Electrical Property Sensing Patents (Class 210/746)
  • Patent number: 7736522
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick H. Kilawee, Clyde A. Bailey, Leonard J. Kadlec
  • Patent number: 7699992
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventor: Jan Peter Sternby
  • Patent number: 7699991
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Samuel Rupert Owens
  • Patent number: 7686962
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a system and method that intensely oxidizes water as it navigates through a system and accurately, controllably neutralizes the oxidation by-products before the water exits the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivey Burns, Thoram Charanda, Thomas J. Nicodemo, Richard Davis, Janell Crowder
  • Patent number: 7682328
    Abstract: An extracorporeal blood system includes: (i) an extracorporeal blood machine; an extracorporeal blood circuit coupled operably to the machine, the extracorporeal blood circuit including first and second blood lines, the blood lines configured to be in blood flow communication with a patient; (ii) an electrical loop including first and second electrodes placed in contact with blood flowing through the extracorporeal blood circuit; (iii) a device configured to inject an electrical signal into the blood circuit via the loop; and (iv) a third electrode placed in contact with blood flowing through the extracorporeal blood circuit, the third electrode configured to enable a change in an electrical value to be measured so that an access disconnection of the extracorporeal blood circuit from the patient can be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: James Han, Thomas P. Hartranft, Thomas D. Kelly, Angel Lasso
  • Patent number: 7678282
    Abstract: A method of determination of the conditions of exhaustion of a filtering cartridge for filtering carafes with replaceable cartridges is described, in which an initial identification of impedance of the water to be filtered is provided for in order to consequently calculate an important parameter for definition of the efficient lifespan on the filtering cartridge. Furthermore a carafe operating in compliance with such method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: LAICA S.p.A.
    Inventor: Maurizio Moretto
  • Patent number: 7674235
    Abstract: A dialyzer having a hemo-dialyzer and/or a hemo-filter and an extra-corporal blood circulation with which a device for the adding of citrate to the blood is connected upstream and a device for the adding of a substitution solution containing ions to the blood is connected downstream of the hemo-dialyzer and/or of the hemo-filter. Ion concentration in the dialyzate downstream of the hemo-dialyzer and/or of the hemo-filter is detected with respect to the direction of flow of the dialyzate. The concentration of the ion, atom or molecule to be determined is reliably ascertained by preventing the complexing of the ion, atom or molecule, at least during the determination of the concentration, by the addition or withdrawal of a substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Fresenuis Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Nier, Matthias Kraemer
  • Publication number: 20100044319
    Abstract: A controller for an ultraviolet (UV) purification system having UV lamps includes a sensor in communication with a given UV lamp as well as a processor in communication the sensor. The sensor provides the UV light intensity rate of the UV lamp (sensed rate) and transmits this information to the processor which compares the sensed rate with a memory stored desired UV light intensity rate (desired rate). An indicator in communication with the processor indicates when the UV lamp is producing a UV light intensity below the desired rate. Current is provided to the UV lamp by a ballast. The processor includes a memory stored predetermined UV light intensity rate (predetermined rate) that is greater than the desired rate. When the sensed rate is lesser than the predetermined rate, the current provided by the ballast is increased such that the UV lamp produces a UV light intensity at least equal to the predetermined rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Stuart ENGEL, Normand BRAIS
  • Publication number: 20100043129
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for processing greywater, comprising the following steps:—supplying water to a reservoir of a greywater device;—collecting the supplied water in the reservoir;—conducting water out of the reservoir to at least one reservoir of a water consumer;—monitoring the water quality; and—flushing the water from the reservoir of the greywater device and/or the reservoir of the water consumer into a sewer drain when the water quality drops below an acceptable level. Furthermore, the invention relates to a control system for controlling a greywater device, a system for reusing greywater, comprising a greywater device and a control system, and a greywater consumer, in particular a toilet, which is connected to such a system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Johannes Donaes Jacobus Platteel, Sjoerd Pieter Wouda
  • Patent number: 7666312
    Abstract: This invention provides a method of preventing corrosion in industrial water systems. The method includes maintaining a real-time oxidation-reduction potential at a set point, wherein the system is at operating temperature and pressure. A nonlinear equation is derived based upon theoretically derived or empirically collected data. The equation is then used to determine an inflow of active chemical species to the water system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventor: Peter D. Hicks
  • Patent number: 7658855
    Abstract: A conditioning process and equipment are provided for removing hardness from water circulated in a system, such as an evaporative cooling 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. A buffer is added to the sidestream exiting the reaction chamber, and in some embodiments is added upstream of a pH sensor. 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 another embodiment, a corrosion inhibitor blend is pre-mixed with the buffer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Samuel Rupert Owens
  • Patent number: 7632412
    Abstract: A method for controlling a cooling water tower comprising: providing a cooling tower system, which includes a recirculated evaporative cooling water stream, a source of make-up water, an evaporative cooling unit, a heat exchanger, a bleed off line, and a bleed-off valve which is in communication with said bleed-off line; providing a plurality of conduits through which said makeup water flows into said evaporative cooling water stream, wherein there is at least a first conduit that contains a weak acid cation ion exchange column and a second conduit that does not contain a weak acid ion exchange column, and wherein each conduit has at least one conduit valve; choosing a pH and a conductivity setpoint value and a deadband value above and below said setpoint value in said cooling tower system; measuring both the pH of said evaporative cooling water stream with one or more pH meters and conductivity of said evaporative cooling water stream with one or more conductivity meters; and implementing a response to said
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventors: Donald A. Johnson, Steven R. Hatch, Arthur J. Kahaian
  • Patent number: 7622043
    Abstract: In cleaning the dialysis device, first, the concentrate passage is disconnected from the dialysis solution concentrate container and is connected to the branched passage, and a pre-cleaning process is performed in which the fluid circuit is replace with the purified water, and determining means (4a) of a control device (4) determines that the fluid circulating in the fluid circuit is not the dialysis solution by using a conductivity meter (29), and also determines that gas is not contained in the fluid circuit by using a downward movement detecting sensor 34b in a deaeration tank, and then a main cleaning process is performed by using a cleaning solution. Incomplete cleaning due to incomplete connection can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiharu Sawada, Takashi Mishima
  • Patent number: 7622933
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing characteristics of a liquid are disclosed. The exemplary embodiment may have an electrode for transmitting electrical signals associated with characteristics of the liquid to and from the liquid. The electrode may have an aperture on the interior of the electrode with the aperture surface in contact with the liquid. The electrode may have a sensor portion in contact with the liquid and a coupling portion with a tapered thread. The electrode may contain an electrical coupling on the isolated outer surface of the electrode for communicating the electrical signal from the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ulysse S. Dos Santos, Manpreet S. Sidhu
  • Publication number: 20090277841
    Abstract: This invention is an improved process for operation of evaporative recirculating cooling systems. In addition to reducing the scaling and corrosive tendencies of the water, the method eliminates or reduces discharge from the system without creating any localized corrosive or scaling conditions as a result of the treatment process. The described measurement and control system generally comprises an array of measurements, a means of implementing control logic, and an array of control actions including activating an ion exchange device to treat makeup water. The measurements can include of physical measurements of flow rates, chemical measurements of water composition, and performance-related metrics such as water corrosiveness or scaling tendency. Preferably, the measurements include one or more of pH, conductivity, hardness, alkalinity, corrosiveness, scaling tendency, treatment additive dosage level, and treatment additive residual of the makeup, treated makeup, and recirculating water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Donald A. Johnson, Arthur J. Kahaian
  • Publication number: 20090242493
    Abstract: An invention is provided for encouraging routine testing for TDS levels in a liquid. The invention includes determining a TDS level of the liquid utilizing an apparatus capable of determining a TDS level based on the conductivity of the liquid. Next, corrective action can be performed to reduce the TDS level when the TDS level is beyond a predetermined level. To facilitate a continual visual reminder for future TDS level testing, the apparatus is removably attached to a surface viewable when in proximity of a device utilized to access the liquid utilizing an integrated attachment mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: HM DIGITAL, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Samborn, Charles F. Lee, Jin H. Lee, Yun-Ho Son
  • Patent number: 7588551
    Abstract: A treatment assembly is positioned along an AV-fistula and couples therapeutic energy to an adjacent area due to a material response to an applied energy field from a remotely located energy source. The treatment assembly may be delivered into the fistula through a hemodialysis needle, or may be secured to the fistula graft itself and implanted therewith within a patient. A cover provides a shield between an anastomosis area and blood flow. Another AV-fistula includes a valved reservoir that receives a fluid agent from a hemodialysis needle while moving the needle into or from the fistula; the agent leaks from the reservoir into the fistula lumen. Another valved fistula is adjustable between an open condition and closed conditions during and between hemodialysis treatments, respectively. Another AV-fistula has a bladder reservoir coupled to a second refillable fluid reservoir and is adapted to locally deliver a therapeutic agent into the fistula lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Gertner
  • Patent number: 7578942
    Abstract: In wastewater treatment equipment, a surfactant is added to a micronanobubble reaction vessel 3 by using a surfactant pump 8 and a surfactant tank 9 which constitute a surfactant adding section. Thereby, a micronanobubble generator 4 stably and efficiently produces micronanobubbles in the treatment water as raw water containing the surfactant in the micronanobubble reaction vessel 3. Thus, the micronanobubbles make it possible to efficiently pretreat the wastewater introduced into the micronanobubble reaction vessel. Consequently, it becomes possible not only to enhance efficiency of wastewater treatment but also to reduce a treatment load on wastewater treatment equipment 14 in a step subsequent to the pretreatment. Thereby, scale of the wastewater treatment equipment 14 is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Yamasaki, Keichiro Uda, Kazumi Chuhjoh
  • Patent number: 7569150
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick H. Kilawee, Clyde A. Bailey, Leonard J. Kadlec
  • Patent number: 7556738
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the end of a service step and the duration of a brine/slow rinse step in a water conditioner having a bed of ion-exchange material. A sensor probe and a reference probe are positioned in the bed of ion-exchange material vertically displaced from each other. Voltage from each of the probes are monitored over a plurality of time intervals. When the percent increase in the impedance ratio exceeds a pre-specified value the end of a service step is identified and a regeneration cycle is initiated. During the regeneration step, the rate of change in the impedance ratio of the sensor probe to the reference probe is calculated and used to detect two peaks in the rate of change of impedance ratio between the sensor probe and the reference probe, followed by terminating the brine/slow rinse step after both peaks have been detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Culligan International Company
    Inventors: Kumudika Premathilake, John VanNewenhizen
  • Publication number: 20090114586
    Abstract: An ion exchange resin tower including a tank, a supply line, an output line, and a plurality of sampling tubes is provided. The supply line guides a liquid into the tank, such that an ion exchange occurs between the liquid and the ion exchange resin in the tank. The processed liquid is guided out of the tank via the output line. The sampling tubes are disposed on a sidewall of the tank to sample the liquid flowing through the resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: AU OPTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ching-Wei Chu, Cheng-Wen Li, Chien-Chang Yang, Chang-Lung Pan
  • Publication number: 20090095685
    Abstract: A treatment system including a vibratory mixer is disclosed. The vibratory mixer comprises a vibrating element to facilitate the dissolution of a treating agent that facilitates separation of solids from liquids in water and wastewater streams. Vibratory mixing energy that effects mixing is generated by utilizing magnetostrictive or piezoelectric materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: SIEMENS WATER TECHNOLOGIES HOLDING CORP.
    Inventors: Ralph L. Morrison, Jeffrey Rhodes
  • Publication number: 20090090675
    Abstract: A process for removal of salt and/or bacteria via ultrasound cavitation, which, by means of controlling cavitation, enables the salt crystals to be distilled and also aids in decanting coliforms and bacteria from the fluid by means of bursting gas bubbles within the fluid. As a result, liquids can be obtained which lead to different quality parameters with low impact on the environment, low energy costs and high production rates. The process can be applied to separate any inorganic or organic material from liquids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Ruben Garcia Marroche
  • Patent number: 7514008
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a system and method that intensely oxidizes water as it navigates through a system and accurately, controllably neutralizes the oxidation by-products before the water exits the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivey Burnes, Thoram Charanda, Thomas J. Nicodemo, Richard Davis, Janell Crowder
  • Publication number: 20090065439
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Peter D. Hicks, David A. Grattan
  • Publication number: 20090065440
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Peter D. Hicks, David A. Grattan
  • Patent number: 7494588
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a control method, for a wastewater purification system, where the status of a wastewater purification system employing a batch activated sludge process is accurately understood by analyzing the data waveforms of DO, ORP and pH. In the control method for a wastewater purification system, an aeration device is controlled by a programmable sequencer, a controller acquires respective data waveforms from a first sensor, a second sensor and a third sensor and the control status data of the programmable sequencer, the controller analyzes the data waveform of dissolved oxygen concentration from the first sensor, the data waveform of oxidation-reduction potential from the second sensor, and the data waveform of hydrogen ion concentration from the third sensor, and the controller performs an alarm process when a deviation from a previously fixed normal state is discovered as a result of the analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Itochu Forestry Corp.
    Inventors: Sakujiro Nakamura, Seiji Yokoi, Yasuo Kodera
  • Publication number: 20090026144
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Peter D. Hicks, David A. Grattan
  • Patent number: 7481940
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: NewBio E-Systems, Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert E. Clifford, III, John Mills, Greg Stadden, Michael S. Gratz
  • Publication number: 20080314841
    Abstract: A sewage treatment control device, a method and a sewage treatment system, are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Tai Wha Lease Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young Hak Moon
  • Patent number: 7445703
    Abstract: A water conductivity monitoring circuit determines the status of an ion exchange filter in the water flow to a steam generator. A microprocessor sends a reference signal to a conductivity sensor circuit that converts it to an excite signal that is sent to a probe in the water flow. Any conductivity of the water alters the excite signal, and the modified signal is compared to the reference signal to establish a value indicative of the conductivity of the water. The microprocessor compares the value to at least two thresholds representative of the status of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Randall Savage, Dwain Francis Moore, Thomas N. Robinson, Joel Matthew Sells
  • Patent number: 7435235
    Abstract: A method and blood treatment equipment for controlling infusion are described. The equipment comprising: an extracorporeal blood circuit, a pre-infusion line connected to the blood circuit upstream a blood treatment unit, a post-infusion line connected to the blood circuit downstream the blood treatment unit, a waste line connected to an outlet of the treatment unit. A sensor operates on the waste line for sensing at least one fluid parameter and is connected to a control unit which commands a fluid flow through said pre-infusion line and through said post-infusion line. The control unit also determines from values of said fluid parameter at least a corresponding value of an efficiency parameter relating to blood depuration efficiency of the blood treatment unit, and controls the flow rate of at least one of the fluid flows through said infusion lines as a function of the value of the efficiency parameter. A software program for execution by the control unit is also claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventor: Jan Peter Sternby
  • Patent number: 7431840
    Abstract: A process and system for denitrification of wastewater. The process includes the steps of measuring an influent flow rate, measuring influent concentrations of nitrates, nitrites, and dissolved oxygen in the wastewater, and using the influent concentrations to determine a nominal amount of methanol to be provided for denitrification. The invention also contemplates the measurement of effluent concentrations of nitrates and nitrites (i.e., NOx), and optionally using the effluent concentrations to adjust the nominal amount of methanol being provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Parkson Corporation
    Inventors: Dominic Janssen, Michael McGehee
  • Publication number: 20080237143
    Abstract: This invention provides a method of preventing corrosion in industrial water systems. The method includes maintaining a real-time oxidation-reduction potential at a set point, wherein the system is at operating temperature and pressure. A nonlinear equation is derived based upon theoretically derived or empirically collected data. The equation is then used to determine an inflow of active chemical species to the water system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Peter D. Hicks
  • Publication number: 20080203033
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: ECOWATER SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Kennedy Gregory, David Sinkula, Jeffrey Zimmerman, Chaouki Khamis, Michael Stoick
  • Patent number: 7402252
    Abstract: An automated system of the present invention adds electrolyte into a pool. The automated system includes a sanitizer generator, a circulation system, and an electrolytic solution delivery system. The circulation system, which includes the sanitizer generator, has a suction line and a discharge line that delivers water from the pool through a circulation path. The delivery system controls the introduction of electrolyte into the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard J. Kadlec, Patrick H. Kilawee
  • Publication number: 20080105621
    Abstract: A method for controlling a cooling water tower comprising: providing a cooling tower system, which includes a recirculated evaporative cooling water stream, a source of make-up water, an evaporative cooling unit, a heat exchanger, a bleed off line, and a bleed-off valve which is in communication with said bleed-off line; providing a plurality of conduits through which said makeup water flows into said evaporative cooling water stream, wherein there is at least a first conduit that contains a weak acid cation ion exchange column and a second conduit that does not contain a weak acid ion exchange column, and wherein each conduit has at least one conduit valve; choosing a pH and a conductivity setpoint value and a deadband value above and below said setpoint value in said cooling tower system; measuring both the pH of said evaporative cooling water stream with one or more pH meters and conductivity of said evaporative cooling water stream with one or more conductivity meters; and implementing a response to said
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventors: Donald A. Johnson, Steven R. Hatch, Arthur J. Kahaian
  • Publication number: 20080099396
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for purifying water, in particular for the continuous purification of water in the paper industry, said device comprising at least one supply line and at least one drain line for the water. The device also comprises a compression device for at least one sub-stream of the water, an injection device for injecting at least one gas and an expansion device for expanding at least one sub-stream of the water. In addition, the device comprises a unit for separating different phases of the water for purification. The device is characterized by a control system, which detects at least one parameter of the water and controls at least the addition of at least one additive in accordance with the process parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicants: Kowitec Ingenieurgesellschaft Fuer Wassertechnik MBH, Meri Entsorgungstechnik fuer die Papierindustrie GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Rother, Frank Wiemeyer, Eberhard Kopp, Christoph Gundlach
  • Publication number: 20070284313
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Jae Bong Lee, Kwang Kyu Park, Hee Moon Eum, Jeon Soo Moon, Phil Yang Park, Seok Won Yoon
  • Patent number: 7294277
    Abstract: A method of determination of the conditions of exhaustion of a filtering cartridge for filtering carafes with replaceable cartridges is described, in which an initial identification of impedance of the water to be filtered is provided for in order to consequently calculate an important parameter for definition of the efficient lifespan on the filtering cartridge. Furthermore a carafe operating in compliance with such method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: LAICA S.p.A.
    Inventor: Maurizio Moretto
  • Publication number: 20070210008
    Abstract: A filter monitor is disclosed capable of sensing the presence of water in the filter. The sensor utilizes changes in capacitance of a water absorbing media which functions as a dielectric disposed between a pair of electrodes. The sensor is in communication with a valve means to interrupt the transient fluid when a predetermined amount of water is present in the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Gregory Scott Sprenger, David Stanley Hawkins, Michael Joseph Gish, Jed Babbington Stevens
  • Patent number: 7258801
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for reducing DI water consumption by delivering the DI water at an elevated processing temperature when demanded. The DI water is passed through a heater for heating the DI water to a processing temperature in a single pass. The DI water is circulated through a recirculation loop, including the heater, until demanded. The DI water is monitored for contaminants and bubbles or voids. Detected contaminants or voids are discharged through vents of the system. Turbulence or biocides can be introduced into the recirculated DI water for inhibiting biological contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Heatflex Corporation
    Inventors: Jorge Ramirez, Hector Joel Castaneda, Jose Luis Tlaxca
  • Patent number: 7244365
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for safely decontaminating the chill water used in meat processing. The decontaminant used in the process is chlorine dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Ashland Licensing and Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Scott A. Marckini, Ronald G. Martin, Russell L. Sims
  • Patent number: 7208117
    Abstract: This invention relates to an automated process to inhibit corrosion of the metal surface of an inactive boiler containing water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Ashland Licensing and Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: George F. Hays, Vladimir Grigorov, Lois J. Neil, Bruce L. Lubutti
  • Patent number: 7179383
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for manipulating and monitoring analyte flowing in fluid streams. A giant magnetoresistive sensor has an array of sensing elements that produce electrical output signals which vary in dependence on changes in the magnetic field proximate the sensing elements. The analyte is included in a stream, such that the stream has a magnetic property which is dependent on the concentration and distribution on the analyte therein. The stream is flowed past the giant magnetoresistive sensor and in sufficiently close proximity to cause the magnetic properties of the stream to produce electrical output signals. The electrical output signals are monitored as an indicator of analyte concentration or distribution in the stream flowing past the GMR sensor. Changes in the magnetic field produced by the background stream are introduced by analyte molecules, whose presence in the flow past the GMR will effect the output reading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Marc D Porter, Jing Ni, G Brent Dawson, Ruth Shinar, Robert J Lipert, Michael C Granger, Mark Tondra
  • Patent number: 7169614
    Abstract: A convenient and commonly applicable method for the specific detection of a nucleic acid with an arbitrary sequence is provide. This method comprises attaching at least a nucleic acid single strand to an electrode, bringing the thus-obtained modified electrode in contact with a solution containing the analyte single-stranded nucleic acid, and measuring the redox reaction of the redox marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Japan Science and Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshio Umezawa, Hiroshi Aoki
  • Patent number: 7157008
    Abstract: A conditioning process and equipment are provided for removing hardness from water circulated in a system, such as an evaporative cooling system. A sidestream from such system is routed to a reaction chamber and back to the system. A conditioner is added to the sidestream before entering the reaction chamber and a buffer is added to the sidestream exiting the reaction chamber. Since some of the buffered sidestream is re-circulated, a fluid bed develops in the reaction chamber consisting of conditioner, buffer, precipitated solids and sidestream water. Continued sidestream water entry mixes with the fluid bed causing additional precipitation of solids. 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 another embodiment, a corrosion inhibitor blend is pre-mixed with the buffer, resulting in a softer, more readily drainable fluid bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Samuel Rupert Owens
  • Patent number: 7141175
    Abstract: A method of treating wastewater is described in which an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) of a wastewater stream over time at a plurality of processing stages using a plurality of ORP sensors is used. The wastewater is modified based on the sensed ORP so as to raise the ORP when the sensed ORP is below a target ORP range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Kuldeep C. Verma
  • Patent number: 7138088
    Abstract: Apparatuses, devices, systems and methods for detecting access disconnection are provided. The present invention includes electrical contacts in fluid and electrical communication with a fluid passing between a patient and a medical system during therapy. In this regard, the present invention can use a direct-contact measurement to detect access disconnection, such as dislodgment of an access device from the patient through which fluid can flow during therapy including, for example, medication delivery, dialysis therapy and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Ramesh Wariar, James Han, George Lamberson, Thomas P. Hartranft, Thore Falkvall
  • Patent number: 7115107
    Abstract: A blood circuit (1) for a dialysis machine is made form plastic material and is provided with a metallic plate (30), which is applied to an external face of the blood circuit (1) and is connectable to a voltage generator (34) in such a way as to form a capacitor, in which the plate (30) and the blood act as the capacitor plates and the plastic material acts as the dielectric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventors: Annalisa Delnevo, Carlo Alberto Lodi