Destroying Microorganisms Patents (Class 210/764)
  • Patent number: 8444860
    Abstract: A method for disinfecting hot water, in recirculating systems, includes producing monochloramine directly in hot water, at a temperature higher than 30° C. in a hot water circulating system The method is implemented by an apparatus for disinfecting hot water, in recirculating systems, having a main hot water circuit, one or more water delivery points and a water feed point, adapted to maintain the circulating water volume constant, a drawing point, where a portion of water of the main circuit is drawn and an intake point where water added with monochloramine is reintroduced into the main circuit; and an adding circuit formed between the drawing point and the intake point; the adding circuit has a control and adding system, adapted to add monochloramine producing reagents to the hot water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Sanipur S.r.l.
    Inventors: Gianfranco Garusi, Francesco Garusi
  • Patent number: 8444858
    Abstract: There is provided a method of inhibiting the development of a biofilm adjacent a surface, the method comprising intermittently applying a biofilm inhibiting substance to a collection of microorganisms having biofilm developing potential. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: A.Y. Laboratories Ltd.
    Inventor: Ayala Barak
  • Publication number: 20130095224
    Abstract: The present invention relates to purification of liquid in a food processing system, such as a beverage or brine from cheese brining. A method, device, system and use for antimicrobial treatment and simultaneous particle reduction, without adding chemicals, are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Tetra Leval Holdings & Finance S. A.
    Inventor: Thomas WUNSCHE
  • Patent number: 8420012
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for controlling (e.g. inhibiting) or killing microorganisms in an aqueous environment. The method includes the addition of an effective amount of monochlorourea or modified monochlorourea to an aqueous solution. This aqueous solution may be a cooling water system, a recreational water system, a water treatment facility, or any circulating water system (i.e. a papermaking facility). A method of producing monochlorourea or modified monochlorourea is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Hercules Incorporated
    Inventors: Russell J. Jerusik, Maren David, Jay C. Henderson
  • Publication number: 20130075346
    Abstract: Methods for introducing a substantially uniform concentration of a functional agent into a flowing stream of water using a shaped composition. The composition may be shaped and sized to be inserted into a device configured to be attached over the end of a faucet. The shaped composition comprises a dissolvable region including a functional agent (e.g., an anti-microbial sanitizing agent). A non-dissolvable region disposed adjacent to the dissolvable region may optionally be provided. The substantially non-dissolvable region remains substantially intact as the dissolving region is progressively dissolved, introducing the functional agent into a flowing stream of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Evan Rumberger, William Ouellette, William L. Smith
  • Patent number: 8398863
    Abstract: Water-purifying apparatus which generates anions and processing method thereof, which activates water through generating anions to obtain good quality purified water corresponding to pure life-giving water. Raw water introduced into the water-purifying apparatus is introduced into an inflow pipe formed in a zigzag shape and rotating units are rotated by flow rate of the introduced raw water, to raise a vortex phenomenon to generate bubbles. Accordingly, anion content and dissolved oxygen amount increases. Moreover, filter members filter poisonous impurities in the raw water to provide good quality purified water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: Chun Haeng Cho
  • Patent number: 8394274
    Abstract: Method and system for treating a waste stream. The waste is presented in containers, such as chamber pots and other containers for liquid and other kinds of waste. such waste can be supplied at different locations and is immediately comminuted. In a separating stage, the waste stream is separated into container material and actual waste. Actual waste is fed to a bioreactor where the water is purified so that it may be re-used, if desired. If biodegradable, the container material may be subjected to a fermentation step. Heat and gases released in the process may be used for heating the fermenter and/or generating power. It is also possible to feed kitchen waste, which may optionally have been comminuted, to the fermentation. The stream leaving the fermentation may be separated into hard components which are filtered off and composted and into softer components which can be fed to the purification installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Pharmafilter B.V.
    Inventor: Eduardo-Alexander Van Den Berg
  • Publication number: 20130037492
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods are provided for treating ballast water by chemical injection using an injector having a geometry that minimally obstructs the ballast water flow to accomplish homogeneous mixing of hypochlorite with the ballast water within a short distance. The injector is inexpensive and has a configuration that may be easily installed and maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: SEVERN TRENT DE NORA, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Knight, Rudolf Matousek, William Burroughs, Lucette Falcon
  • Patent number: 8366939
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for improving water quality by reducing chlorine demand, decreasing disinfection by-products and controlling deposits in drinking water distribution systems include adding low concentrations of supplemental oxidants, for example, RE-Ox® to the systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Blue Earth Labs, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas R. Vineyard, Eric W. Christensen, Jason Peters
  • Patent number: 8366941
    Abstract: A process for exothermic treatment and recovery of masses including: urban solid waste (USW), including differentiated and non-differentiated damp waste and non-differentiated waste of vegetable origin; sludge generated by industrial and non-industrial water treatment; solid, semi-solid, pasty residue and/or sludge residue coming from industrial, agricultural and food-processing operations; soils and inert materials contaminated by organic matrices; solid, semi-solid, pasty residue and/or sludge residue of hydrocarbon compounds, including asphalt and organic-chemical compounds; contaminating animal excrements, such as those of poultry and/or swine. In particular, the process envisages the use of an exothermic reaction produced by mixing the mass to be treated with a mixture of calcium oxides (CaO) and/or calcium hydroxides Ca(OH)2, in the presence of an inert catalyst moistened with water, in the absence of oxygen using the charcoal-pile technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Antonino Schillaci
    Inventor: Antonino Schillaci
  • Publication number: 20130015140
    Abstract: A method is for the treatment of ballast water, in which the ballast water is carried into a ballast tank via a down pipe and in which an underpressure created at the upper portion of the down pipe induces the formation of gas bubbles in the ballast water. Before flowing into the down pipe, the ballast water is carried via a throttling device into a closed container at the upper portion of the down pipe, the closed container having a flow area larger than the flow area of the down pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: Knutsen Ballastvann AS
    Inventor: Per Lothe
  • Patent number: 8349192
    Abstract: A method for collapsing a microbubble includes applying stimulation to the microbubble during the gradual decrease of the its size. As a result, the microbubble floating in a solution that decreases in size due to the natural dissolution of a gas contained in the microbubble and disappears after a while, has the speed of its size decrease enhanced and causes the microbubble to disappear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Reo Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayoshi Takahashi, Kaneo Chiba
  • Publication number: 20120318751
    Abstract: The present invention provides ballast water treatment equipment which can decompose fungicide included in ballast water and reduce the amount of use of fungicide adsorbing material by passing through the ballast water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicants: TOHOKU UNIVERSITY, KOWA KOGYO CO., LTD., JAPAN BASIC MATERIAL CO., LTD., TSUDA KAIUN CO., LTD., YAMANISHI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akihiro Kijima, Yasuaki Kohama, Masae Suzuki, Ikuo Chiba, Kouji Onodera, Keiki Kano, Kouichirou Kanno, Takayuki Ito, Yoshinobu Yashima, Toshihiko Abe
  • Patent number: 8329042
    Abstract: Sludge is treated in a treatment chamber by providing a pair of electrodes in the treatment chamber and applying an electrical current between the electrodes such that one of the electrodes functions as an anode and one of the electrodes functions as a cathode in proximity to the outlet. A flow of water is induced from the sludge towards the outlet by the electrical current. An ion exchange textile comprising exchangeable functional groups grafted thereon is located in proximity to at least one of the electrodes such that the ionic forms of the metals are exchanged with the functional groups on the ion exchange textile. Accordingly the sludge is dewatered and metals in the sludge are captured commonly in the treatment chamber while the electrical current simultaneously inactivates pathogens in the treatment chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventors: Maria Elektorowicz, Jan Oleszkiewicz
  • Patent number: 8293118
    Abstract: A method of treating an agricultural-water canal to decompose organic debris in the agricultural-water canal is disclosed. The method provides a controlled delivery of biocide particles to the surface of water by entraining biocide particles in a gaseous stream and then scattering the biocide particles across the surface of the water by propelling the biocide-laden gaseous stream to the surface of the water, whereat the biocide particles are released from the gaseous stream. A device for implementing the method is also disclosed. The device includes a gas blower, a feed hopper and a port which is adapted to direct and propel the biocide-laden gaseous stream to the surface of water in the agricultural-water canal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventors: John C. Miller, Deborah L. Miller
  • Patent number: 8287729
    Abstract: A lightweight water treatment system which can be easily distributed and employed by disaster survivors for treating locally available freshwater sources. The water treatment system includes an internal storage volume for maintaining a predetermined volume of water, a water fill port in communication with the internal storage volume provided at a first end of the elongated container for receiving the predetermined volume of water, a sealing member disposed at about the first end of the elongated container for maintaining the volume of water within the internal storage volume, a second end of the elongated container for receiving sediment settling out of the predetermined volume of water and a discharge port disposed superjacent to the second conically-shaped end for controllably releasing at least a portion of the water maintained within the internal storage volume of the elongated container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: California Polytechnic Corporation
    Inventors: Trygrve J Lundquist, Patricia M. Compas
  • Publication number: 20120222854
    Abstract: Separators and shakers are disclosed with real time monitoring of screen condition; killing apparatus for killing living things in fluid flowing from a separator or shaker; and/or heating apparatus for heating material fed to or flowing from a separator or shaker. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 38 C.F.R. 1.72(b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Guy L. McClung, III
  • Patent number: 8246942
    Abstract: The invention relates to synergistic mixtures of o-phenylphenol with other microbicidally active compounds, such as bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanedial), 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one, 1,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: LANXESS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Wachtler, Martin Kugler
  • Publication number: 20120195979
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a treatment composition for recreational water, comprising a high molecular weight water soluble resin composition made from long chain alkoxylated polymers or co-polymers that impart emollient properties to the recreational water, as well as articles of manufacture comprising packaging material and the treatment composition for recreational water contained within the packaging material. The present invention is also directed to methods for treating recreational water, and recreational water treated with the above treatment composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: ARCH CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Derek Francis PARISH, Christopher M. ZETENA
  • Publication number: 20120187052
    Abstract: A bacteria deactivation device that has a porous medium through which water and bacteria contained in the water, like E. coli and fecal coliform, are passed. Silver, such as colloidal silver, within the medium deactivates bacteria that pass therethrough. The medium has a porosity and pores sized to provide high flow rates hour while meeting Environmental Protection Agency limits for human consumption of silver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: Solutions Benefiting Life
    Inventor: DAVID J. ELLIOTT
  • Publication number: 20120190749
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel sterilization method capable of killing not only microorganisms in water, but also microorganisms in a gas. Specifically, the present invention provide a method for sterilizing a gas or liquid, comprising contacting a microorganism in a gas or liquid with a material containing an amorphous carbon having a sulfo group introduced therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: TOKYO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Michikazu Hara, Takeshi Kadono, Takahiro Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8211318
    Abstract: A biocide is formed by mixing at least one of ammonium sulfamate and ammonium carbamate with an aqueous solution of a hypochlorite oxidant at a molar ratio of ammonium to hypochlorite of at least 1:1. The biocide is useful in treating microbial or biofilm growth, pulp and paper process water, cooling tower water, waste water, reclaimed waste water, sludge, colloidal suspensions, irrigation water or a medium having a reducing capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: A. Y. Laboratories Ltd
    Inventor: Ayala Barak
  • Patent number: 8202337
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a containment system having integrated bubble tight-dampers. In another embodiment, the containment system includes an integral auto-scan mechanism disposed in the housing of the containment system so that a filter element, disposed in the housing, may be leak tested without accessing the interior of the housing. In yet another embodiment, a method for testing a filter disposed in a containment system includes challenging an upstream side of a filter element disposed in a housing of the containment system with a test aerosol, and automatically moving a probe disposed within the housing to obtain samples for leak testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Camfil Farr, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Morse, Mark Huza
  • Patent number: 8187473
    Abstract: The present invention provides a functional transition metal silicate (FTMS) effective as a decontaminant, a disinfectant, a detoxificant, a protectant, a microbicide or combination thereof, comprising a ratio of transition metal to silica in the transition metal silicate in a predetermined range and a structural composition for said effectiveness, said FTMS being capable of being immobilized on a suitable materials or incorporating into resins and/or coating along with resins on suitable materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: Yandapalli Durga Prasad
  • Publication number: 20120128843
    Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions containing buffered propionic or acetic acid mixed with pelargonic acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Kurt Richardson, Julio Pimentel, James D. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20120115723
    Abstract: A composition for treating waters, e.g. ballast water or injection water for oil recovery, to kill in-situ aquatic invasive species comprises at least one biocide capable of killing both animal and plant micro-organisms. The at least one biocide preferably comprises Brilliant Green, Gentian Violet, and/or erythrosine, and a wetting agent or detergent-like compound such as CTAB or CTAC. The invention also relates to a system for treating ballast water in situ comprising means for injecting a composition for treating ballast water; means for measuring the flow rate or amount of ballast water to be treated; means for controlling the dosing of the composition; and means for storing or receiving the composition. The invention also relates to a method of detecting viable aquatic organisms in ballast water in situ comprising detecting metabolism in viable micro-organisms in ballast water and, therefore, measuring the efficacy of any treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE
    Inventors: William Stimson, Peilin Zhou, Dracos Vassalos, Atilla Incecik
  • Patent number: 8173067
    Abstract: A new, novel and useful disinfection and purification system comprised of organic compounds in synergistic action with selected metal ions and method of manufacture and use. One of the benefits that is derived from this system is the ability to quickly and easily treat a surface, fluid or medium for disinfection of bacteria, fungi, viruses, algae and protozoans, with a non-toxic, non-chlorinated mixture that effectively kills all such organisms in minutes or hours. The disinfection and purification system remains effective for long periods of time maintaining its disinfection capacity making it highly effective for stored or transported mediums such as potable drinking water. The disinfection and purification system may be incorporated with carbon block or membrane filters to disinfect filtered liquids such as water to render it potable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Bradley J. Eldred
  • Publication number: 20120097620
    Abstract: A apparatus for treating ballast water with acrolein which is to be connected to a main ballast water line of a ballast water unit, comprises a reactor device to which acrolein derivate and water is to be fed for generating an aqueous acrolein solution, a branch line which is connected to the main ballast water line for branching off a partial ballast water stream, and a mixing device which is connected to the branch line and an acrolein solution supply line from the reactor device and is designed for diluting the aqueous acrolein solution from the reactor device, and a feed device for supplying the aqueous acrolein solution from the mixing unit to the main ballast water line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Holger Blum
  • Publication number: 20120091071
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide liquid pump apparatus. The apparatus may comprise an immersion assembly comprising at least one immersion member having a liquid conduit provided therein along at least a portion of a length thereof, the immersion assembly being arranged whereby in use at least a portion of the immersion assembly is immersed in liquid to be pumped, the apparatus being arranged to provide a supply of gaseous fluid to liquid in the tank through the at least one immersion member at one of a plurality of vertically spaced apart locations of the assembly thereby to cause passage of liquid through the assembly from a liquid inlet aperture to a liquid outlet aperture of the assembly, the apparatus being configured whereby a location at which gaseous fluid is supplied to the immersion assembly is selected to be a location at which a head of pressure of liquid in the tank is within a prescribed range of values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Gary Short
  • Publication number: 20120091070
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide a multi-stage water treatment and enrichment apparatus with an upper water reservoir, a lower water reservoir, a cartridge that is composed of a porous filter and multiple seep through chambers that treat and enrich water, a water dispensing tap valve, and a preservation cartridge. Collectively, these components function (1) to provide multiple levels of treatment including filtration and purification, (2) to provide enrichment of water via mineralization, magnetization, softening, and alkalinization, (3) to provide for customizability of the treatment and enrichment so that different consumers can adapt these processes to satisfy their own personal preferences, (4) to provide an apparatus that operates using gravitational forces and without the need for external power or pressure to perform the multi-stage treatment and enrichment of water, and (5) to provide an inexpensive apparatus that is suitable for primary usage in the home.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Bernard Sjauta, Grace Hung
  • Patent number: 8133400
    Abstract: A portable ozonation apparatus for storing and purifying liquids includes a container having an opening for receiving a liquid and a treatment cap. The treatment cap is preferably detachably mounted to the container at the opening. Preferably, the treatment cap includes a main body portion having provided therein an electricity generating device and an ozone generating device. With this arrangement, un-purified liquid, such as water, is introduced into the container. The container is then inverted to bring the un-purified liquid into contact with the ozone generating device. At this point, the electricity generating device is activated to deliver an electrical current to the ozone generating device. Once powered, the ozone generating device produces ozone which is introduced into the liquid container. The ozone gas transforms un-purified liquid into a purified liquid suitable for consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy A. Kee, Paul W. Barnett
  • Patent number: 8123956
    Abstract: An interactive sanitizer controller/display pad and method for controlling and selecting a dispensing rate in a sanitizer dispensing system based on the time the system is in a periodic dispensing mode and for indicating when a sanitizing dispenser needs replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: King Technology
    Inventors: Joseph A. King, Mark Snetting, Jeffrey D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8123958
    Abstract: A method for treating ship ballast water in which aquatic organisms in the ship ballast water are exterminated by adding hydrogen peroxide or a compound producing hydrogen peroxide in an amount such that a hydrogen peroxide concentration comes to be 10 to 500 mg/L to the ship ballast water, and then providing physical means for causing shear strength and/or cavitation to the ship ballast water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignees: Katayama Chemical, Inc., The Japan Association of Marine Safety, Marine Technology Institute Co., Ltd., Laboratory of Aquatic Science Consultant Corporation, M.O. Marine Consulting, Ltd., Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., Shinko Ind. Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Fukuyo, Yoshiharu Wakao, Takuro Tabuchi, Takashi Mizumori, Takeaki Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 8123959
    Abstract: Provided are methods of modifying solid particles with functional agents to provide anti-microbial media. The anti-microbial media comprise a surface-modified inorganic component which is a reaction product of an anti-microbial component and an inorganic component. Methods of making the media include agitating inorganic base material in a processing tank substantially simultaneously with spraying the anti-microbial component into the processing tank to form a coated base material. Methods of making the media also include maintaining a ratio of the anti-microbial component to the inorganic component such that the coated base material is below its compaction point. Methods of use are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Eshan B. Yeh, Keith D. Solomon
  • Publication number: 20120024796
    Abstract: A sustainable method and system for treating and maintaining bodies of water at low cost for low density recreational use is disclosed. A system of the invention generally includes at least one containing means, at least one coordination means, at least one chemical application means, at least one non-intrusive mobile suction means, and at least one filtration means. The coordinating means can receive information regarding water quality parameters that are controlled, and can timely activate the processes necessary to adjust the water quality parameters within their respective limits. The disclosed methods and system filter only a small fraction of the total water volume, up to 200 times less per day than the flow filtered by conventional swimming pool filtration systems. The disclosed methods and system also use less chemicals, up to 100 times less than conventional swimming pool water treatment systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: Crystal Lagoons Corporation LLC
    Inventor: Fernando Banjamin Fischmann T.
  • Patent number: 8105494
    Abstract: A system for reducing or preventing the growth of organisms in the process water used to coat glass fibers with a formaldehyde-free binder composition. One or more biocides is added to the process water that mitigates the growth of microbes in the water. The biocides are added in an amount sufficient to minimize growth of organisms without adversely affecting the application of the binder composition to the glass fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Johns Manville
    Inventor: Michael William Miks
  • Publication number: 20120012538
    Abstract: A method of treating ballast water. The method consists of a step of using as a concentrated brine solution having such a high degree of salinity as to kill organisms in the ballast water treatment system. The source of the concentrated brine solution is, preferably, the concentrated hypertonic brine solution produced by a ship's desalination unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: Q5 INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventor: James R. PLANT
  • Patent number: 8097170
    Abstract: A device for treating liquid medium has an ultrasound emitter located relative to a compartment of a container holding a liquid medium and a microbubble emitter located relative to the compartment. The ultrasound emitter emits high-frequency ultrasound between about 200 KHz and 10 MHz. The microbubble emitter emits bubbles with an average diameter of less than 1 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Ashland Licensing and Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Eric Cordemans de Meulenaer, Baudouin Hannecart, Yves Canivet
  • Patent number: 8092741
    Abstract: A water chlorinating device having a vessel (2) in turn having a bottom portion (6) for containing water; a grille (10) located over the bottom portion and for supporting a solid chemical chlorinating substance (11); a spray device (13) for directing at least one water jet on to the grille (10); and a mixing nozzle (29) located inside the bottom portion (6), at the bottom of the vessel (2), and for agitating the water in the bottom portion (6) by means of a water jet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Marchi & Brevetti Interprise S.R.L.
    Inventor: Corrado Barani
  • Patent number: 8088287
    Abstract: An automatic, self-regulating method of water treatment for use in water circulating towers in which water is evaporated, and make up water is added, with components which synergistically function to cut chemical, energy, water, corrosion, pollution, and maintenance costs, by passing the water through a Water Conditioning unit to prevent adhering evaporation scale deposits along with their content of concentrated biofouling nutrients from forming on the flooded surfaces of the tower and its associated water flow circuit, adding a trace level of iodine to the input make-up water to enhance the further disinfection of nutrient-deprived surfaces from any residual biofilm and chance pathogen contaminations, and adding a trace level addition of zinc ions in the water such as by an assured treatment feeder to the input make-up flow for inhibiting residual iodine-resistant algal and bacterial organisms of hazard for restoring bionutrient tower conditions, such as within sun-lit environments, and apparatus for carryi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Evandtec, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick James Dart, John Owen Richmond
  • Publication number: 20110309017
    Abstract: Embodiments are provided for removing a variety of contaminants using both rare earth and non-rare earth-containing treatment elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: MOLYCORP MINERALS, LLC
    Inventors: Carl R. Hassler, John L. Burba, III, Charles F. Whitehead, Joseph Lupo, Timothy L. Oriard
  • Patent number: 8065906
    Abstract: The present invention describes methods and kits for determining the concentration of free chlorine in water. To avoid false readings from other species present in the water, the free chlorine is reacted with ammonia to form monochloramine, which is then reacted to form an indophenol or an indonaphthol. The concentration of the indophenol or indonaphthol is proportional to the total monochloramine present. Subtracting the concentration of residual monochloramine from the total monochloramine yields the concentration of monochloramine formed from the free chlorine and ammonia, and is proportional to the concentration of free chlorine. Embodiments of the present invention will simplify and accelerate accurate measurements of free chlorine in water, without interference from compounds impacting present measurements of free chlorine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Hach Company
    Inventor: Patrick M. Wiese
  • Publication number: 20110284479
    Abstract: A portable device for filtering and purifying water comprised of an outer chamber and an inner chamber that is slidable within a section of the outer chamber, and a small pore size pre-filter, whereby water is drawn through the pre-filter into the first container section of the outer chamber where it is isolated and treated with a disinfectant agent, then is drawn out of the first container section and into the second container section, and then into the inner chamber, where it is passed across another filtering material such as an activated carbon bed, removing any remaining contaminants before the potable water exits through a mouthpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Paul W. O'Brien, Mogens Engel
  • Patent number: 8048317
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for chemical analysis, bacterial disinfection, oxidative destruction and/or mineralization of organic compounds comprising using zero-valent iron and/or zero-valent iron-containing bimetallic compounds, preferably in acidic solution and/or in the presence of oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: University of Hawaii
    Inventors: Jamil Rima, Qing X. Li, Lizette Aouezova
  • Publication number: 20110262325
    Abstract: An object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a highly reliable hazardous substance removing material capable of efficiently capturing and quickly inactivating hazardous substances of microbe origin such as viruses and bacteria, so as to minimize influences on the human body, such material being unlikely to be influenced by, for example, dimensional changes derived from dynamical and physical properties or a use environment (particularly humidity). The present invention provides a hazardous substance removing material which comprises a support having antibodies supported thereon, wherein a support is composed of a fiber which comprises at least one polymer having a carbonyl group and/or an ether group and has a volume swelling degree of not less than 1.1% to less than 10% in a water at 20° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Iwanaga
  • Patent number: 8043556
    Abstract: An ablutionary installation including a mixing valve having respective inlets for hot and cold water and an outlet for temperature controlled water, a temperature sensor for monitoring outlet water temperature and providing a signal representative of the outlet water temperature to an electronic controller, a user interface permitting selection of outlet water temperature up to a pre-determined temperature, the electronic controller being operable to compare the selected and sensed outlet water temperatures for controlling the mixing valve to adjust the ratio of hot and cold water delivered to the outlet according to the selected outlet water temperature, and apparatus for initiating a disinfection cycle to deliver water to the outlet at a temperature higher than the pre-determined temperature, wherein the initiating apparatus includes an operating sequence with at least two inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Kohler Mira Limited
    Inventors: Kevin Peel, Timothy James Shepherd, Geoffrey Hawke Whale, Paul Vigars, Nicholas John Beck
  • Patent number: 8029677
    Abstract: A water purification method and devices, and in particular a purification method effective against microbes, that uses a silane-based antimicrobial, and in particular the AEGIS MICROBE SHIELD antimicrobial, where the antimicrobial is embedded, coated, or otherwise permanently applied to a substrate or carrier, such as a solid, a porous solid, fibers or the like. A volume of microbe contaminated water is exposed to the antimicrobial carrier for sufficient residence time such that sufficient quantities of microbes are eradicated and the water is made potable. The antimicrobial carrier may be an object suspended or placed into a container or reservoir for the water, or the antimicrobial carrier may comprise the container or reservoir itself. Particulate filters or the like may also be combined with the antimicrobial container to remove other undesirable contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, J. Tad Heyman
  • Patent number: 8025807
    Abstract: A processor for decontaminating devices is comprised of a chamber for holding devices and a circulation system to circulate a microbial decontamination fluid through the chamber. A water filtration system filters water used in the processor. The water filtration system has a water line connectable to a source of pressurized water. A water decontamination system fluidly communicates with the source of water and the processor. The water decontamination system has a water circulation path and a tank located within the water circulation path. Means are provided to circulate water along the water circulation path through the tank. A gas circulation path fluidly communicates with the tank. Conveying means is provided to convey gas along the gas circulation path through the tank. An ozone producing device is located along the gas circulation path to introduce ozone into gas flowing along the gas circulation path and through the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Michael A. Centanni, Kathleen A. Fix, Christopher A. Jethrow
  • Patent number: 8007654
    Abstract: An electrochemically activated fluid is provided, which has an anolyte and a catholyte. For example, a sparged anolyte and a sparged catholyte are provided. In another example, a combined anolyte and catholyte is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Bruce F. Field, Patrick J. Gronlund
  • Publication number: 20110198764
    Abstract: Aeration pipe for diffusion of a gas into a liquid medium, the pipe having a flexible microporous tubular wall of thermoset polymer particles and a thermoplastic binder for melt bonding said thermoset polymer particles and dispersing an antimicrobial compound substantially uniformly throughout the wall. The aeration pipe is useful in various environments such as aquaculture and waste water treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: Tekni-Plex, Inc.
    Inventors: Willam S. Mitchell, Erick Benjamin Williams