Including Controlling Process In Response To A Sensed Condition Patents (Class 210/739)
  • Patent number: 10040076
    Abstract: A method is provided for clarifying a flowable starting product with a separator having a feed and at least one liquid discharge for continuously discharging at least one clarified liquid phase—a clear phase—and with discontinuously openable solid-discharge openings for discontinuously discharging the solid phase. The method involves the steps: a. setting or determining a starting time; b. repeatedly determining at least one actual value of a product-parameter of the clear phase derived from the drum; c. determining the time interval until the product-parameter actual value reaches or exceeds a product-parameter limit value; d. preferably initiating a solid discharge as a result of reaching or exceeding the product-parameter limit value; e. determining and setting an operating time interval by using the determined calibrating time interval, the operating time interval being less than or greater than the ascertained calibrating time interval; and f.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: GEA MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT GMBH
    Inventors: Wilfried Mackel, Markus Fleuter, Josef Linckamp
  • Patent number: 9873625
    Abstract: A system and method for maintaining a body of water in a sanitized condition with use of a halogen and a source of silver ions wherein the halogen is maintained at 50% to 75% less than a recommended halogen level for maintaining the body of water in a sanitized condition by adding a compound containing a hydantoin ring to a recreational body of water containing a halogen and a source of metal ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph A. King, John Hill
  • Patent number: 9844742
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for liquid degassing by means of swirling or centrifugal force coupled with a pressure gradient. This device comprises a cavity. The cavity is furnished with an inlet for liquid-gas mixture, a gas outlet and a liquid outlet. The gas outlet is inserted into the cavity through the top end of the cavity and positioned around 0.1-3 times the maximum diameter of the cavity from the top of the cavity. Specifically, an overflow pipe with the diameter gradually increasing from the bottom to the top was used as the gas outlet. The overflow pipe is further furnished with a bell mouth at the bottom part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: East China University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Qiang Yang, Xiao Xu, Hao Lu, Chaoyang Wang
  • Patent number: 9776893
    Abstract: A mobile station and methods are disclosed for diagnosing and modeling site specific effluent treatment facility requirements to arrive at a treatment regimen and/or proposed commercial plant model idealized for the particular water/site requirements. The station includes a mobile platform having power intake, effluent intake and fluid outflow facilities and first and second suites of selectably actuatable effluent pre-treatment apparatus. An effluent polishing treatment array is housed at the station and includes at least one of nanofiltration, reverse osmosis and ion-exchange stages. A suite of selectively actuatable post-treatment apparatus is housed at the station. Controls are connected at the station for process control, monitoring and data accumulation. A plurality of improved water treatment technologies is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwater Resource, LLC
    Inventors: Reginald A. Wiemers, Robert Kohlheb, Bardia B. Khalili, Gyorgy Lipovszki, Peter H. Zahn
  • Patent number: 9764968
    Abstract: A method and system of providing ultrapure water for semiconductor fabrication operations is provided. The water is treated by utilizing a free radical scavenging system and a free radical removal system. The free radical scavenging system can utilize actinic radiation with a free radical precursor compound, such as ammonium persulfate. The free radical removal system can comprise use of a reducing agent. The ultrapure water may be further treated by utilizing ion exchange media and degasification apparatus. A control system can be utilized to regulate addition of the precursor compound, the intensity of the actinic radiation, and addition of the reducing agent to the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Bruce Lee Coulter
  • Patent number: 9649418
    Abstract: A pump cassette is disclosed. The pump cassette includes housing. The housing includes at least one fluid inlet line and at least one fluid outlet line. Also, the cassette includes at least one reciprocating pressure displacement membrane pump within the housing. The pressure pump pumps at least one fluid from the fluid inlet line to at least one of the fluid outlet line. Also, the cassette includes at least one mixing chamber within the housing. The mixing chamber is fluidly connected to the fluid outlet line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Jason A. Demers, Michael J. Wilt, Kevin L. Grant, James D. Dale, Brian D. Tracey
  • Patent number: 9611160
    Abstract: A clinical analyser wastewater treatment apparatus is disclosed including a carbonator section. Preferably there is also an anodic oxidation section and a UV oxidation section, as well as a heavy metal removal section. The anodic oxidation section may include a conductive diamond anode. The apparatus may include a measurement device downstream of the carbonator section and a control system to control the operation of the carbonator. The measurement device is preferably a pH sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: VWS (UK) LTD.
    Inventors: Lee Underwood, Paul Whitehead, Alan Denton Mortimer, Jean-Pierre Spanu, James Keary
  • Patent number: 9597422
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating ozone inside packaged articles comprises an electrode assembly in which coplanar electrodes are supported along a contact surface. The electrodes are solid state conductive electrodes. These electrodes may be interdigitated and/or arranged with uniform spacing therebetween along a portion of their length. Where the electrodes are straight they may be parallel, but other shapes can also be evenly spaced. In some examples the electrodes are partially insulated and partially exposed. In some examples the electrodes are embedded/potted in an insulator to exclude air spaces from around the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ozonica Limited
    Inventor: Malcolm Robert Snowball
  • Patent number: 9593809
    Abstract: A system for product water output. The system includes a controller, a first conductivity sensor in communication with the controller, a first product valve downstream from the first conductivity sensor and in communication with the controller, a second product valve downstream from the first product valve and in communication with the controller, a second conductivity sensor downstream from the second product valve and in communication with the controller, and a divert valve downstream from the first conductivity sensor and upstream from the first product valve and in communication with the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Ryan K. LaRocque, Russell H. Beavis, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Andrew A. Schnellinger
  • Patent number: 9581914
    Abstract: In a lithographic projection apparatus, a liquid supply system maintains liquid in a space between the projection system and the substrate. The liquid supply system may further include a de-mineralizing unit, a distillation unit, a de-hydrocarbonating unit, a UV radiation source, and/or a filter configured to purify the liquid. A gas content reduction device may be provided to reduce a gas content of the liquid. A chemical may be added to the liquid using an adding device to inhibit lifeform growth and components of the liquid supply system may be made of a material which is non-transparent to visible light such that growth of lifeforms may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Marcel Mathijs Theodore Marie Dierichs, Sjoerd Nicolaas Lambertus Donders, Johannes Henricus Wilhelmus Jacobs, Hans Jansen, Erik Roelof Loopstra, Jeroen Johannes Sophia Maria Mertens, Marco Koert Stavenga, Bob Streefkerk, Martinus Cornelis Maria Verhagen, Lejla Seuntiens-Gruda
  • Patent number: 9474817
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring and compensating for bleach concentration changes within a disinfection system may be provided. A bleach concentration monitor may be introduced into a disinfection system to measure the percentage concentration of a bleach precursor that may be introduced into a mixer and then report the measurements to pump controls within the disinfection system. Data relating measurements of the concentration of the bleach precursor may be transmitted to pump controls within the disinfection system so that adjustments may be made to a control algorithm within the pump controls to compensate for any changes that may be observed related to bleach concentration in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: H2trOnics, Inc.
    Inventors: Blaine Nagao, Steve Dumler
  • Patent number: 9428546
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for purifying products from a fluid. In some embodiments, provided purification methods use a combination of purification modes (e.g., protein A and ion exchange) operated in tandem, wherein at least one of the modes utilizes weak partitioning. In some embodiments, provided purification methods operate under robust conditions in which a degree of binding between a product and resin is maintained despite variations in operating parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Pfizer Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Lee Coffman, Ranganathan Godavarti, Michael Shamashkin
  • Patent number: 9427748
    Abstract: A centrifuge may include a bowl operative to rotate with respect to a stationary portion. The centrifuge may include at least one vibration sensor operative to generate vibration data representative of vibrational movement of portions of the centrifuge. The processor may monitor the vibration data as the bowl is being filled with a fluid. The processor may cause a drive device to increase the rotational speed of the bowl responsive to determining from the vibration data that the bowl has becoming substantially filled with a fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: PNEUMATIC SCALE CORPORATION
    Inventor: T. David Marro
  • Patent number: 9393358
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for testing at least one function of a medical functional device which is inserted in and connected and compressed with a medical treatment apparatus, and/or a function of this treatment apparatus, wherein between a hydraulic device or a pneumatic unit of the treatment apparatus and the functional device at least one fluid communication is established. It further relates to a detection device which is programmed and/or configured for executing the method according to the invention as well as a medical treatment apparatus which comprises at least one detection device and/or is in signal transmission or is connected for signal transmission with it, a digital storage medium, a computer program product as well as a computer program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Soeren Gronau, Joachim Manke, Ralf Mueller, Ingo Schaefer
  • Patent number: 9348975
    Abstract: Peritoneal dialysis therapy outcomes have been calculated for a variety of dwell times of peritoneal dialysis fluids in the peritoneal cavities of dialysis patients using kinetic modeling. The length of dwell time should not be the same for every patient, but should vary according to the patient condition and needs. Some patients have a potential for expressing greater ultrafiltrate into the dialysis fluid, and these patients can benefit from a longer dwell time, whereas other patients with less potential will not benefit from a longer dwell time. An optimal or peak time is observed for each peritoneal dialysis therapy outcome, such as ultrafiltrate volume rate, urea clearance (Kt/V), and creatinine clearance, while minimizing hydrocarbon absorption. These values and input parameters can be used to tailor the peritoneal dialysis dwell time for each patient, estimating the peak dwell time that will yield the best therapy outcome for each patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Ying-Cheng Lo, Alp Akonur, Isaac Martis
  • Patent number: 9341058
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems, methods, and devices useful for monitoring and controlling water that has been used in, for example, oil and natural gas production, recovery, or hydraulic fracturing processes. An on-line unit for measuring, controlling, and optimizing the quality of produced water after being used in a hydrocarbon production or hydraulic fracturing process is also disclosed. Optimizing and controlling can include measuring one or more properties associated with the produced water to be sure that the one or more properties are within an acceptable range and, if the one or more properties are not within the acceptable range for each respective property being measured, causing a change in flow of one or more fresh water sources and/or one or more chemicals into the produced water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy S. Keizer, Jason R. Burney
  • Patent number: 9265874
    Abstract: A method provides for the production of a concentrate for dialysis, the composition of which can be adapted individually to the respective needs of the patient. The special components required individually are added in the form of highly concentrated special concentrates with a volume of 10-500 mL to 3-10 liters of standard concentrate. The two solutions are then mixed thoroughly by compressed air, which is blown through a concentrate intake rod into the solution from a compressed air source in the dialysis machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventor: Peter Kloeffel
  • Patent number: 9211207
    Abstract: An implantable pumping system for pumping a fluid in an implantable gastric banding system comprises a pump for pumping the fluid. A voltage source provides a pump voltage to the system, and a voltage control circuit increases or decreases the pump voltage. A pump driver applies the pump voltage to the pump at a phase and a frequency. The implantable pumping system comprises a sensor that monitors a parameter to facilitate adjusting at least one of the phase or the frequency to maintain a desired value of the parameter. The parameter is associated with at least one of the implantable pumping system or the implantable gastric banding system. A micro controller is configured to manipulate at least one of the phase or the frequency to maintain the desired value of the parameter. The sensor may comprise a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, and/or a flow rate sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: APOLLO ENDOSURGERY, INC.
    Inventors: Mike Augarten, Sean Snow
  • Patent number: 9207683
    Abstract: A flow meter device is coupled to at least one sensor that measures a flow speed and provides status signals from which the flow speed can be determined. The flow meter receives and processes the flow measurement data provided by the at least one sensor. The at least one sensor is enabled at defined time instances for a defined interval time. The flow meter receives at least one status signal from the sensor each time the sensor is enabled and processes the status signals to generate a trigger event when certain conditions arise. A processing unit wakes up from a sleep mode when a trigger event is generated by the flow meter device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies Austria AG
    Inventors: Sergio Rossi, Renato Bessegato
  • Patent number: 9150432
    Abstract: The instant application describes methods of treating wastewater containing pathogenic microorganisms to reduce the concentration of those pathogenic microorganisms. The methods include measuring parameters or qualities of the wastewater, and using those parameters or qualities to determine the wastewater's ozone demand. The wastewater is dosed with ozone, with the dosage being less than the ozone demand. The ozone and wastewater are mixed with a static mixer, and the wastewater is oxidized by the ozone. Thereafter, the wastewater is disinfected via ultraviolet radiation treatment. The instant application further relates to a wastewater treatment system. The system includes an ozone reactor with a static mixer, an ozone supply device, at least one sensor, and an ultraviolet radiation disinfection unit. The ultraviolet radiation disinfection unit is located downstream from the ozone reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies Support
    Inventors: Luis Castillo Rivera, Cedric Feliers, Florencio Martin
  • Patent number: 9138667
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cleaning filter structures of filtration installations for filtering liquid products containing a gas or gas mixture that is neutral to the product, in particular for filtering drinks containing the gas or gas mixture that is neutral to the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Ulrich Sander
  • Patent number: 9132224
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for detecting the direction of the fluid flow through a dialyzer, as well as an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus which comprises a device for detecting the direction of the fluid flow through the dialyzer. The devices and methods according to the present invention are based on the change in a physical and/or chemical property, for example the substance concentration or the temperature, of a fluid flowing into the one chamber of the dialyzer and the measurement of the change in the physical and/or chemical property of the fluid flowing out of the one chamber of the dialyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Pascal Kopperschmidt
  • Patent number: 9120320
    Abstract: A liquid ejection head includes a plurality of nozzles to eject liquid drops; a plurality of individual liquid chambers communicating with the plurality of nozzles; a plurality of liquid inlet portions leading to the plurality of individual liquid chambers; a common liquid chamber to supply liquid to the plurality of individual liquid chambers; and a plurality of filter portions disposed between the common liquid chamber and the liquid inlet portions, each of the filter portions including filter holes and filtering the liquid, wherein a plurality of reinforcement parts are provided to partition the plurality of filter portions, each of the reinforcement parts includes a part facing some of the filter holes of a corresponding one of the plurality of filter portions in a liquid flow direction, with a gap between the filter holes and the reinforcement part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Ryohta Yoneta
  • Patent number: 9095794
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for filtering particulate matter from a liquid are provided. The apparatus comprise: a housing defining an internal volume; a liquid inlet port; a liquid outlet port disposed above the liquid inlet port; a filter medium support membrane housed within the housing and disposed between the liquid inlet port and the liquid outlet port; and a particulate filter medium loaded onto the filter medium support membrane. The apparatus are designed such that a flow of liquid introduced into the internal volume of the housing through the liquid inlet port and exiting the internal volume of the housing through the liquid outlet port will pass upward through the filter medium support membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Inventor: Steven C. Suchanek
  • Patent number: 9090492
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for retrofit hydrolization of seawater for production of halogen biocides in situ. A method for effecting an in situ generation of biocide as an aid in anti-biofouling of a device disposed in a volume of salt water includes a) associating a cathode electrode to the device; b) associating an anode electrode to the device with the anode electrode spaced apart from the cathode electrode; and c) hydrolyzing one or more components in the volume of salt water to generate a halogen biocide at the anode electrode with the biocide flowing from the anode electrode away from the cathode electrode as a biocide film, the film responsive to a physical arrangement of the associations of the electrodes with the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: SeaLite Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: George A. Seaver
  • Publication number: 20150143830
    Abstract: Refrigerator appliances and methods for monitoring water filter assemblies within refrigerator appliances are provided. A water filter assembly has a sensor mounted to a filter cartridge of the water filter assembly and a replacement sensor mounted to a replacement filter cartridge of the water filter assembly. A refrigerator appliance has a sensor reader. A method includes detecting the absence of a signal from the sensor at the sensor reader, receiving a signal from the replacement sensor at the sensor reader indicating the presence of the replacement sensor, and providing a signal indicating a purge routine when the receiving step occurs after the detecting step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Andrew Reinhard Krause, Robert Lee Lewis, JR.
  • Patent number: 9039902
    Abstract: A water treatment system is disclosed having electrolytic cell for liberating hydrogen from a base solution. The base solution may be a solution of brine for generating sodium hypochlorite, or potable water to be oxidized. The cell has first and second opposing electrode endplates held apart from each other by a pair of supports such that the supports enclose opposing sides of the endplates to form a cell chamber. One or more inner electrode plates are spaced apart from each other in the cell chamber in between the first and second electrode plates. The supports are configured to electrically isolate the first and second electrode plates and the inner electrode plates from each other. The first and second electrode plates are configured to receive opposite polarity charges that passively charge the inner electrode plates via conduction from the base solution to form a chemical reaction in the base solution as the base solution passes through the cell chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Process Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent A. Simmons, Gunnar T. Thordarson, James C. Robertson
  • Patent number: 9034193
    Abstract: A system for monitoring water chemistry of a recreational water installation includes a sensor configured to detect bather load in the recreational water installation and a controller configured to determine a required adjustment to the water chemistry of the recreational water installation based upon the detected bather load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Waterpods, Inc.
    Inventor: Tadmor Shalon
  • Publication number: 20150129508
    Abstract: A method of filtering contaminants from a fluid is disclosed. A feedstream of fluid containing contaminants is directed into a filter chamber containing a filter element. Part of the feedstream fluid flows in one of: a forward flow direction where it passes in a first direction through a wall of the filter element; and a reverse flow direction where it passes in a second, opposite direction through the wall. The filtrate is directed into a flowline for collection. The feedstream fluid is then arranged to flow through the filter element in the other direction, to remove contaminant material from a surface of the element wall. Following removal of contaminant material, the feedstream fluid is continued to be directed through the wall of the filter element in said other direction, to filter out contaminants from the fluid during flow in said other direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Christopher William Sweeney
  • Patent number: 9028697
    Abstract: The moisture absorption capacity of biofuels can be more or less 10 times that of fossil diesel oil, causing biofuels to form acids that induce metal corrosion and form deposits in the fuel tank and pipe lines. Methods for removing moisture from stored biofuels and plant oils are described wherein glycerol is used as a solvent to extract the moisture from the bioliquid or oil, comprising the steps of placing the biofuel or oil in fluid contact with glycerol, incubating for a time, and then removing the glycerol. A cellulous ester dialysis or other semi-permeable membrane may be used to prevent the glycerol from contaminating the biofuel while allowing moisture to pass. Crude glycerol produced as a byproduct of biodiesel production may be used in the method of the disclosed invention with good result. Preferred embodiments of apparatus that employ the method of the subject invention are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Masatoshi Matsumura
  • Patent number: 9028701
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for filtering liquid products. The apparatus includes a filtration bell provided with filtering device and connected to an inflow circuit and a first outlet circuit of the retentate, and to a second outlet circuit of the filtered liquid. The apparatus can include a monitoring and control unit, a first and second sensing device suitable for detecting the value of a first pressure PT1 in the first outlet circuit and of a second pressure PT2 in the second outlet circuit, a flow rate detection device that detects the value of a first flow rate FIT in the second outlet circuit, and value device arranged in the second circuit downstream of the second sensing device. The monitoring and control unit includes a device to control the closure of the valve device and to start a process of backwashing the filtering device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: TMCI Padovan S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luca Bornia
  • Publication number: 20150122498
    Abstract: A wastewater concentrator a liquid evaporator assembly, a gas-liquid separator, an exhaust assembly, and a flowback water concentrating system. The flowback water concentrating system includes a settling tank fluidly connected to the gas-liquid separator and a supernatant liquid concentration sensor for measuring a concentration of dissolved solids in the supernatant liquid in the settling tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Bernard F. Duesel, JR., Michael J. Rutsch, Craig Clerkin
  • Patent number: 9017556
    Abstract: Ultrapure water of high purity having extremely low TOC concentration is produced by efficiently degrading urea in raw water by biological activated carbon treatment even when the raw water contains ammonium nitrogen. The ultrapure water production method, where raw water is treated in a primary pure water system, and then the resulting water is treated in a subsystem, contains a step of treating pretreated water with chlorine based oxidizer added by a biological treatment means installed upstream to the subsystem. Chlorine based oxidizer is added so that the chlorine based oxidizer concentration is 5 times or more than the ammonium nitrogen concentration of water treated in the biological treatment means in terms of Cl2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Nozomu Ikuno, Motomu Koizumi
  • Patent number: 9017553
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for treatment of industrial waste water and/or marine vessel bilge water before discharge into waterways, said waste water having hydrocarbon, and synthetic oils, chemical or surfactant based hydrocarbon emulsions, and water soluble hydrocarbons, containing hydrocarbon coated organics and fine suspended particulate matter, said treatment utilizing a hydrocarbon sorbing pre-filter media together with filter structural elements to first remove hydrocarbon contaminated organics and particulate, coalesce then bifurcate and adsorb heavier hydrocarbon elements; the remaining liquid entering the second stage of filtration wherein a cryogenically pulverized recycled tire powder material removes the remaining hydrocarbons, synthetic oils, hydrocarbon emulsions, and water soluble hydrocarbons, providing a highly clarified and oil free effluent at high flow rates and with substantially reduced filter system maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Craig A. Mason
  • Patent number: 9017559
    Abstract: A water treatment apparatus including one or more mixed raw water stream jet nozzles, a filtering tank housing a filter layer disposed below the mixed raw water stream jet nozzle or nozzles, the filter layer having an upper layer and a lower layer, the upper layer containing a filter material with a smaller specific gravity and a larger particle diameter than a filter material of the lower layer, a water collecting and distributing pipe for removing water filtered through the filter layer and supplying reverse stream cleaning water to the filter layer during reverse cleaning, filter material vibrating means for vibrating a filter material of the upper layer including a vibrating element connected to a power source and vibration expanding element buried in the upper layer for transmitting vibration of the vibrating element, and an overflow outlet provided in the filtering tank above the filter layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Nagaoka International Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Mimura, Kiyokazu Mukai
  • Publication number: 20150101989
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating water in a reservoir includes a funnel. A support assembly supports the funnel in a lengthwise upright orientation when the funnel is submerged. A water moving arrangement is arranged to move water through the funnel in a direction from an inlet at an upper end of the funnel towards an outlet at lower end of the funnel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Stephen Elliott
  • Patent number: 9005451
    Abstract: Method and device for treating a liquid effluent, in which this effluent enters a vessel. An intermediate level of liquid in the vessel is detected; an influx of a dilution liquid into the vessel is instigated; a high level of liquid in the vessel is detected; the influx of dilution liquid is stopped and a discharge of the fluid is instigated; a low level of liquid in the vessel is detected; the discharge of the liquid is stopped; and, while it is being discharged, the discharged liquid is exposed to light radiation in at least one treatment channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Sud est Eau Pure
    Inventor: Alain Picard
  • Publication number: 20150096941
    Abstract: A water treatment system including: a flow regulation control system configured to combine oxo-anion-contaminated water with a reduction-promoting agent, a hole scavenger, or both; a reactor fluidically coupled to the flow regulation control system; a first set of system control probes configured to monitor the concentration of oxygen and oxo-anion in the contaminated water; a second set of system control probes configured to monitor concentration of the oxo-anion and reduction products of the oxo-anion in treated effluent from the reactor; and a controller configured to control the flow regulation control system, thereby controlling the flow rate of the contaminated water and the at least one of the reduction-promoting agent and the hole scavenger to the reactor based at least in part on the concentration of oxo-anion and the reduction products of the oxo-anion in the treated effluent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Kyle Doudrick, Kiril D. Hristovski, Paul K. Westerhoff
  • Patent number: 8999173
    Abstract: An electrochlorination and electrochemical system for the on-site generation and treatment of municipal water supplies and other reservoirs of water, by using a custom mixed oxidant and mixed reductant generating system for the enhanced destruction of water borne contaminants by creating custom oxidation-reduction-reactant chemistries with real time monitoring. A range of chemical precursors are provided that when acted upon in an electrochemical cell either create an enhanced oxidation, or reduction environment for the destruction or control of contaminants. Chemical agents that can be used to control standard water quality parameters such as total hardness, total alkalinity, pH, total dissolved solids, and the like are introduced via the chemical precursor injection subsystem infrequently or in real time based on sensor inputs and controller set points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Global Water Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: David T. Schwartzel, Michael L. Fraim
  • Publication number: 20150076079
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a heavy metal laden foam generated on the surface of effluent seawater during aeration of the effluent seawater in a flue gas desulfurization system associated seawater aeration basin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Pal Papsai
  • Publication number: 20150076080
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for capturing and removing oil from a body of water with equipment using rod and film technology, which includes a streamlined oil tank that moves in the water and collects surface oil from an attached skimmer, arrays of inverted funnels lowered into the water to concentrate oil for removal, and containment tents to capture leaking fuel or cargo oil from a sunken ship or any underwater oil leak and channel it into a partially submerged rod and film storage tank at the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: William R. Becker
  • Patent number: 8979788
    Abstract: A cardiopulmonary bypass system utilizing membrane-based reciprocating positive displacement blood pumps (“pod pumps”). In one aspect, the pod pumps are constructed to provide reduced shear forces on the blood being pumped. In another aspect blood flow through the pod pumps can be controlled by a controller using information from pressure sensors in the control chamber of the pod pumps. In another aspect, the pod pumps are included on a disposable unit that can be received and held by a receptacle means on a base unit, the base unit also providing pressurized control fluid to the pod pumps on the disposable unit through the receptacle means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Jason A. Demers, Larry B. Gray, James D. Dale, N. Christopher Perry, David E. Altobelli
  • Patent number: 8980091
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling dissolved oxygen levels in a secondary treatment system of a wastewater treatment facility that can employ a membrane bioreactor in which oxygen introduction into mixed liquor is controlled to prevent bulking and minimize generation of extra cellular polymeric substances. The control is exercised by insuring that dissolved oxygen levels within the mixed liquor do not fall below a minimum system level at which microorganism stress would occur. This is done by setting a minimum dissolved oxygen level control point equal to a sum of the minimum system level and an adjustment factor determined on the basis of oxygen uptake rate and time delays inherent in sensing oxygen levels and changes thereof within the mixed liquor. The minimum system dissolved oxygen level can be continually calculated on the basis of an inferred food to mass ratio that would vary with sensed mixed liquor suspended solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Malcolm E. Fabiyi
  • Patent number: 8980092
    Abstract: A system and method includes an aeration subsystem that excites enzymes in the liquid waste passing through the septic system. The aeration subsystem includes a compressor section that compresses the liquid waste. The method includes mixing enzymes into the fluid waste material, compressing the fluid waste material with the compressor, injecting air into the compressed fluid waste material, and determining whether the fluid waste material is at a desired cleanliness, and if not, recirculating the fluid waste material through the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Kistner, Carolyn R. Kistner
  • Publication number: 20150068983
    Abstract: Disinfection device for installation into a water dispenser having an accumulating reservoir for drinking water filled from an external source of drinking water, including a flow-through ozone-air mixture generator provided with an air pump for external air delivery via an air filter to the ozone-air mixture generator. An output of the ozone-air mixture generator is connected with a delivery pipeline for delivery of ozone-air mixture or air inside the delivery pipeline. An electromechanical ultrasonic frequency irradiator is mounted on the delivery pipeline to generate ultrasonic oscillations in the pipeline walls and in water filling the pipeline, and a program control unit controls operation of the ozone-air mixture generator, air pump and electromechanical irradiator for disinfection and cleaning of inner surfaces of the pipeline and water therein. A method for the disinfection of water dispensers is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: SCANDINAVIAN INNOVATION GROUP OY
    Inventor: Andrzej Pawlow
  • Publication number: 20150060370
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for the safe and efficient generation of chlorine dioxide. Chlorine dioxide is produced safely and efficiently by diluting a source of chlorite in water to produce less than or equal to 5000 ppm measured as ClO2 while achieving at least 80 wt%, more preferably 90 wt %, and most preferred at least 95 wt % conversion of chlorite anion to chlorine dioxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Truox, Inc.
    Inventor: Roy W. Martin
  • Patent number: 8968569
    Abstract: A method of wastewater reutilization by which reusable water can be stably obtained from a wastewater. Ozone is added to a wastewater, such as water resulting from sewage treatment, in such a small amount as to result in a residual ozone concentration as measured before membrane filtration of 0.01-1.0 mg/L. Ozone is thus brought into contact with fine solids contained in the wastewater to alter the surface properties of the fine solids so that the solids are easily to coagulate. Thereafter, a coagulant, e.g., PACl, is added from a coagulant addition device (3). The fine solids are coagulated in a coagulation tank (5) or a line mixer and the resultant water is subjected to membrane filtration with an ozone-resistant separation membrane (6) such as ceramic membrane. Thus, reusable water is obtained which has a residual ozone concentration, as measured after filtration through the membrane, less than 0.5 mg/L.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Metawater Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigehiro Suzuki, Motoharu Noguchi, Hideki Kozono
  • Patent number: 8968573
    Abstract: Method for cleaning hydraulic liquid in a industrial truck, wherein said industrial truck is an electrically powered industrial truck having a battery as an energy source with a hydraulic system comprising, a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic reservoir, and a return pipe to the hydraulic reservoir with a return filter, wherein the method comprises the steps of, the hydraulic pump is activated for hydraulic activity, the hydraulic pump pumps the liquid for the hydraulic activity and in relation to this return flow through the return filter to the hydraulic reservoir occurs, the hydraulic pump can be activated by means comprised in the industrial truck, when hydraulic activity is not present, by that achieving a circulation to the hydraulic reservoir through the return filter such that sufficient filtration of the hydraulic liquid is reached, further a time Tb for circulation without hydraulic activity can be accumulated and/or a sensor for determining the quality of the hydraulic oil can be arranged in the industria
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: BT Products AB
    Inventor: Joakim Barnstrom
  • Patent number: 8968580
    Abstract: A pumpbox apparatus includes a reservoir volume having a first inlet for receiving a feedstock stream and a second inlet for receiving a water stream, the reservoir volume being in communication with a discharge outlet disposed to discharge accumulated liquid from the reservoir volume. The reservoir volume is operable to accumulate the feedstock stream and the water stream in the reservoir volume while withdrawing a discharge stream through the discharge outlet to cause a flow of liquid through the pumpbox. The first inlet defines a first flow velocity region between the first inlet and the second inlet and a second flow velocity region between the second inlet and the discharge outlet. The first flow velocity is lower than the second flow velocity to facilitate flotation of a low specific gravity portion of the feedstock through the first region toward an upper surface of the liquid accumulated in the reservoir volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Suncor Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Charles Hann, William Nicholas Garner
  • Patent number: RE45415
    Abstract: An oxygen emitter which is an electrolytic cell is disclosed. When the anode and cathode are separated by a critical distance, very small microbubbles and nanobubbles of oxygen are generated. The very small oxygen bubbles remain in suspension, forming a solution supersaturated in oxygen. A flow-through model for oxygenating flowing water is disclosed. The use of supersaturated water for enhancing the growth of plants is disclosed. Methods for applying supersaturated water to plants manually, by drip irrigation or in hydroponic culture are described. The treatment of waste water by raising the dissolved oxygen with the use of an oxygen emitter is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Oxygenator Water Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James Andrew Senkiw