Removing Specified Material Patents (Class 210/651)
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Patent number: 8486267Abstract: The development and application of a novel non-polar oil recovery process utilizing a non-dispersive solvent extraction method to coalesce and recover oil from a bio-cellular aqueous slurry is described herein. The process could apply to recovery of algal oil from a lysed algae slurry, recovery of Omega fatty acids from a bio-cellular aqueous feed, recovery of Beta-carotene from a bio-cellular aqueous feed and for the removal from produced water in oil production and similar type applications. The technique of the present invention utilizes a microporous hollow fiber (MHF) membrane contactor. The novel non-polar oil recovery process described herein can be coupled to a collecting fluid (a non-polar solvent such as heptane, a biodiesel mixture or the previously extracted oil) that is circulated through the hollow fiber membrane. In cases where the biodiesel mixture or the previously extracted oil is used the solvent recovery step (e.g. distillation) can be eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2011Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Frank Seibert, Martin Poenie
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Patent number: 8475661Abstract: This invention relates to heterogenous pore polymer nanotube membranes useful in filtration, such as reverse osmosis desalination, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration and gas separation.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2012Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Nagare Membranes, LLCInventors: Timothy V. Ratto, Jason K. Holt, Alan W. Szmodis
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Patent number: 8475660Abstract: A method for separating polar lipids from plant material, in particular, intact algal cells, using an amphipathic solvent set and a hydrophobic solvent set. Some embodiments include dewatering intact algal cells and then extracting polar lipids from the algal cells. The methods provide for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal polar lipids from a wet algal biomass while avoiding emulsification of extraction mixtures. These polar lipids are high value products which can be used as surfactants, detergents, and food additives. Neutral lipids remaining in the algal biomass after extraction of polar lipids can be used to generate renewable fuels.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2012Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Heliae Development, LLCInventor: Aniket Kale
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Patent number: 8475398Abstract: An extracorporeal blood processing method using a blood circuit comprising a pair of blood passages attached to opposite flow ends of a blood treatment device and said blood circuit is mounted on a blood pump console, the method includes: withdrawing blood from a vascular system of a human patient and drawing the blood into the blood circuit; pumping the withdrawn blood through one of the pair of blood passages using a first blood pump of the console and into the blood treatment device; pumping the treated blood from the treatment device through the other of the pair of blood passages using a second blood pump of the console; infusing the treated blood from the other blood passage and into the vascular system of the patient, and periodically reversing a flow direction of blood through the pair of blood passages and blood treatment device.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2009Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Gambro uf Solutions, Inc.Inventor: John O'Mahony
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Publication number: 20130161256Abstract: A method for treating water including intaking a first amount of water into a plurality of treatment blocks, treating the first amount of water, outputting aqueous treated water streams from each of the plurality of treatment blocks, separating the aqueous treated water streams from each of the plurality of treatment blocks into aqueous permeate streams and concentrate reject streams, monitoring each of the aqueous permeate streams, controlling the operation of at least one of the plurality of treatment blocks based on predefined water-characteristic tolerances that fall within a predetermined concentration range based on the different qualities of the aqueous permeate streams, combining the aqueous permeate streams of at least two of the plurality of treatment blocks based on the identified characteristics and the predefined water-characteristic tolerances, and outputting the product water stream and the at least one concentrate reject stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2011Publication date: June 27, 2013Applicant: WATER STANDARD COMPANY LLCInventors: Lisa Henthorne, Ben Movahed
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Patent number: 8469092Abstract: A system comprising a well drilled into an underground formation comprising hydrocarbons; a water supply; a steam production facility, the steam production facility comprising a filter to remove at least 80% of a quantity of divalent cations in the water supply; an exchange resin to remove at least 80% of a quantity of divalent cations in a filtered water stream that has already passed through the filter; a steam injection facility connected to the well and the steam production facility, adapted to inject the steam into the well.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2008Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Michael Alvin Curole, Eugene Bruce Greene
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Patent number: 8460553Abstract: The invention provides the combined use of UF and MVR for the treatment of industrial process fluid wastewater that contains recoverable material. The recoverable material desirably has a molecular diameter of less than about 5 to 6 nm and a boiling point of less than about 200 ° C. In one embodiment, the recoverable material may then be utilized in the preparation of another industrial process fluid. In another embodiment, the recoverable material is isolated and retained for later use. The invention thereby provides aqueous industrial process fluid which contains water; one or more of an emulsifier, oil, amine, biocide, thickener, lubricant, dispersant, antioxidant, corrosion inhibitor, alkaline compound, surfactant, and carrier; and one or more chemical compounds recovered from aqueous industrial process fluid wastewater treated with UF and MVR.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2008Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Houghton Technical Corp.Inventors: John Michael Burke, Joseph F. Warchol, Tom N. Demopolis
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Patent number: 8454833Abstract: A method is disclosed for filtering a protein in a liquid mixture in a manner that does not substantially damage or otherwise limit the recovery of the protein in the filtration filtrate. The method generally includes passing a liquid mixture containing a protein (e.g., an aqueous vWF mixture) through a filter while applying a counter pressure to the liquid mixture filtrate to accurately reduce and control the pressure differential across the filter. The disclosed method has the advantage that relatively high filtration flow rates can be achieved at relatively low pressure differentials, in contrast to high pressure differentials, which actually reduce the filtration flow rate of protein liquid mixtures. Further, the method can recover substantially all of the protein that is initially present in the liquid mixture.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2011Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare SAInventors: Nebojsa Nikolic, Michaela Frey, Wolfgang Grabmayer, Thomas Jancik, Matthias Fried, Klaus Tschetschkowitsch, Kurt Schnecker, Barbara Riegler, Alma Kasapovic
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Patent number: 8454832Abstract: A system and process for treating a hydrocarbon feed mixture containing aromatic compounds is provided to separate the at least one aromatic compound from the hydrocarbon feed stream is provided. A supported ionic liquid membrane, which is a microporous polymeric support containing ionic liquid in its pores, is used to selectively extract aromatics. The hydrocarbon feed mixture is directed to a retentate side of the supported ionic liquid membrane. A permeate stream is drawn from the permeate, side of the supported ionic liquid membrane, which is an aromatic-rich hydrocarbon stream. An aromatic-lean hydrocarbon stream, which is the retentate portion of the original hydrocarbon feed, remains on the retentate side of the supported ionic liquid membrane.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2010Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Esam Zaki Hamad, Ahmad Abdullah Bahamdan
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Patent number: 8440085Abstract: Devices and methods for separating plasma from biological fluids such as blood and blood products are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Pall CorporationInventors: Thomas J. Bormann, Mikhail Fomovsky, Galina Fomovska
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Patent number: 8419941Abstract: A method for yielding concentrated ethanol from an ethanol water solution yielded from ethanol fermentation of a water solution of saccharide generated by a saccharification of the lignocellulose by enzyme is provided. Water is separated from the ethanol water solution yielded from ethanol fermentation of the water solution of saccharide generated by the saccharification of the lignocellulose by enzyme with pervaporation method using a water separation membrane. Condensate prepared by condensing ethanol vapor existing in a space above a liquid level of the ethanol water solution is collected.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuhiro Kagawa, Pu Qian, Akihisa Tanaka
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Patent number: 8414766Abstract: A serviceable device for filtering lubricating oil includes an inlet and an outlet, a first filtering element and an absorption filtering element. The absorption filtering element is configured to absorb a fluidic contaminant present in the lubricating oil when in contact with the absorption filtering element. A flow path for the lubricating oil is from the inlet, through the first filtering element, and out the outlet. The flow path further includes lubricating oil contact with the absorption filtering element.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2009Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Gregory Mordukhovich, James L. Linden, Andrew M. Mance
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Patent number: 8414806Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of fabricating a membrane made of a nanostructured material and its use.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2008Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignees: Nanyang Technological University, The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Darren Delai Sun, Xiwang Zhang, Jianghong Alan Du, James O Leckie
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Publication number: 20130082000Abstract: A fluid pumping system with energy recovery features may provide feed water to a reverse osmosis unit. The system includes an electronic controller unit that regulates the output of three hydraulic pumps. Each hydraulic pump drives the movement of a piston in a cylinder. The pistons collectively deliver a generally constant flow of high pressure feed water. Valve bodies direct reverse osmosis concentrate to the back sides of the pistons. The electronic controller coordinates the output of the hydraulic pumps with the actuation of the valve bodies. Movement of the pistons is controlled, in part, by a feed back loop to verify the desired hydraulic pump output. Valve bodies are designed to begin closing when an associated piston velocity decreases. The valve body moves after a dwell period when an associated piston should not be moving. The piston and cylinder are designed for exposure to high salt-content water.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2011Publication date: April 4, 2013Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Matthew D. d'Artenay, Willard D. Childs, Gerard J. Vanderloop, Michael J. Connor, JR.
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Patent number: 8398860Abstract: A method of purifying a surfactant for use in a pharmaceutical formulation, which comprises mixing the surfactant with a solvent and bringing said mixture into contact with a semi-permeable membrane so as to allow impurities present in the surfactant and having a molecular weight lower than the molecular weight cut-off of the membrane to pass through the membrane, whilst retaining the purified surfactant.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2006Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Sindan Pharma SRLInventors: Constantin Busoi, Maria Rotaru, Bogdan-Mihai Oghina, Mariana Surmeian
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Publication number: 20130056415Abstract: A negatively charged microporous filtration medium having a high charge density comprising a porous substrate and a polymerized cross-linked polymeric coating located on the inner and outer surfaces of the substrate. The coating may be formed from a reactant solution comprising negatively charged cross-linkable polymerizeable acrylamidoalkyl monomers and acrylamido cross-linking agents which are polymerized in situ on the substrate. The negatively charged microporous filtration medium are suitable for use as prefiltration membranes for selectively removing protein aggregates from a protein solution.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2010Publication date: March 7, 2013Inventors: Mikhail Kozlov, Kevin Rautio
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Publication number: 20130056417Abstract: The removal of boron from saline water based using alkalized NF membrane pretreatment can be adopted at 90% recovery and pH 8-9.5 to produce softened and alkalized NF permeate having SDI<1 with significant reduction in feed boron, TDS and scale-forming ions, depending on the properties of the NF membrane polymer structure. NF process acts as a softening process, as well as a boron removal process. An additional RO membrane alkalization can be adopted at a wide range of RO feed at pH 8.5-10, resulting in production of desalinated water with almost nil boron content.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2011Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: SALINE WATER DESALINATION RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventor: ABOU ELFETOUH ZAKI ABD ELLATIF
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Patent number: 8388898Abstract: The reduction of nitrogen oxides in gas is carried out, by means of selective reaction of the nitrogen oxide with the reducing agent in the in the solid catalyst. In order to achieve high catalytic activity, the above is carried out at high gas temperatures. As a rule, ceramic filter elements, coated with catalytic material are used. This does, however, give rise to the risk the catalytically active components are stripped from the filter during the hot gas filtration. A ceramic filter element with support material in the form of particles, with binder material and catalytic material is thus disclosed, whereby the binder material comprises catalytic material, or the binder material is partly replaced by the catalyst material and the support material particles (1) are connected to each other by means of the catalyst and/or binder material.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2010Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Pall CorporationInventors: Steffen Heidenreich, Max-Eckhard Roessler, Astrid Walch, Manfred Gutmann, Sven Chudzinski
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Patent number: 8388847Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods of concentrating mixtures including shear sensitive biopolymers, such as von Willebrand Factor. Conventional methods of concentrating biopolymers impart too much shear stress, which causes the degradation of shear sensitive biopolymers. The methods disclosed herein reduce the shear stress while maintaining a high rate of filtrate flux. Disclosed herein is a method for concentrating shear sensitive biopolymers including flowing a mixture with a shear sensitive biopolymer into a hollow fiber dialysis module to form a retentate having a shear sensitive biopolymer concentration that is greater than that of the mixture. Hollow fiber dialysis modules have high filtrate fluxes and low shear rates at low flow rates. This ensures a high product yield and minimal loss of shear sensitive biopolymers.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2009Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare SAInventors: Artur Mitterer, Meinhard Hasslacher, Christa Mayer
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Patent number: 8388848Abstract: A liquid separation device is provided, and is capable of suppressing the lowering of filtration function due to an increase in flow channel resistance of permeated liquid which results in a separation membrane falling in a groove of a permeated liquid flow channel material along with accompanied breakage of the separation membrane surface. A permeated liquid flow channel material is disposed on the back side of a separation membrane composed of a sheet-like material having a linear groove and a linear crest alternately arrayed on one surface or both surfaces, wherein a groove width of the linear groove in the sheet-like material is 10 to 200 ?m, and a ratio of the groove width of the linear groove to the pitch of the linear groove is 0.45 or more.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2007Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.Inventors: Yoshifumi Odaka, Toshimasa Katayama, Tsunemitsu Kitagawa
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Patent number: 8382986Abstract: A method of dewatering algae and recycling water therefrom is presented. A method of dewatering a wet algal cell culture includes removing liquid from an algal cell culture to obtain a wet algal biomass having a lower liquid content than the algal cell culture. At least a portion of the liquid removed from the algal cell culture is recycled for use in a different algal cell culture. The method includes adding a water miscible solvent set to the wet algal biomass and waiting an amount of time to permit algal cells of the algal biomass to gather and isolating at least a portion of the gathered algal cells from at least a portion of the solvent set and liquid of the wet algal biomass so that a dewatered algal biomass is generated. The dewatered algal biomass can be used to generated algal products such as biofuels and nutraceuticals.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2012Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Heliae Development, LLCInventor: Aniket Kale
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Publication number: 20130040282Abstract: A method for removing a photosensitizer from a platelet preservation composition is disclosed. The method comprises passing the platelet preservation composition through a tangential flow filtration device to separate the photosensitizer from the platelets in the platelet preservation composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2012Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: BIOVEC TRANSFUSION, LLCInventor: Lakshman R. Sehgal
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Patent number: 8371262Abstract: A device for removing a fluidic contaminant from engine oil in an internal combustion engine includes a fluid absorbing element having a mounting element and a fluid absorption media assembled into a sump of a crankcase of the internal combustion engine. A first portion of the fluid absorption media is immersed within the engine oil contained in the sump when the engine is not operating and a second portion of the fluid absorption media is exposed to ambient air contained in a head space of the crankcase. The fluid absorption media is configured to absorb a fluidic contaminant in the engine oil during a period when the engine is not operating and to desorb the absorbed fluidic contaminant.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Gregory Mordukhovich, James L. Linden, Andrew M. Mance
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Patent number: 8361320Abstract: Biological fluid filtration systems including biological fluid filtration devices capable of filtering blood or blood products, including the removal of leukocytes from the blood or blood product. Each system includes a means to automatically drain the biological fluid upstream of the biological fluid filtration media disposed in the biological fluid filtration device. Both single sided and double sided biological fluid filtration devices are disclosed, including double sided biological fluid filtration devices with a solid partition wall with a first independent fluid flow path on one side of the partition wall, and a second independent fluid flow path on the other side of the partition wall. Draining means include vent filtration devices, diaphragm draining devices, and biological fluid filtration devices that include an integral diaphragm.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2010Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Hemerus Medical, LLCInventor: Peter Zuk, Jr.
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Patent number: 8361322Abstract: A solid-phase extraction device utilizing a section of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) tubing as the stationary phase is disclosed. The microscopic pores of ePTFE tubing are impregnated with a binding agent having an affinity for a target constituent within a matrix. The matrix is prepared and loaded onto the stationary phase of the system. The target constituent is retained by the stationary phase. The constituent is stripped from the stationary phase with a stripping solution, and collected for further analysis or use.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2011Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: ALS Group USA, CorpInventors: Stephen M. Workman, Robert T. Shannon
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Patent number: 8357300Abstract: A method for reducing a boron concentration in a boron-containing aqueous liquid involves administering micelle(s) for selective boron adsorption to the boron-containing aqueous liquid to produce boron-bonded micelle(s), wherein the micelle(s) comprise a reaction product of an N-substituted-glucamine and a glycidyl ether; passing the micelle-containing aqueous liquid through a membrane to separate the boron-bonded micelle(s) from the aqueous liquid; and recovering a permeate having a reduced boron concentration from the membrane. A material capable of selectively adsorbing boron from a boron-containing aqueous liquid contains at least one micelle having a hydrophobic tail and a head comprising a hydrophilic functional group having formula (I): R1—O-A??(I) R1 represents a hydrocarbon group selected from the group consisting of substituted and unsubstituted aromatic, linear aliphatic, and branched aliphatic hydrocarbon groups and mixtures thereof, and A contains hydroxyl and amine groups.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2010Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: HydranauticsInventors: Il Juhn Roh, Mark Wilf, Craig R. Bartels
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Patent number: 8344179Abstract: A method of recovering formate from halide-contaminated formate brine that includes mixing a formate recovery solvent and the halide-contaminated formate brine; separating halide contaminants from the formate; and recovering the formate from the formate recovery solvent is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2008Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: M-1 L.L.C.Inventors: Robert L. Horton, Hui Zhang, Morris Arvie, Jr.
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Patent number: 8343348Abstract: A method for producing a carbon membrane of the present invention is a production method where a carbon membrane obtained by subjecting a carbon-containing layer to thermal decomposition in an oxygen inert atmosphere while sending a gas mixture containing an oxidizing gas thereinto is thermally heated. The carbon membrane is subjected to a heating oxidation treatment with controlling the ratio of the flow rate of the gas mixture to the areas of the carbon membrane to 0.5 cm/min. or more to control (temperature ° C.)2×time (h)/10000, which is the relation between the temperature of the gas mixture and the flow time, to 9 to 32. This enables to obtain a carbon film which selectively separates alcohols having 2 or less carbon atoms from a liquid mixture of the alcohols having 2 or less carbon atoms and organic compounds having 5 to 9 carbon atoms.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2011Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Aya Satoh, Nobuhiko Mori
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Publication number: 20120325747Abstract: A system is provided that includes one or more acoustic microfilters through which is flowed a mixture of a fluid and a particulate to selectively filter particles from the fluid. Also included are one or more phononic crystal units coupled to the acoustic microfilter(s) to further selectively filter particles from the fluid. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: FloDesign Sonics, Inc.Inventors: Edward A. Rietman, Bart Lipkens, Jason Dionne
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Patent number: 8337702Abstract: A method for treating wastewater containing heavy metals comprising directing the wastewater across a reverse osmosis aromatic polyamide membrane at low pressure ranging from 40-120 psi, the membrane being capable of removing at least 90% of the target heavy metals from the wastewater.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2010Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Universiti Teknologi MalaysiaInventors: Zaini Ujang, Myzairah Hamdzah, Hiroaki Ozaki
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Publication number: 20120322119Abstract: The present invention discloses a new type of polyimide membrane with high permeances and high selectivities for gas separations and particularly for CO2/CH4 and H2/CH4 separations. The polyimide membranes have CO2 permeability of 50 Barrers or higher and single-gas selectivity for CO2/CH4 of 15 or higher at 50° C. under 791 kPa for CO2/CH4 separation. The polyimide membranes have UV cross-linkable functional groups and can be used for the preparation of UV cross-linked polyimide membranes having CO2 permeability of 20 Barrers or higher and single-gas selectivity for CO2/CH4 of 35 or higher at 50° C. under 791 kPa for CO2/CH4 separation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2011Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: UOP LLCInventors: Chunqing Liu, Travis C. Bowen, Emily G. Harbert, Raisa Minkov, Syed A. Faheem, Zara Osman
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Publication number: 20120315664Abstract: An assembly and method are disclosed for the filtration of a liquid and the use thereof, wherein a supporting body is designed in a recess of a carrier and a filter membrane lies flat on the supporting body. The filter membrane and the supporting body are designed to be permeable to liquids and thus serve as filters, in particular for filtering tumor cells from blood. The carrier can having standard shapes of an object carrier for microscopy and the filtration residue on the filter membrane can be easily handled and examined in the microscope. As a result of the filter membrane lying level on the supporting body, the filtration residue can be particularly well examined microscopically.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2011Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Katja Friedrich, Walter Gumbrecht, Karsten Hiltawsky, Peter Paulicka
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Patent number: 8318023Abstract: Contaminating water and/or fuel material may be removed from a stream of internal combustion engine lubricating oil being circulated over parts of an operating engine. A suitable membrane material is supported in a suitable housing. At least a portion of the oil stream is flowed over one side of the membrane and water and/or fuel material diffuses through the membrane to its other side where they are gathered and removed from the housing. The water and fuel material may be recovered separately using different membranes or different regions of a membrane. They may be swept from the membranes and housings using streams of flowing air heated to a pre-selected temperatures using waste engine heat for disposition outside the housing. Application of this practice to other membrane-separable mixtures is described.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Gregory Mordukhovich, Andrew M. Mance
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Patent number: 8313650Abstract: A system for regulating a reverse osmosis system to obtain zero wastewater. A reverse osmosis apparatus filters water from the fresh water supply into a concentrate rinse stream and a permeate rinse stream. A concentrate storage tank and a permeate storage tank are downstream of the reverse osmosis apparatus and receive the concentrate rinse stream and the permeate rinse stream, respectively. A concentrate solenoid valve and a permeate solenoid valve control the flow of the concentrate rinse stream and the permeate rinse stream from their respective storage tank. An institutional dishmachine receives the concentrate rinse stream and the permeate rinse stream during a rinse cycle of the institutional dishmachine. A control system is operatively connected to the concentrate solenoid valve and the permeate solenoid valve and control flow of the rinse streams into the institutional dishmachine.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2010Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventors: Lee J. Monsrud, Adrian E. Hartz
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Patent number: 8313651Abstract: The present invention discloses a membrane stack comprising a first and second membrane layers, and a spacer layer disposed between said first and second membrane layers, said membrane stack configured such that fluid passes through said membrane stack in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of said membrane layers and said spacer layer. The application also discloses a module comprising a membrane as described above, said module having a fluid flow path that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the major surface of the membrane and spacer layers ins aid membrane stack.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2011Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Natrix Separations Inc.Inventors: Ronald F. Childs, Elena N. Komkova, Donna Lisa Crossley, Alicja M. Mika
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Publication number: 20120285890Abstract: A process for preparing a reverse osmosis membrane that includes: (A) providing a polyamine, a polyfunctional acid halide, and a flux increasing additive having the formula Z+B? where Z+ is an easily dissociable cation and B? is a beta-diketonate; (B) combining the polyamine, polyfunctional acid halide, and flux increasing additive on the surface of a porous support membrane; and (C) interfacially polymerizing the polyamine and the polyfunctional acid halide, and flux increasing additive on the surface of the porous support membrane to form a reverse osmosis membrane comprising (i) the porous support membrane and (ii) a discrimination layer comprising a polyamide. The reverse osmosis membrane is characterized by a flux that is greater than the flux of the same membrane prepared in the absence of the flux increasing additive.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2011Publication date: November 15, 2012Inventors: Jeffrey Alan Koehler, Christopher James Kurth
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Publication number: 20120273421Abstract: Solvent and acid stable ultrafiltration and nanofiltration membranes including a non-cross-linked base polymer having reactive pendant moieties, the base polymer being modified by forming a cross-linked skin onto a surface thereof, the skin being formed by a cross-linking reaction of reactive pendant moieties on the surface with an oligomer or another polymer as well as methods of manufacture and use thereof, including, inter alia separating metal ions from liquid process streams.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2010Publication date: November 1, 2012Inventors: Mordechai Perry, Vera Ginzburg, Boris Ginzburg, Polina Lapido
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Patent number: 8293112Abstract: A method of removing water and/or methanol from fluid mixtures of the water or methanol with other compounds uses vapor permeation or pervaporation of the water or methanol, as the case may be, from the mixture through a membrane having an amorphous perfluoropolymer selectively permeable layer. The novel process can be applied in such exemplary embodiments as (a) removing water or methanol from mixtures of compounds that have relative volatility of about 1-1.1 or that form azeotropic mixtures with water or methanol, (b) the dehydration of hydrocarbon oil such as hydraulic fluid to concentrations of water less than about 50 ppm, (c) removing water and methanol byproducts of reversible chemical reactions thereby shifting equilibrium to favor high conversion of reactants to desirable products, (d) drying ethanol to less than 0.5 wt.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2007Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: CMS Technologies Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Stuart M. Nemser, Sudipto Majumdar, Kenneth J. Pennisi
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Publication number: 20120261343Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention pertain to porous membranes that comprise: (1) a plurality of pores with pore sizes of more than about 0.1 ?m in diameter; and (2) a plurality of hydrophilic molecules. Additional aspects of the present invention pertain to methods of separating organic compounds from a liquid sample by: (1) providing the porous membrane; and (2) flowing the liquid sample through the porous membrane in order to retain organic compounds on the porous membrane. Further aspects of the present invention pertain to systems for separating organic compounds from a liquid sample. Such systems comprises: (1) the porous membrane; and (2) a flowing unit that enables the liquid sample to flow through the porous membrane. Additional aspects of the present invention pertain to methods of making the above-described porous membranes by: (1) coating a surface of a porous membrane containing 0.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2011Publication date: October 18, 2012Applicant: WILLIAM MARSH RICE UNIVERSITYInventors: Andrew R. Barron, Samuel J. Maguire-Boyle
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Patent number: 8287742Abstract: Method for separating a volume of whole blood into at least a plasma component and a red blood cell component comprising centrifuging a separation bag containing a volume of whole blood so as to separate therein at least a first component comprising plasma and a second component comprising red blood cells; transferring the first component into a plasma component bag during centrifugation of the separation bag; transferring into the separation bag a volume of wash solution from a wash solution bag during centrifugation of the separation bag; mixing the volume of wash solution with the second component; centrifuging the separation bag so as to separate therein a washed red blood cell component and a supernatant component; and transferring the supernatant component into a waste bag during centrifugation of the separation bag.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2007Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.Inventor: Brian M. Holmes
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Patent number: 8277660Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a method and apparatus for the treatment of water containing silica in order to recover as much treated water from a water source as possible while minimizing the generation of waste products. Other embodiments include removing specific elements from the water source and utilizing those elements. Embodiments of the method and apparatus uses in-line physical and physio-chemical treatment methods to remove potential biological, colloidal and hardness foulants continually so that there is minimal loss of water from the water source stream and minimal addition of chemicals to accomplish removal or reduction of these potential recovery-limiting foulants.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2011Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: CDM Smith IncInventors: Robert J. Kimball, Kenneth A. Klinko
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Patent number: 8273248Abstract: A method for separating neutral lipids from plant material, in particular, intact algal cells, using an amphipathic solvent set and a hydrophobic solvent set. Some embodiments include dewatering intact algal cells and then extracting neutral lipids from the algal cells. The methods provide for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal neutral lipids from a wet algal biomass while avoiding emulsification of extraction mixtures. The neutral lipids are removed after first removing a polar lipid fraction and a protein fraction. These neutral lipids can be used to generate renewable fuels as well as food products and supplements.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2012Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Heliae Development, LLCInventor: Aniket Kale
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Patent number: 8262778Abstract: The invention relates to polymeric ultrafiltration or microfiltration membranes of, for instance, poly(ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene) (HALAR®), PVDF or PP, incorporating PVME or vinyl methyl ether monomers. The PVME may be present as a coating on the membrane or dispersed throughout the membrane or both. The membranes are preferably hydrophilic with a highly asymmetric structure with a reduced pore size and/or absence of macrovoids as a result of the addition of PVME. The PVME maybe cross-linked. The invention also relates to methods of hydrophilising membranes and/or preparing hydrophilic membranes via thermal or diffusion induced phase separation processed.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2011Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Mullette, Joachim Muller, Neeta Patel
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Patent number: 8257593Abstract: A device, system and method for exchanging components between first and second fluids by direct contact in a microfluidic channel. The fluids flow as thin layers in the channel. One of the fluids is passed through a filter upon exiting the channel and is recycled through a secondary processor which changes the fluid's properties. The recycled fluid is reused for further exchange. The filter excludes blood cells from the recycled fluid and prevents or limits clogging of the filter. The secondary processor removes metabolic waste and water by diafiltration.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2011Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Edward F. Leonard, Alan C. West, Christian Paul Aucoin, Edgar E. Nanne
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Patent number: 8241503Abstract: Disclosed is an economical process for the purification of water containing soluble and sparingly soluble inorganic compounds using single-stage or two-stage membrane processes that integrate membrane water purification with chemical precipitation softening and residual hardness and silica removal from the membrane concentrates using ion exchange resins and silica sequestering media, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Inventor: Riad Al-Samadi
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Publication number: 20120193291Abstract: A group of mutant PTP ? genes in malignant tumor are provided, which are ?PTP?245, ?PTP?652 and ?PTP?445 respectively. The mutation includes insertion of 95 new nucleotides after nucleotide at position 711, deletion of nucleotides at position 1015-1437, and deletion of nucleotides at position 1015-1437 accompanied by insertion of 340 nucleotides after coding exon at position 1681 and fusion of 26 new amino acids at C-terminal. The group of mutant PTP ? genes in different types of malignant tumor disclosed in the present application have not been reported all over the world so far. The detection method of using PTP ? mutant genes is useful in exactly diagnosing malignant tumor, developing new anti-tumor drugs, and targeted treatment at molecular pathologic level.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2010Publication date: August 2, 2012Inventor: Zhiwei Pan
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Patent number: 8231788Abstract: A separation module and method are disclosed for processing a liquid sample and providing high conversion by operating a single-pass tangential-flow process without a recirculation loop. In one embodiment, the separation module includes three reservoirs and has at least one long, thin channel with a large ratio of channel membrane area to: channel void volume; volume of a sample feed reservoir; and volume of the feed sample. In another embodiment, the separation module includes two reservoirs and a hydrophobic vent. The single-pass process provides high conversion while operating with relatively low pressure sources.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2009Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: SPF Innovations, LLCInventors: Leon Mir, Gaston de los Reyes
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Publication number: 20120187046Abstract: Sulfur contaminants, such as elemental sulfur (S8), hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur components in fluids (e.g., air, natural gas, and other gases, as well as water and other liquids) are removed using a silicone-based chemical filter/bath. In one embodiment, a silicone-based chemical filter includes a membrane having a cross-linked silicone that is a reaction product of an olefin and a polyhydrosiloxane. For example, sulfur contaminants in air may be removed by passing the air through the membrane before the air enters a data center or other facility housing computer systems. In another embodiment, a silicone-based chemical bath includes a housing having an inlet port, an outlet port, and a chamber containing a silicone oil. For example, sulfur contaminants in air may be removed by passing the air through the silicone oil in the chamber before the air enters a data center or other facility housing computer systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2011Publication date: July 26, 2012Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Dylan J. Boday, Joseph Kuczynski, Robert E. Meyer, III, Timothy J. Tofil
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Patent number: 8226829Abstract: Process for separating a dissolved complex catalyst of a metal of group 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 of the Periodic Table of the Elements and/or any free organophosphorus ligand present from a nonaqueous hydroformylation reaction mixture which contains an aldehyde product and an organic solvent at least one membrane which is more permeable to the hydroformylation product than to the organophosphorus ligand, the separation being carried out under a carbon monoxide partial vapor pressure of more than 200 kPa.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2006Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Evonik Oxenc GmbHInventors: Klaus-Diether Wiese, Goetz Baumgarten, Franz-Felix Kuppinger, Oliver Moeller, Dagmara Ortmann, Cornelia Borgmann, Wilfried Bueschken
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Patent number: H2273Abstract: A particulate filter is provided for passing through select permeate particles in a fluid medium from inflow to outflow regions while restraining reticulate particles. The filter includes a coarse-grain ceramic porous substrate, an intermediate-grain porous ceramic layer, a fine-grain ceramic porous membrane, and a channel there-through. The substrate opens into the outflow region as an outflow cavity. The intermediate-grain porous ceramic layer is disposed on the substrate. The fine-grain ceramic porous membrane is disposed on the layer and opens into the inflow region containing the medium as an inflow cavity. The channel directionally expands and connects the inflow and outflow cavities together by a substantially funnel-shape passage. The inflow cavity permits the permeate particles and the medium but obstructs the reticulate particles.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2010Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Nicholas V. Nechitailo