Prefilt Flow Distributor Or Diverter Patents (Class 210/456)
  • Patent number: 7074366
    Abstract: A device for application of multiple liquid samples on membrane by capillary action and creation of sample arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Inventor: Aftab Alam
  • Patent number: 7037427
    Abstract: A filter device for the clarification of contaminated liquids includes a plurality of disk-shaped filter elements spaced apart from one another and combined into circular or polygonal filter modules. The filter elements are arranged rotatably about a horizontal axis in a vessel containing the unclarified liquid. The filtrate is capable of being discharged via the individual filter modules. The filter modules form centrally a cavity. The cavity on one side is closed by a carrying disk and on the other side is connected to the vessel via a suction-intake orifice. The cavity is connected operatively to a flow member in such a way that, via the suction-intake orifice, a flow can be generated in the unclarified liquid between the spaced-apart filter elements and avoids an adhesion of solids to the filter elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Hans Huber AG Maschinen-und Anlagenbau
    Inventors: Eberhard Harms, Mark Grigo
  • Patent number: 7037424
    Abstract: A connector apparatus is provided which is configured to replace a separation module in a system for dispensing a fluid. When it is desired to purge the system of a dispensed fluid, the connector apparatus, having the same configuration of an inlet and an outlet as the separation module, replaces the separation module and a purging fluid is passed through the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Mykrolis Corporation
    Inventors: J. Karl Niermeyer, Gastón de los Reyes, Christopher R. Wargo, Richard L. Miller, Stephen K. Guerrera
  • Patent number: 7022231
    Abstract: Apparatus incorporating potted hollow fibre membranes has a solid mass of potting material having a first face, a plurality of hollow fibre membranes sealed in the potting material. Portions of the membranes adjacent open ends of the membranes protrude from the first face. The potting material extends to and adhesively secures to the inner periphery of a permeate collection means to form a permeate collection zone. The permeate collection means may have walls enclosing a plenum adapted to receive a gas. The apparatus may have an air tube passing through the potting material and having an end in communication with a plenum or manifold adapted to receive a gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: ZENON Environmental Inc.
    Inventors: Mailvaganam Mahendran, Steven Kristian Pedersen
  • Patent number: 7014759
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a water purification system for use in a water dispensing apparatus. The water purification system comprises an adapter adapted to mount to a top opening of the dispensing unit of the water dispensing apparatus, the adapter including a dispensing unit locking mechanism that is adapted to secure the adapter to the dispensing unit, and a filter connected to the adapter, the filter being adapted to filter impurities from the water that passes through the adapter from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Thomas K. Radford
  • Patent number: 7014783
    Abstract: A method of minimizing head loss in a filter system including a plurality of drop pipes, a plurality of filter cells having a maximum influent level, and a distribution box having a maximum influent level, a base, and a plurality of distribution cells. The method includes positioning a first end of each of the plurality of drop pipes within one of the distribution cells such that the first end of the pipe is disposed within the distribution cell and defines a weir having a weir height. The method further includes positioning a second end of each of the pipes in fluid communication with one of the plurality of filter cells. The method also includes supporting the distribution box such that the maximum influent level of the filter cells is above the base of the distribution box and below the maximum influent level of the distribution box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: USFilter Corporation
    Inventor: Darin St. Germain
  • Patent number: 7014761
    Abstract: An environmentally friendly dual lube venturi filter cartridge which has no metallic components. A plastic centertube having a venturi section supports a bypass filter element on standoffs molded into the centertube. An outer concentric full flow filter element surrounds the bypass filter. The full flow filter is supported on a plastic centertube which creates a gap between it and the bypass filter. A first bypass filter endcap both seals the bypass filter and provides standoffs for allowing full flow oil around the bypass filter. The standoffs thus split the full flow which progresses through the primary filter in two paths, a primary path around the bypass filter and into the centertube, and a bypass path through the secondary filter and the venturi. Plastic upper and lower endcaps carry grooves for simple sealing gaskets, a radial seal gasket on the bottom which seals against both the endcap which carries it and a flange in the housing, and an axial seal gasket at the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Baldwin Filters, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Merritt, Gene W. Brown
  • Patent number: 7001521
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid distributing device for distributing fluid into a column and to a fluid collecting device for collecting fluid from a column. The invention relates also to methods of using the devices of the present invention. The distributing device and/or the collecting device of the present invention can be used in fixed or fluidized bed reactors or columns, such as chromatographic separation columns, ion exchange columns, adsorption columns etc. A fluid distributing device comprises a) a first fluid conveying system; and b) a distributing plate, which comprises i) first means for fluid transfer for dividing the fluid flow coming from the delivering points into several partial fluid flows and for distributing the partial fluid flows into the column; and ii) first means for controlling of the partial fluid flows by differential pressure in the first means for fluid transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Finnfeeds Finland Oy
    Inventors: Hannu Paananen, Heikki Heikkilä, Jari Lewandowski, Esko Varteva
  • Patent number: 6998045
    Abstract: A fluid filter assembly includes a housing having a closed end and an open end; a filter element operably oriented in the housing; a baffle plate mounted to operably cover the housing open end; the baffle plate including a first axial face and an outer circumferential wall circumbscribing the first axial face; the outer circumferential wall being groove-free; the first axial face defining at least a first sealing groove; and a sealing gasket oriented in the first sealing groove; the sealing gasket forming a seal between the housing and the baffle plate. Methods of constructing, installing, and servicing includes fluids filters of the type described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Reynold Frederick Durre
  • Patent number: 6984318
    Abstract: A seal on a movable top or bottom plate for use in a chromatography column. The plate is formed of a flow distributor connected to one or more movement rods that control the movement of the top plate within a chromatography column. The plate is formed of two pieces, a flow distributor and a seal plate. The seal plate is mounted on top of the flow distributor and has a seal that is essentially co-terminal with the outer edge of the flow distributor. The seal plate is attached to the flow distributor by one or more pins or threaded bolts and forms a space between them. The one or more pins contain one or more compression means for biasing the seal plate against the flow distributor. An opening is formed in the seal plate for the selective introduction of a pressurized energy source such as compressed air, gas or hydraulic fluid into the space to overcome the compression means. One or more seals are arranged between the seal plate and distributor to maintain the pressurized energy source between the two of them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Melvyn Gill, Neil Francis Frazer, John Graham Dunkley, Geoff Purdom
  • Patent number: 6942794
    Abstract: The present invention is a flow distributor and integral bed support for a chromatography column. The flow distributor has an outlet extending through it and a bottom face across which is secured a bed support. The bottom face has a series of ribs extending radially outward from a center portion of the face. The bed support is secured to the flow distributor about its outer periphery and this amount of available surface area of the flow distributor and/or face that is used to secure the bed support is less than about 10%. A distribution disk is arranged over the inlet and extends across from about 1 to about 30% of the flow distributor's surface area, ending just short of the inner edge of the ribs closest to the center point of the flow distributor face. This disk is mounted on two or more legs so as to be of substantially the same height as the ribs. The disk projects the fluid flow in a 360° radial distribution without any noticeable partitioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Titus, Aaron Noyes, Ian Rayner, Chris Antoniou
  • Patent number: 6936166
    Abstract: A liquid transfer system (100) comprising a net (170) and a net support (160), wherein, the net (170) is integrally joined with the net support (160). The net (170) and the net support (160) are preferably joined by welding, such as contact welding or by welding at a lower edge (400) of a number of welding-holes (350) that extends through the net support (160).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Amersham Biosciences AB
    Inventors: Owe Salven, Klaus Gebauer, Peter Bellqvist, John Davis, Ulf Pichl
  • Patent number: 6932900
    Abstract: A filter device includes a filter housing (10) in which at least two filter elements (12, 14) with differing filter grades of filter material (16) are arranged. The filter elements are partially separated from each other by a separating device (18), with a through channel (24) of predetermined cross-section for a hydraulic connection between neighboring filter chambers (20, 22),. The filter chambers arranged prior to the filter materials (16) in the flow direction of the fluids for filtering. The filter device permits a combination of main- and side-stream filters in the smallest possible space, whereby very good purity levels for the filtered fluid are nevertheless achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Hydac Filtertechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Sann, Martin Reik, Stefan Hennes, Karl-Heinz Leichner
  • Patent number: 6923908
    Abstract: A filter apparatus for use in liquid chromatography systems includes a housing component having an open channel formed therethrough for operably receiving fluid transfer tubing in at least a first end thereof, a relatively thin mesh filter component, and a securement component configured to matingly engage with the housing such that the filter component is operably disposed and secured between the housing and the securement component adjacent to and superimposed over a second open end of the channel. The filter apparatus is thus adapted to operably filter chromatographic fluids being drawn through the channels from the second open end and into the fluid transfer tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Systec, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan Thompson, Yuri Gerner, Carl W. Sims
  • Patent number: 6919025
    Abstract: A portable drinking device is provided that can be filled with municipal type water, and which will remove impurities (e.g. chlorine) from that water. The portable drinking device is designed so that a person can carry around a single drinking device, fill that drinking device with type water (e.g. from a faucet), and yet have a portable water source more suitable to that person's water quality preferences. The portable drinking device has an integrally contained filtration component, designed for filtering water that is drawn or otherwise delivered from the device through a drinking tube or other delivery mechanism, and in a way designed to ensure that all water obtained from the device is passed through the filtration component to remove the desired impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventors: Brent C. Cluff, Gary T. Payne
  • Patent number: 6919020
    Abstract: A distributor/collector system includes a distributor provided with an upper header having upper laterals carrying fluid away from the upper header and a collector provided with a lower header having lower laterals carrying fluid toward the lower header. Flow enters the distributor on one side of the vessel and exits the collector on an approximately opposite side of the vessel. The distance traveled by each fluid particle through the system is substantially the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Ekholm
  • Patent number: 6905595
    Abstract: A uniform fluid distribution system (2) for use with a liquid transfer system (100) for maintaining an interface between liquid phases within a large scale separator system including a cell into which liquid may be introduced as discrete phases at an inlet zone occupying a first approximately transverse cross-sectional region of said cell and outputted at an outlet zone occupying a second approximately transverse cross-sectional region of said cell. Said distribution system comprises at least one liquid inlet (24) and at least two distribution outlets (32), which are connected by an internal flow connection system (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Amersham Biosciences AB
    Inventor: Klaus Gebauer
  • Patent number: 6899811
    Abstract: An apparatus for filtering a liquid in a tank has a plurality of elements and a frame for holding the elements while they are immersed in the liquid. The elements have a plurality of hollow fibre membranes attached to and suspended between an upper header and a lower header. The membranes are in fluid communication with one or more permeate channels in one or more of the headers. Releasable attachments between the headers and the frame allow the frame to releasably hold the elements by their headers. The size and configuration of the frame determines the positions of the upper and lower headers of each element relative to each other. Connections between the permeate channels and one or more permeate collection tubes attached to the frame are releasable and resealable connections which are made or broken automatically by the movements involved in inserting or removing an element into or out of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Zenon Environmental Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre Lucien Cote, Steven Kristian Pedersen
  • Patent number: 6890427
    Abstract: A waste water outlet unit, for a shower tray having a drain opening, comprises a base element which is locatable on the underside of the shower tray to cover the drain opening, and a clamp element which is locatable on the topside of the shower tray and which is engageable with the base element to clamp the base element to the underside of the shower tray. The clamp element has an aperture through which waste water from the shower tray can pass into the base element, and a filter element which is positionable over the aperture and which can be removed to enable access to the interior of the unit while maintaining the engagement between the base and clamp elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: DLP Limited
    Inventors: James Edward Self, Graham Robin Lock
  • Patent number: 6890433
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system includes a septic tank having a discharge in flow communication with one or more biofilter containers having filter media therein. Wastewater or effluent from the septic tank is allowed to trickle downwardly through the filter media and each container includes an outlet for discharging the wastewater to the environment or transferred to other treatment facilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Inventors: Harry L. Nurse, Jr., Theophilus B. Terry, III
  • Patent number: 6884360
    Abstract: The present invention employs cross-flow to extend operation time of filtration devices and to increase filtration efficiency. The filtration device with cross-flow function consists of a filter, a case for containing the filter and a diffuser. There are an inlet and an outlet set on the case. The diffuser is set inside the filter along longitudinal direction. The diffuser consists of a reducing section, a throat section and a flared section for producing cross-flow so as to prevent the impurities and particles in the fluid to form cake on the inner surface of filter, so the operation time is therefore greatly increased. A drain outlet is set for adjusting the impurities and particles concentrations of the fluid inside the filter for further extending the effective operation time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Sei-Chang Chang
  • Patent number: 6871745
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved distributor including a conduit having an inlet end to receive incoming slurry and an outlet end to feed slurry onto a treatment apparatus such as a filter. A plurality of spaced apart diverter rows are arranged within the conduit between the inlet and outlet ends including a first diverter row comprising one adjustable diverter that is selectively adjustable to divide incoming slurry into either two slurry streams or into three slurry streams. A last diverter row is provided adjacent the outlet end, and the last row includes a plurality of spaced apart non-adjustable diverters make a last division of the slurry before it is discharged onto the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventors: John D. Lynn, Alvin M. Nestler, Nazareno M. Medei
  • Patent number: 6872301
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventor: Anthony Schepis
  • Patent number: 6863831
    Abstract: Filtration device comprising an inlet for the supply of the liquid to be filtered and means for holding a filter crossing the flow path beyond the inlet. The inlet opens into an annular intermediate passage which narrows down in the flow direction to an annular slit. The inlet opens into the annular passage in a tangential direction. The device comprises a support screen for support of a removable filter, and a dome leaving a small gap between its outline and the support screen when it is positioned in the support screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Akzo Nobel N.V.
    Inventor: Jacques Elshout
  • Patent number: 6858140
    Abstract: The present invention relates to stationary cloth media filtration systems and devices, as well as processes and devices for uniform flow distribution and improved cloth media filter backwashing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David Smith, Paul A. Hughes, Lloyd W. Johnson, Peter G. Baumann
  • Patent number: 6852220
    Abstract: A filter press for filtering suspensions includes plural parallel filter plates that can be displaced relative to one another. In a filtering position, the filter plates are compressed to a package that forms a filter chamber provided with at least one filter cloth between neighboring filter plates. In a discharge position, neighboring filter plates are moved apart by a discharge distance so that a filter cake adhering to the filter cloth can be discharged. Every filter chamber is provided with at least one filling element for feeding the suspension to the filter chamber. The filling element is disposed on a protruding part that protrudes beyond a plate body face or contour and within a sealing edge on the periphery of the filter plates. In the filtering position, the filling elements are sealingly clamped between neighboring filter plates and form a suspension supply channel that extends through the filter plate package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Outokumpu Oyj
    Inventors: Karl Grafen, Hermann-Josef Spoelgen
  • Patent number: 6849180
    Abstract: The invention recites a filter including a plurality of filter cells, each filter cell including a bottom surface and at least one side surface and defining a maximum influent level. The filter also includes a distribution box including a base and at least one wall, the base and wall at least partially defining a distribution region therein. The distribution box is supported such that the base is at or below the filter cell maximum influent level. The filter further comprises a plurality of drop pipes, each pipe having a first end and a second end, the first end of each pipe is in fluid communication with the distribution region, and extends above the base of the distribution box. The second end of the pipe is in fluid communication with one of the plurality of filter beds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: USFilter Corporation
    Inventor: Darin St. Germain
  • Patent number: 6843377
    Abstract: An end cap of a filter element has canted fins in an annular space between a filter element and filter housing for imparting a rotary motion to a fluid prior to the fluid passing through the filter element. The end cap includes a plurality of axially extending legs upstream of the fins, which legs engage a nutplate. Spaces between the legs provide an inlet allowing dirty fluid to flow to the outside surfaces of the filter element. The fins remove large particles from the fluid by centrifugal force so that large particles do not add to the contaminant load in the filter elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Allen Roll
  • Patent number: 6841065
    Abstract: A fluid filter assembly having a relief valve for visually indicating when a filter element may be replaced. The fluid filter assembly of the present invention provides a vertical, transparent housing having a fluid inlet for communicating a fluid into the housing and a fluid outlet for communicating fluid downstream of the housing. A filter element is disposed within the housing between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet for filtering the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Davco Manufacturing, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Paul B. Smith, Kevin J. Rucinski, Alfred Tondreau, Ken Conti
  • Patent number: 6840385
    Abstract: A lateral dispersion filter basket provides turbulence at the bottom of the filter basket reducing strain on the bottom seam of the filter bag disposed therein causing the particulate being filtered to move up along the vertical walls of the filter bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Sidney Goldman
  • Publication number: 20040262204
    Abstract: A liquid filtering apparatus for mounting in a housing defining an inlet and a drain. The liquid filtering apparatus is positioned in use to filter liquid flowing from the inlet (23) to the drain. The apparatus comprises a permeable screen (19) rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and forming a barrier between the inlet and the drain. A rotatable wheel is disposed within the screen and coupled to the screen so that rotation of the wheel causes rotation of the screen. The wheel is defined by vanes (5-12) extending towards the screen so as to divide a space around which the screen is arranged into sections which are substantially isolated from each other except via the drain. A stationary baffle (13) is arranged adjacent a portion of the screen to prevent liquid from flowing into the wheel through that portion of the screen. The baffle is positioned such that water flows more readily into sections of the wheel on one side of a vertical plane through the rotation axis than the other sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Jonathan Buckett
  • Patent number: 6823996
    Abstract: A fluid filter assembly includes a housing having a closed end and an open end; a filter element operably oriented in the housing; a baffle plate mounted to operably cover the housing open end; the baffle plate including a first axial face and an outer circumferential wall circumbscribing the first axial face; the outer circumferential wall being groove-free; the first axial face defining at least a first sealing groove; and a sealing gasket oriented in the first sealing groove; the sealing gasket forming a seal between the housing and the baffle plate. Methods of constructing, installing, and servicing includes fluids filters of the type described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Reynold Frederick Durre
  • Publication number: 20040226868
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a filter for trapping foreign matter in which a filtration element can trap foreign matter that is admixed to a fluid present inside the filter with good reliability and a comparatively high trapping ratio. Hydraulic oil that has flown from an opening portion into a guide space of a first flow path guide is guided downward by the first flow path guide and directed toward a second flow path guide. As a result, the oil passes through a very narrow gap, that is, a gap with a cross sectional area of the flow path narrowed so as to increase the flow velocity of the hydraulic oil, a rising flow of the hydraulic oil is formed, and this flow is spouted up by the second flow path guide and guided by the first flow path guide toward a filter element. Foreign matter admixed to the hydraulic oil rises with good intensity together with the hydraulic oil and is moved by the hydraulic oil toward the filter element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Yukio Shoji, Nobumi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6811697
    Abstract: A grit extractor includes inlet and outlet flumes arranged to inject and extract liquid tangentially into a round chamber. The velocity entering and leaving the chamber is controlled by the width of the outlet flume. The velocity is maintained within an optimal region over a ten to one flow range. An effective ten to one variation in flow is achieved with a velocity in the range of 1.5 feet per second to 3.5 feet per second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Smith & Loveless
    Inventors: Robert J. Davis, John K. Kelly, Frank G. Weis
  • Publication number: 20040206679
    Abstract: A suction strainer includes a plurality of strainer bodies in flow communication with suction inlet of a pump. The strainer bodies include flow control apertures that are sized and aligned with the suction exit of the bodies to allow for control of the flow characteristics of the fluid being suctioned through the bodies. The flow control apertures can be sized to provide collective aperture areas that increase distally away from the suction exit of the body and the suction inlet of the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: James M. Bleigh
  • Publication number: 20040195162
    Abstract: The invention relates to a filtering apparatus including, inside a filtering tower (1), a filtering section (r), a liquid collecting section (7) and a liquid feeding section (e). The liquid feeding section (e) includes a diffuser (A) attached to an upwardly oriented orifice (5a) formed at a leading end of a liquid feeding pipe (5). The object is to provide an apparatus which allows use of the existing filtering tower without its enlargement and which allows uniform falling of the filtering liquid over the substantially entire top surface of the filter medium layer, thus making it readily possible to maintain the flatness of the top surface of the filter medium layer even when light-weight medium is employed, thereby to allow the filter medium layer as well as the entire filtering apparatus to achieve their desired filtering performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Fumihito Imai, Walter Polak
  • Patent number: 6779669
    Abstract: The present invention provides a filter cartridge or filter unit (11) produced by a thermoplastic overmolding process that allows for using a single mold for overmolding a variety of different sized filter elements (12) or membranes and a method for sealing or hermetically sealing said filter element (12) in said filter unit (11) or cartridge. The proposed method produces a more robust filter unit (11) or cartridge than those provided by the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventor: Christian Schann
  • Patent number: 6776909
    Abstract: A filter device has two flow paths. The first flow path having at least one cap and fluid port. The second flow path surrounding the first fluid flow path and having at least one cap that overlaps the cap of the first fluid flow path. The second flow path also having at least one fluid port. The filter device providing a simple arrangement that is easily disinfected or sterilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Hahmann, Klaus Heilmann, Michael Schönhofen, Gerhard Wiesen
  • Patent number: 6761271
    Abstract: A wash bucket screen has a slanting platform supported on a frustum skirt. The platform has a plurality of holes interspersed between raised ridges on the platform running radially generally toward its perimeter as an aid in releasing water from a cloth squeezed against the platform. To effectively prevent backsplash from the bucket bottom back through the screen, the holes taper from a diameter sized to readily collect water on the platform top to a smaller hole diameter on the platform bottom. The skirt includes a flange on its distal end that engages the bucket wall. To accommodate a frustum bucket with changing wall diameter, the skirt flexes resiliently with the flange engaging the bucket wall and the skirt flexing inward as the screen is inserted in a bucket with decreasing diameter. To allow movement of the skirt, a plurality of slits extend vertically, opening at the skirt distal end, providing an effective splash shield between the skirt and the bucket wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Lynn J. Cresswell
  • Publication number: 20040129624
    Abstract: A combination filter element comprising a bundle of hollow microporous fibers housed within an extruded carbon block, wherein the carbon block is fabricated to balance particle retention capacity against absorption capacity to provide a composite filter with desirable pressure drop, filter life, and particulate and chemical contamination reduction, and a filtration device, in which combination filter element may be employed, having a base portion including a sump which has an inlet and an outlet and a base which has a reception port for receiving the filter element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas J. Hamlin, William Contaxis, Wei-Chi Chen, Laurence W. Bassett
  • Publication number: 20040129623
    Abstract: A continuous water treatment system comprising at least two stationary cylindrical vessels, wherein each vessel contains an ion exchange resin, and each vessel has at each end a flat head and a fractal liquid distributor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Jay Alfred Miers, James Thomas McNulty
  • Patent number: 6758971
    Abstract: A medical filter (11) is constructed as a container with an interior volume in open fluid communication with a patient connection element (31) and a transport connection element (39). Filter support structure (13) mounted within the interior is structured as a thin, perforated member (14) carrying hydrophilic filter medium (17). A first flow path directs spent dialysate from the patient across the surface of the filter medium (17) to the transport connection (39). A second flow path directs fresh dialyalysate from the transport connection (39) through the filter medium (17) and the perforated support structure (13) to the patient connection (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Sorenson Development, Inc.
    Inventor: LeVoy G. Haight
  • Publication number: 20040118768
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved distributor including a conduit having an inlet end to receive incoming slurry and an outlet end to feed slurry onto a treatment apparatus such as a filter. A plurality of spaced apart diverter rows are arranged within the conduit between the inlet and outlet ends including a first diverter row comprising one adjustable diverter that is selectively adjustable to divide incoming slurry into either two slurry streams or into three slurry streams. A last diverter row is provided adjacent the outlet end, and the last row includes a plurality of spaced apart non-adjustable diverters make a last division of the slurry before it is discharged onto the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: Bethlehem Steel Corporation
    Inventors: John D. Lynn, Alvin M. Nestler, Nazareno M. Medei
  • Patent number: 6752920
    Abstract: A self cleaning filter includes a body (15), inlet (1), outlet (14), flush inlet (12) and waste outlet (2). Elements (7) provide filtration while compressed but are cleaned decompressed. Feed from inlet port (3), impacts and swirls from an impeller (5) on moveable plunger (6) for preliminary centrifugal separation. During filtration plunger (6) is positioned to open the inlet port (3), the filtrate port (11) and compress filtration elements (7). The swirling feed permeates the filtration elements (7) and passes filtrate port (11), filtrate valve (21), filtrate plenum (16), and exits the filtrate outlet (14). Plunger (6) is moved and cleaning is provided by supplication of pressurized cleaning media to the back flush receiver plenum (13) via the back flush media inlet (12). This pressure motivates plunger(6) to close inlet port (3), filtrate port (14) and decompress filtration elements (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventors: James Jeffrey Harris, James William Harris
  • Patent number: 6716341
    Abstract: A fluid filter assembly includes a shroud containing a filter module. A fluid pump is coupled to the shroud and operated to draw transmission fluid from a fluid reservoir in a transaxle housing into the shroud and through the filter module in the shroud to produce a stream of filtered transmission fluid to be pumped to a transmission or other destination in the transaxle housing. The shroud includes a filter housing containing the filter module and a mount flange cantilevered to the filter housing and adapted to mate with the fluid pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Arvin Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ledu Q. Nguyen, Allen B. Wright, Jorge A. Trevino
  • Publication number: 20040045903
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods of treating contaminated fluids especially formalin. The device being able to pass a large volume of solid, lipid and cell contaminated material through it and being stable from shipping problems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Creative Waste Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Rexford Charles Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040011723
    Abstract: A filtration membrane and method of making the same wherein the filtration membrane comprises obstructions and/or spacers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Wesley L. Bradford, Rodney E. Herrington, Allen D. Clement
  • Publication number: 20040011730
    Abstract: A device for reducing the liquid content of a liquid and solid slurry. In the device, a dual-walled vertical tube sits atop a perforated endplate. The wall of the tube is non-porous at the upper end and porous at the bottom end. A liquid and solid slurry enters at the top of the tube filling the tube. Some of the liquid in the slurry exits the tube by radial outflow through the porous segment of the tube wall. The reduced liquid slurry exits through the perforated endplate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: James R. Powell, Morris Reich
  • Patent number: 6676834
    Abstract: A self-cleaning water filter, coupled to a water flow having particulates therein, that includes a pair of canisters, each having a cylindrical wedge wire water filter screen. An elongated brush running the length of the screen is disposed between two confining walls also running the length of the screen to form a chamber. A elongated partition, including two sets of apertures, is used, along with the elongated brush, to divide the chamber into two particulate dislodge chambers and a drain subchamber. A drain is in fluid communication with the drain subchamber. During cleaning, the drain is opened and the screen is rotated against the brush for liberating the particulate contaminants and a limited amount of the water flow into the two dislodge subchambers. The particulate contaminants and the limited amount of water then pass through the apertures at a high velocity and into the drain a subchamber which exits through the drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventors: James Benenson, Jr., David A. Laing
  • Patent number: 6669844
    Abstract: The invention relates to a filtration device for deep-bed filtration which is easier to handle and enables filter modules(s) to be changed and disposed of easily. The filtration device has a casing with at least one filter module inserted in the casing with filter elements made from deep-bed filter materials stacked on top of each other. The filter elements have at least one internal structure formed by a perforation wherein the boundary surface of the perforation formed by the deep-bed filter materials creates a through-flow surface for filtrates or non-filtrates. At least one end plate has at least one inlet and/or outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Gerhard Strohm, Georg Schnieder, Wolfgang Hepp