector (12) provided with bevelled tubes (13) which are engaged in the down-stream ends of the filtering elements (6). This collector (12) is continued by an elbow (11) which is followed by a single flush branching (7) opening laterally outside of the body (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Charles Doucet
  • Patent number: 5397463
    Abstract: A combination of a physical filter and aerobic filter positioned entirely on the outside of an aquarium tank. Water is pumped into the physical filter chamber and upon reaching a level above the chamber walls of the physical filter it spills by gravity flow to both an aerobic filter also contained within the housing and back into the aquarium tank. The water entering the aerobic filter is filtered and passed back to the physical filter where the filtering is repeated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Warner-Lambert Company
    Inventor: Klaus Woltmann
  • Patent number: 5384034
    Abstract: A candle type precoated filter for residual volume filtration has a pressure vessel having a cylindrical upper part and a conical base, a plurality of filter elements arranged substantially vertically and including at least one residual filter element and other filter elements formed so that the at least one residual filter element is lengthened toward the base and is longer than the other filter elements and a separating wall which separates the residual filter element in an upper portion of the pressure vessel from the other filter elements so as to be tight against media and to project out in a lower portion of the pressure vessel beyond a length of the other filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: DrM, Dr. Muller AG
    Inventor: Hartmut Hetzel
  • Patent number: 5352371
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the multiple passage of fluids through a treatment unit (e.g. a medical apheresis unit). The apparatus includes primary and secondary vessels. Connected to the primary vessel is a first conduit which terminates at the treatment unit outlet, and a second conduit which terminates at the treatment unit inlet. Connected to the secondary vessel is a third conduit which terminates at the treatment unit inlet, and a fourth conduit which terminates at the treatment unit outlet. In use, a clamp is simultaneously secured to the first conduit and second conduit prior to filling the primary vessel with fluid (e.g. bone marrow). The clamp is then removed and placed on the first conduit and the third conduit simultaneously so that fluid flows from the primary vessel, into the treatment unit, and into the secondary vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Cobe Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Felt