Vented Patents (Class 210/472)
  • Patent number: 8057672
    Abstract: Provided is a disposable multi-layered filtration device for the separation of blood plasma which can be applied to a biochip and appropriate for disposal uses. The filtration device for the separation of blood plasma includes: an upper substrate including a blood inlet; an intermediate substrate including a filtering unit for extracting blood plasma from blood flowing through the blood inlet; and a lower substrate including an air outlet, wherein the upper substrate, the intermediate substrate, and the lower substrate are stacked and adhered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Kwang Hyo Chung, Yo Han Choi, Dae Sik Lee, Ju Hyun Jeon, Moon Youn Jung, Seon Hee Park
  • Patent number: 8034167
    Abstract: A buffer tank for use in a liquid treatment apparatus applying a liquid treatment to a substrate surface by supplying thereto a treating liquid from a nozzle, the buffer tank is provided in a flow path of the treating liquid from a supply tank of the liquid to the nozzle, the buffer tank including an inlet port for introducing the treating liquid supplied from the supply tank into a buffer tank body, a first accumulation region in the buffer tank body for holding the treating liquid introduced into the buffer tank, a first vent port for discharging bubbles accumulated in the first accumulation region, a filter through which the treating liquid in the first accumulation region passes, the filter filtering the treating liquid, and a supplying port for supplying the treating liquid filtered with the filter to the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Yoshio Kimura
  • Patent number: 8021548
    Abstract: A lattice structure for the passage of a first medium against a second medium with transverse webs and longitudinal webs, lattice openings with a clear width of ?300 ?m being arranged between the transverse webs and the longitudinal webs. On at least one side of the lattice structure, the transverse webs and/or the longitudinal webs have a rib arrangement of ribs projecting vertically to the lattice plane, at least one first group and a second group of ribs being arranged which differ from one another at least by their heights H1, H2 with H1>H2. A vessel with at least one water inlet window and an air outlet window, both windows being provided with the lattice structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Brita GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Gröss, Bernd Altmüller, Harald Ehrentraut, Alexandra Merz
  • Publication number: 20110220562
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to dialysis venting devices and related methods. In some aspects, a dialysis system includes a fluid inlet line, a venting device in fluid communication with the fluid inlet line, and a fluid outlet line in fluid communication with the venting device. The venting device can include a housing defining a fluid chamber, a valve member disposed above the fluid chamber between a lower seat and an upper seat, and a pump that is operable to draw fluid into the fluid chamber from the fluid inlet line and to force fluid out of the fluid chamber into the fluid outlet line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventor: Michael James Beiriger
  • Patent number: 7993531
    Abstract: Biological fluid filtration methods are provided for the treatment of gas within a biological fluid filtration system. A quantity of biological fluid is flowed under the force of gravity through a leukocyte removal filter and into a post-filter container. The post-filter container has a maximum vented volume that is approximately the same as the quantity of biological fluid flowed through the filter and into the post-filter container. At least a substantial portion of the gas in the post-filter container is vented therefrom without separately restricting expansion of the post-filter container and without manually manipulating the post-filter container to expel gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Oleszkiewicz, Bryan Blickhan, Mark B. Jones
  • Patent number: 7981279
    Abstract: An oil filter assembly has a bypass valve and a cover formed with an orifice. In order to provide a simple contamination indicator for the oil filter, there is provided a deflection device that deflects an oil jet emerging through the orifice when the bypass valve is open on the outside of the cover. The oil jet can thus be deflected into a region observable through a filling orifice. A contaminated oil filter can therefore be reliably detected on occasion of a quick visual check, by observing the deflected oil jet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG
    Inventor: Thomas Pabst
  • Patent number: 7967977
    Abstract: A filter device, especially a line filter forming part of hydraulic installations, includes a filter housing (1) that can be removed from a filter head and is used to receive a filter element (5) that separates a non-filtered side (13) from a filtered side (11) in a position in the filter housing for the operation of the filter. The filter device is provided with a display device (19, 21) signaling the absence or presence of the filter element (5) in the filter housing (1) in the operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Hydac Filtertechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Viktor Lauer
  • Patent number: 7959010
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for bypassing a fuel filter pressure regulation valve which includes a bypass window and bypass passage. The bypass passage window is positioned in the top of a standpipe of a filter. The filter includes a filter cartridge with top and bottom end plates. The top end plate of the filter cartridge has a hole to receive a standpipe. The top end plate also has a sealing gasket to seal the bypass passage window when the proper filter cartridge is in place. This arrangement exposes the regulator valve to the fuel and/or air at the top of the filter housing when the proper filter cartridge is in place. Pressure in the housing opens the valve, allowing air and/or fuel to be vented through the bypass passage and back to the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Hawkins, Mark T. Wieczorek
  • Patent number: 7954647
    Abstract: A filter comprises a housing and a filter cartridge. The housing includes an inlet, an outlet, a vent, and a filter cartridge chamber. The filter cartridge is permanently positioned in the filter cartridge chamber of the housing with an annular channel between the filter cartridge and the housing. The bottom of the filter cartridge and the interior of the bottom of the housing each include a surface which inclines upwardly toward the annular channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Hajime Hiranaga, Tatsuya Hoshino
  • Patent number: 7955501
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for filtering liquid using a filter platform that is not rigidly affixed to a container containing the liquid to be filtered. The platform may be buoyant so that as liquid flows from one side of the platform, through a filter, and then to the other side of the platform, the platform may move, thus reducing the volume of a container or portion of a container that holds the unfiltered liquid. Alternatively, the platform may be heavier than the liquid to be filtered, may be either set in place on a support structure or else set on top of unfiltered liquid and allowed to sink downward as liquid is filtered. The system may further comprise a flexible membrane that allows two sections of liquid to be separated, even while the platform is moveable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Kelce Steven Wilson
  • Patent number: 7947180
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the air-free filling of the blood side of a hemodialysis apparatus with a physiological electrolyte solution and for the venting of the blood side of a hemodialysis apparatus during operation includes using a chamber in a blood-removing line system. The blood-removing line system, including the chamber arranged therein, is filled with a physiological electrolyte solution, with a valve arranged above the chamber and connected thereto being opened to fill the chamber completely with the physiological electrolyte solution until it comes into contact with a hydrophobic filter arranged above the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Joern Apel, Max Fischer
  • Patent number: 7943044
    Abstract: A biological fluid processing or fluid filtration system is provided having novel open and closed loop processing systems wherein the gases transferred into and out of the system during processing pass through a porous medium in upstream and/or downstream gas inlet or outlet housings or vents in a manner which precludes the fluid being processed or filtered from ever contacting the housings or vents. Each housing or vent is separated from the fluid by a column of gas in its respective transfer line. The upstream gas inlet housing or vent is in communication with the unfiltered biological fluid, and the downstream gas inlet housing or vent is in communication with the filtered biological fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Hemerus Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Majid Zia, Chaouki A. Khamis
  • Patent number: 7938958
    Abstract: A de-aeration system for a fuel system, the fuel system having a housing for containing a fuel filter element, a fuel inlet and a fuel outlet is disclosed. The de-aeration system includes a de-aeration valve having a valve inlet in a lower face of the valve for connection to the housing for purging the air trapped in the housing. The de-aeration valve also includes a valve outlet in an upper face of the valve and a ball. The ball is configured to lift between the lower face and the upper face in response to an air pressure differential acting on the ball. This opens the valve to purge air trapped in the housing. The ball is further configured to close the valve by sealing against the valve outlet in the upper face in response to a pressure differential across the ball created by unfiltered fuel entering the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin (UK) Limited
    Inventors: Phil Core, James Ashton, Steven Wilson
  • Publication number: 20110089103
    Abstract: A filter cartridge has a shell defining an upper portion with an upper interior volume and a lower portion with a lower interior volume. The cartridge is for use in gravity-fed water treatment systems have an upper untreated supply and a lower filtered container. A hydrophilic porous particulate carbon powder block filter in a polymeric binder is disposed in the cartridge. The filter has a central opening and is open on both ends. The top end of the block is fitted with an air vent tube. The lower end of the block is fitted into a rubber gasket to direct water flow into the lower container. As water flow through the filter cartridge, air is vented through the block filter central opening and out through the vent tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: FILTREX HOLDINGS PTE LTD.
    Inventors: Govind Bommi, Krishna Murthy Bommi
  • Patent number: 7910008
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sealed, sterile system for filtering fluids, in particular whole blood. The system comprises a first collapsible container for receiving the fluid to be filtered and a second collapsible container for receiving the filtered fluid, both containers interconnected by a fluid line, in which a filter and a third container, for deaeration, are located. The first collapsible container contains a predetermined quantity of air, which is sufficient to ensure that no blood remains in the filter and the adjacent tube line sections when the whole blood is transferred from the first container into the second container. The air that is present in the second container, after the whole blood has been filtered, is transferred to the deaeration container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Fresenius Hemocare Austria GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Sommer, Michael Kurz, Gunter Mayer
  • Patent number: 7897038
    Abstract: A novel surface treatment is provided for portions of filter media coming in contact with the filter media holder, such as filter housing. In certain applications, the treatment is also applied to the filter media holder, depending on the application. Filter media having at least two distinct surface property modifications are provided in liquid filtration applications to enhance the performance of a filtration system, reduce the cost of the system, provided a visual means of detecting fluid bypass, and minimize fluid holdup volume within the filter media, all with substantially no loss of performance performances parameters, even in steam sterilization applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Hemerus Medical, LLC
    Inventor: Majid Zia
  • Publication number: 20110024349
    Abstract: A novel surface treatment is provided for portions of filter media coming in contact with the filter media holder, such as filter housing. In certain applications, the treatment is also applied to the filter media holder, depending on the application. Filter media having at least two distinct surface property modifications are provided in liquid filtration applications to enhance the performance of a filtration system, reduce the cost of the system, provided a visual means of detecting fluid bypass, and minimize fluid holdup volume within the filter media, all with substantially no loss of performance performances parameters, even in steam sterilization applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Majid Zia
  • Patent number: 7875171
    Abstract: A filter assembly includes a filter housing including an inlet, through which hydraulic fluid enters the housing, and an outlet, through which hydraulic fluid exits the housing, valve housing containing a bypass valve located adjacent the inlet in a chamber, the valve including an orifice that opens and closes in response to differential pressure across the valve, and a screen secured to the valve housing and covering the orifice, the screen having a fine mesh for removing contaminants from the fluid that flows through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Lev Pekarsky, Timothy A. Droste, Gary H. Hafemeister
  • Patent number: 7854329
    Abstract: This invention relates to a hollow element designed to cooperate with a filter cartridge of a filter assembly for fluid circulating in an engine or a hydraulic equipment, of the type with support means for a filter medium included in the said cartridge, the said support means extending from connection means and designed with recesses between them through which the said fluid is free to flow, characterized in that the said support means extend from one of the said connection means to another following a path defining a spiral portion with a substantially constant slope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard Malgorn, Jean-Luc Guichaoua, Benoit Le Roux
  • Patent number: 7854845
    Abstract: Biological fluid filtration systems including biological fluid filtration devices capable of filtering blood or blood products, including the removal of leukocytes from the blood or blood product. Each system includes a mechanism to automatically drain the biological fluid upstream of the biological fluid filtration media disposed in the biological fluid filtration device. Both single sided and double sided biological fluid filtration devices are disclosed, including double sided biological fluid filtration devices with a solid partition wall with a first independent fluid flow path on one side of the partition wall, and a second independent fluid flow path on the other side of the partition wall. Draining mechanisms include vent filtration devices, diaphragm draining devices, and biological fluid filtration devices that include an integral diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Hemerus Medical LLC
    Inventor: Peter Zuk, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7829031
    Abstract: Methods and systems for continuous multistage processing of particulate solids that can control the distribution of residence times of processed particles. One disclosed method includes admitting fluidizing gas into transfer tunnels between fluidized bed vessel stages, using gas inlets located in or outputting directly into the transfer tunnel to promote flow of the fluidized solids through the transfer tunnel. A common gas distributor plate can supply gas to the stage vessels and to any transfer tunnels having gas inlets. The distributor plate can be separable from the system or openable to provide access for removal of obstructions and for maintenance. A common base plate can incorporate lower portions of the stage vessels and the sides and roofs of the transfer tunnels, the bottoms of the vessels and tunnels optionally being provided by the gas distributor plate. Some multistage systems and processing methods have from 15 to 200 or more stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Brunob II B.V.
    Inventors: Robert J. Archibald, H. Kenneth Staffin, Edward P. Traina, Edward A. Wales
  • Publication number: 20100243550
    Abstract: A system, that may be portable, for purifying liquid flowing gravitationally from a source/reservoir into a purified liquid receptacle is described. The system includes a housing with a generally horizontal filtering space. More than one liquid inlet disposed at a top portion of the filter is provided as well as one or more liquid outlets disposed at a bottom portion. The liquid flows in a generally lateral direction through the liquid treatment medium. Two or more first walls extending upwardly into the filtering space from a bottom wall thereof and ending with an apex are provided inside the device. One or more second walls downwardly extending into the filtering space from a top wall thereof are also provided. Each of the walls defines a closed path. The first and second walls jointly cause the liquid to flow in a curvilinear flow path from the inlet to the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: H2Q Water Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Haim Wilder, Abraham J. Domb
  • Patent number: 7799220
    Abstract: A filter assembly for filtering water from an external source, the filter assembly having a manifold assembly and a filter cartridge. The filter cartridge includes a cartridge engagement means while the manifold includes a manifold engagement means. The cartridge engagement means and manifold engagement means cooperatively interfacing for removable attachment of the filter cartridge to the manifold assembly. The cartridge engagement means and manifold engagement means oriented in a retaining relation during removal of the cartridge filter from the manifold assembly such that any entrained pressure within the cartridge filter is vented while the cartridge engagement means and manifold engagement means are in the retaining relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Karl Fritze
  • Patent number: 7798985
    Abstract: In a venous bubble trap (1), having a housing (2) to which fluid, in particular blood, can be delivered essentially tangentially via a fluid inlet (8) and from which fluid can be carried away via a fluid outlet (10), and having a filter device (3) located in the interior of the housing (2), the filter device (3) divides the housing interior into a prefilter region (5) and a postfilter region (6), and the postfilter region (6) surrounds the prefilter region (5) in at least some portions. As a result, air is reliably removed from the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Maquet Cardiopulmonary AG
    Inventors: Ralf Engelhardt, Enno-Utz Kueper, Ulrich Haag
  • Patent number: 7790043
    Abstract: Systems and methods handle air and rinsing fluid during fluid processing. The systems and methods eliminate air from a fluid processing system prior to, during, and after use. The systems and methods provide a connector assembly for establishing fluid flow from a fluid source. The connector assembly has discrete first and second passages that prevent communication between the fluid in first passage and the fluid in the second passage. Prior to system use, the connector assembly may be utilized in a priming function to remove residual air from a fluid circuit prior to use. The connector assembly may also be utilized after use to perform a rinse-back function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Brugger, Dennis M. Treu
  • Patent number: 7767087
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for filtering liquid using a filter platform that is not rigidly affixed to a container containing the liquid to be filtered. The platform may be buoyant so that as liquid flows from one side of the platform, through a filter, and then to the other side of the platform, the platform may move, thus reducing the volume of a container or portion of a container that holds the unfiltered liquid. Alternatively, the platform may be heavier than the liquid to be filtered, may be either set in place on a support structure or else set on top of unfiltered liquid and allowed to sink downward as liquid is filtered. The system may further comprise a flexible membrane that allows two sections of liquid to be separated, even while the platform is moveable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: Kelce S. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7722722
    Abstract: The present invention is concerned with an apparatus and method for continuous fluidization which comprises at least two cells connected by an aperture permitting the solid material to be introduced into the next downstream cell by fluidized horizontal flow, an isolated freeboard within each cell, at least two filter sticks contained within the isolated freeboard of each cell, and at least one blow back valve contained within each filter stick. The apparatus allows processing of materials that are typically difficult to fluidize by maintaining a substantially constant pressure difference between each isolated freeboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Brunob II B.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Joseph English, Athanassios Souvaliotis, Manish B. Shah
  • Patent number: 7695615
    Abstract: The invention relates to a filtering device for liquid filters, mainly for potable water jug-type filters. The filtering device consists of a body filled with a filtering material and is provided with at least one outlet in the base of thereof, a lid having a water inlet and an air outlet, and at least one fixing means disposed between the body and the lid, wherein the fixing means is provided with at least one valve. The technical result achieved by use of declared the present is improving reliability and operating characteristics of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: OOO “Aquaphor”
    Inventors: Marina Alekseevna Vinogradova, Valery Victorovich Goryunov, Alexei Leonidovich Kuzmin, Alexander Vsevolodovich Pimenov, Joseph Lvovich Shmidt
  • Patent number: 7686797
    Abstract: An improved biological fluid filtration system is shown having, seriatim, a blood container, a biological fluid filtration device downstream of the blood container, and a blood receiving container downstream of the biological fluid filtration device; a bypass line is provided to allow fluid communication between the blood container and the blood receiving container, the bypass line includes a loop, the loop of the bypass line being configured to be disposed above the blood container at a sufficient height to prevent the passage of fluid around the leukocyte depletion device; the loop of the bypass line being disposed in a tube support device, the tube support device being configured to support substantially the entire weight of the biological fluid filtration system without substantially crimping said bypass line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Hemerus Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Majid Zia, Anthony J. Angelo, Craig M. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7678272
    Abstract: A biological fluid processing or fluid filtration system is provided having novel open and closed loop processing systems wherein the gases transferred into and out of the system during processing pass through a porous medium in upstream and/or downstream gas inlet or outlet housings or vents in a manner which precludes the fluid being processed or filtered from ever contacting the housings or vents. Each housing or vent is separated from the fluid by a column of gas in its respective transfer line. The upstream gas inlet housing or vent is in communication with the unfiltered biological fluid, and the downstream gas inlet housing or vent is in communication with the filtered biological fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Hemerus Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Majid Zia, Chaouki A. Khamis
  • Patent number: 7661539
    Abstract: A liquid filtration device that efficiently filters a filter element and vents pressurized vapors from inside the filter element. The liquid filtration device is comprised of a vent valve apparatus that is furnished within the main body of the filter head and a plug which is located on the filter housing. The main body has a first opening that is located on the outside of the filter housing, a second opening that communicates with the inside of the filter element, an opening that communicates with the second opening and the first opening and a third opening. The third opening permits communication between the filter element and the filter housing as well as between space and the passage found within the third opening. The plug is installed within this passage, and can move between a first position that does not vent pressurized vapors that are within the housing and a second position that vents pressurized vapors that are within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Yamashin-Filter Corp.
    Inventors: Akiyoshi Komine, Mitsunobu Okamoto
  • Patent number: 7658847
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in a biological fluid processing or fluid filtration system is provided. The biological fluid processing or fluid filtration system has novel open and closed loop processing systems wherein the gases transferred into and out of the system during processing pass through a porous medium in upstream and/or downstream gas inlet or outlet housings or vents in a manner which precludes the fluid being processed or filtered from ever contacting the housings or vents. Each housing or vent is separated from the fluid by a column of gas in its respective transfer line. The upstream gas inlet housing or vent is in communication with the unfiltered biological fluid, and the downstream gas inlet housing or vent is in communication with the filtered biological fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Hemerus Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Majid Zia, Chaouki A. Khamis
  • Publication number: 20090230063
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for bypassing a fuel filter pressure regulation valve which includes a bypass window and bypass passage. The bypass passage window is positioned in the top of a standpipe of a filter. The filter includes a filter cartridge with top and bottom end plates. The top end plate of the filter cartridge has a hole to receive a standpipe. The top end plate also has a sealing gasket to seal the bypass passage window when the proper filter cartridge is in place. This arrangement exposes the regulator valve to the fuel and/or air at the top of the filter housing when the proper filter cartridge is in place. Pressure in the housing opens the valve, allowing air and/or fuel to be vented through the bypass passage and back to the fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Charles W. Hawkins, Mark T. Wieczorek
  • Patent number: 7588684
    Abstract: Systems and methods handle air and rinsing fluid during fluid processing. The systems and methods eliminate air from a fluid processing system prior to, during, and after use. The systems and methods provide a connector assembly for establishing fluid flow from a fluid source. The connector assembly has discrete first and second passages that prevent communication between the fluid in first passage and the fluid in the second passage. Prior to system use, the connector assembly may be utilized in a priming function to remove residual air from a fluid circuit prior to use. The connector assembly may also be utilized after use to perform a rinse-back function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Brugger, Dennis M. Treu
  • Patent number: 7566398
    Abstract: Provided is a water filtering device for a humidifier capable of increasing the filling amount of an ion exchange resin by including a separate inner cylinder having upper and lower diameters that are different from each other, increasing adsorption and removal efficiency of mineral components contained in water by taking a long ionic bonding time between the water and the ion exchange resin, and effectively preventing scales of the mineral components from being extracted by heating a heater to prevent malfunction of the heater or pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Novita Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dong-Won Lee
  • Publication number: 20090114589
    Abstract: A filter element and assembly which has three flow paths, has particular application to a fuel supply system for a diesel engine for filtering flow from the fuel tank as well as fuel returning from the engine that is to be recirculated back to the engine. The filter element and assembly provide a third flow path for also providing for venting of both fuel paths to a drain flow path internally of the filter element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Cheryl M. Reiland, Russell D. Jensen
  • Patent number: 7501059
    Abstract: A biological fluid processing or fluid filtration system is provided having novel open and closed loop processing systems wherein the gases transferred into and out of the system during processing pass through a porous medium in upstream and/or downstream gas inlet or outlet housings or vents in a manner which precludes the fluid being processed or filtered from ever contacting the housings or vents. Each housing or vent is separated from the fluid by a column of gas in its respective transfer line. The upstream gas inlet housing or vent is in communication with the unfiltered biological fluid, and the downstream gas inlet housing or vent is in communication with the filtered biological fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Hemerus Medical LLC
    Inventors: Majid Zia, Chaouki A. Khamis
  • Patent number: 7500569
    Abstract: A device for separating plasma from whole blood is provided having an evacuated primary collection chamber capable of fluid communication through a porous filter to an evacuated secondary collection chamber. An agglutinating agent is provided within the primary collection chamber so as to aggregate blood cells within a whole blood sample. The porous filter has a pore size which is small enough to capture the aggregated blood cells therein, yet large enough to permit plasma to transfer therethrough under pressures associated with conventional evacuated blood collection tubes. The primary and secondary collection chambers may be provided in separate containers or tubes, with transfer occurring therebetween through a transfer device including the porous filter therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Dimitrios Manoussakis, Robert J. Losada
  • Patent number: 7481928
    Abstract: A filter assembly for filtering water from an external source, the filter assembly having a manifold assembly and a filter cartridge. The filter cartridge includes a cartridge engagement means while the manifold includes a manifold engagement means. The cartridge engagement means and manifold engagement means cooperatively interfacing for removable attachment of the filter cartridge to the manifold assembly. The cartridge engagement means and manifold engagement means oriented in a retaining relation during removal of the cartridge filter from the manifold assembly such that any entrained pressure within the cartridge filter is vented while the cartridge engagement means and manifold engagement means are in the retaining relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Karl Fritze
  • Patent number: 7481919
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is multiple filter controller comprising two filters; an inlet valve that regulates the directional inflow of a fluid through the filters; and an outlet valve that regulates the directional outflow of the fluid from the filters. Further disclosed is a method for maintaining a working fuel system comprising: passing the fuel through a first filter; monitoring an amount of pressure as the fuel passes through the first filter; detecting when the pressure has reached a predetermined level; redirecting the fuel from the first filter to a second filter when the predetermined level has been detected by manipulating an inlet valve such that the inlet valve stops the flow of the fluid to the first filter and redirects the flow of the fluid to a second filter; and repairing or removing the first filter from the fuel system while the fuel is simultaneously flowing through the second filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventor: Andrew D. Keenan
  • Patent number: 7465393
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a membrane filter, comprising the steps of: fixing a bundle of hydrophilic filter elements by at least a first end in a housing part to be called bottom element, such that the first end of the hydrophilic filter elements is open towards a first side of the housing part and the hydrophilic filter elements extend on the opposite side of the housing part; and subsequently providing for at least one watertight and air-permeable element, in particular a hydrophobic filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Norit Proces Technologie Holding B.V.
    Inventors: Lucas Johannes Cornelis Kouters, Marc Johannes Fleuren, Ingo Blume
  • Patent number: 7441664
    Abstract: A cartridge for treating water, the cartridge capable of releasably engaging a water treatment device. The cartridge includes a housing, an inlet for introducing untreated water into the cartridge, an outlet port for egress of treated water from the cartridge, and a treatment media for treating untreated water The treatment media is in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet port. The cartridge further includes a first tube having an inside surface, an outside surface, a proximal end, and a distal end, where the inside surface and/or the outside surface is a sealing surface. The cartridge further includes a second tube having an inside surface, an outside surface, a proximal end, and a distal end, where the inside surface and/or the outside surface is a sealing surface. The first tube extends from the housing and surrounds the outlet part. At least a portion of the first tube or the second tube surrounds the other such that a gap is formed between the first tube and the second tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: PUR Water Purification Products Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Tanner, David James Emmons
  • Publication number: 20080251459
    Abstract: Biological fluid filtration systems and methods are provided for the treatment of air within the system. A filtration system includes a pre-filter container joined to an expandable post-filter container by a filter line having a filter. The post-filter container has a relatively smaller maximum volume, such that it limits the amount of gas in the post-filter container during and after filtration of a biological fluid, thereby improving removal of air from the post-filter container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Anthony Oleszkiewicz, Bryan Blickhan, Mark B. Jones
  • Patent number: 7431754
    Abstract: An artificial lung includes a housing, a tubular hollow fiber membrane bundle contained in the housing and providing a multiplicity of hollow fiber membranes having a gas exchange function, a gas inflow port and a gas outflow port communicating with each other through hollow portions of the hollow fiber membranes, and a blood inflow port and a blood outflow port through which blood is distributed. The tubular hollow fiber membrane bundle has a cylindrical overall shape, and a filter member having a bubble-trapping function is provided on an outer peripheral portion of the tubular hollow fiber membrane bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsuaki Ogihara, Hidetaka Nakayama
  • Publication number: 20080230469
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a drain filter assembly that attempts to prevent drain blockages from forming by collecting particles such as food, hair and lint prior to entering the drain. In one embodiment, the filter assembly for filtering fluid passing into a drain comprises a housing and a filter. The housing has an upper portion, a lower portion adjacent the drain, and a perimeter surrounding the drain. The perimeter includes a plurality of openings having a height extending from the lower portion. The filter is adjacent the drain. The filter is contained within the perimeter of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Aaron J. Cherveny, Michael R. Berrigan, Jeffrey R. Janssen, Mitchell T. Johnson, Bobbi L. Pinnow, Diane R. Wolk, Yifan Zhang
  • Patent number: 7422119
    Abstract: The invention concerns the designing and production of filtering assemblies used for filtering liquids circulating in engines or hydraulic equipment. The invention is characterized in that a cylindrical element designed to support a filtering cartridge in a filtering assembly for liquid circulating in an engine or a hydraulic equipment, the cartridge including a filtering medium delimited by two plates, comprises at least two longitudinal ribs wherefrom extend a series of sloping pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Fleetguard, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard Malgorn, Gildas LeMen
  • Patent number: 7404493
    Abstract: The present invention provides a filter that can minimize the amount of residual liquid within the housing or container with a simplified construction. The article includes a cylinder portion having a cylindrical internal space with both ends open, a cylindrically formed pleated filter 5 inserted in the internal space of the cylinder portion 3 in contact with the inner wall of the cylinder portion 3 and having upper and lower edges liquid-tightly sealed. A perforate inner core 7 supports the inner surface of the pleated filter 5, lower and upper end caps 9, 11 are liquid-tightly bonded to the respective ends of the cylinder portion 3. A liquid distribution passage 21 communicates with gaps between the pleats of the pleated filter 5 from the lower portion of the cylinder portion 3. A liquid feed inlet 15 communicates with the liquid distribution passage 21 formed between the periphery of the pleated filter and a tapered inner wall surface 8 of the cylinder portion 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventor: Fumio Nozaki
  • Patent number: 7395936
    Abstract: A filter element and assembly for fluid applications which require a purging of air, and particularly for applications where the filter element is horizontally oriented (side loaded), where the filter element is rotationally positioned relative to the housing such that a vent orifice is properly located for venting air from the filter element as the element fills with fluid. The housing includes a cylindrical body with a closed end a threaded open end, and a threaded, cup-shaped cover which is screwed down onto the housing. The filter element and housing include i) cooperating retaining devices which temporarily couple the filter element to the housing cover when the element is initially inserted into the housing and the cover is initially screwed onto the housing; and ii) cooperating orientation devices which rotationally orient the filter element in the housing as the housing cover is further and fully screwed down onto the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Steven R. Knight
  • Patent number: 7368060
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for detecting contaminant in a fuel system, such as a fuel system of an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes a fuel filter comprising an upper unit having a fuel inlet port, a fuel outlet port, and a closeable vent port and a lower unit releasably mounted to the upper unit and comprising a contaminant collection zone adapted for holding collected contaminant and a closable contaminant outlet port adapted for draining the collected contaminant. The apparatus further includes a programmable low-voltage variable contaminant detection sensor formed integrally within the upper unit of the fuel filter and comprising detection probes extending into the lower unit of the fuel filter for sensing contaminant levels within the contaminant collection zone, the sensor being adapted for generating a signal upon detection of a predetermined level of contaminant in the contaminant collection zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Warning SA
    Inventor: Mihalis Faxides
  • Patent number: 7361271
    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: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Baldwin Filters, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Merritt, Gene W. Brown