Electrical Property Sensing Patents (Class 210/746)
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Patent number: 8491794Abstract: A system and process for enhancing total organic carbon (“TOC”) removal from raw, untreated water while maintaining optimum membrane filter performance. The present invention overcomes many of the disadvantages of prior art water filtration systems by controlling the pH level of the water, prior to the water being directed through said membrane filter, so that the particulate charge of the water aligns with the electromagnetic surface charge of membrane filter. Maintaining the particulate charge of the water within an optimum charge window for the particular membrane filter enhances the membrane filter's performance by decreasing the fouling rate of the membrane filter.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2009Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.Inventor: Gregg A. McLeod
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Publication number: 20130180923Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for controlling mercury emissions, and more particularly, to methods for controlling mercury re-emissions from a wet flue gas desulfurizer used in a combustion process.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2012Publication date: July 18, 2013Applicant: Nalco CompanyInventor: Nalco Company
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Patent number: 8486275Abstract: An automated water treatment system and methods for treating raw water to produce potable water are disclosed. The system is a self-contained portable water treatment system having several selectable treatment subsystems and a controller which automatically selects and controls the mode of operation from a transient, normal or backwashing mode, automatically controls the flow of water through a treatment path based upon the selected mode of operation and the measured water quality characteristics of the water at selected locations, automatically determines, based upon the selected mode of operation and the water quality parameter measurements, which of the plurality of the selectable subsystems is needed to produce potable water at the output; and automatically direct the flow of water through a treatment path through the system to bypass the water treatment subsystems and elements that are not needed to produce potable water.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2010Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Omni Water Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Wayne Allan Wolf
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Publication number: 20130146535Abstract: A method for monitoring and/or controlling the process flow of a waste water system having waste water in waste water lines, comprising the steps as follows: measuring volume flow of waste water at a location remote from a waste water cleaning plant; measuring at least one additional waste water relevant parameter at the location remote from the waste water cleaning plant; evaluating the measurement data and detecting system relevant events; and undertaking measures in the waste water cleaning plant and/or at the location remote from the waste water cleaning plant as a function of the system relevant event. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system for performing the method.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2012Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft fur Mess- und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KGInventor: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft fur Mess-und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KG
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Patent number: 8454838Abstract: A method and system for treating water, and using the treated water for the cooling of industrial processes is disclosed. The water is treated and stored in a large container or artificial lagoon, has high clarity and high microbiological quality. A system of the invention generally includes a containing means, such as a large container or artificial lagoon, a coordination means, a chemical application means, a mobile suction means, and a filtration means. The coordination means monitors and controls the processes in order to adjust water quality parameters within specified limits. The large container or artificial lagoon can act as a heat sink, absorbing waste heat from the industrial cooling process, thus creating thermal energy reservoirs in a sustainable manner, which can be later used for other purposes. The method and system can be used in any industrial cooling system with any type of water available, including fresh water, brackish water, and seawater.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2011Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Crystal Lagoons (Curacao) B.V.Inventor: Fernando Fischmann T.
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Patent number: 8449777Abstract: A batch process for the treatment of an aqueous solution so that the treated product is more desirable for disposal includes obtaining an influent batch of aqueous solution for treatment, treating the batch of solution by an advanced oxidation process. The advanced oxidation process including causing ozone to be mixed with the solution, maintaining the mixture of solution and ozone at a pressure above atmospheric for a time of at least two seconds. In a preferred embodiment of the process, the process includes continuously recirculating the fluid to be treated, through a recirculation conduit, the recirculation conduit including an ozone injector and the ozone injector is adapted to inject ozone into the aqueous solution as the aqueous solution circulates through an ozone injector. Influent to be treated may be selected from the group including sewage, septage, leachate, ballast or other aqueous solutions where it is desirable to treat the fluid prior to disposal, further treatment, or reuse.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2008Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Great Lakes Clean Water Limited PartnershipInventors: Thomas W. Bain, Graham Edward Swales
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Patent number: 8419912Abstract: A water quality analyzer comprises: sensor electrodes 1a, 1b made of different metals from each other, the electrodes in a liquid of inspecting object generating a sense voltage in proportion to the liquid's impurities concentration; an operational amplifier OP1 amplifying the sense voltage without inverting to provide for a CPU 3; a resistor R0 whose one end is connected to the electrode 1a; and a voltage divider 2 applying a voltage obtained by dividing the sense voltage by a prescribed division ratio to R0's another end. The CPU 3 calculates input signal from OP1 to obtain chlorine concentration and displays the calculated result on a LCD 4 in a measurement mode, and sets the division ratio of the divider 2 so that sense voltage across electrodes 1a, 1b soaked in a liquid including prescribed concentration chloride approximately agrees with a reference voltage of prescribed concentration in a sense-voltage calibration mode.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2011Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignees: Tanita Corporation, FIS Inc.Inventors: Kiyoshi Sagawa, Shinichi Harima, Kazuo Onaga, Junko Yanagitani, Osamu Inazawa
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Patent number: 8388817Abstract: Fluid treatment devices are disclosed. The fluid treatment devices may include a first electrode and a second electrode and a control device which provides an alternating potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2008Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Inventor: Eric John Kruger
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Publication number: 20130048566Abstract: A redox water treatment method utilizing sulfurous acid to act as either an oxidizing or a reducing solution via pH adjustment for water conditioningType: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: Earth Renaissance Technologies, LLCInventors: Marcus G. Theordore, Terry R. Gong
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Patent number: 8350571Abstract: An electronic salt meter including a sensor rod, salt meter body and receiving components to measure a temperature and salinity. The electronic salt meter includes a first and sensor electrode and a temperature sensor to detect a temperature of the measurement object. A measurement monitoring unit detects whether the first and second sensor electrodes are electrically connected to each other. A salinity measurement unit applies an AC power to the first and second sensor electrodes to measure salinity of the measurement object. A temperature measurement unit applies a power to the temperature sensor to measure the temperature of the measurement object. A thermal equilibrium detection unit stores the temperature value previously measured, and when the temperature variation is less than a predetermined threshold, it is determined as a thermal equilibrium state. A room-temperature salinity conversion unit converts the salinity value into a salinity value at room temperature.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2010Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Inventor: Yun-Ho Son
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Publication number: 20120292254Abstract: Various methods and apparatus are disclosed that relate to one or more aspects of a treatment system that circum-neutralizes the pH of an aqueous stream, removes one or more heavy metals from the aqueous stream, circum-neutralizes the pH of a CCR supply, and/or removes one or more heavy metals from the CCR supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Inventors: Jason Swearingen, Lindsay Swearingen
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Publication number: 20120261352Abstract: A grey water dividing and treatment system is provided. A drain system of the grey water dividing and treatment system receives grey water from a grey water producing source. A grey water dividing apparatus of the grey water dividing and treatment system divides the grey water received from the drain system into a number of cells, and determines a contamination level of each of the cells. Grey water treatment tanks of the grey water dividing and treatment system receive the grey water from the grey water dividing apparatus based on the determined contamination level of each of the cells and treat the grey water.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2011Publication date: October 18, 2012Applicant: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLCInventor: Hideki Kawasaki
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Publication number: 20120234756Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in a hot water system to inhibit corrosion in the hot water system. The method includes defining one or more operational protective zones in the hot water system. One or more of the operational protective zones includes an oxidation-reduction potential probe that is operable to measure a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in the hot water system at operating temperature and pressure. The probe transmits the measured real-time potential to the controller, which assesses and interprets the transmitted potential to determine whether it conforms to an oxidation-reduction potential setting. If the measured potential does not conform the oxidation-reduction potential setting, the controller is operable to feed or remove one or more active chemical species into or from the hot water system and further operable to change at least one system parameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2012Publication date: September 20, 2012Inventors: Peter D. Hicks, David A. Grattan
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Patent number: 8246817Abstract: A novel deionization filter for removing ions from a coolant in an electric fuel cell vehicle cooling system is disclosed. The deionization filter includes a filter housing having a coolant inlet port, through which the coolant enters the filter housing; and a coolant outlet port, through which the coolant exits the filter housing. An ion exchange bed having positively-charged and negatively-charged ion exchange resin beads is provided in the filter housing for removing negative and positive ions, respectively, from the coolant. At least one filter assembly is typically provided in the filter housing for filtering particles from the coolant.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2004Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Mukesh Kumar, George Shih, Stephen Fan
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Patent number: 8196596Abstract: A method for tracking a pollution source in process water is presented. Firstly, variation curves of drain water drained from different rinsing tanks are respectively obtained, and a water quality concentration of the drain water drained to a buffer tank is detected, so as to output a water quality variation curve. Then, an analytical comparison is performed on each drain water amount variation curve and the water quality variation curve within a same time interval, so as to output an analytical result of each flow of drain water in a range exceeding a predetermined water quality standard. In this manner, the drain water that exceeds the predetermined water quality standard can be tracked in real-time according to the analytical result, thereby quickly improving the process for discharging the drain water.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2011Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Chien-Hung Chen, Ching-Yi Hsu, Chen-Hua Chu, Meng-Chun Huang
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Patent number: 8182691Abstract: An apparatus for extracorporeal blood treatment has a dialysis fluid circuit and a blood circuit which are separated by a dialyzer. Arranged in the dialysis fluid circuit there is a sterile filter for producing a sterile dialysis fluid which flows into the dialyzer. To check the sterile filter, a chemical and/or physical property of the dialysis fluid, for example the conductivity, is changed upstream of the sterile filter, and the change in the property of the dialysis fluid is detected downstream of the sterile filter. From the time shift between the initiation of the conductivity impulse and the detection of the latter, it is possible to tell whether the blood treatment apparatus is fitted with a sterile filter. Moreover, the volume of the sterile filter can be inferred from the length of the time shift.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2004Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbHInventor: Thomas Stahl
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Patent number: 8182692Abstract: Solutions, dialysates, and methods for measuring solutes in blood and/or for treating blood. In one aspect of the invention, a method of performing dialysis includes placing a solution in communication with blood of a subject, where a concentration of at least one electrically conductive solute in the solution, prior to being placed in communication with the blood of the subject, is substantially equal to a concentration of the at least one electrically conductive solute in the blood of the subject.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2008Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.Inventor: Frank A. Gotch
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Publication number: 20120085704Abstract: A system and method for automatically controlling aeration and mixing processes are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: ENVIRO-MIX, LLCInventors: Theodore K. Jenkins, Robert Elliott Locklair, Stuart F. Humphries
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Patent number: 8153057Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in a hot water system to inhibit corrosion in the hot water system. The method includes defining one or more operational protective zones in the hot water system. One or more of the operational protective zones includes an oxidation-reduction potential probe that is operable to measure a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in the hot water system at operating temperature and pressure. The probe transmits the measured real-time potential to the controller, which assesses and interprets the transmitted potential to determine whether it conforms to an oxidation-reduction potential setting. If the measured potential does not conform the oxidation-reduction potential setting, the controller is operable to feed one or more active chemical species into the hot water system.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2007Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Nalco CompanyInventors: Peter D. Hicks, David A. Grattan
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Publication number: 20120080387Abstract: A method for tracking a pollution source in process water is presented. Firstly, variation curves of drain water drained from different rinsing tanks are respectively obtained, and a water quality concentration of the drain water drained to a buffer tank is detected, so as to output a water quality variation curve. Then, an analytical comparison is performed on each drain water amount variation curve and the water quality variation curve within a same time interval, so as to output an analytical result of each flow of drain water in a range exceeding a predetermined water quality standard. In this manner, the drain water that exceeds the predetermined water quality standard can be tracked in real-time according to the analytical result, thereby quickly improving the process for discharging the drain water.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2011Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Chien Hung Chen, Ching Yi Hsu, Chen Hua Chu, Meng Shun Huang
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Patent number: 8137300Abstract: An extracorporeal blood system includes: an extracorporeal blood machine including an extracorporeal blood circuit; an access device enabling the extracorporeal blood circuit to be connected to a patient; first and second tube connecting members for connecting respectively to first and second tubes of the extracorporeal circuit; first and second electrodes held, at least in part, by the first and second tube connecting members so as to contact blood flowing through the extracorporeal blood circuit, the first and second electrodes enabling an electrical signal to be injected into the extracorporeal blood circuit; first and second contact members contacting the first and second electrodes respectively; and electronics coupled operably to the first and second contact members for applying the electrical signal, the signal used to monitor the access device.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2010Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.Inventors: James Han, Thomas P. Hartranft, Thomas D. Kelly, Angel Lasso
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Patent number: 8091572Abstract: A method for tracking a pollution source in process water is presented. Firstly, variation curves of drain water drained from different rinsing tanks are respectively obtained, and a water quality concentration of the drain water drained to a buffer tank is detected, so as to output a water quality variation curve. Then, an analytical comparison is performed on each drain water amount variation curve and the water quality variation curve within a same time interval, so as to output an analytical result of each flow of drain water in a range exceeding a predetermined water quality standard. In this manner, the drain water that exceeds the predetermined water quality standard can be tracked in real-time according to the analytical result, thereby quickly improving the process for discharging the drain water.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2009Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Chien-Hung Chen, Ching-Yi Hsu, Chen-Hua Chu, Meng-Shun Huang
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Patent number: 8054091Abstract: A novel microfluidic device has been developed to measure stability of thin liquid films of water in oil emulsions using electrochemical perturbation of interfaces. This new device can be utilized in rapid classification of de-emulsifiers used in petroleum industries. Although water/crude oil emulsions have been the primary focus of this research, this measurement platform can be used in other industries such as food, cosmetics and bio-engineering (bilayer lipid membranes) as well as environmental remediation of oil spills. The compact design of the device and replacement of the mechanical measurements such as pressure with electrical signal measurements contributes in substantial size reduction of the experimental platform so that it can be employed for onsite measurements in remote areas.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2007Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: The Governors of the University of AlbertaInventors: Subir Bhattacharjee, Farshid Karimi Mostowfi, Jacob Masliyah, Jan Czarnecki, Elizeusz Lucjusz Musial
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Publication number: 20110253640Abstract: An in-line flow separator comprises an uphill section of pipeline which, in use, carries a gravitationally stratified flow of a first liquid and a second denser liquid. The second liquid forms a sump extending uphill from the foot of the uphill section, and an interface between the first and second liquids on the uphill section is inclined from the horizontal. An extraction port in the pipeline extracts the second liquid from the sump.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Applicant: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Michel Berard, Kamal Babour, Ibrahim Babelli
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Publication number: 20110253639Abstract: A spa sanitizing apparatus including a sanitizing agent generating cell, an H-Bridge circuit arranged to supply a voltage to electrodes of the cell, a controller circuit for controlling the operation of the H-Bridge circuit, and a watch dog circuit for monitoring a voltage applied to the electrodes and for shutting down power if the voltage departs from a pre-determined limit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2010Publication date: October 20, 2011Inventors: Eugene B. Kook, Michael McCague
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Patent number: 8029679Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for supplying electrical power to a device, such as a filter element, located within a housing. In one embodiment, a conductive coil is embedded into the housing base, and a second coil is embedded into the filter element. Current is then passed through the coil in the housing base. Through induction, a current is created in the second coil in the filter element, in much the same way as a transformer functions. This inductive field may interfere with the operation of the various electronic functions, such as communications, sensing or other activities. To overcome this issue, an energy storage component, such as a capacitor, is included in the filter electronics. In this way, the power generated by the inductive field can be stored, and used when the inductive field is no longer present.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2010Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Millipore CorporationInventors: Michael T. Grzonka, Aaron Burke
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Patent number: 8025779Abstract: A water quality analyzer comprises: sensor electrodes 1a, 1b made of different metals from each other, the electrodes in a liquid of inspecting object generating a sense voltage in proportion to the liquid's impurities concentration; an operational amplifier OP1 amplifying the sense voltage without inverting to provide for a CPU 3; a resistor R0 whose one end is connected to the electrode 1a; and a voltage divider 2 applying a voltage obtained by dividing the sense voltage by a prescribed division ratio to R0's another end. The CPU 3 calculates input signal from OP1 to obtain chlorine concentration and displays the calculated result on a LCD 4 in a measurement mode, and sets the division ratio of the divider 2 so that sense voltage across electrodes 1a, 1b soaked in a liquid including prescribed concentration chloride approximately agrees with a reference voltage of prescribed concentration in a sense-voltage calibration mode.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2004Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignees: Tanita Corporation, FIS Inc.Inventors: Kiyoshi Sagawa, Shinichi Harima, Kazuo Onaga, Junko Yanagitani, Osamu Inazawa
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Patent number: 8025804Abstract: A method for continuous closed-circuit consecutive sequential desalination of a salt water solution by reverse osmosis without using containers. The closed circuit includes one desalination module or more than one desalination modules connected in parallel. The method provides for desalination to proceed in concentrate recycling mode with brief intervals of concentrate discharge mode, in which pressurized concentrate in the closed circuit is replaced by pressurized fresh feed of salt water solution without stopping desalination.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2010Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Inventor: Avi Efraty
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Patent number: 7998352Abstract: Disclosed is a method of inhibiting and/or removing deposits from internal surfaces in a hot water system. The method includes controlling a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in a hot water system to alter the dynamic between deposit constituents and the bulk water of the system to inhibit deposition or initiate deposit removal. The method is equally effective for a system undergoing a wet layup sequence or in an online operational system. The invention further includes a multi-component deposit inhibition and/or removal device, including a receiver, a processor, and a transmitter that work in unison to alter the system dynamics to inhibit or remove deposits.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2007Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Nalco CompanyInventors: Peter D. Hicks, David A. Grattan
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Publication number: 20110168642Abstract: A system and method for powering an ultraviolet (UV) water purification system utilizing a dynamo. A dynamo, operably attached to the UV water purification system, generates power from a rotatable crank which is actuated by a user around an axis of the rotatable crank. When the crank is rotated, the dynamo produces an electrical current that activates and powers the UV lamp, which in turn, produces UV light to purify the water. To ensure that the water has been purified appropriately, a microcontroller, employed within the UV water purification system, tracks both the “on” time and the intensity of the UV lamp as the dynamo is cranked. Once the lamp has been “on” at a sufficient intensity and for an appropriate period of time to administer a required dose of UV light, the microcontroller disables the lamp and provides the user with notification that the process has completed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2011Publication date: July 14, 2011Inventor: Miles Maiden
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Patent number: 7976711Abstract: A method and device for blood treatments that use fluids such as dialysate and replacement fluid for renal replacement therapy. In an embodiment, fluid is passed either by pump or passively by gravity feed, through a microporous sterilization filter from a fluid source to a replacement fluid container. The latter forms a batch that may be used during treatment. The advantage of forming the batch before treatment is that the rate of filtering needn't match the rate of consumption during treatment. As a result, the sterilization filter can have a small capacity. In another embodiment, a filter is placed immediately prior to the point at which the sterile fluid is consumed by the treatment process. The latter may be used in combination with the former embodiment as a last-chance guarantee of sterility and/or that the fluid is free of air bubbles. It may also be used as the primary means of sterile-filtration.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2010Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: NxStage Medical, Inc.Inventors: James M. Brugger, Jeffrey H. Burbank, Brian C. Green
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Patent number: 7964103Abstract: A water treatment system is provided having an encapsulate manifold with a reverse osmosis cartridge and one or more filter cartridges. The filter cartridge includes a detent for being received within a slot in the manifold head for secure locking engagement. The water treatment system further includes a single probe conductivity monitoring system for monitoring the performance of a reverse osmosis membrane. The water treatment system is also provided in a modular arrangement wherein manifold heads are physically and fluidly coupled together via a clip which interfaces with the modular manifold heads. The water treatment system also allows for a retrofit application to include a permeate pump. The cartridges are also designed to provide a minimum annular inlet gap to minimize spillage during changing of the cartridges.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2010Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: EcoWater Systems, LLCInventors: Gregory Kennedy, David Sinkula, Jeffrey Zimmerman
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Patent number: 7959594Abstract: Apparatuses, devices, systems and methods for detecting access disconnection are provided. In one embodiment, a medical fluid system includes (i) a medical fluid machine and (ii) a device operable with the medical fluid machine, the device configured to provide electrical contact with a medical fluid, the device including (a) a tube used during dialysis therapy through which the medical fluid can flow, and (b) a conductive element configured to self-sealingly pierce the tube, the conductive element having a first portion exposed to the medical fluid and a second portion external to the tube.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2006Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S. A.Inventors: Ramesh Wariar, James Han, George Lamberson, Thomas P. Hartranft, Thore Falkvall
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Patent number: 7959593Abstract: A blood purification apparatus includes a blood circuit, a blood purifying device, a driving device, an air bubble detection device, and a connection condition evaluation device. The blood circuit is provided with arterial and venous blood circuits, to which needles are attached at ends thereof. The blood purifying device is connected between the arterial and venous circuits. In a blood purifying treatment after a priming operation, the driving device drives the blood in the arterial blood circuit in a forward direction, and drives the blood in the venous blood circuit in a reverse direction. The air bubble detection device detects air bubbles in a liquid flowing in the arterial and venous blood circuits. The connection condition evaluation device evaluates connection conditions of the needles to the ends of the arterial and venous blood circuits based on the detection by the air bubble detection device.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2006Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Nikkiso Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiro Ueda, Hiroshi Nimura
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Patent number: 7955853Abstract: Disclosed is a method of creating a real-time oxidation-reduction potential signature in a hot water system to detect REDOX stress and inhibit corrosion in the hot water system. The method includes defining one or more operational protective zones in the hot water system. One or more of the operational protective zones includes an oxidation-reduction potential probe that is operable to measure a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in the hot water system at operating temperature and pressure. The probe transmits the measured real-time potential to the controller, which analyzes and interprets the transmitted potential to create an oxidation-reduction potential signature for the hot water system. If the signature does not conform to an oxidation-reduction potential setting, the controller is operable to feed one or more active chemical species into the hot water system.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2007Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Nalco CompanyInventors: Peter D. Hicks, David A. Grattan
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Patent number: 7951298Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in a hot water system undergoing a wet layup sequence to inhibit corrosion in the hot water system. The method includes separating the wet layup sequence into a plurality of phases. Each phase is either short-term or long-term and a subset of the short-term phases is optionally transitional. The method further includes defining one or more zones in the hot water system. At least one of the defined zones is selected for each phase and one or more of the selected zones include at least one ORP probe operable to measure the real-time ORP and communicate with a controller. The ORP probe(s) either intermittently or continuously measure the real-time ORP at operating temperature and pressure at one or more of the selected zones in one or more of the phases and transmit the measured real-time ORP to the controller. The real-time ORP is assessed to determine whether it conforms to an ORP setting for that phase.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2007Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Nalco CompanyInventors: Peter D. Hicks, David A. Grattan
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Patent number: 7938909Abstract: An automated method for determining the cleaning operation of a water treatment or water distribution apparatus or system to which one or more substances are added, the method comprising the steps of: (a) conducting one or more measurements of a property of the or an added substance; (b) comparing the property measurement s) from step (a) with at least one reference value for that property; and (c) determining when the comparison in step (b) is within, above or below a pre-determined range or level for that property. The determination in step (c) can consider whether the cleaning operation has been successfully carried out. The present invention automates and therefore optimizes the cleaning operation of the water treatment or distribution apparatus or system such that expensive periods of non-operation during sanitization or cleaning are minimized both in terms of frequency and duration.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2005Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Veolia Water Solutions & Technoloiges SupportInventors: Alan Denton Mortimer, Lee Underwood
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Patent number: 7871525Abstract: A method, system, apparatus and program for effecting the decomposition of organic waste material comprises: providing a treatment tank for decomposition of organic waste material, the treatment tank containing an active biomass comprising at least one bacteria that decomposes organic material; providing at least two inlets to the treatment tank, a first inlet comprising an inlet for organic material and a second inlet comprising an inlet for an aqueous stream; a processor that receives and stores information on: the status of chemical oxygen demand of the active biomass; and the oxygen provision capability of a first organic material that can be fed into the treatment tank through the first inlet; a mass flow control system controlled by the processor which feeds the at least one organic material through the first inlet at a rate based at least in part upon the status of chemical oxygen demand in the treatment tank as recognized by the processor.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2008Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: NBE, LLCInventors: Robert E. Clifford, III, John Mills, Greg Stadden, Michael S. Gratz
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Patent number: 7867401Abstract: The control systems and technique can regulate or control operations of a water treatment system in a primary control mode and, when appropriate, in a secondary or an alternate control mode. The primary control can represent a normal control mode during which the water treatment system is intended to operate. The alternate control mode can represent a second control or mode of operation. The systems can be operated to control or facilitate regulation, monitoring, and performance of one or more operating parameters of one or more water systems between, or to and from, a first mode, a second or alternate mode, and, in some cases, a third or even a fourth control mode. The change in control mode can be triggered by identifying one or more predetermined, pre-selected, and/or programmed conditions.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2008Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Siemens Water Technologies Holding Corp.Inventors: Richard Dennis, II, Jeffrey Rhodes, Edward Thomas, James Marcukaitis
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Patent number: 7862722Abstract: A sewage treatment control device, a method and a sewage treatment system, are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2008Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Tai Wha Lease Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Young Hak Moon
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Patent number: 7846340Abstract: A water treatment system provides treated or softened water to a point of use by removing a portion of any hardness-causing species contained in water from a point of entry coming from a water source, such as municipal water, well water, brackish water and water containing foulants. The water treatment system typically treats the water containing at least some undesirable species before delivering the treated water to a point of use. The water treatment system has a reservoir system in line with an electrochemical device. The electrochemical device of the water treatment system is operated at a low current and low flow rate to minimize water splitting or polarization, which minimizes scale formation.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2003Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Siemens Water Technologies Corp.Inventors: Evgeniya Freydina, Anil D. Jha, Frederick Wilkins, Aytac Sezgi, Reshma Madhusudan
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Patent number: 7820055Abstract: The invention discloses a process to implement and maintain water bodies larger than 15,000 m3 for recreational use, such as lakes or artificial lagoons, with excellent color, transparency and cleanness properties at low cost, which comprises the following steps: a.—providing a structure able to contain a large water body larger than 15,000 m3; b.—feeding the structure of step (a) with inlet water having iron and manganese levels lower than 1.5 ppm and turbidity lower than 5 NTU; c.—measuring water pH, ideally it should be within a range lower than 7.8; d.—adding an oxidizing agent to the water contained in the structure of step (a), with which a 600 mV minimal ORP is controlled in water for a minimal period of 4 hours and in maximal cycles of 48 hours; e.—adding a flocculating agent in concentrations within 0.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2007Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Crystal Lagoons Corporation LLCInventor: Fernando Benjamin Fischmann Torres
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Patent number: 7815809Abstract: A method for conductivity calculation in a treatment fluid downstream a filtration unit in a blood treatment apparatus is provided. The conductivity calculation is then used for clearance and fistula flow determination. A flow of treatment fluid is created in the filtration unit; a change in the conductivity of the treatment fluid at the inlet of the filtration unit is imposed to cause an induced conductivity change in the fluid at the outlet of the filtration unit; a predetermined number of conductivity values Cdo downstream from the filtration unit are measured. The measured conductivity values define a curve the pattern of which is estimated by means of one interpolating mathematical function in an interval of time after the occurrence of the induced conductivity change; a characteristic measuring time tcalcclr is determined.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2005Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Gambro Lundia ABInventors: Olof Jansson, Roland Persson, Jan Peter Sternby
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Patent number: 7799236Abstract: An apparatus for collecting soluble component-removed powder that collects soluble component-removed and poorly soluble component-containing powder to recycle by removing the soluble component from the powder through filtering using a vacuum pump after mixing soluble component-removed and poorly soluble component-containing powder and a solvent dissolving the soluble component, and a method of the same.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2006Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.Inventors: Won Jae Moon, Dae Gon Han, Ick Soon Kwak, Jung Hyun Oh
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Patent number: 7767062Abstract: Provided is a submerged-type, electrosorption-based desalination apparatus for water purification and method, comprising applying a DC voltage of 0.1 to 2.0 volts to a carbon electrode of the reactor to thereby adsorb inorganic ions on the carbon electrode, and reversely applying the same DC voltage having opposite polarity to recycle regeneration solution to the outside of the apparatus or into the treatment tank, thereby enhancing a recovery rate. In addition, in order to improve desalination efficiency, the reactor used in the desalination apparatus may be embodied in various forms of T-shaped, linear type, single, composite, and ion exchange membrane electrodes. Therefore, the present invention may be applied to remove inorganic ions from industrial wastewater, sea water, and brackish water, which contain large amounts of inorganic ions.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2006Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Korea Electric Power CorporationInventors: Jae Bong Lee, Kwang Kyu Park, Hee Moon Eum, Jeon Soo Moon, Phil Yang Park, Seok Won Yoon
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Patent number: 7759948Abstract: A disposable meter for testing the level of total dissolved solids in a water source and a method of testing the concentration of total dissolved solids are herein disclosed. The disposable meter may include a body with at least water resistant properties, a first indicator, the energization of which is indicative of a threshold level measured total dissolved solids, a pair of electrodes wherein energization passing between the pair of electrodes completes a circuit, and circuitry disposed within the body connected to the first indicator and the pair of electrodes. The circuitry may be configured to commence energization to pass between the pair of electrodes, measure the conductivity of the water between the pair of electrodes, and energize the first indicator if the measured conductivity value exceeds a predetermined threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2007Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Pentair Filtration Solutions, LLCInventors: Andy Tischendorf, Santanu Roy, Sanjeev Patel, Roy Parker, Manu Verma, Dean Jarog, Nanda K. Dash, Michael Lindfors
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Patent number: 7749393Abstract: A method and device for blood treatments that use fluids such as dialysate and replacement fluid for renal replacement therapy. In an embodiment, fluid is passed either by pump or passively by gravity feed, through a microporous sterilization filter from a fluid source to a replacement fluid container. The latter forms a batch that may be used during treatment. The advantage of forming the batch before treatment is that the rate of filtering needn't match the rate of consumption during treatment. As a result, the sterilization filter can have a small capacity. In another embodiment, a filter is placed immediately prior to the point at which the sterile fluid is consumed by the treatment process. The latter may be used in combination with the former embodiment as a last-chance guarantee of sterility and/or that the fluid is free of air bubbles. It may also be used as the primary means of sterile-filtration.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2009Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: NxStage Medical, Inc.Inventors: James M. Brugger, Jeffrey H. Burbank, Brian C. Green
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Patent number: 7736522Abstract: A sanitizer generation system supplies power to a first and a second sanitizer generator. Each of the sanitizer generators is connected to a body of water by a circulation system. The system includes a power supply and a control system connected to the power supply and the sanitizer generators. The control system selectively delivers electric current from the power supply to the first and second sanitizer generators.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2009Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Patrick H. Kilawee, Clyde A. Bailey, Leonard J. Kadlec
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Patent number: 7699992Abstract: During a dialysis treatment carried out by a dialysis apparatus, in which a dialysis liquid is circulated to a clean dialysate filter (43) arranged before a dialyser (3), the conductivity of the dialysis liquid is altered according to an altering function that is a function of a mathematical model of the filter (43), in a way that will make the conductivity after the filter change more quickly. A conductivity cell (47), which is arranged after the dialyser, measures the conductivity of the spent dialysis liquid changed in response to said alteration. A control and computer system (52) evaluates the dialysance from said measured response. The conductivity can be changed for a comparatively short time period that is sufficient to allow reliable results.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2004Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Gambro Lundia ABInventor: Jan Peter Sternby
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Patent number: 7699991Abstract: A conditioning process and equipment are provided for removing hardness from water circulated in a system. A sidestream from such system is routed to a reaction chamber and back to the system. A conditioner is added to the sidestream water and in some embodiments is routed through a sidestream inlet from the top of the reaction chamber to its lower portion in a swirling motion. A buffer is added to the sidestream exiting the reaction chamber, and in some embodiments is added upstream of a pH sensor. In some embodiments a polymer is added. A fluid bed develops in the reaction chamber consisting of conditioner, buffer, precipitated solids and sidestream water. An upper outlet on the reaction chamber regulates the height of the fluid bed, and a drain provides for periodic discharge of the lower fluid bed. In some embodiments, a corrosion inhibitor blend is pre-mixed with the buffer.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2007Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Inventor: Samuel Rupert Owens