Amide Patents (Class 210/500.38)
  • Publication number: 20080197071
    Abstract: Disclosed are a nanofiltration composite hollow fiber membrane and a method of manufacturing the same. The nanofiltration composite hollow fiber membrane includes a reinforcement (1) which is a tubular braid, a polymeric resin thin film (2) coated on the outer surface of the reinforcement (1), and a polyamide active layer (3) formed on the outer surface of the polymeric resin thin film. The present invention has an advantage of an excellent strength and an increase in membrane area relative to an installation area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: Kolon Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Moo Seok Lee, Kwang Jin Lee
  • Publication number: 20080185332
    Abstract: A modified polyamide membrane and method for making and using the same. The present invention includes many embodiments including methods comprising contacting a polyamide membrane with certain modifiers, including but not limited to certain oxazoline and/or thiazoline-based compounds, derivatives and polymers thereof. In one embodiment, the surface of a polyamide membrane is coated with a solution including a polyoxazoline and optionally a polyalkylene oxide material, followed by optional heating. Preferred embodiments may exhibit improved performance, e.g. increased rejection of certain species, (e.g. sodium chloride and/or boric oxides such as boric acid or various borate salts), reduced fouling, improved antimicrobial properties, and/or improved storage stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: Dow Global Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Q. Jason Niu, William E. Mickols, Chunming Zhang
  • Patent number: 7407702
    Abstract: A polymetaphenylene isophthalamide-based polymer porous film having a satisfactory porous structure that exhibits excellent gas permeability and heat resistance. It is produced by a process which comprises casting a dope of the polymetaphenylene isophthalamide-based polymer and coagulating it in a coagulating bath. The porous film may also contain inorganic whiskers, and a composite porous film may be formed in combination with a separate thermoplastic polymer film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Teijin Limited
    Inventors: Takao Ohno, Jiro Sadanobu, Tsutomu Nakamura, Susumu Honda, Toyoaki Ishiwata
  • Patent number: 7404896
    Abstract: A porous polymeric membrane formed from a blend of a polymeric membrane forming material, such as polyvinylidene fluoride or polysulfone and a polymeric reactivity modifying agent adapted to modify the surface active properties of the porous polymeric membrane. The reactivity modifying agent is preferably a linear polymeric anhydride, such as poly(alkyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride). The surface activity modifications include modification of the hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity balance of the membrane, or hydrolysis followed by reaction with a polyamine to form a crosslinked polyamide layer. Such modified membranes have use as reverse osmosis membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Water Technologies Corp.
    Inventor: Heinz-Joachim Muller
  • Patent number: 7396465
    Abstract: The present invention provides a positively charged microporous membrane having a protein binding capacity of about 25 mg/ml or greater comprising a hydrophilic porous substrate and a crosslinked coating that provides a fixed positive charge to the membrane. The present invention further provides a positively charged microporous membrane comprising a porous substrate and a crosslinked coating comprising pendant cationic groups. The membranes of the present invention find use in a variety of applications including ion-exchange chromatography, macromolecular transfer, as well as detection, filtration and purification of biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, endotoxins, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Xiaosong Wu, Chung-Jen Hou, Jayesh Dharia, Peter Konstantin, Yujing Yang
  • Patent number: 7393383
    Abstract: Membranes are used to separate fluids for the production of oxygen-enriched air, nitrogen-enriched-air, for the separation of carbon dioxide from hydrocarbons, and the separation of hydrogen from various petrochemical and oil refining streams. Membranes are discussed that provide a resistance to interaction with process components or contaminants, which can lead to plasticizing of the membrane, while providing the mechanical strength required to withstand high membrane differential pressures and high process temperatures. Membranes of blended polymers are used to improve the mechanical strength of the polymers used to make separation membranes. Specifically, polyimide polymers are combined with a blend polymer that is a polyamide and/or a polyamide-imde polymer. The resulting polymer mix is used to produce various forms of high strength, chemically resistant membranes, including hollow-fiber membranes that are suitable for high pressure, high temperature applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme A Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Okan Max Ekiner, John Warren Simmons
  • Publication number: 20080149561
    Abstract: Articles comprising a fibrous support of nanofibers and an interfacially polymerized polymer layer disposed on a surface of the fibrous support are useful, e.g., as fluid separation membranes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Benjamin Chu, Benjamin Hsiao, Kyunghwan Yoon
  • Patent number: 7384552
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel proton-conducting polymer membrane based on polyazoles which can, because of its excellent chemical and thermal properties, be used in a variety of ways and is particularly useful as polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) to produce membrane electrode units for PEM fuel cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: BASF Fuel Cell GmbH
    Inventors: Gordon Calundann, Michael J. Sansone, Oemer Uensal, Joachim Kiefer
  • Publication number: 20080113177
    Abstract: The problem addressed by this invention is to provide an aromatic polyamide porous film excellent in the capability of being thinned and capable of easily exhibiting stable porosity properties even if it is used for a long period of time at high temperature. This invention can be achieved by an aromatic polyamide porous film that contains an aromatic polyamide as a main component and is such that when an atomic force microscope is used to measure a range of S ?m2 at least on one surface, the sectional area S(10) ?m2 obtained at a depth of 10 nm from the surface and the sectional area S(20) ?m2 obtained at a depth of 20 nm from the surface satisfy the following formulae simultaneously. 0.01?S(10)/S?0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Masanori Sueoka, Kenta Nishihara, Akimitsu Tsukuda
  • Patent number: 7364660
    Abstract: A polyamide having an equilibrium water absorption of not more than 10% is used as a main material. As a polyamide having an equilibrium water absorption of not.more than 10%, for example, a polyamide comprising a dicarboxylic acid component comprising 60-100 mol % of terephthalic acid and a diamine component comprising 60-100 mol % of 1,9-nonanediamine and/or 2-methyl-1,8-octanediamine is used. As a result, a porous membrane showing extremely small dimensional change even after a hot water treatment, and particularly useful as a medical separation membrane permitting an AC sterilization treatment and the like is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignees: Kuraray Co., Ltd., Kuraray Medical Inc.
    Inventors: Masato Takai, Yoichi Matsumoto, Kouji Sekiguchi, Tomoki Kakiuchi, Hitoshi Tsuruta, Takao Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7284668
    Abstract: The present invention provides porous media or membranes having a surface coating that includes a first coating of a cross-linked terpolymer and a second coating comprising a copolymer or a terpolymer modified with a hydrophilic or hydrophobic functional group which has a superior combination of properties, including heat stable biomolecule resistant adsorptive properties, resistance to strong alkaline solutions, and low levels of extractable matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventor: John Charkoudian
  • Patent number: 7279097
    Abstract: A composite semipermeable membrane which satisfies the following relationship when seawater at 25° C. having a pH of 6.5, a boron concentration of 5 ppm and a TDS concentration of 3.5% by weight is permeated under an operation pressure of 5.5 MPa: Boron removal ratio (%)?95?4×membrane permeation flow rate (m3/m2·day).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroki Tomioka, Kazuya Sugita, Katsufumi Oto
  • Patent number: 7258767
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for the condensation of water from an aqueous liquid by using a temperature gradient, which device includes: (a) a vapor chamber that can be brought in contact with a condensation compartment wherein at least part of the water vapor from the aqueous liquid condenses, and wherein inside of said vapor chamber is located (b) an evaporation compartment having a least a wall with an outer surface and which includes a closed, hollow and water permeable membrane wherein the vapor chamber has an outer surface that includes a substantially water-impermeable insulation skirt with an inner and an outer surface, such that there is a gap between the inner surface of the insulation skirt and the outer surface of the evaporation compartment, and wherein the vapor chamber has a lower surface of an active width (w) which is at least 10% of the effective diameter (d) of the evaporation compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Akzo Nobel N.V.
    Inventors: Arnoldus Paulus Maria Ter Beek, Carel Theo Jozef Wreesmann
  • Publication number: 20070175821
    Abstract: A selective membrane having a high fouling resistance. In one embodiment, the selective membrane is a composite polyamide reverse osmosis membrane in which a hydrophilic coating is applied to the polyamide layer of the membrane, the hydrophilic coating being made by covalently bonding a hydrophilic compound to residual acid chlorides of the polyamide membrane, the hydrophilic compound including (i) at least one reactive group that is adapted to covalently bond directly to the polyamide membrane, the at least one reactive group being at least one of a primary amine and a secondary amine; and (ii) at least one non-terminal hydroxyl group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventors: Ja-Young Koo, Sung Pyo Hong, Jong Hwa Lee, Kwan Young Ryu
  • Patent number: 7241367
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a permeable membrane diaphragm of different layers for electrolytic cell, especially for chloro-alkali electrolytic cell. The diaphragm is asymmetric, which comprises at least two layers: a flow-controlling permeable layer comprising micro-porous fluoropolymer, especially PTFE, and a diffusion-restricting permeable layer comprising porous film, sheet or cloth made of anticorrosive materials, preferably polypropylene. The flow-controlling layer is mounted near the anode, and the diffusion-restricting layer is mounted near the cathode. The mean pore diameter of the diffusion-restricting layer is at least 5 times more than that of the flow-controlling layer and the thickness of the diffusion-restricting layer is at least 1 times more than that of the flow-controlling layer. The pore diameter of said flow-controlling layer ranges from 0.1–2.0 ?m, and its thickness is 0.03–0.2 mm. The pore diameter of said diffusion-restricting layer ranges from 5–50 ?m, and its thickness is 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Harbin Huaer Chemical Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Guocheng Wang
  • Patent number: 7223341
    Abstract: The present invention provides a positively charged microporous membrane having a protein binding capacity of about 25 mg/ml or greater comprising a hydrophilic porous substrate and a crosslinked coating that provides a fixed positive charge to the membrane. The present invention further provides a positively charged microporous membrane comprising a porous substrate and a crosslinked coating comprising pendant cationic groups. The membranes of the present invention find use in a variety of applications including ion-exchange chromatography, macromolecular transfer, as well as detection, filtration and purification of biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, endotoxins, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Xiaosong Wu, Chung-Jen Hou, Jayesh Dharia, Peter Konstantin, Yujing Yang
  • Patent number: 7201860
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a hydrolytically stable polyamide membrane having an open-pored, microporous and sponge-like support-layer structure, using a process involving thermally induced liquid-liquid phase separation. A solution of an aliphatic polyamide in a solvent system, comprising preferably a solvent and a non-solvent for the polyamide, is extruded to form a shaped object. After leaving the die, the shaped object is cooled by means of a cooling medium until phase separation occurs and the polymer-rich phase solidifies to form the membrane structure. The solution of the polyamide in the solvent system contains an antioxidant agent as a stabiliser for the polyamide which, together with the solvent system, is selected in a way that the antioxidant agent is essentially insoluble in the solvent system at the phase separation temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Membrana GmbH
    Inventor: Friedbert Wechs
  • Patent number: 7195923
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining a ratio of an amount of a glycated form of a protein to a total amount of the protein in a sample containing the glycated protein, the glycosylated protein, or the glycoprotein. The method incorporates lateral flow test strip or vertical flow test strip devices having negatively charged carboxyl or carboxylate groups and hydroxyboryl groups immobilized and interspersed on a solid support matrix. The solid support matrix may include derivatives of cellulose (e.g., carboxy cellulose) derivatized with carboxylic acid (e.g., carboxylate, carboxyl) groups and hydroxyboryl compounds including phenylboronic acid (e.g., phenylborate), aminophenylboronic acid, boric acid (e.g., borate), or other boronic acid (e.g., boronate) compounds. The present invention is usefi.il for monitoring glycation or glycosylation of hemoglobin or albumin for monitoring glycemic control (e.g., glycemia in diabetes).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Scripps Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph P. McCroskey, Cameron E. Melton
  • Patent number: 7160356
    Abstract: A polymeric composite may be used for forming fluid separation membranes. The membranes may be formed from polyimide, polyamide or poly (pyrrolone-imide) materials. Polyamides may be formed by the condensation of a tetraamine, a tetraacid, and a diamine. Polyimides and poly (pyrrolone-imides) may be formed by the cyclization of a polymer precursor. A polymeric composite may include a dithiolene or a mixture of dithiolenes. A polymer matrix incorporating dithiolenes may exhibit an olefin/paraffin solubility selectivity. A solubility selectivity may be between about 1.1 and about 2.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: William J. Koros, Ryan L. Burns
  • Patent number: 7156997
    Abstract: A package assembly comprising a sealed water-impermeable bag enclosing: a spiral wound filtration element comprising a piperazine-based membrane, and an aqueous solution comprises a substantially non-oxidizable buffer having capacity to sequester at least 0.0025 moles per liter of hydrogen ions. The assembly preferably further includes a reducing agent. The assembly provides improved preservation for piperazine-based membranes and elements incorporating such membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignees: Dow Global Technologies Inc., Filmtec Corporation
    Inventors: Allyn R. Marsh, Russ Schaffenberg, Steven D. Jons, Roy A. Davis
  • Patent number: 7138058
    Abstract: Semi-permeable membranes are described that allow for the efficient processing of many liquid based feed solutions, particularly those that contain acids. The membranes of this invention are able to process such feeds with high permeate rates while maintaining excellent retention of dissolved metals, cations, and organic compounds, even in the presence of hot concentrated acids. The semi-permeable membranes of this invention are able to conduct such separations for a useful period of time due to their chemical stability towards acids and their ability to permeate acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: GE Osmonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Kurth, Steven D. Kloos, Jessica A. Peschl, Leonard T. Hodgins
  • Patent number: 7132049
    Abstract: The present invention provides, in certain embodiments, a negatively charged microporous membrane comprising a porous substrate and a crosslinked coating having fixed negative charges. The crosslinked coating can be prepared, e.g., from a polymerized composition comprising an unsaturated monomer having an anionic group, an N-(hydroxymethyl)- and/or N-(alkoxymethyl)-acrylamide, a hydrophilic unsaturated monomer, and an initiator. The present invention further provides, in some embodiments, a negatively charged microporous membrane comprising a porous substrate and a crosslinked coating prepared from a polymerized composition comprising an unsaturated monomer having an anionic group, an N-(hydroxymethyl)- or N-(alkoxymethyl)-acrylamide, a polysaccharide, and an initiator. The membranes of the present invention are suitable for use in ion exchange chromatography, for example, in the separation and purification of positively charged species such as proteins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Chung-Jen Hou, Peter Konstantin, Yujing Yang
  • Patent number: 7094347
    Abstract: The present invention provides a positively charged microporous membrane having a protein binding capacity of about 25 mg/ml or greater comprising a hydrophilic porous substrate and a crosslinked coating that provides a fixed positive charge to the membrane. The present invention further provides a positively charged microporous membrane comprising a porous substrate and a crosslinked coating comprising pendant cationic groups. The membranes of the present invention find use in a variety of applications including ion-exchange chromatography, macromolecular transfer, as well as detection, filtration and purification of biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, endotoxins, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Xiaosong Wu, Chung-Jen Hou, Jayesh Dharia, Peter Konstantin, Yujing Yang
  • Patent number: 7081202
    Abstract: A composite semipermeable membrance of the present invention comprises a thin film and a porous support membrane supporting the thin film, wherein the thin film includes polyamide based resin having a constituent unit with amide bond between diamine residue and di or tri carboxylic acid residue, in which nitrogen atom of the amide bond has a substituent of aromatic ring. A production method of this invention includes a contacting step of contacting the above composite semipermeable membrane with solution including an oxidizer. In addition, a water treatment method of this invention comprises a step of separating a raw water by a composite semipermeable membrane to obtain permeation water in which salt and/or organic substance is removed sufficiently in practical use, characterized in that the composite semipermeable membrane of this invention is used and a fungicide is added into the raw water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Tomomi Ohara, Masahiko Hirose, Naoki Kurata
  • Patent number: 7073671
    Abstract: The present invention provides porous media or membranes having a surface coating that includes a first coating of a cross-linked terpolymer and a second coating comprising a copolymer or a terpolymer modified with a hydrophilic or hydrophobic functional group which has a superior combination of properties, including heat stable biomolecule resistant adsorptive properties, resistance to strong alkaline solutions, and low levels of extractable matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventor: John Charkoudian
  • Patent number: 7071130
    Abstract: Segregating membrane supporting material is a three-dimensional assembly of fibers thermo-compressed into non-woven fabric, and the non-woven fabric fibers are joined together in sheet form. This segregating membrane supporting material is non-woven fabric, including at least 10 weight % polyacrylonitrile-based synthetic fibers, which is thermo-compressed to give an overall bulk density 40% to 75% of the density of the fibers which make up the non-woven fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignees: Awa Paper Mfg. Co., Ltd., Japan Exlan Company Limited
    Inventors: Yoshitsugu Hama, Hideo Naka, Yoshifumi Kusaka, Akihiro Okubo
  • Patent number: 7067058
    Abstract: A process for imparting hydrophilic properties to a polymeric membrane by exposing the membrane to an acrylate monomer containing hydrophilic segments, such as ethylene oxide, and a hydrophilic functional group, a diacrylate monomer containing hydrophilic functional groups, and an initiator for facilitating crosslinking and polymerization reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Eshan B. Yeh, Michael S. Mezhirov
  • Patent number: 7001518
    Abstract: Novel low pressure reverse osmosis and nanofiltration membranes and a process for their preparation are disclosed. Polyamide reverse osmosis membranes are contacted with organic sulfonic acid solutions without the need for additional treatment by a rejection enhancing agent. These membranes provide sodium chloride rejections of greater than 20 percent and water fluxes greater than 15 gallons per square foot per day at a test pressure of 75 psi. Optimally treated membranes when tested similarly on 0.2 percent magnesium sulfate provide rejections greater than 95 percent with water fluxes greater than 15 gallons per square foot per day.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Hydranautics
    Inventor: John Edward Tomaschke
  • Patent number: 6913694
    Abstract: A selective membrane having a high fouling resistance. In one embodiment, the selective membrane is a composite polyamide reverse osmosis membrane in which a hydrophilic coating has been applied to the polyamide layer of the membrane, the hydrophilic coating being made by (i) applying to the membrane a quantity of a polyfunctional epoxy compound, the polyfunctional epoxy compound comprising at least two epoxy groups, and (ii) then, cross-linking the polyfunctional epoxy compound in such a manner as to yield a water-insoluble polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Saehan Industries Incorporation
    Inventors: Ja-Young Koo, Sung Pyo Hong, Jin Woo Kang, Nowon Kim
  • Patent number: 6890435
    Abstract: A hollow fiber microfiltration (MF) membrane is provided. The casting solution used to make this membrane includes a fiber-forming polymer having a degree of polymerization greater than about 1000, a water-soluble polymer, an anhydride with about 2 to 12 carbon atoms, and a solvent. The membrane is formed by mixing and heating these components to form a viscous dope and then extruding the dope through an annular orifice to form a hollow fiber MF membrane. The hollow fiber membrane is then fed through a coagulation bath and two leaching baths. The membrane is especially useful for filtering liquids, such as wine and juice, so as to remove bacteria, gel, and solid particles from the liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Koch Membrane Systems
    Inventors: Jiang Ji, Candeloro DiCecca, Edward M. Schulz, Mahesh Mehta, David Stead, David McKinley, David H Koch
  • Patent number: 6887380
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a silicone-coated organic solvent resistant polyamide composite nanofiltration membrane and a method for preparing the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a nanofiltration composite membrane that is not only rejection rate superior but also organic solvent stable and flux excellent, prepared by coating with silicone during the process of interfacial polymerization of polyamide on the surface of porous support; and a method for producing it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology
    Inventors: Kew-Ho Lee, In-Chul Kim, Hyung-Gu Yun
  • Patent number: 6884350
    Abstract: A porous polymeric membrane formed from a blend of a polymeric membrane forming material, such as polyvinylidene fluoride or polysulfone and a polymeric reactivity modifying agent adapted to modify the surface active properties of the porous polymeric membrane. The reactivity modifying agent is preferably a linear polymeric anhydride, such as poly(alkyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride). The surface activity modifications include modification of the hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity balance of the membrane, or hydrolysis followed by reaction with a polyamine to form a crosslinked polyamide layer. Such modified membranes have use as reverse osmosis membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: U.S. Filter Wastewater Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Heinz-Joachim Muller
  • Patent number: 6878278
    Abstract: A composite membrane and method for making the same, comprising a porous support and a polyamide surface. The subject membrane provides improved flux and/or rejection rates. The subject membrane is further capable of operating at lower operating pressures. The subject method includes reacting a polyfunctional amine with a polyfunctional acyl halide to form a polyamide. The method includes the step of contacting a complexing agent with the polyfunctional acyl halide prior substantial reaction between the polyfunctional acyl halide and a polyfunctional amine. The subject process is easily adapted to commercial scale manufacturing processes and is particularly suited for making nanofiltration and reverse osmosis composite membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: William E. Mickols
  • Patent number: 6869532
    Abstract: A microporous membrane comprising a highly electropositive hydrophilic material capable of irreversibly binding one or more nucleic acids, the membrane being useful for isolating, amplifying and detecting nucleic acids is disclosed. Methods of making the membrane and using the membrane for amplifying nucleic acids are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: CUNO Incorporated
    Inventors: Todd Edward Arnold, Mark T. Meyering, Richard S. Chesterson
  • Patent number: 6860393
    Abstract: The present invention provides, in certain embodiments, a negatively charged microporous membrane comprising a porous substrate and a crosslinked coating having fixed negative charges. The crosslinked coating can be prepared, e.g., from a polymerized composition comprising an unsaturated monomer having an anionic group, an N-(hydroxymethyl)- and/or N-(alkoxymethyl)-acrylamide, a hydrophilic unsaturated monomer, and an initiator. The present invention further provides, in some embodiments, a negatively charged microporous membrane comprising a porous substrate and a crosslinked coating prepared from a polymerized composition comprising an unsaturated monomer having an anionic group, an N-(hydroxymethyl)- or N-(alkoxymethyl)-acrylamide, a polysaccharide, and an initiator. The membranes of the present invention are suitable for use in ion exchange chromatography, for example, in the separation and purification of positively charged species such as proteins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Chung-Jen Hou, Peter Konstantin, Yujing Yang
  • Patent number: 6851561
    Abstract: The present invention provides a positively charged microporous membrane having a protein binding capacity of about 25 mg/ml or greater comprising a hydrophilic porous substrate and a crosslinked coating that provides a fixed positive charge to the membrane. The present invention further provides a positively charged microporous membrane comprising a porous substrate and a crosslinked coating comprising pendant cationic groups. The membranes of the present invention find use in a variety of applications including ion-exchange chromatography, macromolecular transfer, as well as detection, filtration and purification of biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, endotoxins, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Xiaosong Wu, Chung-Jen Hou, Jayesh Dharia, Peter Konstantin, Yujing Yang
  • Patent number: 6837996
    Abstract: Sulfonamide polymer matrices and their various uses are disclosed. Among the uses is the configuration of the matrix with a porous support membrane to form a semipermeable membrane of the invention. The matrix of the invention is ultrathin, dense and substantially free of defects. The matrix configuration as the semipermeable membrane shows improved permeate flux and retention values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: GE Osmonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Kurth, Steven D. Kloos, Jessica A. Peschl, Leonard T. Hodgins
  • Patent number: 6837381
    Abstract: The present invention provides a composite reverse osmosis membrane as a polyamide membrane including a side chain amino group such as a residue of a polyvinyl alcohol-based amine compound represented by Formula 1. Such a membrane can remove organic impurities under a low pressure, providing an economical method for removal of impurities. An aqueous solution including a polyvinyl alcohol-based amine compound having a side chain amino group represented by Formula 1 is applied on a polysulfone-based ultrafiltration membrane as a microporous support. Next, trimesic acid chloride solution is applied causing interfacial polycondensation, which generates a reverse osmosis membrane. When this composite reverse osmosis membrane is evaluated by using a pH 6.5 aqueous solution including 500 mg/l of sodium chloride at an operation pressure of 5 kg/cm2 and at a temperature of 25° C., the permeable flux is at least 1.5 m3/m2·d, and the salt rejection is 80% or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiko Hirose
  • Publication number: 20040256309
    Abstract: A composite semipermeable membrane which satisfies the following relationship when seawater at 25° C. having a pH of 6.5, a boron concentration of 5 ppm and a TDS concentration of 3.5% by weight is permeated under an operation pressure of 5.5 MPa: Boron removal ratio (%)≧95−4×membrane permeation flow rate (m3/m2·day).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Hiroki Tomioka, Kazuya Sugita, Katsufumi Oto
  • Patent number: 6833073
    Abstract: The present invention relates to nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes that may be used in a number of commercial applications in which a contaminant, such as salt, must be separated from a feed fluid, such as brackish water, to yield a purified product fluid, as well as a method for manufacturing such membranes. According to embodiments of the invention, an aqueous amine solution including an amine, an organic acid (e.g., propionic acid) and a non-amine base is applied to the surface of a porous substrate. A second solution containing an acyl halide and an organic solvent immiscible in water is then applied to the aqueous amine solution to cause interfacial polymerization to occur. The resulting membranes exhibit superior salt rejection and flux properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: PTI Advanced Filtration, Inc.
    Inventor: Ashok K. Agarwal
  • Publication number: 20040232066
    Abstract: A composite semipermeable membrane obtained by contacting, with an aqueous oxidizer solution, a composite semipermeable membrane comprising a thin film including polyamide based resin having a constitutional unit in which a diamine residue and di- or tri-carboxylic acid residue are amido-bonded, and the diamine residue is a residue of a secondary diamine whose hydrogen in an N position of an aromatic diamine is substituted by an alkyl group, and a porous support membrane for supporting the thin film has practical water flux, and excellent desalting faculty and excellent oxidizer resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Tomomi Ohara, Masahiko Hirose, Takuji Shintani
  • Patent number: 6821430
    Abstract: In the treatment, a reverse osmosis membrane element having a polyamide skin layer is loaded in a pressure vessel in a membrane separator and contacted with a bromide-containing aqueous solution of free chlorine. The thus treated reverse osmosis membrane element retains for a long time its effect of reducing solute concentration in a solution treated with the reverse osmosis membrane and rejects efficiently non-electrolytic organic materials or substances such as boron that will not be dissociated in a neutral region. A reverse osmosis membrane module having the thus treated reverse osmosis membrane element is provided as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignees: Nitto Denko Corporation, Hydranatics
    Inventors: Masaaki Andou, Terutaka Watanabe, Masahiko Hirose, Hisao Hachisuka, Mark Wilf, Craig Bartels, Keith Andes
  • Patent number: 6805796
    Abstract: A water treatment apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of composite reverse osmosis membrane modules arranged in multi-stages, each of the modules including a porous support and a polyamide skin layer formed on the porous support. In this apparatus, the module at the final stage is supplied with some of permeated water obtained from at least one module preceding the module at the final-stage, and a rest of the permeated water is discharged from or recovered in the apparatus along with permeated water obtained from the final-stage module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignees: Nitto Denko Corporation, Hydranautics
    Inventors: Masahiko Hirose, Atsushi Hiro, Mark Wilf
  • Patent number: 6783937
    Abstract: The present invention provides, in certain embodiments, a negatively charged microporous membrane comprising a porous substrate and a crosslinked coating having fixed negative charges. The crosslinked coating can be prepared, e.g., from a polymerized composition comprising an unsaturated monomer having an anionic group, an N-(hydroxymethyl)- and/or N-(alkoxymethyl)-acrylamide, a hydrophilic unsaturated monomer, and an initiator. The present invention further provides, in some embodiments, a negatively charged microporous membrane comprising a porous substrate and a crosslinked coating prepared from a polymerized composition comprising an unsaturated monomer having an anionic group, an N-(hydroxymethyl)- or N-(alkoxymethyl)-acrylamide, a polysaccharide, and an initiator. The membranes of the present invention are suitable for use in ion exchange chromatography, for example, in the separation and purification of positively charged species such as proteins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Chung-Jen Hou, Peter Konstantin, Yujing Yang
  • Patent number: 6780327
    Abstract: The present invention provides a positively charged microporous membrane having a protein binding capacity about 25 mg/ml or greater comprising a hydrophilic porous substrate and a crosslinked coating that provides a fixed positive charge to the membrane. The present invention further provides a positively charged microporous membrane comprising a porous substrate and a crosslinked coating comprising pendant cationic groups. The membranes of the present invention find use in a variety of applications including ion-exchange chromatography, macromolecular transfer, as well as detection, filtration and purification of biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, endotoxins, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Xiaosong Wu, Chung-Jen Hou, Jayesh Dharia, Peter Konstantin, Yujing Yang
  • Publication number: 20040154979
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite semipermeable membrane, which is useful as a reverse osmosis membrane or a nano-filtration membrane and comprises a polysulfone porous support membrane and a polyamide ultrathin layer formed on one of the surfaces of the porous support membrane, the composite membrane having the characteristic that in the infrared absorption spectrum obtained from the surface of a polyamide ultrathin layer of the composite semipermeable membrane, the ratio T (=Aa/As) of absorption intensity Aa at the absorption peak revealing C═O of polyamide in the region of 1600-1700 cm−1 to absorption intensity As at the absorption peak revealing polysulfone at a wavenumber around 1586 cm−1 is at least 0.05 and not higher than 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Hideki Yamada, Toshiyuki Tsuchiya, Akihiro Ariji, Atsuo Kumano
  • Publication number: 20040154978
    Abstract: An at least two layer, unsupported, continuous microporous membrane is disclosed. The at least two layer, unsupported, continuous microporous membrane may include at least two different membrane pore size layers or the pore sizes may have about the same pore size. Apparatus and processes for fabricating at least a two layer unsupported, continuous, microporous membrane are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Richard Sale, Eugene Ostreicher
  • Patent number: 6746595
    Abstract: An ammonium selective ionophore for use in ion selective electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignees: Bayer Corporation, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: John S. Benco, W. Grant McGimpsey
  • Patent number: 6723422
    Abstract: A composite reverse osmosis membrane is described, which includes a polyamide skin layer on a porous support, with a contact angle between the polyamide skin layer surface and water of 45° or less. The composite reverse osmosis membrane has a high salt rejection and also a high water permeability. This composite reverse osmosis membrane is produced by forming a polyamide skin layer on a porous support having the steps of: forming a layer on the porous support by coating a solution A including one or more compounds having at least two reactive amino groups; contacting the layer with a solution B comprising one or more polyfunctional acid halide compounds; and subsequently, contacting the layer with a solution C comprising the polyfunctional acid halide compound of a higher concentration than the solution C. The concentration of the polyfunctional acid halide compound in the solution C is preferably at least 1.2 times of the solution B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiko Hirose, Hiroki Ito, Tomomi Ohara
  • Patent number: 6723241
    Abstract: A composite membrane and method for making the same, comprising a porous support and a crosslinked polyamide surface. The subject membrane provides improved flux and/or rejection rates. The subject membrane is further capable of operating at lower operating pressures. The subject method includes reacting a polyfunctional amine with a polyfunctional acyl halide to form a polyamide. The method includes the step of contacting a phosphorous containing compound with the polyfunctional acyl halide prior to and/or during the reaction between the polyfunctional acyl halide and a polyfunctional amine. The subject process is easily adapted to commercial scale manufacturing processes and is particularly suited for making nanofiltration and reverse osmosis composite membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: William E. Mickols