With Movable Means Affecting Flow Patents (Class 210/512.3)
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Patent number: 8128731Abstract: A method for separating and enriching isotopes in an efficient and low-cost manner from a condensation-system (liquid or/and solid) material including two or more different isotopes by taking advantage of the sedimentation of atoms through an acceleration field by ultra-high speed rotation. The condensation-system material is placed in a sedimentation tank which is then housed in a supercentrifuge. The supercentrifuge in its rotor is rotation driven by an ultra-high speed rotation power source, and an acceleration field of energy of 100000 G to 1500000 G, i.e., about 100 to 800 m/s in terms of peripheral velocity, is applied to the above condensed (liquid or/and solid) material under such a temperature that is specified by an isotope material to be enriched. In this case, a difference in centrifugal force applied is provided between the isotopes in the condensed (liquid or/and solid) material comprising the at least two isotopes.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignees: National University Corporation Kumamoto University, Maruwa Electronic Inc.Inventors: Tsutomu Mashimo, Masao Ono, Xinsheng Huang, Yusuke Iguchi, Satoru Okayasu, Hiroshi Yasuoka, Koji Shibasaki, Masanori Sueyoshi
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Publication number: 20120048813Abstract: A system and method are provided in at least one embodiment to filter water through a vortex leading into a disk-pack turbine having an expansion chamber and outlets into a discharge chamber that leads to at least one discharge port. In a further embodiment, the system includes an intake module, a vortex module, a disk-pack turbine module, and a motor for driving the disk-pack turbine. The intake module brings water into the system and routes the water to the vortex module that speeds up the water into a vortex that flows into the disk-pack turbine that discharges into a discharge chamber that leads to at least one discharge port. The disk-pack turbine includes a plurality of disks that are spaced apart forming chambers between the disks that provide at least one passageway between the expansion chamber and the discharge chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: QWTIP LLCInventors: Whitaker Ben Irvin, SR., Luis Octavio Perez Hirschfeld
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Patent number: 8092692Abstract: A separator apparatus for separating immiscible fluid components of different specific gravities. A body includes an internal flow channel for a mixture of fluid components to be separated. A rotation generating device brings the fluid mixture to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the flow channel. An extraction device withdraws a central part of the rotating fluid mixture flowing through the flow channel. A bubble introducer introduces micro-sized gas bubbles into the fluid mixture so as to thereby enhance the separation of the fluid components. Also a method for separating immiscible fluid components of different specific gravities.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2006Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Hamworthy PLCInventors: Pål J. Nilsen, Matteo Chiesa
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Patent number: 8070965Abstract: Separating a multi-phase mixture influent even during excessive flows of specific phases. The dynamic phase separator includes a chamber divided into two regions by an inner wall disposed radially inward relative to an outer wall. A gross separation region is defined between the inner wall and the outer wall, while a fine separation region lies inside an area defined by the inner wall and top of the chamber. Influent to be separated is fed through an inlet into the gross separation region. A plurality of porous disks are mounted to a rotatable shaft and disposed in the fine separation region. The outer and inner walls are separated by a predetermined distance sufficient to allow for adequate rotational velocity of incoming tangential flow of the influent and dwell time sufficient for natural separation of lighter phases from heavier phases within the gross separation region.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2007Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Inventor: Robert J. Tarves, Jr.
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Publication number: 20110290719Abstract: Embodiments, presented herein are directed to a filtration system including an outer pipe, an inner pipe and a stirrer. The outer pipe is configured to receive a working fluid from a filter inlet. The outer pipe includes a venturi neck and an outer channel. The venturi neck is located downstream of the filter inlet. The outlet channel is located downstream of the venturi neck, wherein the outlet channel is configured to provide an outlet for a first type of impurity. The inner pipe is co-axially positioned with the outer pipe, wherein the inner pipe is configured to receive a second type of impurity. The stirrer is positioned inside the outer pipe, wherein the stirrer rotates with the inner pipe to substantially separate at least the first and the second types of impurities from the working fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2010Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Paul Mathew, Ramasamy Thiyagarajan, Nikhil Subhashchandra Tambe
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Publication number: 20110278233Abstract: A floating separating element for use in centrifugal separation of components of a physiological fluid comprises a positioning part and a separating part, where the positioning part is designed to automatically assume a position in a supernatant and a separating part is positioned at a desired location with respect to the interface between the supernatant and heavier components. In preferred embodiments the physiological fluids are blood or bone marrow aspirate, and the heavier components comprise red blood cells. The positioning part comprises the majority of the mass of the separating element and is thin so that differences in the position of the separating element with respect to the interface are small compared to differences in the densities of the separated components, particularly the component comprising red blood cells. A method allows red blood cells to move the separating element during decanting to ensure complete decant of the supernatant.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2011Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: Harvest Technologies CorporationInventor: James R. ELLSWORTH
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Patent number: 8025797Abstract: An integrating system of a pressurized fluid generator and vortex separator comprises a pressurized fluid generator and a vortex separator. The pressurized fluid generator includes a high pressure tank which connects to a fluid storage tank and a pressure indicator through a pressure booster pump. A heating element and a temperature indicating controller are installed in the high pressure tank. The vortex separator is connected to the pressurized fluid generator through transfer pipes. The vortex separator includes a vortex separating tank. The vortex separating tank has an outlet at a bottom side thereof; the outlet is connected to a plurality of collection bottles. A spindle is located in the vortex separating tank and is driven by a driving device. The spindle is installed with a penetrating fluid channel which is connected to a plurality of transfer pipes; each of the transfer pipes is installed with a plurality of electric controlled switches.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2008Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Inventor: Chen Hsieh
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Publication number: 20110220582Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a coalescer device and separation method employing the coalescer device for coalescing material comprising a dispersed liquid phase from an emulsion.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Inventors: Kishore K. Kar, Madan Somasi, Richard F. Cope, Katherine E. Nies
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Publication number: 20110220591Abstract: A separator method and apparatus that includes a rotatable drum defining an annular passageway therein, a plurality of blades coupled to the rotatable drum and located in the annular passageway, each of the plurality of blades including a leading section, a trailing section, a concave surface, and a convex surface, the concave and convex surfaces extending from the leading section to the trailing section, each of the plurality of blades disposed circumferentially adjacent to at least another one of the plurality of blades so as to define blade flowpaths therebetween, and a housing at least partially surrounding the rotatable drum and defining a fluid collection chamber fluidly communicating with the annular passageway.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: DRESSER-RAND COMPANYInventors: William C. Maier, Gocha Chochua
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Publication number: 20110215058Abstract: The present disclosure provides a collection receptacle and a method for reclaiming backflow from a wellbore. The collection receptacle, in one embodiment, includes an enclosure configured to collect solid and liquid matter, and an elevated auger extending into the enclosure and configured to remove the solid matter from the enclosure. In this embodiment, the auger includes a housing and a flighting, the housing and flighting configured in such a way as to promote separation of the solid matter from the liquid matter as the solid matter travels up the auger and out of the enclosure.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2010Publication date: September 8, 2011Inventor: Bruce Thompson
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Patent number: 7993519Abstract: A filter apparatus, including a dual-chambered, centrifugal and compressive filtration apparatus having a central annular filter element, rotating external radial fins extending from adjacent the filter element to adjacent an outer cannister wall and internal fins within the annular filter element. The disclosed filter element is a continuous resilient, cylindrical, helical filter coil including a regular sinusoidal shape defining loop-shaped filter pores between adjacent coils.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2010Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Inventor: E. Bayne Carew
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Publication number: 20110186500Abstract: A screw separator for separating solids out of suspensions, includes at least one housing and at least one feed pipe for the suspension, at least one discharge pipe for liquids, and at least one outlet for the at least partially dewatered solids wherein at least one strainer basket is provided in the housing in which a screw is rotatably mounted, and that the worm shaft of the screw terminates inside the housing and is continued by way of a separate pipe-like structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2010Publication date: August 4, 2011Inventors: Andreas Czwaluk, Matthias Rabener
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Patent number: 7971730Abstract: 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 tube and barrier maintain stability of one or more analyte levels, including potassium and glucose, within 10% of their initial values before centrifugation for at least four days.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2008Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventor: Jane Emerson
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Patent number: 7967991Abstract: The separator has a cylindrical separator chamber and an impeller on the same axis and driven in rotation. The impeller has a core, an inlet for receiving an axial flow of fluid, an outlet for injecting the fluid into the separator chamber, and guide channels formed between the inlet and the outlet of the impeller at the periphery of the core. The core has a portion of diameter equal to or greater than the inner diameter of the separator chamber. In this portion, the guide channels extend longitudinally, and they then continue as far as the outlet from the impeller, which outlet is cylindrical in shape and of diameter equal to the inner diameter of the separator chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignees: Total SA, Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Yves Lecoffre, Vincent Peyrony
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Publication number: 20110139710Abstract: The present invention discloses a cyclone separator (1) which comprises an inlet section (2), a first cone (3) and a steady flow section (7) that are connected in succession, wherein the inlet section (2) is provided with at least one tangent inlet (11) with which a inflow pipe (8) is connected; the first cone (3) is tapered downwards; the steady flow section (7) is an elongated cylindrical pipe with an outlet (12) at its tail; characterized in that it further comprises a second cone or tapered body (4) positioned above the inlet section (2) and connected with the same, wherein the second cone or tapered body (4) is tapered upwards and has a top opening (14).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2009Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: SINO-GAS & OIL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTDInventor: Ling Zhang
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Patent number: 7947173Abstract: A seawater filter is disclosed. A driving unit is disposed on a main body and penetrates into the accommodating space thereof with a rotating axis. The rotating axis is provided with pumping fans, centrifugal fans, and pressurizing fans. A floating object is interposed between the driving unit and the main body. The main body has fresh water inlets, seawater inlets, and seawater outlets.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2009Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Inventor: Chung-Jung Deng
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Patent number: 7938874Abstract: A system and method for supplying clean dry gas to gas seals of a compressor. The system uses a rotary separator magnetically coupled to a source of rotational power, along with a gas stream cooling unit configured to condensate liquids out of a wet gas stream before the wet gas stream is supplied to the rotating separator. The system may further include a gas stream pressure booster, a heating unit to heat a dry gas stream generated by the rotary separator, and a controlled recirculation loop configured to continually recirculate the wet gas through the driven rotary separator until a desired amount of condensates are removed from the wet gas stream.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2008Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Dresser-Rand CompanyInventor: Philippe Auber
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Publication number: 20110100930Abstract: The present invention may be embodied as a processing system for processing raw slurry material. The processing system comprises a barrel member, at least one pre-processing member, and a plurality of separator members. The at least one pre-processing member and the plurality of separator members are supported by the barrel member, and the plurality of separator members define at least one separator gap. As the barrel member rotates about the processing axis A, the at least one pre-processing member transports at least a portion of the raw slurry material from the feed portion to the separator portion through the pre-processing portion. The plurality of separator members transport at least a portion of the raw slurry material from the pre-processing portion to the outlet opening through the separator portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2010Publication date: May 5, 2011Applicant: DARITECH, INC.Inventor: Dave DeWaard
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Patent number: 7909990Abstract: A filter device is made up of: a filter portion having a fluid outlet at its axis, and a fluid inlet in a position away from the axis, in which a fluid containing particles is supplied at a predetermined flow speed from the fluid inlet to cause a swirling, particles are moved outward in a centrifugal state and the fluid from which the particles are separated is discharged from the fluid outlet, and the particles separated by slowing down the swirling are allowed to sink; and a settlement portion in which the particles that settle in the filter portion are allowed to settle. Thus, a fluid containing particles is supplied at a predetermined flow speed to cause swirling, the particles are separated by a centrifugal force caused by the swirling and allowed to sink and settle, and the fluid from which the particles are separated is discharged. A large amount of particles can be allowed to settle and be reliably removed in a short time with this small-sized and simple device.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2002Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Takahashi Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuaki Takahashi, Junichi Nakamura
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Publication number: 20110049046Abstract: A dewatering structure includes a receptacle body, a dewatering unit and an operation apparatus. The receptacle body includes a receptacle tub and an assembling space, in which the receptacle tub and the assembling space are independent from each other. The operation apparatus includes an operation unit and a base. The operation unit includes an active pedal and a driven pedal, which are pivotally coupled to the base and are intersected with each other. The driven pedal includes a free end slidably coupled with a driving block having a threaded through hole. The threaded through hole is provided for connection with a threaded rod sheathed in a spring member. When the active pedal and the driven pedal are repetitively pressed each other and then released, the dewatering unit is driven to rotate, thus producing a centrifugal force for removing the water from the water-contained object.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2009Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventor: Tsung Mou Yu
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Publication number: 20100300961Abstract: A mixer body has an interior bore and an exterior surface. The exterior surface has first and third stages and an intermediate second stage. The mixer body forms a support ring. The second stage has threads. The third stage has holes. Pins are secured to the support ring. A turbine is rotatably coupled to each pin. The disk has arcuate ends and cut away sections. A cylinder has first and third stages and an intermediate second stage. The cylinder has an input end with a large opening for receiving a pipe. The cylinder has an output end with a discharge opening. The second stage of the cylinder has threads coupled to the mixer body. The third stage of the cylinder supports the turbines and the disk. When the mixing body and cylinder are threaded together, they form a chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2009Publication date: December 2, 2010Inventor: LARRY J. CHERNOFF
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Publication number: 20100294732Abstract: A separation chip for separating an insoluble component from a suspension using centrifugal force by rotation, includes a suspension holding tank, a separation liquid holding tank, and an insoluble component holding tank arranged in order from an inner circumferential side during rotation, wherein the suspension holding tank and the insoluble component holding tank are connected to each other, the insoluble component holding tank and the separation liquid holding tank are connected to each other by a narrow portion, and in the insoluble component holding tank, a connecting portion with the suspension holding tank is positioned further toward an outer circumferential side than the narrow portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2009Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Kentaro Ishii, Masashi Higasa, Shingo Hiramatsu
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Patent number: 7824457Abstract: A portable dust collector for woodshop or other use with portable tools has a conic body that is supported on a tripod carriage formed of three legs attaching to gussets at the sides of the conic body. A divider plate within the conic body divides it into a cyclonic chamber between the divider plate and the lower nose, and a fan chamber between the divider plate and a motor plate that closes the upper mouth of the conic body. A final filter cartridge is fitted onto the outlet pipe, so that the dust collector exhausts clean, filtered air into the ambient. The final filter may be supported from a 90-degree elbow, with a removable tray for catching process dust that is knocked off the interior of the filter. The process dust in the cyclone settles into a dust collection barrel supported on a barrel cradle.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2009Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Inventor: Robert M. Witter
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Patent number: 7824356Abstract: A system is disclosed for removing gas bubbles from blood during circulatory assist procedures. Such bubbles are generated, along with particulate matter, in an extracorporeal circulatory bypass system by the pump, oxygenator and other components. Filters are used in the line to remove particulates and bubbles from the blood before they are pumped back to the patient but current filters are inefficient at removing small bubbles and debris that can cause neurological defects and renal and other organ failures in the patient. An active filter apparatus and method is disclosed that forces the bubbles to the center of the system where they are removed from the blood before the blood exits the filter. The filter comprises an axially elongate cylindrical shell with a blood inlet, a blood outlet and a gas outlet.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2009Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Indian Wells Medical, Inc.Inventors: David W. Wieting, Jay A. Lenker
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Publication number: 20100270245Abstract: A liquid separating device for the separation of a liquid mixture that at least comprises two liquids with a different density and possibly one or more solid substances comprising a conduit for the separation therein of the liquids of a liquid mixture that flows through the conduit and a swirl device for generating swirls in the liquid mixture in such a way that two liquid flows are created where a first liquid flow will concentrate in the centre of the conduit and a second liquid flow will move concentrically around the first liquid flow and where the swirl device comprises a motor that is positioned outside the conduit, a swirling element that is positioned in the conduit and a drive shaft that connects the motor and the swirling element to each other characterized in that the swirl device can be removed and that an opening has been provided in a wall of the conduit for the swirling element to pass through.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2008Publication date: October 28, 2010Applicant: PLASTIC TEST INSTITUTE NETHERLANDS B.V.Inventor: Peter Willem de Voogt
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Publication number: 20100258512Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for treating a drilling fluid mixture including feeding the drilling fluid mixture to a hydrocyclone (or hydrocyclones) with a flow-volume-adjustable inlet for controlling flow of the drilling fluid mixture into the hydrocyclone(s). This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2009Publication date: October 14, 2010Inventor: THOMAS ROBERT LARSON
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Patent number: 7775962Abstract: Methods for using a centrifuge are presented. A vessel containing a sample and a separator substance is placed within a centrifuge. Upon sufficient centrifugation, the sample separates into two or more fractions separated by the separator substance. The centrifuge exposes the separator substance to a sufficient energy to polymerize the separator substance to produce a hardened barrier between the fractions.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2007Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventor: Jane Emerson
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Patent number: 7757866Abstract: In an embodiment, axially-fed slurry can be continuously separated into clarified liquid, stripped gas, and thickened sludge in radial counterflow between counter-rotating coaxial centrifugal impellers. One impeller comprises an annular crossflow filter through which liquids are extracted. At the periphery of the impellers, where they are narrowly separated, the sludge is shear thickened into an extruded paste. Suspended solids in the feed pass over the surface of the rotating annular crossflow filter by the shear lift effect, and the vortex-wall interaction jets water radially inward from the periphery, dewatering the sludge. Evolved gases, oils, and fractions lighter than water flow radially inward to the impeller axis through radial vortices in a shear layer between the impellers, and are extracted through an axial exhaust conduit. Feed has long residence time so that separation is complete and continuous. Municipal wastewater, produced water, beverages, food, and scrubber sludge are discussed.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2007Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: McCutchen Co.Inventor: Wilmot H. McCutchen
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Patent number: 7731772Abstract: Rotor unit for a centrifuge for purifying flowing fluids, which rotor unit (12) comprises a plurality of disk elements (14) which are stacked concentrically one on another and provided with at least one centrally located fluid flow-through hole, where the disk elements (14) have lead-through openings by means of which the disk elements (14) are pushed onto a number of essentially axially elongate guide elements (16) distributed in the circumferential direction for guiding the disk elements in the circumferential direction and radially. The disk elements (14) are held together by a first and a second end element (18, 20) at the ends of the stack of disk elements. A central portion of at least some of the guide elements (16) are interconnected by means of a cross-stay construction (36) in order to prevent deflection of the rods owing to the centrifugal force during rotation of the rotor unit (12).Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2005Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: 3Nine ABInventors: Torgny Lagerstedt, Claes Inge, Peter Franzèn, Olev Maehans, Martin Sandgren
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Publication number: 20100133174Abstract: The invention relates to a horizontal agitator for producing a flow in a clearing basin, wherein a propeller (2) comprising a plurality of blades (4) is connected to a submersible motor (1) disposed axially thereto. In order to increase the efficiency of the horizontal agitator, according to the invention plate-shaped flow conducting elements (8) extending in at least one axial plane are provided downstream of the propeller (2).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2008Publication date: June 3, 2010Applicant: INVENT UMWELT-UND VERFAHRENSTECHNIK AGInventor: Marcus Hoefken
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Publication number: 20100136679Abstract: The application discloses an apparatus and method for processing biological material, including a suspension of cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2008Publication date: June 3, 2010Applicants: BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC., BAXTER HEALTHCARE S.A.Inventors: Kyungyoon Min, Thomas E. Dudar, James C. Laird
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Patent number: 7708152Abstract: The PRP separator-concentrator of this invention is suitable for office use or emergency use for trauma victims. The PRP separator comprises a motorized centrifugal separation assembly, and a concentrator assembly. The centrifugal separator assembly comprises a centrifugal drum separator that includes an erythrocyte capture module and a motor having a drive axis connected to the centrifugal drum separator. The concentrator assembly comprises a water-removal module for preparing PRP concentrate. The centrifugal drum separator has an erythrocyte trap. The water removal module can be a syringe device with water absorbing beads or it can be a pump-hollow fiber cartridge assembly. The hollow fibers are membranes with pores that allow the flow of water through the fiber membrane while excluding flow of clotting factors useful for sealing and adhering tissue and growth factors helpful for healing while avoiding activation of platelets and disruption of any trace erythrocytes present in the PRP.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2006Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignees: Hanuman LLC, Biomet Biologics, LLCInventors: Randel Dorian, Michael D. Leach
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Publication number: 20100096343Abstract: The invention relates to a horizontal agitator for producing a flow in a clearing basin, wherein a propeller (2) having a plurality of blades (4) is connected to a submersible motor (1) axially disposed thereto. In order to increase the efficiency of the horizontal agitator, according to the invention the propeller (2) and the submersible motor (1) are configured such that during operation of the submersible motor (1) a flow (P2) that is directed from the propeller (2) to the submersible motor (1) is produced.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2008Publication date: April 22, 2010Applicant: INVENT UMWELT-UND VERFAHRENSTECHNIK AGInventor: Marcus Hoefken
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Publication number: 20100096324Abstract: A system and method reducing pollution in a body of water using biological processes is provided. The system includes a hydraulic dam generated by an induced downwelling of effluent water from a plurality of water circulating devices. A series of linearly arranged treatment sub-systems are disposed upstream of the hydraulic dam. The treatment sub-systems include a water sterilization sub-system for neutralizing harmful and undesirable micro-organisms using an ultrasonic energy generating unit. The ultrasonic energy generated, is of a frequency that disrupts cellular structures in targeted micro-organisms.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2009Publication date: April 22, 2010Applicant: ABSOLUTE AERATIONInventors: Ricky Eugene Roberts, James Rhrodrick Key, Griscom Bettle, III
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Patent number: 7694828Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining various components of a multi-component material. Generally, a component of a whole blood sample may be concentrated from a patient and re-introduced to the same patient. For example, a clotting component, such as thrombin, from a whole blood sample may be extracted and concentrated in an apparatus and collection to be reapplied or reintroduced into a patient.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2005Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.Inventors: Matthew J Swift, Barry F Hecker, Michael D Leach
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Patent number: 7695675Abstract: A method of inactivating microorganisms such as viruses within a fluid such as a biological fluid is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a UV reactor, which may take the form of an elongated generally annular reaction chamber surrounding at least one elongated UV lamp, moving the fluid within the reaction chamber in a primary flow directed along the length of the UV lamp, and inducing a circulating secondary flow within the fluid with the secondary flow being superimposed on the primary flow. As the fluid moves through the reaction chamber in the primary flow, it is circulated repeatedly toward and away from the UV lamp in the circulating secondary flow to provide uniform and controllable exposure of the entire volume of fluid to ultraviolet radiation. Microorganisms such as viruses are thus inactivated while desirable components in the fluid, such as proteins, are preserved without the use of a free radical scavenger.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2005Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignees: Bayer Healthcare LLC, Bayer AktiengesellschaftInventors: Klaus Kaiser, Hans-Juergen Henzler, Joerg Kauling, Rolf Treckmann, Kathryn Remington, Cynthia J. Galloway
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Publication number: 20100065483Abstract: A disposable blood separation set of a centrifugal blood processing system comprising a blood processing chamber adapted to be mounted on a rotor of a centrifuge; a frustro-conical cell separation chamber in fluid communication with the processing chamber, the cell separation chamber having a protruding inlet therein. The protruding inlet may have a frustro-conical inner surface that slants radially outwardly from an inlet to a mouth of the protruding inlet. A circumferential well may surround the protruding inlet. The cell separation chamber may have a baffle within a separation area. The baffle may have a plurality of vanes with openings therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2008Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicant: CARIDIANBCT, INC.Inventors: Robert W. LANGLEY, John PITTINGER, Logan FENDER
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Publication number: 20100059457Abstract: An automatic strainer assembly for straining a slurry comprises an inlet for receiving the slurry, a horizontally disposed strainer body in fluid communication with the inlet, and a rotatable strainer member received within the body having an inner surface and an outer surface. The strainer member defines a plurality of passageways for strained fluid to pass therethrough. A scraper is positioned substantially adjacent to and contacting the outer surface of the strainer member for removing material from the outer surface of the strainer member. A collection vessel is positioned substantially below the body for receiving material scraped from the outer surface of the strainer member. A helical member is mounted on an internal shaft or auger is located within the strainer member for contacting the slurry to increase mixing and promote flow of the slurry through the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2009Publication date: March 11, 2010Applicant: TM INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY, INC.Inventors: Carl A. Steiner, Ricky L. Jackson
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Patent number: 7674377Abstract: A filter apparatus, including a dual-chambered, centrifugal and compressive filtration apparatus having a central annular filter element, rotating external radial fins extending from adjacent the filter element to adjacent an outer cannister wall and internal fins within the annular filter element. The disclosed filter element is a continuous resilient, cylindrical, helical filter coil including a regular sinusoidal shape defining loop-shaped filter pores between adjacent coils.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2008Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Inventor: E. Bayne Carew
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Patent number: 7673758Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 1, 2007Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventor: Jane Emerson
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Publication number: 20100038309Abstract: A fluid handling assembly is for a fluid machine that includes a casing and a shaft disposed within the casing so as to be rotatable about a central axis. An impeller is mounted on the shaft and has an inlet and a rotary separator is mounted on the shaft and has axially spaced apart inlet and outlet ends and an interior separation chamber. The separator is coupled with the impeller such that the separator and the impeller generally rotate as a single unit about the shaft axis and fluid within the separation chamber flows from the separator outlet end directly into the impeller inlet. Preferably, the separator includes a plurality of generally radially-extending blades disposed proximal to the separator inlet end and spaced circumferentially about the axis, the plurality of blades being configured to accelerate fluid flowing into the separator inlet end during rotation of the separator.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2007Publication date: February 18, 2010Applicant: DRESSER-RAND COMPANYInventor: William C. Maier
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Publication number: 20100021292Abstract: A fluid deflector is for a fluid separator including a central axis and an enclosed wall having an open end and an inner circumferential separation surface extending about the axis to define an interior separation chamber. The fluid deflector includes a base disposeable proximal to the wall open end and having a central axis collinear with the separator axis. A plurality of vanes are connected with the base so as to be spaced circumferentially about the central axis. The vanes define a plurality of flow channels each bounded by a separate pair of adjacent vanes and having an inlet and an outlet. Each vane directs flow through a bounded channel generally radially inwardly from the channel inlet toward the channel outlet and generally circumferentially and radially outwardly from the channel outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2007Publication date: January 28, 2010Applicant: DRESSER-RAND COMPANYInventors: William C. Maier, Gocha T. Chochua
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Patent number: 7651660Abstract: Described is a reactor for irradiating ultraviolet light into a fluid reaction medium (3). The reactor consists of at least one housing (15) which encloses a tubular cavity, with a radiation source (1) for generating ultraviolet light and an inner tube (2) which, together with the housing (15), forms an irradiation chamber (26) which, in particular, is of annular shape, the irradiation chamber (26) being connected at least with an inlet (13) and an outlet (14) for the reaction medium (3) and is perfused by reaction medium (3) in the longitudinal direction of the tube (2), the irradiation chamber (26) being equipped with means (6, 25) for generating an additional radial flow routing of the reaction medium (3).Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2001Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: Bayer AktiengesellschaftInventors: Klaus Kaiser, Jörg Kauling, Hans-Jürgen Henzler, Isabell Günther, Franz Schmitt, Erhard Beckers, Stefan Quest
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Publication number: 20090242490Abstract: A method is disclosed for separating a multiphase fluid stream comprising a heavier fluid component and a lighter fluid component, the method comprising causing the fluid to flow along a first helical flowpath, the first helical flowpath having a first pitch, the first helical flowpath being sufficiently long to establish a stabilised rotating fluid flow pattern for the stream causing the uniform rotating fluid to flow along a second helical flowpath, the second helical flowpath having a second pitch, wherein the second pitch is greater than the first pitch; and removing the lighter fluid from a radially inner region of the second helical flowpath. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed. The method and apparatus are particular suitable for the separation of oil droplets from water, especially from water for reinjection into a subterranean formation as part of an oil and gas production operation. The method and apparatus are conveniently applied on a modular basis.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2007Publication date: October 1, 2009Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventor: Hans Paul Hopper
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Patent number: 7591931Abstract: Silver ions and the like are efficiently eluted in the water by the action of electrolysis occurring between the silver ion eluting bodies 51a and the like stirred by the stream in each chamber of the electrolytic cell 32a and turned into positive poles in a chamber and the same turned into negative poles in another chamber and the action of contact between the silver ion eluting bodies 51a and the like with the stream of water. And the stirred silver ion eluting bodies 51a and the like remove attachments on their surface by their mutual frictional movements and prevent any decline in the elution effect of silver ions and the like.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2006Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Inventor: Hideo Eguchi
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Publication number: 20090145861Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifugal device comprising improved process analysis technology (PAT), to a method for measuring the moisture content of a suspension in a centrifugal drum and to a method for sampling from a centrifugal device. The centrifugal device is equipped with: a drive shaft; a drum that is connected to the drive shaft; a filter that is located inside the drum and that surrounds a working chamber; a baffle plate that forms a front face of the working chamber and that is mounted on a baffle plate shaft, the baffle plate and the drum being axially displaceable; a filler element for filling a working chamber with a suspension; and a centrifugal housing that surrounds the drum and the filter. In addition, various process analysis devices are provided, in particular tubes comprising monitoring and measuring units that are inserted into the working chamber and windows comprising associated channels that are configured n the baffle plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2006Publication date: June 11, 2009Inventor: Joachim Schmid
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Publication number: 20090145860Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2005Publication date: June 11, 2009Inventors: Raymond William Kenneth Allen, Jordan MacLeod Macinnes, Geoffrey Hugh Priestman
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Publication number: 20090139938Abstract: The invention relates to a cyclone separator for separating a mixture containing solid particles, liquid and/or gas into a heavy fraction and a light fraction, the separator comprising: an outer casing (4) defining a flow space (6) through which the mixture is to flow; —flow body (5) arranged in the flow space along which the mixture to be separated can be carried; —at least one swirl element (10) arranged between the flow body and the outer casing, the swirl element defining a proximal region (E), an intermediate region (R) and a distal region (P), wherein in the proximal region the swirl element is adapted so as to gradually set the incoming mixture into a rotating movement for the purpose of separating the mixture into the heavy and light fraction and wherein in the distal region the swirl element is adapted so as to gradually reduce the rotating movement of the mixture for the purpose of recovering pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2006Publication date: June 4, 2009Inventors: Per-Reidar Larnholm, Robert Schook
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Patent number: 7520997Abstract: A system for separating a heavy fraction from a liquid, including a housing and a mechanism in operative connection with the housing to induce rotational flow within an upper section of the housing. The system further includes a flow restrictor positioned below (that is, at the bottom of or below) the upper section of the housing in which rotational flow is induced by the rotational flow mechanism. The flow restrictor has a diameter less than the inner diameter of the housing so that a gap is formed between the flow restrictor and the housing. The housing further includes an inlet positioned above the flow restrictor and a first outlet positioned below the flow restrictor. The first outlet is positioned radially inward from an interior wall of the housing. The housing can be generally cylindrical from the top of the gap to a baffle positioned below the flow restrictor. The baffle defines a settling section for the heavier fraction.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2004Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Inventor: Gregory S. Antoun
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Patent number: 7510661Abstract: A wastewater separation system for separating an aqueous phase from an organic phase comprising oil, fat and/or grease in wastewater is disclosed. The wastewater may be collected from restaurant grease traps, as well as other food preparation facilities, schools, hospitals, processing plants and the like. A separator, such as a centrifugal separation device, comprises a wastewater inlet, an organic phase outlet for discharging low density liquid and solids and an aqueous phase outlet for discharging water and possibly other high density liquids and solids. The system can be portable and can be mounted on a vehicle for collection and treatment at various sites. Heat can be introduced to the system to accelerate the separation of the aqueous phase from the organic phase of the wastewater.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2005Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Inventor: Blair H. Hills