Filtering Through Membrane (e.g., Ultrafiltration) Patents (Class 210/650)
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Publication number: 20140069869Abstract: A fluid treatment system is disclosed comprising a cross flow filter (110) comprising a feed portion, a concentrate portion, and a permeate portion. The treatment system further comprises a permeate storage apparatus (130) fluidly connected to the permeate portion and comprising a pressure boundary comprising an inner wall surrounding a pliable bladder (150), the pliable bladder fluidly separating a permeate chamber from an atmospheric chamber (170). The treatment system may further comprise a permeate pressurizing device (180) fluidly connecting the permeate chamber to a system output.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2012Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Hemang R. Patel, Robert E. Astle, Martin J. Blaze, Laurence W. Bassett
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Patent number: 8668094Abstract: A carbon membrane structure includes: a cylindrical porous support body provided with a plurality of cells extending from one end face to the other end face and functioning as fluid passages, and a carbon membrane disposed on the surface side of the cells formed in the porous support body. The plurality of cells are formed so that a distance from one cell to another cell adjacent to the one cell in a cross section perpendicular to a cell extension direction of the porous support body 1 is 0.60 mm or more. The carbon membrane structure shows very excellent separation performance by the carbon membrane.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2012Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventor: Shogo Takeno
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Patent number: 8664357Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a process for the preparation of a first compound selected from peptides, oligonucleotides and peptide nucleic acids. The process comprises synthesizing the first compound and then separating the first compound formed in step (i) from a second compound, which is a reaction by-product of the synthesis of the first compound and/or an excess of a reagent used for the synthesis of a first compound by a process of diafiltration. The membrane used for the diafiltration process is stable in organic solvents and provides a rejection for the first compound which is greater than the rejection for the second compound.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2009Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Imperial Innovations LimitedInventors: Andrew Guy Livingston, Ludmila Georgieva Peeva, Sheyung Wang Jerry So, Renato Campos Vasconceles, Robin John Leatherbarrow, Edward William Tate, Piers Robert James Gaffney
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Patent number: 8663474Abstract: A non-blocking filtration system wherein the suspension filtered continuously scrubs the filter, keeping it free of deposits of solid deposits while the filtrate is removed in a variety of biological and chemical applications, substantially reducing the cost of unit operations.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2013Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Therapeutic Proteins International, LLCInventor: Sarfaraz K. Niazi
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Publication number: 20140054218Abstract: A system and process for reducing fouling in a catalytic bed-based deoxygenation unit include a filtration system having a plurality of selectively permeable membranes arranged to contact a raw seawater feed and provide a membrane permeate. The membrane permeate is comprised of a portion of the raw seawater feed from which contaminants, such as dissolved inorganic salts and organic constituents, have been removed by passing through the selectively permeable membranes. The system and process also include a catalyst bed-based deoxygenation unit that receives the membrane permeate. The filtration system may be a nanofiltration, microfiltration, ultrafiltration, or reverse osmosis membrane system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2012Publication date: February 27, 2014Inventors: Marcus D. Sprenkel, Robert Charles William Weston, Gary Howard Mellor
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Publication number: 20140054226Abstract: Apparatus (8) for filtering, clarifying or polishing, a liquid flow containing finely divided solids. In the apparatus (8), the liquid flow to be filtered is directed to the outer surface of a filter element (3) with high speed and in tangential direction, and thereby, influenced by the generated shearing force, part of the liquid penetrates the filter element (3) and is filtered. More precisely, the apparatus (8) includes a cross-flow tube (2) having a circular cylindrical shape and having apertures directed substantially in tangential direction towards the outer surface of the filter element (3). A method for removing finely divided solids from a liquid flow using such apparatus is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2012Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: SOFI FILTRATION OYInventor: Pertti Rantala
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Publication number: 20140054228Abstract: The present disclosure describes an additive that may be used in the manufacture of thin-film polyamide composite membranes. Thin-film polyamide composite membranes are used in filtration processes, such as reverse osmosis and nanofiltration. The additive may be an amino-siloxane compound. The amino-siloxane compound includes repeated groups of silicon bonded to oxygen with at least one amine functional group. Optionally, the amino-siloxane compound may also include a hydrophilic group. The additive reacts with an aqueous phase and an organic phase to form a thin polyamide film on a porous substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2012Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Xingpeng ZHANG, Lawrence C. COSTA, Steven John HARROLD, Babu NARAYANSWAMY
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Patent number: 8658043Abstract: A water treatment system provides treated water to a point of use by removing at least a portion of any hardness-causing species contained in water from a water source, such as municipal water, well water, brackish water and water containing foulants. The water treatment system typically receives water from the water source or a point of entry and purifies the water containing at least some undesirable species before delivering the treated water to a point of use. The water treatment system has a pressurized reservoir system in line with an electrochemical device such as an electrodeionization device. The water treatment system can have a controller for adjusting or regulating at least one operating parameter of the treatment system or a component of the water treatment system. The electrochemical device can be operated at a low current and low flow rate to minimize water splitting or polarization, which minimizes scale formation.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2010Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Siemens Water Technologies LLCInventors: Frederick Wilkins, Evgeniya Freydina, Aytac Sezgi, Reshma Madhusudan, Anil D. Jha
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Publication number: 20140048486Abstract: Membranes including at least two sets of fibers having different average diameters, as well as methods of using and methods of making the membranes are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2012Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: Pall CorporationInventors: I-Fan WANG, Amarnauth Singh
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Publication number: 20140048487Abstract: A filtration membrane (4) including a porous base layer (8) arranged adjacent to a filtration layer (6) having pores (10) extending through the filtration layer (6) is provided. The filtration layer is electrically conductive and at least one compound (24, 26) is attached on the filtration layer (6), thereby providing a protective surface layer (40). The at least one compound (24, 26) is configured to be at least partially cleaved off of the filtration layer (6) by a predefined cleave-off process.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2012Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: GRUNDFOS MANAGEMENT A/SInventor: Allan Hjarbæk Holm
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Patent number: 8652333Abstract: A process for removing a solvent from a source solution, said process comprising a) contacting the source solution with one side of a selectively permeable membrane, b) contacting a draw solution having a higher osmotic pressure (higher solute concentration) than the source solution with the opposite side of the membrane, such that solvent from the source solution passes across the membrane to dilute the draw solution by direct osmosis, c) removing solvent from the diluted draw solution to regenerate the draw solution, and d) recycling the regenerated draw solution to step a), characterized in that a portion of the draw solution is discarded or treated before and/or after the draw solution is regenerated in step c) so as to reduce the concentration of any solute species present in the draw solution from the source solution.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2009Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Surrey Aquatechnology LimitedInventor: Peter Nicoll
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Patent number: 8652331Abstract: A method of backwashing a membrane filtration system comprising at least one permeable membrane, preferably a hollow fiber membrane, the method comprising the step of applying a pressurized gas at a variable pressure to permeate remaining present in the system when filtration process is stopped or suspended to provide liquid for backwashing pores of the permeable membrane during a backwashing process. Also provided are methods of filtering solids from a liquid suspension using alternating liquid backwash pressures.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2009Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Siemens Water Technologies LLCInventors: Fufang Zha, Zhiyi Cao
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Publication number: 20140042095Abstract: The invention is directed to a nanosieve composite membrane, a method for preparing a nanosieve composite membrane, a roll-to-roll apparatus for carrying out the method, and a method for separating a feed flow with particulate matter. The nanosieve composite of the invention comprises an inorganic nanosieve layer supported on a porous polymer membrane substrate and a metallic adhesion layer or underlayer between the inorganic nanosieve layer and the polymer substrate, wherein said polymer membrane comprises an inorganic coating such that the polymeric support is sandwiched between the inorganic coating and the inorganic sieve layer, and wherein said inorganic nanosieve layer has an average pore diameter as determined by scanning electron microscopy of 200 nm or less.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2012Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast- natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek TNOInventors: Sandeep Unnikrishnan, Edward Willem Albert Young
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Publication number: 20140042094Abstract: An independent blood filter device depends on flow geometry to deliver blood serum or plasma free of detrimental levels of hemoglobin. It depends critically on an upstream flow rate or pressure differential limiting control element or device that limits the rate of change of pressure differential across the filter element. Pre-evacuated versions can be used to simultaneously draw blood from a living being and provide pressure differential across the filter element between an evacuated collector and a supply end open to atmosphere. A unit pressurized by hand motion employs the external shape of a partially filled blood collection tube as a piston to produce pressure in advance of the control element or device to create the pressure differential across the filter element to a collector vented to atmosphere. The control element or device is disclosed in numerous forms, including specially sized flow constrictions and compliant arrangements.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Inventors: Jean I. Montagu, William Bell, Sasha Montagu
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Publication number: 20140042093Abstract: A system for separating a penetrant from a feed steam, using a drum filter [10], which includes a drum [20] with a porous drum wall [30], a tank in which the drum is mounted, a feed stream, a semipermeable membrane [50] on the outside of the drum [20], a system that reduces the pressure inside the drum [20] so that a pressure drop is established across the membrane [50], thereby causing separation of the feed stream into a first permeate stream that contains penetrants, which pass through the membrane [50] and drum wall [30], and a residue [60] that accumulates on the surface of the membrane [50], wherein the pressure drop across the membrane [50] is maintained below the bubble point of the membrane [50], so that liquid will pass through the membrane, but gas will not.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2011Publication date: February 13, 2014Inventor: Peter Kristin Silverberg
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Patent number: 8636904Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane module, a hollow fiber membrane module unit, and a water treatment method. The module or the module unit enable the efficient contact of microorganisms on the surface of a membrane with a gas. The module and the unit have excellent durability. The hollow fiber membrane module is formed so that the end parts of sheet-form hollow fiber membranes are formed in a substantially rectangular shape and the end face of the anchoring member on a side where the hollow fiber membranes open is formed in a substantially circular shape. The hollow fiber membrane module unit is formed in such a manner that a plurality of modules is disposed. The water treatment method is used to purify treated water with the microorganisms adhered onto the outer surfaces of the hollow fiber membranes by using the module or the unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2011Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Watari, Satoshi Takeda
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Publication number: 20140021132Abstract: A water treatment apparatus and a water treatment method using the same are provided. The water treatment apparatus includes a cohesive agent input device configured to input a cohesive agent to raw water, a membrane filtering device, a raw water pump configured to transfer raw water including the cohesive agent therein to the membrane filtering device, a water supply flow path connecting a discharge side of the raw water pump to the inlet of the membrane filtering device, a circulation flow path connecting the raw water discharge opening of the membrane filtering device to the water supply flow path and a circulation pump provided in the circulation flow path to transfer discharged raw water to the water supply flow path.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2013Publication date: January 23, 2014Inventors: Rayoung PARK, Yongjoo YI, Woong CHOI
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Publication number: 20140021133Abstract: A method for fabricating isolated pores in an inorganic membrane includes the steps of patterning the inorganic membrane to selectively expose a portion of the membrane, forming a plurality of tracks of material damage in the exposed portion of the inorganic membrane by irradiation with energetic ions, and chemically etching the track damaged material to define the pores through the inorganic membrane with a predetermined geometrically defined cross sectional shape and with a controlled diameter range from less than 1 nanometer and up to micrometer scale.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2013Publication date: January 23, 2014Applicant: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Zuzanna S. Siwy, Ivan V. Vlassiouk, Pavel Yu Apel, Sergey N. Dmitriev
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Patent number: 8632682Abstract: A method for operating a tapered flow pressure driven arrangement containing a plurality of membrane modules, which comprises positioning said membrane modules in at least two successively arranged flow stages, such that the number of membrane modules operating in parallel in a given flow stage is greater than their number in the consecutive flow stage, passing a feed stream through a flow stage to generate a permeate and a concentrate, directing said concentrate to the consecutive flow stage and passing said concentrate therethrough, while periodically replacing one or more of the membrane modules belonging to said consecutive flow stage with one or more membrane modules belonging to the previous flow stage, wherein the periodicity of said replacement is such that the surface of membranes disposed in said consecutive flow stage is exposed to super-saturation conditions associated with the passage of said concentrate for a period of time that is shorter than the time required for said concentrate to precipitaType: GrantFiled: June 22, 2006Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Research and Development AuthorityInventor: Jack L. Gilron
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Publication number: 20140014584Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method for wastewater purification. The system may include a sludge filtration unit, a screen filtration unit, a multi-media filtration unit, and a soluble hydrocarbon filtration unit. The sludge filtration unit may remove impurities from wastewater. Impurities include hydrocarbons, suspended solids, and/or dissolved solids. The screen filtration unit may remove impurities from the wastewater. The multi-media filtration unit may remove impurities from the wastewater. The soluble hydrocarbon filtration unit may remove impurities from the wastewater.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2010Publication date: January 16, 2014Inventors: Steven Wayne Cone, Robert Wayne Hayes
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Patent number: 8628671Abstract: A reservoir for use with a blood collection system includes a housing, a pre-filter, and a spring mechanism. The housing defines a cavity and has an inlet for receiving fluid from a source. The pre-filter is located within the cavity, removes particulates contained within the fluid, and allows the fluid to pass through the pre-filter. The spring mechanism is connected to the pre-filter and allows the pre-filter to travel within the cavity as the pre-filter collects particulates.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2012Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Haemonetics CorporationInventors: Jonathan Eagle, Donald J. Schwarz, Seth Kasper, Steve Mastroyin
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Patent number: 8629291Abstract: Process and steps for the production of biodiesel and/or glycerin from feedstock are provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2012Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Menlo Energy Management, LLCInventors: Gaurav Shah, Sunil Suri
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Patent number: 8623215Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a membrane module including a first plurality of fibers capable of filtering fluids that are helically wound in layers creating a mono helix. Fluids to be treated can flow radially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the mono helix or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mono helix. The membrane module can further include a second plurality of fibers that are helically wound with the first plurality of fibers to create a dual helix. The second plurality of fibers can have different properties than the first plurality of fibers in order to achieve different filtering functionalities.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2011Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Porous Media CorporationInventors: Philip M. Rolchigo, John H. Burban, John Shanahan, Robert O. Crowder
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Patent number: 8617404Abstract: Particular aspects of the inventive technology may, in embodiments, relate to a fluid filter apparatus that includes a filtered fluid conduit that has a length that is at least three times a characteristic diameter; and a plurality of holes, wherein at least one of said holes has a first shape and engages an end cap during fluid filter operation, and wherein at least one other of said holes has said first shape and passes filtered fluid from outside of said filtered fluid conduit to a conduit interior during fluid filter operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Harvard CorporationInventors: Otto Knottnerus, Larry Langmeier, Mark Berger
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Patent number: 8617904Abstract: A method of processing animal sperm cells that includes: collecting sperm cells from a male animal; sorting the sperm cells to obtain a quantity of sperm cells having a desired characteristic, the quantity of sorted sperm cells being contained in a first volume of fluid having a first concentration of sperm cells; and subjecting the sperm cells to concentration steps in which the concentration of the sperm cells is increased to a second concentration greater than the first concentration.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2013Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Inguran, LLCInventors: Gary Durack, Muhammad Anzar, Cindy Ludwig, Jeffrey A. Graham, Kathleen S. Crowley, Bradley Didion
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Publication number: 20130341275Abstract: A membrane separation device is disclosed along with systems and methods employing the device in blood processing procedures. In one embodiment, a spinning membrane separator is provided in which at least two zones or regions are created in the gap between the membrane and the shell, such that mixing of the fluid between the two regions is inhibited by a radial rib associated with the membrane that decreases the gap between the membrane and the shell to define two fluid regions, the ridge isolating the fluid in the two regions to minimize mixing between the two. Automated systems and methods are disclosed for separating a unit of previously collected whole blood into components, such as concentrated red cells and plasma, for collecting red cells and plasma directly from a donor in a single pass, and for cell washing. Data management systems and methods and priming methods are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2012Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: FENWAL, INC.Inventors: Benjamin E. Kusters, Christopher J. Wegener, Kyungyoon Min
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Patent number: 8613858Abstract: The invention relates to a nanofiltration process for enriching and concentrating a neutral organic compound into the permeated liquid with negative retention.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2006Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: Dupont Nutrition Biosciences APSInventors: Mika Mänttäri, Elina Sjöman, Heikki Heikkilä, Hannu Koivikko, Jutta Lindell
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Publication number: 20130334139Abstract: A membrane separation device is disclosed along with systems and methods employing the device in blood processing procedures. In one embodiment, a spinning membrane separator is provided in which at least two zones or regions are created in the gap between the membrane and the shell, such that mixing of the fluid between the two regions is inhibited by a radial rib associated with the membrane that decreases the gap between the membrane and the shell to define two fluid regions, the ridge isolating the fluid in the two regions to minimize mixing between the two. Automated systems and methods are disclosed for separating a unit of previously collected whole blood into components, such as concentrated red cells and plasma, for collecting red cells and plasma directly from a donor in a single pass, and for cell washing. Data management systems and methods and priming methods are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2012Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: FENWAL, INC.Inventors: Bryan Blickhan, Kyungyoon Min, William H. Cork
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Patent number: 8602223Abstract: The invention relates to a micro-porous membrane comprising a porous membrane carrier made of a first polymeric material (A) and comprising a second polymeric material (B) intimately divided throughout the porous membrane carrier, wherein the porous membrane carrier comprises a plurality of interconnected polymeric fibers, fibrils, filaments and/or lamellae having a thickness of less than 1 ?m, the porous membrane carrier has an interconnected open porous structure formed by the plurality of interconnected polymeric fibers, fibrils, filaments and/or lamellae and a porosity of at least 50%; and the polymeric material (B) comprises a thermoplastic polycondensation polymer and is present in an amount of at most 30 wt. %, relative to the total weight of (A) and (B).Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2008Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: DSM IP Assets B.V.Inventors: Jun Qiu, Rudy Rulkens, Johannes L. M. OP Den Kamp, Jens C Thies
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Patent number: 8603021Abstract: An ultrafiltration filter for an extracorporeal blood circuit having an input for blood withdrawn from a human patient and a blood output for filtered blood to be infused into the patient including: a filter body having a length of at least 20 centimeters (cm) and an interior diameter of no greater than 1.5 cm; an input at a first end of the body to receive the withdrawn blood; an output at a second end of the body to discharge the filtered blood; a filter membrane in the body defining a blood passage through the body, wherein the membrane has an active filter membrane surface area of no greater than 0.2 meters squared (m2) and the filter membrane blocks passage of blood molecules having a molecular weight cut of greater than 60,000 Daltons and a volume of the blood passage in the filter being less than two percent of a cardiac output of the patient, and an ultrafiltrate output to the body and open to a side of the filter surface area opposite to the blood passage.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2011Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Gambro UF Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Howard R. Levin, Mark Gelfand, John O'Mahony, Hans-Dietrich Polaschegg
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Patent number: 8603219Abstract: A gas separation unit 102, 200, 300 for permeating a gas out from a pressurized feed mixture includes an input manifold 104, 204, an exhaust manifold, 106, 206 and a permeate assembly 108, 208, 303. The permeate assembly supports one or more permselective foils 130, 132, 218, 232, 318 over a hollow cavity 134, 272, 306 supported by a microscreen element 142, 144, 228, 230, 326. The microscreen element includes non-porous perimeter walls 190, 192, 278 supported on a frame surface and a porous central area 194, 280 supported over the hollow cavity. A porous spacer 138, 140, 174, 234 disposed inside the hollow cavity structurally supports the entire microscreen surface spanning the hollow cavity while also providing a void volume for receiving fluid passing through the porous central area and for conveying the fluid through the hollow cavity.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2013Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Protonex Technology CorporationInventors: David Edlund, Paul Osenar, Nathan Palumbo, Ronald Rezac, Matthew P. Steinbroner
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Publication number: 20130319944Abstract: Provided are filtration systems that can be referred to as Pneumatic Alternating Cell Separator (PACS), useful components thereof in the form of assemblies or kits of parts that can be used to build the system, and use of the system for filtering fluids, for instance, in cell culture perfusion systems comprising a filter-containing chamber, an expansion chamber and a gas flow controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2012Publication date: December 5, 2013Inventors: Alain Pralong, Hans Ulrich Dellenbach
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Patent number: 8597878Abstract: A reaction unit containing a bottom part and a top part for pipetting a liquid, wherein the bottom part contains a reaction cavity with a permeable filter grid insert and the top part contains a reaction cavity which can be fixed on said bottom part and contains a cavity or covering for receiving a magnet.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2008Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignees: AJ Innuscreen GmbH, AJ Cyberton Gesellschaft fuer Laborautomationssysteme MbhInventors: Timo Hillebrand, Matthias Arndt, Uwe Wellnitz, Klaus Berka, Volker Hillebrand
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Patent number: 8596465Abstract: There is provided a ceramic filter provided with a ceramic porous membrane having few defects, small and uniform membrane thickness, and high resolution performance. The ceramic filter includes: a porous substrate which is a microfiltration membrane (MF membrane), a titania UF membrane which is an ultrafiltration membrane (UF membrane) formed on the porous substrate and has an average pore size of 2 to 20 nm and an average thickness of 0.1 to 1.0 ?m, and a silica membrane which is formed on the titania UF membrane and a ceramic porous membrane a part of which has penetrated into pores of the titania UF membrane or into pores of the UF membrane and the porous substrate.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2010Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Tatsuya Hishiki, Ichiro Wada
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Publication number: 20130313193Abstract: The growth of continuous MOF membranes on porous polymeric supports is reported, wherein a dip-coating procedure is used to deposit a layer of seed MOF nanocrystals on the surfaces of porous polymers, preferably in the form of hollow fibers, and polycrystalline MOF membranes are subsequently grown at temperatures as low as 65° C. from precursor solutions. The present work opens the road to inexpensive and scalable fabrication of MOF membranes for large-scale separation applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: Georgia Tech Research CorporationInventors: Sankar Nair, Andrew Brown, Christopher W. Jones
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Publication number: 20130313195Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for systems for removing contaminants from a leachate, methods of removing contaminants from a leachate, and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Inventors: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc., Alachua County Public Works
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Publication number: 20130313194Abstract: A method of removing unwanted molecules from blood includes (i) directing a flow of blood from a patient through a first hemofilter, (ii) removing a volume of fluid from the blood using the first hemofilter, (iii) combining a volume of first substitution fluid with an outflow from the first hemofilter, the volume of first substitution fluid being substantially equal to the volume of fluid removed from the blood using the first hemofilter, (iv) directing the combined first hemofilter outflow and the first substitution fluid volume from the first hemofilter through a second hemofilter, (v) combining a second substitution fluid with outflow from the second hemofilter, and (vi) returning the combined second hemofilter outflow and the second substitution fluid volume from the second hemofilter to the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicants: Baxter Healthcare S.A., Baxter International Inc.Inventor: Jean-Michel Lannoy
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Patent number: 8591739Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for separating particles and dissolved matter from a fluid stream. Specifically, the present invention includes a first pressure source which transports untreated fluid into a separator annulus with a filter element disposed therein. The untreated fluid is placed under appropriate pressure sufficient to produce turbulent flow, increased particle kinetics and/or cavitation physics allowing the desired fluid to penetrate and pass into and through the filter media. The filtered fluid is then transported to a collection tank. The contaminant particulate matter retained on the exterior of the filter media may be removed by the instantaneous reverse pressurization of the separator annulus by a second pressure source thereby removing the contaminant particles away from contact with the filter media, and which may then be transported to a waste collection tank or a concentrator for further treatment.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2007Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Tervita, LLCInventors: Raymond Ford Johnson, Markley Dean Johnson, Rodney Grage
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Publication number: 20130306560Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of hydrophobic solid surfaces, and more particularly to polyvinylidene fluoride (PIMP) membranes having a superhydrophobic surface. The invention also relates to the process for preparing these membranes and also to the industrial applications thereof. The PVDF membranes according to the invention comprise a superhydrophobic surface comprising a structure that is porous on the nanometer scale and interconnected crystalline nodules of micrometer size.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2011Publication date: November 21, 2013Inventors: Andre Deratani, Damien Quemener, Denis Booyer, Celine Pochat-Bohatier, Chia-Ling Li, Juin-Yih Lai, Da-Ming Wang
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Patent number: 8584870Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a composite semipermeable membrane having an excellent resistance property to contamination, particularly an excellent resistance property to microbial contamination, and a water treatment method using the composite semipermeable membrane. The present invention relates to a composite semipermeable membrane comprising a skin layer formed on the surface of a porous support and containing a polyamide-based resin obtained by reacting a polyfunctional amine component with a polyfunctional acid halide component, wherein an antibacterial layer containing a silver-based antibacterial agent and a polymer component is formed on the skin layer directly or with other layer interposed therebetween, and the weight ratio between the silver-based antibacterial agent and the polymer component in the antibacterial layer is 55:45 to 95:5 (silver-based antibacterial agent:polymer component).Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2008Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Nitto Denko CorporationInventors: Shinya Nishiyama, Naoki Kurata, Takahisa Konishi, Yuuji Yamashiro, Kouji Maruyama, Yasuhiro Uda, Chiaki Harada
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Patent number: 8584535Abstract: Highly efficient and rapid filtration-based concentration devices, systems and methods are disclosed with sample fluidic lines and a filter packaged in a disposable tip which concentrate biological particles that are suspended in liquid from a dilute feed suspension. A sample concentrate or retentate suspension is retained while eliminating the separated fluid in a separate flow stream. The concentrate is then dispensed from the disposable tip in a set volume of elution fluid. Suspended biological particles include such materials as proteins/toxins, viruses, DNA, and/or bacteria in the size range of approximately 0.001 micron to 20 microns diameter. Concentration of these particles is advantageous for detection of target particles in a dilute suspension, because concentrating them into a small volume makes them easier to detect. All conduits by which the disposable tip attaches to the instrument are combined into a single connection point on the upper end of the tip.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2010Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Innova Prep LLCInventors: Andrew Edward Page, Zachary A. Packingham, David Scott Alburty, Alec D. Adolphson
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Publication number: 20130299428Abstract: The invention is directed to an antimicrobial membrane, to a method for preparing said antimicrobial membrane, to a process of operating said antimicrobial membrane, and to uses of said antimicrobial membrane. The antimicrobial membrane of the invention comprises on at least one side of the membrane a multilayer coating, said multilayer coating having alternate polycation and polyanion layers, wherein one or more polycation layers and one or more polyanion layers comprise metal nanoparticles having antimicrobial activity, wherein i) said metal nanoparticles comprise silver; and ii) at least 75 wt. % of said metal is present in a reduced form.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2011Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicant: NEDERLANDSE ORGANISATIE VOOR TOEGEPAST- NATUURWETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK TNOInventors: Matias Bikel, Joost Van Erkel
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Patent number: 8580118Abstract: A water softening system includes apparatus and process that recycles a substantial percentage of the brine. This system conventionally includes a brine tank and a softening tank through which hard water from a source passes during normal operation. During the regeneration cycle, the brine solution in the brine tank passes through the softening tank acquiring hardness ions, and then through a nanofilter that passes a much higher proportion of the brine ions than the hardness ions. The hardness ions flow from the upstream end of the nanofilter into a drain. The liquid passing through the nanofilter contains salt that returns to the brine tank for reuse. A preferred embodiment includes a pump to force the brine solution through the nanofilter and a throttling valve connecting the upstream side of the nanofilter to a drain, and through which the hardness ions flow.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2010Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Inventor: Peter S. Cartwright
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Publication number: 20130292332Abstract: Method for filtering a suspension consisting of a fluid and cell or solid particles, wherein the suspension is guided at least through a curved capillary tube of a filter and passes at least partially through a porous filter wall of the curved capillary tube in order to separate the fluid from the cell or solid particles, wherein the curvature of the capillary tube has a predetermined radius of curvature which is suitable for specifically preventing an accumulation of cell or solid particles of the suspension on an inner curvature edge of the capillary tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2011Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicant: Hermacon GmbHInventor: Oliver Oechsle
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Publication number: 20130284672Abstract: A method for cross-linking a styrenic polymer, the method comprising providing a partly sulphonated styrenic polymer and cross-linking the partly sulphonated styrenic polymer in the presence of a polyphosphoric acid.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2012Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventors: Zijun Xia, Jianhua Fang, Russell James MacDonald, Su Lu, Hai Yang, John Harold Barber
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Patent number: 8568596Abstract: Provided are a membrane filtering device managing system by which the membrane filtering device can be managed with a better precision and membrane filtering device for use therein, as well as to a membrane filtering device managing method. At least two sensors of an electric conductivity sensor 11, a flow rate sensor 13, and a pressure sensor 15 are provided in at least two membrane elements 10 provided in a membrane filtering device 50. A managing device 200 obtains data from the at least two sensor, and compares the data with comparison data that represents a correlative relationship between a position along the axial line direction in the membrane filtering device 50 and a standard value obtained from the at least two sensor. Accordingly, it is possible to specify the cause of change occurring in the membrane filtering device 50 more definitely, and to carried out a suitable maintenance in accordance with the cause, so that the membrane filtering device 50 can be managed with a higher precision.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2009Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Nitto Denko CorporationInventors: Takahisa Konishi, Norio Ikeyama, Kouji Maruyama, Yukio Fujiwara, Akira Ootani, Toshiki Kouno
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Patent number: 8569387Abstract: A hydrocarbon compound synthesis reaction unit which synthesizes a hydrocarbon compound by a chemical reaction of a synthesis gas including a hydrogen and a carbon monoxide as the main components, and a slurry having a solid catalyst suspended in liquid hydrocarbons, the hydrocarbon compound synthesis reaction unit is provided with: a reactor which contains the slurry inside, into which the synthesis gas is introduced, and from which the gas after the reaction is discharged from the top thereof; an internal separation device provided inside the reactor to separate the catalyst and the synthesized liquid hydrocarbons in the slurry; and an external separation device provided outside the reactor to separate the catalyst and the liquid hydrocarbons in the slurry which is extracted from the reactor.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2009Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignees: Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National, Corporation, Inpex Corporation, JX Nippon Oil & Energy Corporation, Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd., Cosmo Oil Co., Ltd., Nippon Steel Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhiro Onishi, Yuzuru Kato, Eiichi Yamada, Atsushi Murata, Osamu Wakamura, Kentarou Morita
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Publication number: 20130277309Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a membrane filtration device able to supply electric power to a sensor under various conditions, including situations in which a plant is not operating. The membrane filtration device of the present invention comprises a membrane element for generating a permeate by filtering a liquid to be filtered through a filtration membrane, and includes a pressure-resistant container for containing the membrane element, a sensor for sensing the properties of the liquid flowing through the membrane filtration device, an electric-power-generating unit for generating electric power, and a primary battery. The sensor, the electric-power-generating unit, and the primary battery are provided inside the pressure-resistant container.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2012Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: NITTO DENKO CORPORATIONInventors: Shinichi Inoue, Takahisa Konishi, Kentarou Kobayashi, Makoto Kobuke
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Patent number: 8562835Abstract: A fluid filter, particularly suitable for high pressure and high volume use, comprises a cylindrical housing (201) having an attachment plate (209) at an inlet end (202) to which is attached a plurality of bundles (303) of fibers (211), with the fibers being left unsecured at their distal end adjacent an outlet (203) of the housing. Between the bundles is provided a balloon (212) which can be distended in order to crush the fibers around the periphery of the housing. In use, a fluid to be filtered is introduced into the inlet end, adjacent to where the fibers are secured. In order to flush the filter the pressure within the balloon is released, and a flushing fluid is passed through the housing in the same direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2005Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Water Maiden LimitedInventors: Michael John Ernest Frye, Søren Ingemann Jensen, Philip McIntyre
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Patent number: 8562836Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic methods for grafting hydrophilic chains onto polymers, particularly hydrophobic polymers such as poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), and chlorinated polypropylene (cPP). Resulting polymers include comb polymers which can have a microphase-separated structure of hydrophilic domains provided by the hydrophilic chains. Articles prepared from these comb polymers, particularly derived from PVDF, include membranes for water filtration in which the hydrophilic domains provide a pathway for water transport. PVC can be plasticized by grafting the PVC with hydrophilic chains. In addition, such articles, particularly articles having biomedical applications, can display anti-thrombogenic properties.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Jonathan F. Hester, Pallab Banerjee, Ariya Akthakul, Glenn C. Mailand