Including Cleaning Or Sterilizing Of Apparatus Patents (Class 210/636)
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Patent number: 12158408Abstract: A method for automated cleaning of a filter basket in a bioreactor includes determining permeability of the filter basket. A control unit controls a suction unit for suctioning a residual liquid from the liquid tank, a liquid metering unit for dispensing a liquid having a predetermined liquid volume into the filter basket controls the suction unit to empty the liquid tank by suctioning a filtered liquid volume, measures the volume of the suctioned liquid volume, and sending a first measurement signal to the control unit. The control unit determines a permeability quotient from the volume of the extracted filtered liquid volume to the volume of the dispensed predetermined liquid volume and compares the permeability quotient with a permeability threshold. The control unit then controls a cleaning unit to perform a cleaning process of the filter basket if the permeability quotient is below the permeability threshold.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2021Date of Patent: December 3, 2024Assignee: VOGELSANG GMBH & CO KGInventor: Martin Heinrichs
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Patent number: 12140513Abstract: A concentrator includes a casing, a separation membrane that sections an inner space of the casing to form a flow path in the casing, a first supplier that supplies a first liquid from a first position of the casing to the flow path such that the first liquid flows along the separation membrane in a first direction, a second supplier that supplies a second liquid from a second position of the casing to the flow path such that the second liquid flows along the separation membrane in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a third supplier that supplies a third liquid including a target component having a size that does not allow permeation of the target component through the separation membrane from a third position of the casing to the flow path.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2022Date of Patent: November 12, 2024Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATIONInventors: Yukio Oikawa, Shigeyoshi Horiike
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Patent number: 12133946Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system includes: a dialysis fluid pump including a pump actuator and a dialysis fluid contacting portion actuated by the pump actuator; a fresh dialysis fluid valve located upstream of the pump and including a fresh valve actuator and a dialysis fluid contacting portion actuated by the fresh valve actuator; a patient line valve located downstream of the pump and including a patient line valve actuator and a dialysis fluid contacting portion actuated by the patient line valve actuator; a drain valve positioned and arranged to receive used dialysis fluid from the patient and including a drain valve actuator and a dialysis fluid contacting portion; a patient line extending from the drain valve; and a fluid loop including dialysis fluid contacting portions of the pump, the fresh dialysis fluid valve, the patient line valve and the drain valve, and wherein the patient line extends from the fluid loop.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2021Date of Patent: November 5, 2024Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare SAInventor: Ramkumar Jeyachandran
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Patent number: 12102964Abstract: A reverse osmosis water production apparatus for use in a body of water includes a first section defining a buoyancy chamber and an elongate second section connected to the first section and configured to define an elongate chamber which extends downward beneath a waterline in use. The elongate chamber is provided with a plurality of elongate reverse osmosis membrane tubes, each tube containing a reverse osmosis membrane. A longitudinal axis of each reverse osmosis membrane tube is substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the elongate chamber and the reverse osmosis membrane tubes are arranged around a passage.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2020Date of Patent: October 1, 2024Inventors: James George Purnell Dehlsen, Peter Stricker
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Patent number: 12090443Abstract: A tangential flow filtration (TFF) system and disposable TFF unit that includes an integrated pump apparatus is disclosed. Namely, a TFF system is provided that includes a clamp assembly for integrating together a disposable TFF unit, two fluid reservoirs, and an air supply assembly. Further, the disposable TFF unit includes a diaphragm pump assembly and a concentration membrane. Further, methods of using the TFF system that includes the disposable TFF unit are provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2019Date of Patent: September 17, 2024Assignee: FORMULATRIX, INC.Inventors: Baker Logan, Steven Healey, Dmitry Rodionov
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Patent number: 12023630Abstract: A method of obtaining a compound may include adding a substrate to a medium in a reactor, and reacting the substrate in the reactor to form the compound. A first stream is separated from the reaction liquid through a first membrane. A second stream is separated from the reaction liquid through a second membrane. The first membrane is a filtration membrane and the second membrane is configured for liquid-gas or liquid-liquid extraction The first membrane and the second membrane are at least partially immersed in the medium and are moved relative to the reactor during the separation steps.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2022Date of Patent: July 2, 2024Assignee: VITO NVInventors: Wouter Van Hecke, Helmut Elslander, Karolien Vanbroekhoven, Helene De Wever, Herman Beckers
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Patent number: 12023628Abstract: The present disclosure provides a drinking water purification system with a backwashable filter cartridge and a nanofiltration system. The drinking water purification system includes a backwashable pre-filtration unit, a nanofiltration unit and a cleaning unit. The backwashable pre-filtration unit is provided with a backwashable filter cartridge. The nanofiltration unit is provided with a nanofiltration filter cartridge. A water outflow side of the backwashable filter cartridge is connected to a water inflow side of the nanofiltration filter cartridge. The cleaning unit is connected to the water outflow side of the backwashable filter cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2021Date of Patent: July 2, 2024Assignee: Greentech Environment Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mu Liu, Xiaofeng Lin, Zehua Li, Yingqiang Su, Xiaohong Niu, Huiming Han, Xiaofang Zhang
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Patent number: 12017184Abstract: An apparatus and a method use permeate to flush a reverse osmosis filter membrane in the same flow direction as when fluid is being filtered through the membrane. The apparatus includes a housing having a membrane positioned therein. The membrane has an interior surface and an exterior surface. The housing has an inlet port located outward of the exterior surface of the membrane and first and second outlet ports. The first outlet port is located outward of the exterior surface of the membrane and the second outlet port is located inward of the interior surface of the membrane. A first pump is used to route pressurized, untreated fluid from a fluid source through the membrane to produce permeate. A second pump is used to route permeate to a desired function while also routing some permeate at low pressure to the housing to flush the membrane.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2022Date of Patent: June 25, 2024Assignee: Sonny's Water Systems LLCInventors: Paul Philip Kalscheur, Michael Aaron Huiting, Clint Jeffrey Griesbach, Theodore Paul LaVigne, Jay Scott Dayak
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Patent number: 12005397Abstract: A method for introducing a gas into a liquid, the method including filling a gas volume enclosed below a free surface of the liquid and defined in a downward direction by an enclosed level of the liquid with the gas in sequential pulses wherein the gas simultaneously displaces the liquid top down from a gas lifting channel until the enclosed level of the liquid drops below an inlet cross section of a gas flow out channel; subsequently flowing the gas out of the gas volume downward through the gas lifting channel, a deflection portion adjoining at a bottom of the gas lifting channel, in upward direction through the inlet cross section and through the gas flow out channel adjoining the inlet cross section at a top to the free surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2022Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Assignee: MEMBION GMBHInventors: Klaus Vossenkaul, Dirk Volmering
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Patent number: 12005398Abstract: A method the filtering a liquid in a membrane filter immersed in the liquid and including membranes, the method including introducing a gas through a gas introduction device into a base of the membrane filter in successive pulses so that the membranes are cleaned wherein the gas introduction device includes a liquid flow channel which vertically penetrates a gas collection cavity and admits the liquid into a bottom of membrane filter; and initially filling a gas volume arranged below a free surface of the liquid and defined in a downward direction by an enclosed level of the liquid with the gas wherein the gas simultaneously displaces the liquid top down from a gas lifting channel until the enclosed level of the liquid drops below an inlet cross section of a gas flow out channel.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2022Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Assignee: MEMBION GMBHInventors: Klaus Vossenkaul, Dirk Volmering
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Patent number: 11970411Abstract: A method of treating aqueous, preferably concentrated, waste streams with a unique combination of steps in a way that is easily scalable and able to be used with batch or continuous flows. The method comprises at least the following steps: Adding at least one precipitating agent to the waste water to produce precipitated solids; and removing the precipitated solids from the waste water using a forward flushable membrane to remove the precipitate solids.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2021Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: GARRATT-CALLAHAN COMPANYInventors: E. H. Kelle Zeiher, Henri Robert Asbell, James E Gamlen, Daron Gareth Evans
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Patent number: 11952567Abstract: Algae harvesting and cultivating systems and methods for producing high concentrations of algae product with minimal energy. In an embodiment, a dead-end filtration system and method includes at least one tank and a plurality hollow fiber membranes positioned in the at least one tank. An algae medium is pulled through the hollow fiber membranes such that a retentate and a permeate are produced.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2023Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: Global Algae Technology, LLCInventors: David A. Hazlebeck, William Rickman
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Patent number: 11946033Abstract: A micro alternating tangential flow (microATF) perfusion filter includes a hollow cylinder having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is connected in series to a permeate chamber, followed by a retentate chamber. The proximal end either (i) terminates in or at the permeate chamber, or (ii) terminates in or at the retentate chamber. The portion of the proximal end within the permeate chamber, in a case of (ii), possesses at least one opening allowing fluid communication between an inside of the hollow cylinder and the permeate chamber. The microATF perfusion filter further includes an inlet, positioned over the retentate chamber, for communication with a source of positive or negative pressure, and an outlet, positioned in a wall of the permeate chamber, which can be connected to a check valve, which, in turn, can be connected to a hydrophobic fluid vent filter.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2022Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: REPLIGEN CORPORATIONInventors: Michael Bransby, Philip Yuen
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Patent number: 11923518Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for recycling lead-acid batteries, and more specifically, relates to purifying and recycling the lead content from lead-acid batteries. A system includes a reactor that receives and mixes a lead-bearing material waste, a carboxylate source, and a recycled liquid component to form a leaching mixture yielding a lead carboxylate precipitate. The system also includes a phase separation device coupled to the reactor, wherein the phase separation device isolates the lead carboxylate precipitate from a liquid component of the leaching mixture. The system further includes a closed-loop liquid recycling system coupled to the phase separation device and to the reactor, wherein the closed-loop liquid recycling system receives the liquid component isolated by the phase separation device and recycles a substantial portion of the received liquid component back to the reactor as the recycled liquid component.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignees: Clarios Advanced Germany Gmbh & Co. KG, CPS Technology Holdings LLCInventors: Eberhard Meissner, Jr., Juergen Bauer, Matthew A. Spence
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Patent number: 11898978Abstract: A sensor system, particularly for monitoring the mixing of at least two fluids and a method for monitoring the mixture of at least two liquids. The present invention provides a sensor system for fluids, comprising at least two level sensor which are arranged vertically one upon the other on and connected to an electronic circuit board, four electrodes of four conductivity sensors which are arranged horizontally next to each other at the bottom of and connected to the electronic circuit board; and a temperature sensor which is connected to the electronic circuit board; a connector for connecting the electronic circuit board to a controller; wherein the electronic circuit board is embedded in a hot melt compound which is surrounded by an injection molded housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2022Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: STRATEC SEInventors: Michael Burkart, Ralf Maier
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Patent number: 11883573Abstract: A renal failure therapy system includes a dialysis fluid circuit including a dialysis fluid pump; a source of physiological cleaning, disinfecting, and/or decalcifying substance in fluid communication with the dialysis fluid circuit; a source of purified water in fluid communication with the dialysis fluid circuit; and a logic implementer in operable communication with the dialysis fluid pump, the logic implementer causing the physiological cleaning, disinfecting, and/or decalcifying substance from its source to be added to purified water from the purified water source to form a mixture and to circulate the mixture within the dialysis fluid circuit using the dialysis fluid pump to at least one of clean, disinfect or decalcify at least a portion of the dialysis fluid circuit without a subsequent rinse.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2021Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: Gambro Lundia ABInventors: Sture Hobro, Jonas Fors, Olof Jansson
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Patent number: 11865478Abstract: A fluid filtration assembly includes a filter housing having first and second ends and a connector for fluid communication with a fluid storage vessel. A filter element is disposable within the filter housing, and first and second pumps are coupled at the first and second ends of the filter housing. A controller may coordinate the operation of the first and second pumps to induce alternating tangential flow of fluid between the filter housing and the first and second pumps. At least one of the first and second pumps is a diaphragm pump or a plunger pump. The fluid storage vessel can be a bioreactor.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2022Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Repligen CorporationInventor: Rudolf Pavlik
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Patent number: 11845041Abstract: A membrane assembly for separating a feed liquid into a permeate and a retentate includes a semipermeable membrane and conductive members for applying a voltage effective for charging a semipermeable surface of the membrane, thereby reducing or preventing fouling or scaling of the membrane. The conductive members may be positioned adjacent to the semipermeable membrane, and may be configured as feed spacers or permeate spacers. Alternatively or additionally, the membrane may be electrically conductive. Power from an external source may be supplied to one or more of the conductive members, or also the membrane if conductive, which may be done wirelessly. One or more membrane assemblies may be provided in a container. One or more membrane assemblies may be provided in a stacked configuration, or wrapped around a tube in a spiral configuration.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2019Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: Research Triangle InstituteInventors: Zachary Doubrava Hendren, Young Chul Choi, Gyu Dong Kim
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Patent number: 11806673Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of filtering an oil, the method including the following steps (A) and (B): (A) allowing a hydrophobic gas to permeate through a porous membrane including a hydrophobic polymer as a main component; and (B) allowing an oil to permeate through the porous membrane, in which the step (B) is performed after the hydrophobic gas that has permeated through the porous membrane is confirmed to have a relative humidity of 0 to 60% in the step (A).Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2021Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.Inventors: Shun Shimura, Masayuki Hanakawa, Kenta Iwai
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Patent number: 11786645Abstract: A portable dialysis cabinet for use in dialysis. The portable dialysis cabinet can have a size and weight that facilitates easy movement of the cabinet from one location to another with relative ease. The portable dialysis cabinet can have additional features necessary to facilitate portability, such as wheels and a handle. In general, the portable dialysis cabinet can contain all the necessary components for performing a dialysis session.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2018Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: Mozarc Medical US LLCInventors: Thomas E. Meyer, David B. Lura, Bryant J. Pudil, Martin T. Gerber
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Patent number: 11779880Abstract: A gas separation system for controlling a concentration of a first gas species and a second gas species in an outlet gas comprises a splitter unit. The splitter unit comprises a gas membrane system having a gas inlet port. The gas inlet port is in fluid connection with an air intake. A membrane is a selective barrier and allows some things to pass through but stops others.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2021Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: 12M INVENT GMBHInventor: Kai Seefeldt
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Patent number: 11767501Abstract: Algae harvesting and cultivating systems and methods for producing high concentrations of algae product with minimal energy. In an embodiment, a dead-end filtration system and method includes at least one tank and a plurality hollow fiber membranes positioned in the at least one tank. An algae medium is pulled through the hollow fiber membranes such that a retentate and a permeate are produced.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2020Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: GLOBAL ALGAE TECHNOLOGY, LLCInventors: David A. Hazlebeck, William Rickman
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Patent number: 11738310Abstract: A method for cleaning membrane is provided. The method includes, providing a membrane, introducing a thermo-sensitive ionic liquid to contact the membrane and perform a cleaning procedure to collect a cleaning solution, and layering the cleaning solution to form an aqueous layer and an ionic liquid layer at a specific temperature.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2019Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Hao Xiang Xu, Po-I Liu, Min-Chao Chang, Hsin Shao, Ren-Yang Horng, Teh-Ming Liang
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Patent number: 11648511Abstract: A method includes producing a first blended low salinity injection water for injection into at least one injection well that penetrates a first region of an oil-bearing reservoir and producing a second blended low salinity injection water for injection into at least one injection well that penetrates a second region of an oil-bearing reservoir. The reservoir rock of the first and second regions has first and second rock compositions, respectively, that present different risks of formation damage. The first and second blended low salinity injection waters comprise variable amounts of nanofiltration permeate and reverse osmosis permeate.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2018Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: BP EXPLORATION OPERATING COMPANY LIMITEDInventors: Ian Ralph Collins, John William Couves, John Henry Crouch, John Dale Williams
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Patent number: 11643629Abstract: The present disclosure relates to hollow fiber tangential flow filters, including hollow fiber tangential flow depth filters, for various applications, including bioprocessing and pharmaceutical applications, systems employing such filters, and methods of filtration using the same.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2022Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: REPLIGEN CORPORATIONInventors: Michael Bransby, Derek Carroll
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Patent number: 11629064Abstract: The present invention relates to a residential home water filter system and method. The water filter system comprises a filter stage, a water purification stage, a water storage stage, and a back-up water softening stage, to deliver filtered and purified water to consumers when needed. Water from a pressurized water source first flows through filter 16 and then to a first junction 18 to a reverse osmosis system 22 when a pump 24 is activated or to an ion exchange water softener 20 when the pump 24 is deactivated. The filtered and purified water is then stored in tank 26.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2021Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Inventor: Clinton D. Nelson
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Patent number: 11628407Abstract: The invention relates to an undulated thermostable hollow fiber membrane of reduced wall thickness, wherein the wall thickness amounts to 20 ?m or greater and 30 ?m or less and the waveform of the hollow fiber membrane exhibits a wavelength in the range of from more than 1 mm and less than 5 mm. In particular, the invention relates to a method for producing an undulated thermostable hollow fiber membrane of lower wall thickness.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2018Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Assignee: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBHInventors: Torsten Keller, Roland Sander, Igor Raiko, Christian Finkler
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Patent number: 11602718Abstract: This specification describes membrane based filtration and softening systems and methods. A system has a microfiltration or ultrafiltration (MF/UF) membrane unit upstream of a nanofiltration or reverse osmosis (NF/RO) membrane unit, optionally with no intermediate tank. In some cases, the system and method may be used with feed water provided at municipal line pressure to the membranes. NF/RO permeate is collected in a tank and then pumped to a header. Treated water may be drawn from the header for use or recycled to the system, for example to backwash or flush one or both of the membrane units. In a combined process, NF/RO permeate flushes the feed side of the NF/RO unit and then backwashes the MF/UF unit. In another process, the MF/UF unit and NF/RO unit are filled with NF/RO permeate before being placed in a standby mode.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2018Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: BL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventor: John Thomas Peichel
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Patent number: 11583597Abstract: A lighting array including one or more antimicrobial light segments configured to emit light sufficient to inactivate one or more microorganisms at a target surface may be installed within identified contamination zones of food or beverage preparation, processing, storing or packaging equipment or machinery. In an ice machine, for example, an array controller is configured for communication with an ice machine controller to receive ice machine status information signals. The status information signals are usable by the array controller to determine cycle, state, and/or usage information associated with the ice machine. The array controller may individually control activation of the one or more antimicrobial light segments based on the status information signals received from the machine controller to achieve inactivation of one or more microorganisms on target surfaces within the machine.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2020Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventors: Paul Dominic Christian, Paul R. Kraus, Gina McDowell, Amani Babekir, Anna Starobin
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Patent number: 11589423Abstract: A heat power management system is disclosed for an alternating current (AC) power controller for use with portable reverse osmosis water purification systems requiring precise control of a heating action for an internal water heater coupled with energy savings and the reduction of AC line disturbances. The heat power management system is designed to operate with various international electrical systems while protecting such system from excessive current draws.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2018Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: Evoqua Water Technologies LLCInventor: Clinton W. Hulme
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Patent number: 11571499Abstract: A hemodialysis machine comprising a fluid pathway for delivering a dialysate solution, wherein the fluid pathway comprises a pre-dialysis pathway and a post-dialysis pathway, a dialyser for dialysing patient's blood using the dialysate solution, the dialyser connected between the pre-dialysis pathway and the post-dialysis pathway, a first sensor system configured to sense a characteristic of the dialysate solution at a first location on the pre-dialysis pathway, a second sensor system configured to sense a characteristic of the dialysate solution at a second location on the post-dialysis pathway, and a control system configured to make a comparative analysis of the measurements taken by the first sensor and the second sensor for monitoring the composition of the dialysate solution.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2016Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: QUANTA DIALYSIS TECHNOLOGIES LTD.Inventors: John Milad, Clive Buckberry, Mark Wallace
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Patent number: 11542181Abstract: In one aspect, separation media are described herein operable for removing one or more water contaminants including NOM and derivatives thereof. Briefly, a separation medium includes a nanoparticle support and an oligomeric stationary phase forming a film on individual nanoparticles of the support, the film having thickness of 1 to 100 nm. In some embodiments, oligomeric chains of the stationary phase are covalently bonded to the individual nanoparticles.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2016Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTEInventors: Jordan Poler, James E. Amburgey, Billy R. Johnson, Amir Y. Alansari, Timothy Eldred
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Patent number: 11534723Abstract: A filtration method that includes a cleaning step using a chemical agent, wherein provided is the filtration method with excellent chemical resistance performance. The filtration method pertaining to the present invention comprises a filtration step in which a liquid to be filtered is filtered by being passed through a porous membrane formed of a resin, and a cleaning step in which the membrane interior of the porous membrane is cleaned after the filtration step, wherein a porous membrane for which the area ratio of a resin part having an area of 1 ?m2 or less included in a cross section of the membrane interior is at least 70% of the total area of the entire resin part included in the cross section, and said cleaning step includes a step in which an aqueous solution of at least 1% sodium hydroxide is passed through the porous membrane.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2018Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: ASAHI KASEI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Daisuke Okamura
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Patent number: 11484838Abstract: The disclosed technology includes a membrane-based device configured to concentrate black liquor, which results from papermaking. Certain embodiments may comprise a nanofiltration membrane configured to remove lignin from black liquor, and the nanofiltration membrane may include a first macroporous polymer substrate and a first graphene oxide membrane covering the first macroporous polymer substrate. Some embodiments may comprise a reverse osmosis membrane, which may include a second macroporous polymer substrate and a second graphene oxide membrane covering the second macroporous polymer substrate.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2020Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: Georgia Tech Research CorporationInventors: Fereshteh Rashidi, Sankar Nair, Nikita Kevlich, Meisha Shofner, Scott Sinquefield, Zhongzhen Wang
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Patent number: 11478759Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane bundle from a plurality of polysulfone and PVP-based hollow fiber membranes which encompasses the providing of a spinning solution comprising a polysulfone-based material, in particular polysulfone, a vinylpyrrolidone-based polymer, in particular polyvinylpyrrolidone, an aprotic solvent, in particular dimethylacetamide, providing a coagulant liquid comprising water and an aprotic solvent, in particular dimethylacetamide, co-extruding the spinning solution and the coagulant liquid through a concentric annular spinneret into a hollow strand, whereby the cavity of the strand is filled with coagulant liquid, conducting the strand through a precipitation gap, introducing the strand into a precipitating bath comprised substantially of water so as to obtain a hollow fiber membrane, conducting the hollow fiber membranes through at least one rinsing bath and drying the hollow fiber membrane obtained, arranging the resulting hollow fiber membraType: GrantFiled: December 8, 2017Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBHInventors: Torsten Keller, Michael Paul, Roland Sander
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Patent number: 11452971Abstract: A method for operating a membrane separation device includes (a) setting a flow amount M(t) of permeated water and extracting the permeated water from the membrane separation device by the set flow amount M(t), and (b) temporarily stopping the extracting the permeated water, when a water level of a first water tank in which the membrane separation device is immersed, a water level of a second water tank in communication with the first tank, or a water level of a third water tank receiving overflowing water from the first water tank becomes lower than a predetermined halt water level. M(t), which is the flow amount of the permeated water during a time period t, satisfies a equation M(t)=KQ(t?1), where K is a gain (K>1), and Q(t?1) is an amount of inflow of the water-to-be-treated during a time period t?1 immediately prior to the time period t.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2018Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATIONInventors: Yasunobu Okajima, Kimihiro Ishikawa
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Patent number: 11433169Abstract: A treatment device system includes a treatment machine for performing a therapy on a patient, the treatment machine including at least one fluid conveyor and a controller, the controller having a first memory, to cause the at least one fluid conveyor to produce a therapeutic fluid by mixing purified water and at least one concentrate. The system also includes a water purifier with an internal central controller, in fluid communication with and providing the purified water to the treatment machine. A wired or wireless control line provides two way communication between the controller of the treatment machine and the internal central controller of the water purifier, the controller of the treatment machine transmitting data via the control line to the internal central controller of the water purifier for control of the water purifier, the data provided based on at least one of the operator inputs received via the user interface.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2021Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: NxStage Medical, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey H. Burbank, James M. Brugger, Dennis M. Treu, Mark T. Wyeth
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Patent number: 11433170Abstract: A treatment device system includes a treatment machine for generating a custom dialysis solution and including at least one fluid conveyor, the treatment machine having a controller, the controller having a first memory, configured to produce the custom dialysis solution by causing the at least one fluid conveyor to mix purified water and at least one concentrate. The system also includes a user interface and a water purifier in fluid communication with and providing the purified water to the treatment machine, the water purifier including an internal central controller, the internal central controller having a second memory, to control preparation of the purified water. A server is communicatively coupled with the treatment machine and a control line provides two way communication between the controller of the treatment machine and the internal central controller of the water purifier.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2021Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: NxStage Medical, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey H. Burbank, James M. Brugger, Dennis M. Treu, Mark T. Wyeth
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Patent number: 11414333Abstract: An automated waste water treatment system includes a collection tank constructed to hold waste water, a first flow line connected to the collection tank to output the waste water from the collection tank, an electrocoagulation unit that receives the waste water and outputs the waste water as coagulated waste water to a flow line, a polymer dosage tank to provide a polymer dosage into the flow line where the polymer dosage mixes with the coagulated waste water to produce and output flocculated waste water. A clarifier connected to the flow line receives the flocculated waste water and produces sludge-free waste water and concentrated sludge, a series of filters to output filter-treated water, and an ultrafiltration system that receives filter-treated water and outputs ultrafiltration-treated water to a reverse osmosis system.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2019Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignees: GREEN TECH CORPORATION, CONFIDENT ENGINEERING INDIA PRIVATE LIMITEDInventors: Myung Koh, Rathna Kumar Chidambaranathan
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Patent number: 11389770Abstract: An apparatus and a method use permeate to flush a reverse osmosis filter membrane in the same flow direction as when fluid is being filtered through the membrane. The apparatus includes a housing having a membrane positioned therein. The membrane has an interior surface and an exterior surface. The housing has an inlet port located outward of the exterior surface of the membrane and first and second outlet ports. The first outlet port is located outward of the exterior surface of the membrane and the second outlet port is located inward of the interior surface of the membrane. A first pump is used to route pressurized, untreated fluid from a fluid source through the membrane to produce permeate. A second pump is used to route permeate to a desired function while also routing some permeate at low pressure to the housing to flush the membrane.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2020Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: Sonny's Water Systems, LLC.Inventors: Paul Philip Kalscheur, Michael Aaron Huiting, Clint Jeffrey Griesbach, Theodore Paul LaVigne, Jay Scott Dayak
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Patent number: 11370675Abstract: A method of treating a landfill leachate containing ammoniacal nitrogen and phosphate by mixing with seawater to precipitate magnesium ammonium phosphate (MAP) also known as struvite. Effects of pH, temperature, stirring speed, and magnesium to ammonia molar ratio on leachate properties such as COD, ammoniacal nitrogen, phosphate content, color, turbidity, amount of magnesium, iron and zinc are disclosed. The method provides high removal efficiency for removal of ammoniacal nitrogen, phosphate, COD, color and turbidity. The method provides a cost-effective system for treatment of landfill leachate and recovery of MAP.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2022Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignee: King Abdulaziz UniversityInventors: Ibrahim Mustafa Mehedi, Shahrul bin Ismail, Mohamed Shahrir Mohamed Zahari, Ubaid M. Al-Saggaf, Md Mottahir Alam, Ahmed Ubaid Al-Saggaf
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Patent number: 11352269Abstract: A conventional media filter such as a gravity sand filter is converted into a membrane filter. The media is removed and replaced by immersed membrane modules. Transmembrane pressure is created by a static head pressure differential, without a suction pump, thereby creating a membrane gravity filter (MGF). Preferred operating parameters include transmembrane pressure of 5-20 kPa, 1-3 backwashes per day, and a flux of 10-20 L/m2/h. The membranes are dosed with chlorine or another oxidant, preferably at 700 minutes*mg/L as Cl2 equivalent per week or less. The small oxidant does is believed to provide a porous biofilm or fouling layer without substantially removing the layer. The media filter may be modified so that backwash wastewater is removed from near the bottom of the tank rather than through backwash troughs above the membrane modules. Membrane integrity testing may be done while the tank is emptied after a backwash.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2020Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: BL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Pierre Lucien Cote, Jason Cadera, Steven Kristian Pedersen, Nicholas William H. Adams
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Patent number: 11344835Abstract: The technology disclosed herein relates to a filter assembly. The filter assembly has a double-sided adhesive layer having a first side and a second side and defining a filter opening. A first membrane extends over the filter opening and is directly coupled to the first side of the double-sided adhesive layer about the filter opening. An adsorbent element is directly coupled to the first membrane, where the adsorbent element and the first membrane are coextensive. A second membrane encapsulates the first membrane and the adsorbent element. The second membrane is directly coupled to the first side of the double-sided adhesive layer around the first membrane and adsorbent element.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2019Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.Inventors: Roger Peet, Daniel Dotzler
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Patent number: 11331626Abstract: This membrane filtration method includes: a membrane filtration process for adding a coagulant to water to be treated which contains viruses, and filtering the water to be treated by using a filtration membrane; and a cleaning process for, after the membrane filtration process, cleaning the filtration membrane, the membrane filtration process and the cleaning process being repeatedly performed, wherein, in the membrane filtration process, in the initial period of filtration, at least either an operation of filtering the water to be treated that includes the coagulant added by an amount larger than the amount of a coagulant added in a normal case, or an operation of filtering the water to be treated that has a pH lower than the pH of water to be treated in a normal case, is performed.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2019Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: Metawater Co., Ltd.Inventors: Naruaki Kadokawa, Yasuhiro Kato, Tomomi Sao
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Patent number: 11332399Abstract: An automated waste water treatment system includes a collection tank constructed to hold waste water, a first flow line connected to the collection tank to output the waste water from the collection tank, an electrocoagulation unit that receives the waste water and outputs the waste water as coagulated waste water, a polymer dosage tank to provide a polymer dosage to the coagulated waste water to produce and output flocculated waste water. An air grid of the electrocoagulation unit, the latter housing a plurality of electrodes, increases the lifespan and efficiency of the electrodes to perform electrocoagulation of the waste water. A clarifier connected to the flow line receives the flocculated waste water and produces sludge-free waste water and concentrated sludge, a series of filters to output filter-treated water, and an ultrafiltration system that receives filter-treated water and outputs ultrafiltration-treated water to a reverse osmosis system.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2019Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignees: GREEN TECH CORPORATION, CONFIDENT ENGINEERING INDIA PRIVATE LIMITEDInventors: Myung Koh, Rathna Kumar Chidambaranathan
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Patent number: 11318418Abstract: Provided herein is forward osmosis-based water purification process, that includes contacting a solution of a soluble draw agent with a dehydrated insoluble draw agent, separating the now hydrated insoluble draw agent from the now concentrated draw solution, and exerting a stimulus on the hydrated insoluble draw agent for extracting water therefrom, thereby regenerating a dehydrated insoluble draw agent, wherein the osmotic concentration (osmolality) of the insoluble draw agent is greater than the osmotic concentration of the diluted draw solution, and the insoluble draw agent is impermeable to the soluble draw agent.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2018Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: Technion Research & Development Foundation LimitedInventors: Alexander Kraytsberg, Yair Ein-Eli
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Patent number: 11312643Abstract: An induced symbiotic osmosis system and method for treating produced fluids from a hydraulic fracturing process or system for symbiotic fluids fractionation, salinity power generation, brines and salts solution reverse osmosis. The system includes a reverse osmosis membrane assembly to create potable water from produced water. The membrane assembly includes a hollow fiber or flat sheet membrane and headers to transfer desalinated water therefrom. The system can include an electro coagulation system, an ultra or nano filtration system, and a desalter to treat the produced water or brine. A heat exchanger can be positioned between adjacent reverse osmosis membrane assemblies. An osmotic power generation unit can create electrical power by receiving and utilizing produce water and brine water from a brine storage. The system reduces the release of global warming contributing gases associated with hydraulic fracturing, while producing potable water and power.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2019Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Inventor: Maher Isaac Kelada
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Patent number: 11311656Abstract: A modular assembly for a portable hemodialysis system may include a dialysis unit, e.g., that contains suitable components for performing hemodialysis, such as a dialyzer, one or more pumps to circulate blood through the dialyzer, a source of dialysate, and one or more pumps to circulate the dialysate through the dialyzer, and a power unit having a housing that contains suitable components for providing operating power to the pumps of the dialysis unit. The power unit may be selectively connected to the dialysis unit and provide power (e.g., pneumatic power in the form of pressure and/or vacuum) to the dialysis unit for the pumps when connected to the dialysis unit, but may be incapable of providing power to the dialysis unit when disconnected from the dialysis unit. The dialysis unit and the power unit are sized and weighted to each be carried by hand by a human.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2019Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, Jason A. Demers, Michael J. Wilt, Kevin L. Grant, Shannon Prescott, David E. Collins
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Patent number: 11291957Abstract: Apparatus and method for semi-permeable membrane cleaning in particular, applying series of pulsed water stroke, made simultaneously with osmosis backward flow causing superposed membrane directional shaking and fouling detachment. Pulsed water stroke provided by water stroke generator as several momentum sharp changes in gauge pressure and induce velocity pulse of residual brine flow. The pulsed water strokes ideally induce resonance in the membrane.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2018Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Inventors: Boris Liberman, Igal Liberman
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Patent number: 11273411Abstract: A vibrating device for a filter-plate assembly for liquid filtration having a vessel housing for the filter-plate assembly and one or more flexible volume chambers being filled with gas. The volume chambers are adapted to expand and/or compress the volumes of the chambers inside the vessel housing allowing the liquid in the vessel chamber to move relative to the surface of the filter-plates when the vessel housing including the filter-plate assembly is subjected to a vibrating motion.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2018Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: Sani Membranes ApSInventor: Henrik Hjelmsmark