Liquid As Separating Medium Patents (Class 210/511)
  • Patent number: 7673758
    Abstract: Methods of producing collection tubes are presented. The methods include providing a separator substance that can rapidly polymerize in a short time to a desired hardness and disposing the separator substance within the lumen of the tube. The separator substance is formulated to have a density between an average density of a serum fraction of whole blood and a cell-containing fraction of whole blood, and to be flowable with whole blood. Upon centrifugation of a tube having blood, the separator substance forms a barrier between the whole blood fractions. The barrier rapidly hardens forming a solid barrier when triggered by a suitable energy source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Jane Emerson
  • Patent number: 7674388
    Abstract: Contemplated whole blood separators tubes include a curable composition with a density intermediate to the density of serum and the cell-containing fraction. After centrifugation, the curable composition is located between the serum and the cell-containing fraction and preferably irradiated with UV light to initiate a curing reaction in which the curable composition solidifies to a barrier that is immobilized and resistant to breakdown at freezing temperatures and extended storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: Jane F. Emerson
  • Patent number: 7648635
    Abstract: In a method for extracting ingredients, particularly foreign substances, from liquids or solids dispersions by using compressed extraction agents such as, for instance, supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide, the liquid or dispersion is applied as a thin film in a pressure-tight reactor and the surface of the thin film is treated with the extraction agent, particularly carbon dioxide, wherein the surface of the thin film is constantly renewed over at least a portion of the layer thickness of the thin film by mechanically acting on said liquid or dispersion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Natex Prozesstechnologie Gesmbh
    Inventors: Helmut Seidlitz, Eduard Lack
  • Publication number: 20090312176
    Abstract: A method of regenerating adsorbent material includes providing a spent adsorbent material and contacting the adsorbent material with a solvent composition to facilitate removing oil and impurities from the spent solvent material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: John Aibangbee Osaheni, Thomas Joseph Fyvie, Deborah Ann Haitko, Gregory Allen O'Neil, Paul Burchell Glaser
  • Patent number: 7588686
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and a filter unit for depleting or enriching a liquid or gas with substance(s) comprising i) providing a filter unit comprising at least one convective layer and at least one receiving layer adjacent one another, ii) passing the liquid or gas through the filter so that the main direction of flow is along the layers and the main flow of liquid gas is in the convective layer, allowing the substance(s) to: a) be transferred from a convective layer to a receiving layer, and b) be retained or otherwise modified or transferred within a receiving layer, or c) be provided by the receiving layer, and d) be transferred from the receiving layer to the fluid in the convective layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: University of Copenhagen
    Inventor: Marina B. Jensen
  • Patent number: 7560022
    Abstract: A method for the continuous process of fluids is based on mixing the fluid with a supercritical fluid. The mixing of the two fluids may be accomplished using either a co-flow or counter-flow process. The process focuses on the difference in the solubilities of the desired and the undesired components into supercritical fluid and de-emphasizes the influence of the contaminating components of the fluid to be processed. The process of the present invention is particularly advantageous to the recycling of industrial waste fluids, such as used oil, wherein the process is carried out by jet spray micro-orifices atomization of waste material with a supercritical fluid to dissolve oil from the waste material. Additional mixing devices such as an ultrasonic gun may be employed. Thereafter, un-dissolved components are separated first and the dissolved fluid is then separated from the supercritical fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Fluidphase Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Abdulhaq E. Alkhalidi
  • Patent number: 7556734
    Abstract: The contact between, for example, ascending liquid droplets of lighter liquid, as the dispersed phase, and heavier liquid, as the continuous phase, flowing across perforated trays in a flooded liquid/liquid contacting column, is enhanced by providing upstanding baffles on lower trays, interspersed with depending baffles from the trays above. The baffles cause the heavy liquid to flow along an undulating path. Flow distributing partitions extend along the undulating flow path, between the baffles, to distribute liquid flow across the trays. The roles of the lighter liquid and the heavier liquid may be reversed as phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Amt International, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam T. Lee, Kuang-Yeu Wu, Larry W. Burton, Francis W. Lemon
  • Publication number: 20090145860
    Abstract: A fluid-contactor includes a rotatable platform arranged to rotate about a predetermined axis. The platform has a channel extending generally in a spiral about the axis. The channel has at least a first aperture for the output of a first fluid, and at least a second aperture distant from the axis for the output of a second, more dense, fluid. The platform is arranged to rotate at an angular velocity sufficient to move second fluid within the channel towards the second aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2005
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Raymond William Kenneth Allen, Jordan MacLeod Macinnes, Geoffrey Hugh Priestman
  • Publication number: 20090134090
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for separating components of aqueous mixtures, including aqueous solutions and suspensions. In one implementation, an apparatus flows the aqueous mixture over a hydrophilic surface to form a first region of purified water and a second region of at least one concentrated non-aqueous component. The apparatus can draw off either the purified water or the concentrated non-aqueous components. In one implementation, an array of tubules performs the differential extraction. In another implementation, various hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic surfaces are disposed in multiple differential extractors and some effluents may be recycled to perform complex assaying and separation. In a further implementation, an apparatus can draw off purified water just beneath the air-water interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Gerald H. Pollack
  • Publication number: 20090127192
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting organic chemicals from water. In particular an apparatus and procedure to effect the liquid-liquid extraction of semi-volatile organic compounds from water in original sampling bottles by rotating a mixture of solvent(s) and/or solvent and salt with sample water for a prescribed period of time at a prescribed rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: John R. Troost
  • Patent number: 7521030
    Abstract: A material contaminated with a solvent is treated with a hydrofluorocarbon to remove the contaminant. A preferred hydrofluorocarbon is tetrafluoroethane. Apparatus for carrying out the process is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Glaxo Group Limited
    Inventor: Mazin Nicola
  • Publication number: 20090099327
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a method of rapid expanded solvent extraction of biopolymers, such as rubber, from plant materials, such as guayule, using an expanded hexane solvent. As is illustrated herein, the use of the expanded hexane solvent results in a markedly more efficient and rapid extraction process over other supercritical carbon dioxide extraction systems, including those systems using a hexane cosolvent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Katrina CORNISH, Rodger T. Marentis
  • Patent number: 7507343
    Abstract: The device of the invention includes the following 5 new elements in each mixer-settler: a) agitators with blunt edged turbines, b) decreasing degree of agitation throughout the series of mixing compartments, c) baffle with a central window in the settler interface, located after the flow buffers, and d) baffle without a window, centered in the settler interface, located after the baffle with a window. These elements allow for an operative method which inhibits secondary dispersion, reducing the formation of micro-droplets, without affecting the mass transfer between the phases. Consequently, this obtains a phase separation process with entrainments so small that it is possible to drastically increase the quality of the product, by obtaining an ultra-pure aqueous extract, simultaneously reducing the settling surface required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Tecnicas Reunidas S.A.
    Inventors: Daniel Martin San Lorenzo, Gustavo Diaz Nogueira, Maria Frades Tapia
  • Publication number: 20090065409
    Abstract: This present invention provides a gasoline-ethanol separation apparatus which is used for an internal combustion engine, has a simple structure, and can separate a mixture fuel formed of mixed gasoline and ethanol into gasoline and ethanol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Junichi Kamio, Yasuyuki Kubo
  • Publication number: 20090035023
    Abstract: Various embodiments relating to reusing an ink carrier oil separated from water of a condensate are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: John A. Thompson, Peter Gysling, Bruce J. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20090004282
    Abstract: A method of co-formulating two or more pharmaceutically active compounds into a particulate product including contacting a dense, supercritical or near-critical fluid With a suspension of a first active compound in a medium that is miscible with the dense fluid and a solution of a second active compound in a solvent that is miscible with the dense fluid. The product may be the first active agent coated with the second active agent. The method may use coaxial nozzles for the fluid, media or solvents. The method may be applied to production of dry powders for inhalation including beta-agonists and corticosteroids. Apparatus for use in the method comprising means for streams of solvents, media and dense fluids to enter a precipitation chamber at substantially the same point and means for collection of particles under gravity in one or more collection chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Linda Sze Tu, Hubert Leonardus Regtop, Neil Russell Foster, Pascal Hickey
  • Patent number: 7465402
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for guiding a dispersion of two liquids formed in the mixing stage of liquid-liquid extraction along the longitudinal axis of the separation section in the feed end of an extraction separation section. In particular the method and equipment relate to the extraction process used in the recovery of metals. In accordance with the method the dispersion to be fed into the separation section is guided so that it spreads evenly over the cross-section of the separation section using a directional member placed so as to obtain a vertical flow. The equipment in accordance with the invention consists of a directional member, which is in turn made up of at least two separate parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Bror Nyman, Stig-Erik Hultholm, Eero Ekman, Launo Lilja, Juhani Lyyra, Pertti Pekkala, Raimo Kuusisto
  • Patent number: 7390420
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling and compressing a dispersion formed in the mixing stage of liquid-liquid extraction. The compression of the dispersion is achieved by reducing the cross-section of the separation section in the direction of flow and by equipping the separation section with a dispersion-damming member. The equipment according to the invention thus comprises a settler, which is essentially trapezoid in shape so that its cross-section is wider at the feed end of the settler and gets smaller towards the rear end of the settler, from whence the separated solutions are discharged from the settler, and the settler is equipped with at least one device to dam up the dispersion. In particular the method and equipment relate to the extraction process used in the recovery of metals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Bror Nyman, Stig-Erik Hultholm, Eero Ekman, Launo Lilja, Juhani Lyyra, Pertti Pekkala, Raimo Kuusisto
  • Publication number: 20080142422
    Abstract: A method and a plant to remove metals by biosorption from mining or industrial effluents comprising: (a) subject the effluent to at least one first stage of pre-treatment, selecting among: precipitation by pH rising, solvent extraction or solvent extraction on emulsified membranes in order to reduce its load of metals to a concentration level that allows it to be treated by the next stage of biosorption, and (b) subject the liquid that has been previously in the stage of pre-treatment to a second stage of continuous metals removal by biosorption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicants: UNIVERSIDAD DE CHILE, BIOTECHNOLOGIAS DEL AGUA LTDA.
    Inventors: Davor Cotoras Tadic, Fernando Valenzuela Lozano, Miguel Esteban Zarzar Maza, Pabla Leticia Viedma Elicer
  • Patent number: 7384557
    Abstract: The process and apparatus are for removing a solute from a solute-bearing solid product by means of a solvent which remains in liquid state throughout the entire oil extraction process. In one embodiment, the solvent is normally in gazeous state at ambient temperature and pressure values, but is used mainly in liquid state within the method and apparatus of the present invention by maintaining such pressure and temperature values within the apparatus so that the solvent will remain in this liquid state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Applied Ambient Extraction Process Consultants, LLC
    Inventors: Darrell J. Phillips, George B. Russell
  • Patent number: 7384550
    Abstract: Various MEMS filter elements or modules are disclosed, and which may be used in a glaucoma implant (490). One such MEMS filter module (34) includes a first film (70) and a second film (46) that are spaced and interconnected by a plurality of supports (78). A plurality of first flow ports (74) extend through the first film (70), and a plurality of second flow ports (50) extend through the second film (46). A plurality of annular filter walls (54) extend from the second film (46) toward the first film (70), and are separated therefrom by a filter trap gap (58).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: M. Steven Rodgers, Jeffry J. Sniegowski, Paul J. McWhorter
  • Publication number: 20080132465
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for isolating iron components in serum is provided. The method includes passing a serum sample through a separation column having a solid phase and retaining with the solid phase an iron component, such as an iron carbohydrate, in the column. Elution of the solid phase may retrieve an eluate containing the iron component. The amount of iron component present in the eluate may then be measured. The present method and apparatus advantageously permit the direct measurement of the iron component present in the serum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Vincent Windisch, Pui-Ho Yuen, Jing Jun Huang, Jingzhen Xu
  • Publication number: 20080116133
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for mixing a liquefied hydrocarbon gas extracting a flow of hydrocarbon containing water. The method involves; a) introducing the liquefied hydrocarbon gas extracting into the water to provide water having entrained droplets of the extract and/or the hydrocarbon; b) subjecting the water to a first pressure drop to fragment the entrained droplets c) optionally, mixing the water and the liquefied hydrocarbon gas to promote distribution of the liquefied hydrocarbon gas in the water; and d) subsequently subjecting the water having entrained droplets to a second pressure drop, to coalesce the entrained droplets. The invention also provides a method for extracting contaminants involving the mixing method and apparatus suitable for carrying out the methods of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Inge Brun Henriksen
  • Patent number: 7374726
    Abstract: In a chemical reactor, a gas and a liquid which are in trace volumes are used to produce air bubbles and thus increase the interface area between the gas and liquid, substantially enhancing the efficiency of reaction between the gas and liquid. The chemical reactor comprises the following: a sheath flow forming block which forms a plurality of alternating sheath flows with two mutually unmixable fluids; a plurality of inlet ports through which said two fluids flow into the sheath flow forming block; a contraction zone which simultaneously contracts a plurality of sheath flows formed in the sheath flow forming block; and reaction flow channels each of which is connected with said contraction zone and is smaller in width than the sheath flow forming block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Sano, Ryo Miyake, Akira Koide, Takeshi Harada
  • Patent number: 7335296
    Abstract: A system for processing supercritical and subcritical fluid capable of bringing the inside of at least one processing container (1) formed in a flow passage into a supercritical or subcritical high pressure field, wherein thermal operation is applied to process fluid to apply thermal expansion to the fluid to produce a pressure difference between the processing container (1) and the outside, whereby a specified temperature and the high pressure field suitable for the processing of the supercritical or subcritical fluid can be provided in the processing container (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Tohoku Techno Arch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunio Arai, Hiroshi Inomata, Richard Lee Smith, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20070284300
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for filtering a liquid sample. A vessel defines a reservoir. An insert is at least partially and slidably positioned within the reservoir. The insert defines a collection volume, and the collection volume is in fluid communication with the reservoir. A separation element is positioned to partition the collection volume from the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Brian A. Bidlingmeyer, Alan D. Broske, William E. Barber
  • Patent number: 7274016
    Abstract: A liquid sample (104) introduced in a main flow passage (101) is held in a dam portion (105), and a trigger liquid (106) is filled in a trigger flow passage (102). In this state, the trigger liquid (106) is further introduced at desired timing into the trigger flow passage (102) so that the front end portion of the level of the trigger liquid (106) is advanced and the front end portion is brought to be into contact with the dam portion (105). This causes the liquid sample (104) to move to the right (downstream side) in the figure, resulting in the liquid sample (104) flowing out to the downstream side of the main flow passage (101). This means that the trigger liquid (106) provides priming to realize a liquid switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Iida, Masakazu Baba, Hisao Kawaura, Toru Sano, Noriyuki Iguchi, Hiroko Someya, Wataru Hattori, Minoru Asogawa
  • Patent number: 7226540
    Abstract: Various MEMS filter elements or modules are disclosed. One such MEMS filter module (34) includes a first film (70) and a second film (46) that are spaced and interconnected by a plurality of supports (78). A plurality of first flow ports (74) extend through the first film (70), and a plurality of second flow ports (50) extend through the second film (46). A plurality of annular filter walls (54) extend from the second film (46) toward the first film (70), and are separated therefrom by a filter trap gap (58). A filter trap chamber (62) is disposed on each side of each filter trap gap (58). Therefore, fluid will flow into one filter trap chamber (62), through a filter trap gap (58), and into another filter trap chamber (62), whether the flow is introduced into the filter module (34) through the first flow ports (74) or the second flow ports (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: M. Steven Rodgers, Jeffry J. Sniegowski, Paul J. McWhorter
  • Patent number: 7207445
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating impurities from a liquid by a non-dispersive contacting of a liquid—liquid reactive systems, the liquids being immiscible with each other, having a cylindrical column separated into a first stage and a second stage, a plurality of modules of packed metallic fibers mounted in the first stage of the column on a support, a first distributor provided in the first stage of the column for distributing a first liquid located above the support such that the first liquid completely wets the fibers by capillary action and forms a film thereon, a second distributor fitted at a bottom portion of the second stage for distributing a second liquid containing impurities on to the metallic fibers, wherein the second liquid flows concurrently with said first liquid so that the impurities present in the second liquid react with the first liquid and dissolve therein and a separator connected to a bottom of said column separates the first liquid and purified second liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignees: Engineers India Limited, Indian Oil Corporation, Limited
    Inventors: Ujjwal Manna, Ram Prakash Verma, Sarvesh Kumar, Sukumar Banik, Arpita Dasgupta, Shankar Khatua
  • Patent number: 7196218
    Abstract: A modified water-immiscible solvent useful in the extraction of acetic acid from aqueous streams is a substantially pure mixture of isomers of highly branched di-alkyl amines. Solvent mixtures formed of such a modified solvent with a desired co-solvent, preferably a low boiling hydrocarbon, are useful in the extraction of acetic acid from aqueous gaseous streams. An anaerobic microbial fermentation process for the production of acetic acid employs such solvents, under conditions which limit amide formation by the solvent and thus increase the efficiency of acetic acid recovery. Methods for the direct extraction of acetic acid and the extractive fermentation of acetic acid also employ the modified solvents and increase efficiency of acetic acid production. Such increases in efficiency are also obtained where the energy source for the microbial fermentation contains carbon dioxide and the method includes a carbon dioxide stripping step prior to extraction of acetic acid in solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignees: Celanese International Corporation, Bioengineering Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Gaddy, Edgar C. Clausen, Ching-Whan Ko, Leslie E. Wade, Carl V. Wikstrom
  • Patent number: 7141429
    Abstract: This invention provides methods for using liquid junction potentials to control the transport of charged particles in fluid streams that are in laminar flow within microfluidic channels. Applications of the methods of this invention include sample preconditioning (removal of interfering substances), electrophoretic separation (fractionation) of charged particles, enhanced or delayed mixing of charged particles across a fluid interface relative to diffusion only, focusing charged particles in a fluid stream in one or two dimensions, and concentration of charged reactants at a fluid interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Matthew S. Munson, Catherine R. Cabrera, Paul Yager, Anson Hatch, Andrew Kamholz
  • Patent number: 7128840
    Abstract: Improved methods for the extraction or dissolution of metals, metalloids or their oxides, especially lanthanides, actinides, uranium or their oxides, into supercritical solvents containing an extractant are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments specifically include enhancing the extraction or dissolution efficiency with ultrasound. The present methods allow the direct, efficient dissolution of UO2 or other uranium oxides without generating any waste stream or by-products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Idaho Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Chien M. Wai, Youichi Enokida
  • Patent number: 7019120
    Abstract: A method of extracting a polypeptide of interest from a fermentation broth comprising: i) adjusting the pH close to pI of the polypeptide of interest; ii) adding a non-ionic surfactant with a hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) of 12 or lower; iii) cooling the mixture for solubilization and incubating at above cloud point for extraction; iv) phase separating at below cloud point to obtain liquid-liquid-solid fractions; and v) recovering the surfactant-rich top phase containing the polypeptide of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Novozymes A/S
    Inventors: Prashant Iyer, Kishore Rane, Kevin S. Wenger, Fahd Azzabi
  • Patent number: 7001576
    Abstract: A device for the emulsification and separation of small amounts of immiscible liquid phases has essentially a cover plate (2), which can be tightly connected to a base plate (1), where microchannels (4,4a,5,6,6a) in the form of grooves are cut out on the inner surface (3,3a) of the base plate (1) and/or cover plate (2). In a mixing zone, two microchannels (4,4a) run in a wave shape crossing one another a number of times. In a subsequent separation zone, they run essentially straight combined in a common microchannel (5). The otherwise tightly sealed-off microchannels (4,4a,5,6,6a) can be filled and emptied again via inlet apertures (8,8a) and outlet apertures (9,9a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Merck Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Hohmann, Michael Schmelz, Günter Brenner, Hanns Wurziger, Norbert Schwesinger
  • Patent number: 6962661
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for contacting two liquid phases for liquid-liquid extraction in a vertical extraction vessel. A relatively heavier liquid phase, descending the extraction vessel at a relatively low volumetric flow rate, is dispersed into a continuous phase comprising a relatively lighter liquid rising through the extraction vessel at a relatively high flow rate. Sieve trays are provided with adjustable active areas and overlapping manways for personnel access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root, Inc.
    Inventors: Aldrich Holt Northup, Jr., Michael Robert Resetarits, Neil Anthony Sandford, Pamela Jo Tokerud, Gary Wayne Gage, Veada Colic
  • Patent number: 6874644
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of material separation, in which a material, which comprises at least a first material component and a second material component, is introduced, together with a washing fluid, into a container with at least one sedimentation chamber and is subjected to a gravitational field, under influence of the gravitational field in the sedimentation chamber, the first material component is enriched in a sedimentation zone, which is bounded by a base, and the material with the enriched first material component is evacuated from the sedimentation zone via an opening in the base, the material with the enriched first material component being evacuated as a sediment film through the opening in the base, washing fluid flowing transversely onto the sediment film and the washing fluid flowing through the sediment film and, in the process, an at least partial displacement of the remaining second material component taking place from the sediment film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Ticona GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Wagener, Michael Haubs
  • Patent number: 6860998
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for extracting fixed and mineral oils, and/or essential oils, from materials using a process of solvent extraction which is performed under pressure. The solvent is iodotrifluoromethane or iodotrifluoromethane in combination with a co-solvent. The invention also relates to an apparatus for performing the extraction of fixed and mineral oils, and/or essential oils. Substantial reductions in or elimination of the normally high latent heat of solvent evaporation may also be achieved simply by raising or lowering the temperature of or simply by adding or removing “sensible” heat from the solvent at appropriate points during its re-circulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Naturol Limited
    Inventor: Peter Frederick Wilde
  • Patent number: 6844201
    Abstract: Methods for capturing analytes associated with surface-bound ligands are disclosed. The methods involve eluting analytes from surface-bound ligands with a first liquid to generate free analytes, and capturing the free analytes with a solid capturing material within the first liquid to generate a first liquid containing captured analytes. The first liquid may be a flowing liquid or a non-flowing liquid, and the surface to which the surface-bound ligand is attached may be a sensing surface, such as a biosensor, or a non-sensing surface. The captured analytes may be further consolidated at a location removed from the surface-bound ligand, eluted from the solid capturing material with a second liquid, and used for subsequent analysis or procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Biacore AB
    Inventors: Magnus Malmqvist, Östen Jansson
  • Publication number: 20040262223
    Abstract: A mixing apparatus is used to effect mixing between one or more fluid streams. The mixing apparatus generally functions by creating a transverse flow component in the fluid flowing within a channel without the use of moving mixing elements. The transverse or helical flow component of the flowing fluid or fluids can be created by weak modulations of the shape of the walls of the channel. Transverse or helical flow component can be created by grooves features defined on the channel wall. Specifically, the present invention can be used in laminarly flowing fluids. The mixing apparatus and methods thereof can effect mixing of a fluid or fluids flowing with a Reynolds number of less than about 100. Thus, the present invention can be used to mix a fluid flowing in the micro-regime. The mixing apparatus can be used to mix a fluid in a microfluidic system to significantly reduce the Taylor dispersion along the principal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Abraham D. Strook, Stephen K. W. Dertinger, Armand Ajdari, Igor Mezic, Howard A. Stone, George M. Whitesides
  • Patent number: 6835313
    Abstract: Disclosed herewith is an extracting structure for incorporating a substance contained in a first liquid into a second liquid. The extracting structure comprises: a channel for allowing the first liquid and the second liquid to flow therein in a form of a layered flow in which first laminar flows of the first liquid and second laminar flows of the second liquid alternately come in contact with each other, wherein the substance in the first laminar flow of the first liquid moves to the second laminar flow of the second liquid through the boundaries between the first laminar flows and the second laminar flows; and a separating section, connected to a lower stream side of the channel, for separating the second liquid from the first liquid. Further, disclosed also herewith is a separating structure for separating a second liquid from the mixture of a first liquid and the second liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Sando, Yasuhisa Fujii, Shunichi Hayamizu, Koji Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20040256318
    Abstract: There is disclosed a separation device in which separation flow paths for allowing the passage of only molecules having a predetermined size and smaller sizes are disposed between two flow channels set apart by a partition; and a separation method using the device. According to the separation technique, substances having small sizes such as cells, nucleic acids and proteins can be separated by the use of a small amount of a sample in a short time with excellent resolution, and problems of clogging and the like can also be solved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Iida, Noriyuki Iguchi, Masakazu Baba, Hiroko Someya, Hisao Kawaura, Toru Sano, Toshitsugu Sakamoto
  • Publication number: 20040256307
    Abstract: This invention is directed to systems and methods for removing lipids from a fluid or from lipid-containing organisms from a fluid, such as plasma. These systems combine a fluid with at least one extraction solvent, which causes the lipids to separate from the fluid or from the lipid-containing organisms. The separated lipids are removed from the fluid. The at least one extraction solvent is removed from the fluid or at least reduced to a concentration enabling the fluid to be administered to a patient without undesirable consequences. Once the fluid has been processed, the fluid may be administered to a patient who donated the fluid or to a different patient for therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: David C. Bomberger, Bryan Chavez, Pablo E. Garcia, Eric Hegwer, Thomas P. Low, Ripudaman Malhotra, Jeffrey J. Shimon
  • Publication number: 20040232074
    Abstract: A microstructured separating device, especially for separating liquid components from a particle-containing liquid, comprising the following features: at least one transport channel for transport of the liquid in a given transport direction; at least one separating area at a branch point of the transport channel which is adjoined by a side channel through which a partial flow of the liquid from the transport channel is diverted; a microstructure in the separating area which keeps larger particles of the liquid out of the separating area and which slows down the transport of smaller particles in the separating area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Ralf-Peter Peters, Gert Blankenstein
  • Patent number: 6818132
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and an apparatus for separating separating polymeric from one or more by-products of preparation of the polymer and a first liquid phase, wherein the solid in a first liquid phase is brought into contact with a second liquid phase and the solid is transferred into the second liquid phase. The solid is washed in countercurrent and at least partial displacement washing takes place during the washing of the solid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Ticona GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Haubs, Reinhard Wagener
  • Publication number: 20040222152
    Abstract: A system for removing and purifying a carbon dioxide-containing stream from a batch process tool is provided. A multi-phase contaminated stream containing at least carbon dioxide and one or more co-solvent is removed from a process tool and conveyed to at least one intermediate pressure separator. The contaminant- containing stream is separated into an intermediate pressure carbon dioxide-enriched vapor stream and an intermediate pressure solvent and contaminant-enriched stream in the intermediate pressure separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: John Fredric Billingham, Thomas John Bergman, Richard Martin Kelly, Kenneth Leroy Burgers, William Thoru Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20040217047
    Abstract: This invention is directed to systems and methods for removing lipids from a fluid or from lipid-containing organisms from a fluid, such as plasma. These systems combine a fluid with at least one extraction solvent, which causes the lipids to separate from the fluid or from the lipid-containing organisms. The separated lipids are removed from the fluid. The at least one extraction solvent is removed from the fluid or at least reduced to a concentration enabling the fluid to be administered to a patient without undesirable consequences. Once the fluid has been processed, the fluid may be administered to a patient who donated the fluid or to a different patient for therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: David C. Bomberger, Bryan Chavez, Pablo E. Garcia, Eric Hegwer, Thomas P. Low, Ripudaman Malhotra, Jeffrey J. Shimon
  • Patent number: 6780320
    Abstract: A magnetohydrodynamic fluidic system includes a reagent source containing a reagent fluid and a sample source containing a sample fluid that includes a constituent. A reactor is operatively connected to the supply reagent source and the sample source. MHD pumps utilize a magnetohydrodynamic drive to move the reagent fluid and the sample fluid in a flow such that the reagent fluid and the sample fluid form an interface causing the constituent to be separated from the sample fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Abraham P. Lee, Mark G. Bachman
  • Publication number: 20040134854
    Abstract: A liquid particulate-handling method and device, in which the evaporation of the droplets is prevented and therefore the handing of the droplets is appropriately performed, are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Toshiro Higuchi, Toru Torii, Tomohiro Taniguchi
  • Publication number: 20040134845
    Abstract: Apparatus for eliminating siphoning, “dead” regions, and fluid concentration gradients in microscale analytical devices. In its most basic embodiment, the present invention affords passive injection control for both electric field-driven and pressure-driven systems by providing additional fluid flow channels or auxiliary channels disposed on either side of a sample separation column. The auxiliary channels are sized such that volumetric fluid flow rate through these channels, while sufficient to move the sample away from the sample injection region in a timely fashion, is less than that through the sample separation channel or chromatograph.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Phillip H. Paul, Don W. Arnold, David W. Neyer
  • Publication number: 20040129636
    Abstract: Liquid-liquid extraction recovery of hexavalent chromium from surface finishing process water has been demonstrated. Cr(VI) levels in the clean water (i.e., raffinate) were low enough for discharge to surface waters. Landfill disposal is avoided. Toxic metal recycle enables continued use of high performance toxic metals such as chromium especially in aerospace applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Bruce F. Monzyk, H. Nick Conkle, Timothy M. Werner, J. Kevin Rose, Satya P. Chauhan