Destroying Microorganisms Patents (Class 210/764)
  • Publication number: 20090078651
    Abstract: A water treatment method for reducing/eliminating and preventing biofilm buildup in recirculating water systems. The method includes providing both NuTower™ and a biocide in a recirculating water system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: ReNew Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David Bronson Gregory, William Wayne Soper
  • Patent number: 7501067
    Abstract: A two part biocide composition containing metal ions and bromine donor for killing microorganisms in a body of water and a method of killing microorganisms in a body of water by placing both metal ions and a bromine in the body of water to allow use of lower concentrations of bromine than if bromine were used alone as a biocide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventors: Joseph A. King, Marlin Frank
  • Patent number: 7501061
    Abstract: A method and system for providing Water for Injection using reverse osmosis. Water for Injection can be produced by reverse osmosis and the reverse osmosis membrane can be kept in a constantly self-sanitizing condition. One way of obtaining a constantly self-sanitizing condition is to maintain the reverse osmosis membrane at an elevated temperature during production of Water for Injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Water Technologies Holding Corp.
    Inventors: Jonathan Wood, John Arba, Gary Zoccolante, Anil Jha
  • Patent number: 7497953
    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 biofllm 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: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Envirotower Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick James Dart, John Owen Richmond
  • Publication number: 20090039035
    Abstract: A process has been found which increases the efficiency and effectiveness of introducing antimicrobial compounds into complex biofilm matrices through the use of liposome carriers, thereby removing the biofouling in industrial water bearing systems, including piping, heat exchanges, condensers, filtration systems and fluid storage tanks. According to one embodiment of the invention, antimicrobial compound containing liposomes are added to water systems prone to biofouling and biofilm formation. The liposomes, being similar in composition to microbial membranes or cells, are readily incorporated into the existing biofilm. Once the antimicrobial compound containing liposomes become entrained with the biofilm matrix, the decomposition or programmed disintegration of the liposome proceeds. Thereafter the biocidal aqueous core is released to react directly with the biofilm encased microorganisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Wilson Kurt Whitekettle, Gloria Jean Tafel, Qing Zhao
  • Publication number: 20090039034
    Abstract: A method for controlling protozoa trophozites and cysts wherein biocides or control agents are encapsulated within microcapsules or manufactured into the core of liposomes, thereafter the biocide containing microcapsules or liposomes are then introduced into an aqueous system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Wilson Kurt Whitekettle, Gloria Jean Tafel
  • Publication number: 20090039030
    Abstract: A system and method is described for destroying microbes in water from bathing apparatuses, such as swimming pools, using heat. Part of the stream from the pool is diverted, heated to an antimicrobial temperature, and recombined as a merged stream before it reenters the pool at a safe temperature. Further embodiments include addition of chemical antimicrobial agents, a controller, a storage vessel, and a cooler. Operating costs will increase little, if any, as compared with a conventional system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Conrad S. Revak
  • Patent number: 7485259
    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: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventor: Bradley J. Eldred
  • Patent number: 7473370
    Abstract: A water disinfection system using simultaneous multiple disinfectants includes a completely stirred tank reactor (CSTR) and a contact basin or clearwell acting as a plug flow reactor (PFR). The CSTR receives ammoniated water and free chlorine, and generates multiple disinfectants in primary disinfection water within the CSTR. The contact basin or clearwell receives primary disinfected water from the CSTR, the primary disinfected water containing the disinfectants. A method for water disinfection including mixing the non-disinfected treated water with ammonia to form ammoniated water, mixing the ammoniated water with free chlorine to form a primary disinfection water including multiple disinfectants, and maintaining the disinfectants in the primary disinfection water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventor: Yao B. Kouame
  • Patent number: 7465401
    Abstract: A method of treating chloraminated water by adding copper ions is disclosed. The addition of copper ions inhibits microbial action in the water, thus reducing nitrification of ammonia and maintaining chloramine levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Water Corporation
    Inventor: Laszlo Koska
  • Publication number: 20080296234
    Abstract: A container for releasing a microbiocide component into a liquid composition susceptible to unwanted microbial growth (LCMG) includes a LCMG-impermeable casing separate and apart from an internal combustion engine housing, and having a hollow interior and at least one opening. A microbiocide component, for example, at least one LCMG-soluble microbiocide, is located in the hollow interior. At least one LCMG-permeable element is provided at or near an opening in the casing and is effective to provide for release of microbiocide component into the LCMG. Methods of releasing microbiocide component into LCMGs are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Dober Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis R. Kelly, David Alan Little, Magesh Sundaram
  • Publication number: 20080290044
    Abstract: An on-board ship water treatment system includes such features as drinking water purification and ballast water treatment. The on-board ship water treatment system includes an on-board ship water treatment vessel. A chlorine dioxide generator is fluidly connected to the on-board ship water treatment vessel. The chlorine dioxide generator includes a chlorine dioxide gas source and an absorption loop for effecting the dissolution of chlorine dioxide into a liquid stream. The absorption loop is fluidly connected to the chlorine dioxide gas source. A gas transfer assembly is interposed between the chlorine dioxide gas source and the absorption loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Chenniah Nanjundiah, Larry L. Hawn, Jeffrey M. Dotson
  • Patent number: 7455859
    Abstract: Liquid and solid bromine-containing compositions are described. A liquid mixed halogen composition is also described. The highly concentrated liquid compositions and the high-activity solid compositions have excellent physical and chemical stability. The compositions are effective biocides in water treatment. Methods of preparing the compositions are also disclosed. These include combining a bromine compound in the oxidation state of ?1 with hydrogen peroxide and a complexing agent followed by the addition of an alkaline source. The methods may further include the use of a solid organic or solid inorganic halogenating agent, conducting a solid-liquid separation, and adding an alkaline source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Enviro Tech Chemical Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan N. Howarth, Michael S. Harvey
  • Patent number: 7455773
    Abstract: A chemical/biological wastewater treatment plant method and apparatus employing rapid sludge chemical dewatering technology in conjunction with an environmental biological system for treating the separated treated wastewater by land applying it for plant consumption, and/or passing it through aqueous plant or microbial reduction of the dissolved solids and ammonia for BOD compliance to produce water of sufficient quality to meet open stream and ocean effluent discharge requirements; and disposing of the high BTU low moisture solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Earth Renaissance Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Harmon, Terry Gong, Marcus G. Theodore
  • Publication number: 20080277354
    Abstract: A system and method for treatment of water contaminated with organisms, in particular ballast water in ships, the system including a pump (5) pumping water from the sea trough a cavitation unit (7) and into one or more ballast tanks. The cavitation unit (7) will introduce a strong cavitation in the water, the cavitating action destroying any organic tissue and cell membranes of organisms present in the water. In the cavitation unit (7) hydrogen and steam are added to the water, while oxygen is removed. The oxygen-depleted water will exhibit a reduced corrosive effect on the ballast tanks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Gunnar Baerheim, Stein Foss, Kjell Varenhed, Aage Bjorn Andersen
  • Patent number: 7449120
    Abstract: A process for killing microorganisms and controlling biofouling in high chlorine demand waters comprises mixing two components, one of which is an oxidant and the other an ammonium salt, and adding the mixture immediately to the aqueous system to be treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Bromine Compounds Limited
    Inventor: Ayala Barak
  • Publication number: 20080272062
    Abstract: Devices and methods for inactivating microbiological contaminants in a fluid are provided for use in water, air, and other fluid treatment applications. The device includes (i) a housing having at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet; and (ii) an antimicrobial material secured in the housing between said at least one fluid inlet and said at least one fluid outlet. In one embodiment, the antimicrobial material is a biguanide dihydrate compound, such as a chlorhexidine dihydrate, which exhibits broad spectrum antimicrobial activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: WATER VISIONS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Jan W. Gooch, Arthur W. Johnston, Arthur F. Johnston
  • Patent number: 7442306
    Abstract: The present invention describes novel biological systems and methods for efficiently reducing nitrate levels and otherwise conditioning aquarium water and water in similar environments, and the use of catholyte and anolyte for the improved conditioning of water in aquariums and improved growing conditions for aquatic life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventor: Laurent Olivier
  • Publication number: 20080257832
    Abstract: A process for the disinfection of fully nitrified secondary effluent comprising first adding chlorine to the effluent, then adding combined chlorine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICTS OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY
    Inventor: Shiaw-Jy Huitric
  • Publication number: 20080257001
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of reducing the pathogen content of sewage sludge comprising (a) adding to the sludge an effective amount of a phosphorous-containing compound and (b) keeping the phosphorous-containing compound in contact with the sludge for a sufficient time to reduce the amount of pathogens present in the sludge by an amount equivalent to a logarithmic reduction of 2 or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: Rhodia Limited
    Inventors: Stephanie Edmunds, Paul Douglas Gilbert, Robert Eric Talbot
  • Patent number: 7438817
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system comprising separation unit operations inhibits or promotes the formation and precipitation of species by controlling the pH of wastewater to be treated entering into the separation unit operations. The separation unit operations include first and second reverse osmosis devices. The first reverse osmosis device treats wastewater having pH that is less than about 3.5 and the second reverse osmosis device treats wastewater, from the first reverse osmosis device, having a pH that is about 6 or higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: OTU SA
    Inventors: Lnsp Nagghappan, Robert P. Helwick
  • Publication number: 20080245748
    Abstract: A modular waste treatment system for substantially liquid waste streams and methods of treating liquid waste streams are disclosed. The modular waste treatment system includes a maceration chamber for initial treatment and homogenization of waste material; a metal ion infusion chamber in fluid flow communication with the maceration chamber for introducing metal ions into the waste material; and an oxidation chamber for wet oxidation of the waste stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Joseph B. Dooley, Jeffrey G. Hubrig, Richard A. Lowden
  • Publication number: 20080245744
    Abstract: A modular waste disinfection system for the disinfection of substantially liquid infectious waste streams and methods of treating such waste streams are disclosed. The modular waste disinfection system includes a metal ion generation chamber for introducing metal ions into the waste material; an oxidant generation chamber in fluid flow communication with the metal ion generation chamber for disinfection of the waste material with an oxidizing agent; and a chelation chamber in fluid flow communication with the oxidant generation chamber for deactivation of metal ions in the waste material, wherein the waste is discharged to a sanitary sewer after disinfection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Joseph B. Dooley, Jeffrey G. Hubrig, Richard A. Lowden
  • Publication number: 20080237103
    Abstract: A dispenser or dispensable material for external attachment to a mobile surface cleaning device, mobile surface cleaning device provides an aftermarket apparatus and method for both on-the-go cleaning and on-the-go delivery of dispensable materials into the body of water with the dispensable material mounted either on a downstream side of the mobile surface cleaning device or spaced from the flow path through the mobile surface cleaning device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph A. King
  • Patent number: 7429329
    Abstract: A hybrid chemical/mechanical dewatering sewage treatment plant and method employing rapid sludge chemical dewatering technology in conjunction with slower conventional mechanical dewatering solids agglomeration and disposal methods to meet operating constraints and environmental permitting restrictions and siting limitations for disposal of sewage and wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Earth Renaissance Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Marcus G. Theodore
  • Patent number: 7425271
    Abstract: Sludge can be treated by placing it in a carrier sized for bulk shipment of sludge by road or by rail. An antipathogenic substance such as lime is mixed into the sludge located in the carrier in order to treat pathogens in the sludge. At least one mixer adapted for mixing sludge throughout the carrier is employed. A dispenser such as a conduit or a loader bucket can dispense the antipathogenic substance so that the mixer can mix the substance with the sludge. The sludge is transported in the carrier either before or after the mixing with the antipathogenic substance. The mixture of sludge and antipathogenic substance is allowed to remain in the carrier long enough to treat pathogens with the substance before unloading the sludge from the carrier at a destination established for utilization, storage, transfer or disposal of the sludge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Longo
  • Patent number: 7422121
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a sterilisation system, especially for sterilising drinking water and water for industrial use. The precious metal surface of a base material containing precious metal is initially oxidised in an acidic solution and subsequently treated in an aqueous saline solution. The invention also relates to a sterilisation system and use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: PaSta Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Heinz W. Stadelmann
  • Patent number: 7422694
    Abstract: Cationic phthalocyanine and/or porphyins salts are used as photosterilising agents for microbiologically contaminated waters, particularly for inactivating Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, micoplasmas and parasites. Synergistic action for water photosterilisation by the simultaneous use of the cationic phthalocyanine salt and a porphyrin molecule, which performs its photosterilising action by a mechanism identical with that typical of phthalocyanines, and whose visible light absorption spectrum efficiently complements the absorption of phthalocyanines. The photosterilising salts can be added to the water as a solution, or as a powder or tablet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Salbert Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Giulio Jori
  • Publication number: 20080210641
    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: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Michael William Miks
  • Patent number: 7419607
    Abstract: A biofilm resistant fluid handling system is provided having at least one structural component adapted to retain or deliver fluid. The at least one structural component is formed from a biofilm resistant material comprising polymeric resin and an inorganic carrier conjugated with a biocidal metal ion. When a surface of the at least one structural component is exposed to a continuous or intermittent aqueous solution environment the formation of active biofilm on the surface is prevented and planktonic bacteria in proximity of said surface is killed. Additionally, methods for extending the biocidal properties of a biofilm resistant fluid handling system are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventor: Bradley Downs
  • Patent number: 7419603
    Abstract: The present invention provides a physical water treatment (PWT) method and apparatus to treat liquid coolants. Electrodes (22, 24) are provided in a coolant stream (21), and an alternating voltage is applied across the electrodes (22, 24) to produce an electric field through the coolant. The alternating voltage creates an oscillating electric field in the coolant that promotes the collision of dissolved mineral ions. The ions collide to form seed particles that precipitate out of solution. Bulk precipitation of seed particles decreases the availability of ions in solution which can crystallize on heat transfer surfaces. The seed particles adhere to additional ions that separate out of solution and form larger particles that may be removed from the coolant stream (21) using a variety of treatment measures. In addition to precipitating mineral ions, the electric field may be applied to destroy bacteria, algae and microorganisms that accumulate in the coolant stream (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Drexel University
    Inventor: Young I. Cho
  • Publication number: 20080190864
    Abstract: A method for eliminating alien species and undesirable organisms from ballast water of a marine vessel. Ballast water (204) is injected into a container (202). An organic substance is added to the ballast water. Heterotrophic organisms (219) in the ballast water reproduce and consume the organic substance (218). The heterotrophic organisms substantially reduce the oxygen level in the ballast water compared to the oxygen level of untreated ballast water. The alien species and undesirable organisms die due to lack of oxygen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Mikael Haeffner, Claes Tarras Ericsson
  • Publication number: 20080185341
    Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods useful for the purification of aqueous fluids using dendritic macromolecules. The process involves using dendritic macromolecules (dendrimers) to bind to or chemically transform solutes, and a filtration step to produce fluid from which solutes have been removed or chemically transformed. Examples of dendrimers that may be used in the process include cation-binding dendrimers, anion-binding dendrimers, organic compound-binding dendrimers, redox-active dendrimers, biological compound-binding dendrimers, catalytic dendrimers, biocidal dendrimers, viral-binding dendrimers, multi-functional dendrimers, and combinations thereof. The process is readily scalable and provides many options for customization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Mamadou S. Diallo
  • Patent number: 7407590
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the removal of biofilm, flocculent bulked sludge or bulked biologically active sludge from an aqueous system. The method involves adding one or more chlorinated hydantoins, such as dichloro- or monochlorodialkylhydantoin, to the aqueous system. Alternatively, the chlorinated hydantoin may be formed in situ by adding a chlorine source and an alkylated hydantoin separately to the aqueous system. The invention is particularly advantageous because of the outstanding photostability of the chlorinated hydantoin solutions even when exposed to sunlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Lonza, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Ludensky, Philip G. Sweeny
  • Patent number: 7404902
    Abstract: A composition for treating water contained in enclosures, such as swimming pools, spas, whirlpool tubs and cooling towers, which includes at least one boron compound, cyanuric acid, at least one mineral remover and at least one clarifier is provided. A composition and method for treating salt water contained in enclosures using halogen generators to generate sterilizing halogen in situ, wherein the method includes adding to the water effective amounts of a composition having at least one boron compound, cyanuric acid, at least one mineral remover and at least one clarifier, such that they are present in the water simultaneously is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Haviland Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Don H. Girvan, Paul J. Nederveld, Arthur F. Harre, III
  • Patent number: 7402253
    Abstract: A method and system of ozone treatment diverts a portion of water from a flow of water in a conduit; injects an ozone-containing gas into the portion to provide an ozonated portion; recombines the ozonated portion with the flow of water in the conduit; and controls and regulates the diverted portion to provide a minimum diverted portion flow rate according to flow in the conduit and proportion of ozone in the injected gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Nutech 03, Inc.
    Inventors: Johannes van Leeuwen, Michael D. Jennings, Richard A Mueller, Jack H. Robinson
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7396470
    Abstract: A method for removing a pollutant from emissions or the environment comprising: contacting a mineral ore or the use of a mineral ore selected from the group consisting of bauxite, modified bauxite and mixtures thereof. Typically, the pollutant is a heavy metal or a microorganism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Arun R. Gavaskar, Sandip Chattopadhyay
  • Publication number: 20080156743
    Abstract: An objective to be solved by the present invention is to provide a 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. The present invention provides a hazardous substance removing material which comprises a support having antibodies supported thereon, wherein the support is made of a fiber, and the moisture regain of the core fiber of the support is different from the moisture regain of the sheath fiber of the support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuhiro NISHITA
  • Patent number: 7390413
    Abstract: a water softening system includes a water softening resin tank, an anion resin tank in flow communication with the water softening resin tank, an in-line water heater in flow communication with the water softening resin tank and a heat exchanger in flow communication with the in-line heater. A water heater is in flow communication with the heat exchanger and the in-line heater. A plurality of flow control valves are operatively connected to the water heater heat exchanger, in-line water heater, anion resin tank, and water softening resin tank. The flow control valves are configured to control the flow of water through the water softening system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Martin M. Zentner, Scott Tarr, Jessica Schroeder, James Cosgrove
  • Patent number: 7391041
    Abstract: A germicidal UV reactor for use in fluid purifiers is provided, in which the UV reactor comprises an UV lamp with an UV transparent primary envelope and also an UV transparent secondary envelope around the primary envelope. The outer surface of the secondary envelope is in contact with a flowing fluid to be purified. There is an isolating space between the outer surface of the primary envelope and the inner surface of the secondary envelope. At least one of the outer surface of the primary envelope and the inner surface of the secondary envelope is provided with electrical means for heating and thus enhancing UV emitting efficiency of the UV lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gábor Sajó, Katalin Tóth
  • Patent number: 7387736
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing pathogen reduction within a poultry processing or food processing plant that uses water that has been treated with chloramines at an advantageous dosagebefore being introduced to the production process at processing steps. The water treated with chloramines may be from a fresh water source or reclaimed water from the processing plant. The reintroduction of the treated reclaimed water advantageously causes a dramatic reduction in the levels of microorganisms associated with poultry processing, while substantially conserving water use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Zentox Corporation
    Inventors: Joe D. Phillips, Robert P. Kim, Stephen P. Axtell, Sam M. Jaffe
  • Patent number: 7384564
    Abstract: Electrolytic process combines disinfection with removal of bromide from raw water. Current is applied to the electrodes in an electrolytic cell with raw water that has some salinity as the electrolyte. The electrodes consist of silver or dimensionally stable anodes (DSA) as cathodes and dimensionally stable anodes (DSA) arranged in parallel baffling fashion. During electrolysis chloride is converted to chlorine. The chlorine immediately effects disinfection of the water and reduction of bromide ions to bromine gas which is liberated from the cell. Aqueous bromine will remain in solution as hypobromous acid. The extent of chlorine generation and bromide loss depend upon the chloride:bromide ratio, electrical energy supplied for electrolysis, ionic strength of the water, electrode distance, cell residence time and electrode material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Inventor: Labisi Bo
  • Patent number: 7381686
    Abstract: A composite for inhibiting algae growth comprising a polypore base carrier and a nano-metal mixture coated on the carrier, wherein the mixture comprising a nano-metal particle and a substance for fixing the particle on the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignees: Taikong Corp., Apex Nanotek Corporation
    Inventors: Shiue-Lian Lin, Shuo-Ting Hung, Lu-Pei Hu, Po-Hsun Chang, Hong-Ming Lin, Ching Chuan Lin
  • Patent number: 7381334
    Abstract: A method for making a web having a metal-ion sequestering agent and treating a liquid using the web. The method of making the web includes electrostatically providing at least one metal-ion sequestering agent and/or antimicrobial agent. The web can be used to tread a liquid by placing the web into a tank and subjecting the liquid to the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: David L. Patton, Joseph F. Bringley, Richard W. Wien, John M. Pochan, Yannick J. F. Lerat, Narasimharao Dontula
  • Publication number: 20080116136
    Abstract: A system and process for treating water are described. Water may be purified by passing feed water through an electrochemical deionization device. The water may be suitable for cooking, washing, and beverage production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: SIEMENS WATER TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
    Inventors: Frederick Wilkins, Anil Jha, Li-Shiang Liang
  • Publication number: 20080116150
    Abstract: The specification discloses water treatments for reducing the rate of growth of algae in water bodies such as swimming pools including the steps of providing a volume of water within a man made vessel having a pH value; and dissolving an algaecidal buffer into the volume of water in an amount sufficient to reduce the rate of growth of algae in the water, wherein the algaecidal buffer comprises a borate salt which when dissolved in the water buffers the pH value of the water to a value in a range from about 6.5 to about 8.8.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Lloyd
  • Publication number: 20080116149
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for the disinfection of irrigation water. Irrigation water is exposed to ozone, which disinfects and flocculates the water for improved removal of bacterial contamination. One or more ozone generators produce ozone gas that is injected into the flow of irrigation water at one or more points in an irrigation water treatment system. The ozone may be hyper concentrated, and the mixing of ozone and water may be optimized so that the maximum amount of water is exposed to a concentration of ozone that is high enough to disinfect the water over the period of contact. Ozonated water is then delivered to farm fields. No harmful residues remain in the water or soil after treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Paul H. Dick, Michael Weber, Robert L. Cooke, Ram Prasad, Mukund Dusey
  • Patent number: 7374692
    Abstract: The invention relates to hydrocyclones for ballast water treatment. The invention further relates to ballast water treatment systems comprising such hydrocyclones and methods of operating such hydrocyclones and ballast water treatment systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventors: Klaus Hesse, Peilin Zhou, Tony Leigh
  • Patent number: 7371328
    Abstract: An animal treatment method comprises flushing the animal waste from a barn to a holding tank where the waste is mixed with an alkaline solution to kill pathogens. After neutralization, the solution is separated into solids and liquids. The liquid is treated and recycled as flushing water to clean the barns and/or drinking water for the animals. The solids are separated into digested and undigested feed. The digested feed is further processed for use as a fertilizer and the undigested feed is processed for use as animal feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Recovery Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Allan E. Hokanson, Christopher S. Williams, Derek Williams