Separating Patents (Class 210/767)
  • Publication number: 20120031854
    Abstract: The invention provides systems, associated component parts, and assemblies of the pre-filtration systems, that are useful for treating storm water entering underground storm water management systems. The invention further provides methods to pre-filter storm water prior to entering underground water management systems. The invention reduces pollutant loading in storm water runoff with minimal footprint, flexibility of use and ease of maintenance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: KriStar Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Paul Allard
  • Patent number: 8110115
    Abstract: A mobile water treatment apparatus to on-load a dirty fluid into a storage container attached to a motor vehicle and transport the fluid in the storage container from a first location and to a second location where the fluid is filtered by a filtration system attached to the motor vehicle. The filtered fluid is discharged from the mobile water treatment apparatus at the second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Ibex Incorporated
    Inventors: James Vance Kennedy, Bron David Wescott, Stanley Lamar Sanford
  • Publication number: 20120024769
    Abstract: A method for collecting matter using a matter collection Unit, as described below, provides a low energy, low cost and nearly zero pollutant process for extracting suspended and/or dissolved matter in a medium. The method collects the matter on a material when the medium is permitted to flow past the material which is disposed within a chamber, and the medium, with less suspended matter, can flow back to a medium body to permit, e.g., further growth and/or higher collection efficiency. The process can operate continuously alongside, e.g. a growth system, to harvest suspended matter until the matter is ready for extraction. Post extraction collected matter, e.g., can be converted into valuable commercial products or the process can be used to remediate a medium, such that the valuable product is a substantially cleaner medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: ALGAEVENTURE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Martin, Joel W. Quinn, Shanon Rogers
  • Patent number: 8105488
    Abstract: Systems and methods have been developed for reclaiming water contaminated with the expected range of contaminants typically associated with produced water, including water contaminated with slick water, methanol and boron. The system includes anaerobically digesting the contaminated water, followed by aerating the water to enhance biological digestion. After aeration, the water is separated using a flotation operation that effectively removes the spent friction reducing agents and allows the treated water to be reclaimed and reused as fracturing water, even though it retains levels of contaminants, including boron and methanol, that would prevent its discharge to the environment under existing standards. The treated water may further be treated by removing the methanol via biological digestion in a bioreactor, separating a majority of the contaminants from the water by reverse osmosis and removing the boron that passes through the reverse osmosis system with a boron-removing ion exchange resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Anticline Disposal, LLC
    Inventors: Lee L. Shafer, John W. James, Richard D. Rath, Jesse Eubank
  • Patent number: 8105495
    Abstract: A process for separating platelet rich plasma from a blood sample using a platelet rich plasma separator system is disclosed. The system includes an inner wall having a top edge and a central axis that is surrounded by a depth filter having a capacity to receive all of the erythrocytes in the blood sample, where an inner surface of the inner wall has an angle of about 0.2° from the central axis of the inner wall. The process includes spinning the inner cylinder at its central axis at a speed that separates the erythrocytes from plasma and platelets and causes the erythrocytes to collect against an inner surface of the depth filter. The cylinder is continually spun for a sufficient time to allow substantially all of the erythrocytes to flow up the inner surface and over the top edge into the depth filter, leaving platelet enriched plasma (PRP) in the inner cylinder, such that upon discontinuing the spinning, permits the platelet enriched plasma to flow to the bottom of the inner cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignees: Hanuman, LLC, Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Randel Dorian, Michael D. Leach
  • Patent number: 8101089
    Abstract: Water decontamination systems including aerator modules are described herein. Such systems are capable of removing contaminants, including volatile organic compounds, from the water. Certain volatile organic contaminants can be removed at high efficiencies. The systems may be automated to remove the contaminants and produce cleaned water on a continuous basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Liquid Separation Technologies and Equipment, LLC
    Inventor: David S. Drewelow
  • Publication number: 20120012539
    Abstract: A water treatment apparatus with a first filtration system and a second filtration system is disclosed. The first filtration system provides purified water to an automated assay device. The second filtration system receives wastewater from an outlet and removes contaminants from the wastewater which allows for direct disposal of the wastewater via environmentally responsible means. An automated assay device comprising the water treatment apparatus and a method of treating water used by the automated assay device is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: QIAGEN GAITHERSBURG INC.
    Inventor: WILLIAM GREEN
  • Publication number: 20120012528
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the modification of metal hydroxide and/or metal oxide surfaces of an inorganic matrix with an organometallic reagent for obtaining an organic functionalized matrix suitable for filtration processes. The method involves the direct covalent binding of organic functional groups by allowing a pre-treated matrix to react with organometallic reagents in the present of a suitable solvent. The present invention further relates to an organic functionalized matrix obtainable or obtained by carrying out a method according to the invention. The invention also provides various uses of a surface-modified matrices as described herein in various industrial applications, including for instance in filtration and/or adsorption and/or separation processes, or as support, e.g. for catalyst systems or for enzyme systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicants: UNIVERSITEIT ANTWERPEN, VITO NV
    Inventors: Anita Buekenhoudt, Kenny Wyns, Vera Meynen, Bert Maes, Pegie Cool
  • Patent number: 8097162
    Abstract: A device, system and method for exchanging components between first and second fluids by direct contact in a microfluidic channel. The fluids flow as thin layers in the channel. One of the fluids is passed through a filter upon exiting the channel and is recycled through a secondary processor which changes the fluid's properties. The recycled fluid is reused for further exchange. The filter excludes blood cells from the recycled fluid and prevents or limits clogging of the filter. The secondary processor removes metabolic waste and water by diafiltration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: Edward F. Leonard, Alan C. West, Christian Paul Aucoin, Edgar E. Nanne
  • Patent number: 8097153
    Abstract: A device, system and method for exchanging components between first and second fluids by direct contact in a microfluidic channel. The fluids flow as thin layers in the channel. One of the fluids is passed through a filter upon exiting the channel and is recycled through a secondary processor which changes the fluid's properties. The recycled fluid is reused for further exchange. The filter excludes blood cells from the recycled fluid and prevents or limits clogging of the filter. The secondary processor removes metabolic waste and water by diafiltration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia in the City of New York
    Inventors: Edward F. Leonard, Alan C. West, Christian Paul Aucoin, Edgar E. Nanne
  • Patent number: 8097220
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a fluid with a body are disclosed. Various aspects involve treating a fluid with a porous body. In select embodiments, a body comprises ash particles, and the ash particles used to form the body may be selected based on their providing one or more desired properties for a given treatment. Various bodies provide for the reaction and/or removal of a substance in a fluid, often using a porous body comprised of ash particles. Computer-operable methods for matching a source material to an application are disclosed. Certain aspects feature a porous body comprised of ash particles, the ash particles have a particle size distribution and interparticle connectivity that creates a plurality of pores having a pore size distribution and pore connectivity, and the pore size distribution and pore connectivity are such that a first fluid may substantially penetrate the pores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Errcive, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Ramberg, Stephen A. Dynan, Jack A. Shindle
  • Patent number: 8097171
    Abstract: A novel composite of glass fiber paper and reinforcing material that is useful for high speed manufacturing of devices comprising it is disclosed. The composite is formed by pressing into a glass fiber paper, having multimodal (at least bi-modal) composition, a hydrophilic reinforcing material. The composite has anisotropic separation properties that are particularly useful for preparing a fluid fraction from whole blood. The preferred glass fiber paper comprises glass fibers such that there are a plurality of short fibers (6) having large diameters and long fibers (2) with smaller diameters. The preferred glass fiber paper also exhibits partial ordering. There are many more of the long fibers (2) with smaller diameters than of the short fibers (6) having large diameters. Also disclosed are several blood separator device designs for efficiently separating the fluid fraction of blood from whole blood using the composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Akers Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: David Milunic, Donald Russell
  • Patent number: 8096422
    Abstract: Disclosed is a separator-concentrator, such as for separating and concentrating platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) from whole blood that is suitable for office use or emergency use for trauma victims. The PRP separator comprises a motorized centrifugal separation assembly and a concentrator assembly. The centrifugal separation assembly comprises a centrifugal drum separator and a motor having a drive axis connected to the centrifugal drum separator. The concentrator assembly comprises a water-removal module for preparing PRP concentrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignees: Hanuman LLC, Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Randel Dorian, Michael D. Leach
  • Publication number: 20120010433
    Abstract: In a device and a process for continuous solid/liquid separation (filtration) of solid-liquid suspensions on moving filters, for example on rotating drum filters or belt filters, the active filtering layer contains a woven fabric material composed of synthetic fibres, which has an enhanced filtrate permeability and also an enhanced thermal stability with improved dimensional stability, and also improved mechanical strength compared with polypropylene fibres.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: Bayer MaterialScience AG
    Inventors: Christian Münnich, Karl-Heinz Köhler, Stefan Westernacher
  • Publication number: 20120006749
    Abstract: A multi-ported vessel system includes an outer pressure vessel containing a plurality of flow distribution tubes, each of which comprises a plurality of reverse osmosis membrane elements aligned serially within each tube. The outer pressure vessel includes bypass flow paths whereby feed water flows around each of the tubes within the vessel. Slots are disposed in the flow distribution tubes at the upstream end of each RO membrane element such that feed water reaches all RO membrane elements of the tubes in parallel. The serial alignment of the membranes also allows for serial water processing also. A product water tube collects the purified water from the reverse osmosis elements and provides it to a product water port. Brine water is provided to an output port to be discarded of for further processing. The parallel processing of feed water by all membrane elements results in increased productivity and reduced costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: MegaVessals, Inc.
    Inventor: Hany Armia Said
  • Publication number: 20120006760
    Abstract: The invention features methods for separating cells from a sample (e.g., separating fetal red blood cells from maternal blood). The method begins with the introduction of a sample including cells into one or more microfluidic channels. In one embodiment, the device includes at least two processing steps. For example, a mixture of cells is introduced into a microfluidic channel that selectively allows the passage of a desired type of cell, and the population of cells enriched in the desired type is then introduced into a second microfluidic channel that allows the passage of the desired cell to produce a population of cells further enriched in the desired type. The selection of cells is based on a property of the cells in the mixture, for example, size, shape, deformability, surface characteristics (e.g., cell surface receptors or antigens and membrane permeability), or intracellular properties (e.g., expression of a particular enzyme).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Mehmet Toner, George Truskey, Ravi Kapur
  • Publication number: 20120006761
    Abstract: An absorbent material is provided for collecting lipophilic and hydrophobic materials from an aqueous solution such as water. The material comprises nonwoven polyester fibers in the form a mat. The mat may include reinforcing strands, such as glass fiber, nylon fiber, metallic wire and the like in order to increase its overall strength. A system and method for removing lipophilic and hydrophobic materials, such as oil, from a body of water are also provided. The system and method employs one or more floating vessels having a roll of the material thereon that is placed in the oil-water mixture. Upon absorbing oil from the water, the material is removed from the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Andrew Parker, Travis Turek
  • Patent number: 8092884
    Abstract: A single layer fuel tank includes a polyamide component, an impact modifier, and a binding filler. The polyamide component has a polyamide selected from the group of polyamide 6, polyamide 6/6, polyamide 6/66, and combinations thereof. The polyamide component also includes up to 5 parts by weight of polyamide oligomers per 100 parts by weight of the polyamide component. The impact modifier is an organic copolymer and is present in an amount of up to 30 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the fuel tank. The binding filler is not covalently bonded to the polyamide and includes at least one of a silica and a cyclodextrin. In addition, the binding filler is present in an amount of up to 10 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Zhenguo Liu, Stephen J. Hanley, Frank Aadahl
  • Patent number: 8092690
    Abstract: A filter element is removably positionable within a filter housing defining a filter chamber for said filter element. The filter housing comprises a standpipe extending within the filter chamber. The filter element includes a tubular filter media circumscribing the standpipe, a first end cap supporting the filter media at one end thereof, a second end cap longitudinally spaced from the first end cap and supporting the filter media at the opposite end thereof, and a center tube extending between the first and second end caps. The center tube has at least one inlet opening therethrough at a first end thereof adjacent to the first end cap and a standpipe opening therethrough at a second end thereof adjacent to the second end cap. The second end cap has at least one intake opening therethrough radially spaced from the standpipe opening in the center tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Wix Filtration Corp LLC
    Inventors: Willie L. Stamey, Jr., Mark A. Roll
  • Patent number: 8092753
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a fluid with a body are disclosed. Various aspects involve treating a fluid with a porous body. In select embodiments, a body comprises ash particles, and the ash particles used to form the body may be selected based on their providing one or more desired properties for a given treatment. Various bodies provide for the reaction and/or removal of a substance in a fluid, often using a porous body comprised of ash particles. Computer-operable methods for matching a source material to an application are disclosed. Certain aspects feature a porous body comprised of ash particles, the ash particles have a particle size distribution and interparticle connectivity that creates a plurality of pores having a pore size distribution and pore connectivity, and the pore size distribution and pore connectivity are such that a first fluid may substantially penetrate the pores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Errcive, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Ramberg, Stephen A. Dynan, Jack A. Shindle
  • Patent number: 8093064
    Abstract: Methods of utilizing magnetic particles or beads (MBs) in droplet-based (or digital) microfluidics are disclosed. The methods may be used in enrichment or separation processes. A first method employs the droplet meniscus to assist in the magnetic collection and positioning of MBs during droplet microfluidic operations. The sweeping movement of the meniscus lifts the MBs off the solid surface and frees them from various surface forces acting on the MBs. A second method uses chemical additives to reduce the adhesion of MBs to surfaces. Both methods allow the MBs on a solid surface to be effectively moved by magnetic force. Droplets may be driven by various methods or techniques including, for example, electrowetting, electrostatic, electromechanical, electrophoretic, dielectrophoretic, electroosmotic, thermocapillary, surface acoustic, and pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Gaurav Jitendra Shah, Chang-Jin Kim
  • Patent number: 8088079
    Abstract: A polyp trap for use in collecting tissue samples. The device includes a collection container and a removable tray. The collection container has an inlet port, a sidewall aperture, and an exit port. The removable tray has a first end and a second end. The tray is sized for movement within the sidewall aperture between an inserted position forming a seal with the collection container and a withdrawn position remote from the collection container. The tray has a perforated bottom surface such that fluids traveling under suction from the inlet port to the outlet port pass through the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: U.S. Endoscopy Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Kaye, K. Randall John, Dean J. Secrest, Colleen Quinn
  • Patent number: 8088291
    Abstract: A method of collecting medical waste in a waste collection unit using a disposable manifold and filter assembly. The disposable manifold and filter assembly includes a manifold housing with a plurality of inlets, a neck extending from the manifold housing to define an outlet, and a filter basket disposed in the manifold housing. The method includes inserting the neck into the waste collection unit to direct the medical waste passing through the disposable manifold and filter assembly into the waste collection unit. Tubes are connected to the inlets of the manifold housing to provide a path for the medical waste to travel from a target site, e.g., a patient, to the manifold housing. A vacuum is drawn in the waste collection unit to pull the medical waste through the tubes and into the disposable manifold and filter assembly where the medical waste is processed/filtered in a plurality of stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: David Hershberger, Richard F. Huyser, Stephen P Isham, Bruce MacDonald, Michael Noonan, Karen Staley
  • Publication number: 20110315639
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for handling spent catalyst, wherein a slurry comprising the catalyst may be rapidly and conveniently drained to separate a liquid from the catalyst using a separation unit including a separation vessel and having a separator plate disposed between an upper compartment and a lower compartment of the separation vessel, whereby each of the liquid and solid components of the slurry may be conveniently contained separately for subsequent treatment, transportation, and/or disposal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Joseph Debevec, Matthew Parry
  • Publication number: 20110318821
    Abstract: The present invention relates the use of broad range primer (e.g., as broad range capture olignucleotides) immobilized in a SCODA method gel to allow, for example, selective concentration of target nucleic acids. Such concentrated target nucleic acids may, for example, be: i) eluted from the gel and analyzed (e.g., by broad range primer methods); ii) subject to in situ (e.g., in gel) PCR methods; and/or iii) analyzed in the gel (e.g., by fluorescent detection methods).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: IBIS BIOSCIENCES INC.
    Inventor: Steven A. Hofstadler
  • Publication number: 20110309036
    Abstract: Filter compositions, filter apparatuses and/or processes thereof. A filter composition may include an active material and/or a support material. An active material may include metal and/or non-metal components, for example iron, manganese, carbon, phosphorous, aluminum, silicon, cerium, sulfur, chromium, copper and/or zinc. A support material may include one or more polymers. A plurality of fibers may be in the form of a matrix, for example a fabric matrix. An active material may be embedded in a support material. An active material may include particles having an average diameter less than approximately 250 ?m. Embedded particles may be present in an amount greater than approximately 1.0 g/m2. A filtration capacity of approximately 30 mg of target per gram of embedded active material may be exhibited. A filter composition may be disposed in a housing. A filter process may include allowing a target to contact a filter composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Abul Hussam, Sad Ahamed, Abul K. Munir
  • Publication number: 20110303618
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides reusable water filter systems and methods by modifying the design of the plastic housing in such a way so that a disposable sachet with treatment media can be used in it without allowing any bypassing of the untreated water. The present invention provides reusable water filter systems and methods for use in water pitchers and/or faucets including reusable water filter cartridges for gravity flow, reusable water filter cartridges for water pressure systems, disposable sachets (pods) with treatment material for use in the reusable water filter cartridges, molded blocks with treatment material for use in the reusable water filter cartridges, and an associated method of use. Advantageously, the present invention solves the problem of disposing of millions of plastic pitcher filter cartridges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Glenn Cueman, Arvind S. Patil, Barnwell S. Ramsey
  • Publication number: 20110303619
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement for separating two solutions mixed in dispersion into two solution phases in a liquid-liquid extraction separation cell (1). The arrangement includes a first guide wall (4), which is arranged at a distance from that end wall (15) of the cell (1) that is located on the side of the feed end (2), in order to extend along the whole width of the cell with respect to the vertical direction at an inclined angle (?). The first guide wall includes a bottom edge (5), which is located at a distance (H1 . . . H2) from the cell bottom, so that in between the bottom edge (5) and the cell bottom (3), there is left a clearance gap (6) widening from the center towards the cell sides. The second guide wall (7) is essentially parallel with the first guide wall (4) and placed at a distance (L1) therefrom, so that in between the first guide wall (4) and the second guide wall (7), there is formed an uptake shaft (8) extending diagonally upwards at an inclined angle (?).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: OUTOTEC OYJ
    Inventors: Bror Nyman, Eero Ekman, Pertti Pekkala, Hannu Laitala, Rami Saario
  • Publication number: 20110303610
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vessel with a textured inner surface and methods of using the vessel to trap aggregated substances. The vessel facilitates the separation of the substance from surrounding media. The present invention relates to vessels with a textured inner surface and methods of using such vessels for the separation of a trapped aggregated target substance from a media containing one or more other substances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: Nitin Shivajirao Udar
  • Publication number: 20110305610
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for impregnating a porous body (14) by a suspension (12) containing at least partly particles, said body comprising a multiplicity of channels (16) delimited by porous walls (22) extending from one (18) of the faces to the other (20) face of said body, part of said channels being obstructed at one face and the other part of the channels being obstructed at the other face. According to the invention, the method consists in: making a suspension whose particle size distribution meets a DV90/Dpores ratio below 0.25 and whose viscosity is such that said suspension is brought inside the walls while depositing part of the particles on the surface of the pores of the walls, communicating one (18, 20) of the faces of body (14) with an enclosure (30) containing the suspension, feeding the suspension into the body, exerting a force on the suspension introduced so that said suspension flows through the walls, passing a fluid through the walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Arnold Lambert, Philippe Leminter, Thierry Becue, Jean-Pierre Joulin, Bruno Cartoixa
  • Patent number: 8075787
    Abstract: A protective sleeve for use with metal intake racks used for screening debris from water intakes and other similar structures. The proactive sleeve may be made from a plastic material, such as HDPE, using an extrusion process. The sleeve is designed to snap into place over the metal blades of a bar rack, and to provide a positive and secure fit when in place. The protective sleeve thus provides the benefits of non-metallic intake racks to existing and future metal rack systems, without requiring replacement of existing metal racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Hydro Component Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas J. Reiss, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8075700
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a backwash system for cleaning an underwater intake filter assembly. The backwash system includes an underwater tank coupled on one end to a source of compressed fluid and on the other end to the intake screen assembly. The backwash system includes a U-shaped release conduit that is adapted to release a predetermined quantity of fluid to the intake screen in order to clean the filter assembly of waterborne debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Ekholm, Dean Brabec, Tom Steinke, Steve Uban
  • Patent number: 8075778
    Abstract: A method of separating a first fluid from a second fluid may include prewetting with the first fluid at least one channel defined by a separation device, the at least one channel thereby containing a column of the first fluid along its length. A combined flow of the first fluid and the second fluid may be presented to the separation device, so that the at least one channel is in fluid communication with the combined flow. Fluid pressure may be applied across the combined flow and the separation device, but the applied pressure should not exceed the capillary pressure in the at least one channel. Otherwise, the combined flow may be forced through the separation device. In this manner, the first fluid flows through the at least one channel, and the second fluid is excluded from the at least one channel, thereby separating at least a portion of the first fluid from the second fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Axel Guenther, Klavs F. Jensen, Manish Jhunjhunwala, Martin A. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8074738
    Abstract: A system for offshore treatment of drill cuttings that includes a first pressurized vessel configured to receive contaminated drill cuttings and adapted to allow a compressed gas be introduced therein as the sole means for inducing movement of said contaminated drill cuttings in the first pressurized vessel, whereby at least a portion of the contaminated drill cuttings is discharged from the first pressurized vessel; and a reactor unit in fluid connection with the first pressurized vessel for separating the contaminated drill cuttings into drill cuttings and contaminants, wherein the reactor unit includes a processing chamber having at least one inlet and outlet; and a rotor mounted in the processing chamber, the rotor including a shaft; and a plurality of fixed rotor arms extending radially from the shaft is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Nick McDonald, Andrew Murray
  • Publication number: 20110297624
    Abstract: A showerhead filter assembly and method for purifying fluid comprises a shower engine having an inner chamber, the inner chamber includes a fluid passage at a first end and an opening at a second end for receiving a filter assembly. The shower engine further comprises a faceplate comprising an outer opening in alignment with the opening at the second end of the inner chamber for receiving the filter assembly. The showerhead also comprises a filter assembly that includes a cartridge having a body, segmented opening at a first end and a cap at a second end. The filter assembly houses filter media to remove contaminates from fluid passing through the showerhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: WAXMAN CONSUMER PRODUCTS GROUP INC.
    Inventor: MATTHEW SMITH
  • Publication number: 20110297614
    Abstract: Disclosed is a treatment apparatus capable of inhibiting growth of microorganisms and carrying out long-term stable treatment in an activated carbon tower and a reverse osmosis membrane separation device during processes including activated carbon treatment and RO membrane separation treatment of a later step in a system for manufacturing ultrapure water used in an electronic device factory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Nozomu Ikuno
  • Patent number: 8070960
    Abstract: A method of dewatering a solids laden waste stream, whereby the slurry is pumped into a vertical filter retaining structure and the liquid is allowed to flow out through the pores of the filtration element while retaining the solids within the structure. After the solids have dewatered, doors or gates located at the bottom of the structure are opened and the solids drop out the bottom by gravity. The structure is elevated to allow a transport vehicle to be placed under the doors prior to dropping out the solids. One embodiment utilizes an open bottom, closed top filter bag that is closed off by the doors or sliding gates located at the bottom of the structure. Another embodiment disclosed would use rigid filter plates to retain the solids and drop out the accumulated solids by opening sliding gates at the bottom of the structure. The filter bag or plates is accessible from the side to allow either manual or automatic pressure washing of the filtration elements or filter bag after each dewatering cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Michael K. Conwell
  • Publication number: 20110290742
    Abstract: Plant for melting and cleaning of snow and ice, distinguished in that the plant comprises a means for melting using enthalpy of a water source in order to melt snow and ice, and a means for cleaning for cleaning out the pollution from the water phase that contains the melted snow and ice. Method for melting and cleaning of snow and ice, using the plant according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Terje Myrhaug
  • Publication number: 20110290741
    Abstract: The present invention is a water filter pitcher equipped with a removable, replaceable filter cartridge and means to count the number of times the pitcher is filled with water, and also means to notify the user when the pitcher has filtered enough water to exhaust the filtering capacity of the filter cartridge so that the user can replace the filter cartridge when necessary but does not have to remember to change the cartridge at a specific interval or count the number of gallons filtered manually, and instead can rely on the water filter pitcher to track the amount of water filtered and inform the user when to change the filter cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Glenn Cueman, Bob Beckmann
  • Publication number: 20110290743
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a screen. The apparatus comprising a cylindrical screen for submerging in a fluid, the screen having an inlet pipe for connecting to a piping system, filter members, a first end, a second and a support structure. The support structure is one or more helical members which traverse the screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Jay R. Osborne, Michael Ekholm, Dan Ganfield
  • Patent number: 8066844
    Abstract: A compact and portable liquid concentrator includes a gas inlet, a gas exit and a flow corridor connecting the gas inlet and the gas exit, wherein the flow corridor includes a narrowed portion that accelerates the gas through the flow corridor. A liquid inlet injects liquid into the gas stream at a point prior to the narrowed portion so that the gas-liquid mixture is thoroughly mixed within the flow corridor, causing a portion of the liquid to be evaporated. A demister or fluid scrubber downstream of the narrowed portion removes entrained liquid droplets from the gas stream and re-circulates the removed liquid to the liquid inlet through a re-circulating circuit. Fresh liquid to be concentrated is also introduced into the re-circulating circuit at a rate sufficient to offset the amount of liquid evaporated in the flow corridor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Heartland Technology Partners LLC
    Inventors: Bernard F. Duesel, Jr., Michael J. Rutsch
  • Patent number: 8066889
    Abstract: A method for filtering particulate material from cooking oil used in a frying process at a filtration temperature within the range of 250° F. to 400° F. includes providing a filter comprising a non-woven panel of directionally or randomly oriented fibers of synthetic material, and exposing the filter to the cooking oil at the filtration temperature while drawing the cooking oil therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Masterfil, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Bivens, J. Garrieth Clark
  • Patent number: 8067194
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and hydrolysis tank for enzymatic hydrolysis of raw materials containing collagen and proteins to produce the three layers: a top layer containing fat, a mid-layer comprising water soluble constituents and denatured collagen, and a non-soluble bottom layer comprising bones and non-soluble proteins. These layers are separated and the second layer is further separated by cooling for a time period sufficient to form two layers: a bottom layer containing partially or wholly set collagen, and a liquid top layer containing the remaining water soluble proteins which are removed. The other is heated until it becomes liquid. The hydrolysis tank comprises a turnable stirring mechanism, a device for heat exchange and a reversible screw that is arranged in the bottom of the tank. A clearing sump for separation of collagen, includes an inlet for supply of hydrolysate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Wahl Process Systems AS
    Inventor: Tony Wahl
  • Patent number: 8066845
    Abstract: A compact and portable liquid concentrator includes a gas inlet, a gas exit and a flow corridor connecting the gas inlet and the gas exit, wherein the flow corridor includes a narrowed portion that accelerates the gas through the flow corridor. A liquid inlet injects liquid into the gas stream at a point prior to the narrowed portion so that the gas-liquid mixture is thoroughly mixed within the flow corridor, causing a portion of the liquid to be evaporated. A demister or fluid scrubber downstream of the narrowed portion removes entrained liquid droplets from the gas stream and re-circulates the removed liquid to the liquid inlet through a re-circulating circuit. Fresh liquid to be concentrated is also introduced into the re-circulating circuit at a rate sufficient to offset the amount of liquid evaporated in the flow corridor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Heartland Technology Partners LLC
    Inventors: Bernard F. Duesel, Jr., Michael J. Rutsch
  • Publication number: 20110284480
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for continuous monitoring of permeate from membrane elements in a water treatment plant, including a desalination plant. The apparatus includes a probe that includes multiple sensors such that at least one sensor is associated with each membrane element. Each sensor is coupled to a node, which is configured to communicate a signal associated with the permeate quality to a central node sink. The node may communicate wirelessly with the node sink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Anastasios J. Karabelas, Ioannis Gragopoulos, Nicos P. Isaias
  • Publication number: 20110284472
    Abstract: A system and method of separating grease from water in used cooking oil prior to collection and removal of the grease from the restaurant or other facility where the used cooking oil was created, collected or stored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas M. Pahl
  • Publication number: 20110278243
    Abstract: A fluid purification system, comprising: a first fluid purification media comprising a rigid porous purification block, comprising: a longitudinal first surface; a longitudinal second surface disposed inside the longitudinal first surface; and a porous high density polymer disposed between the longitudinal first surface and the longitudinal second surface; a second fluid purification media, comprising a fibrous, nonwoven fabric disposed adjacent to the first surface of the first fluid purification media, the second surface of the first purification media, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: Selecto, Inc.
    Inventor: Ehud Levy
  • Publication number: 20110278237
    Abstract: A flexible, water-permeable filter basket may be used to collect and remove debris from a sump in a drain-entry structure (e.g., a catch-basin). The filter basket includes a basket floor having a perimeter of substantially the same size and shape as a sump floor, at least one basket sidewall corresponding to at least one sump sidewall, and one or more handles collectively affixed to the at least one basket sidewall, the at least one basket sidewall collectively including a resilient frame. The filter basket may be used as a deformable sump insert to collect debris falling into a drain-entry structure for removal without use of a vactor truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: CATCH-ALL, LLC
    Inventor: Jeff McInnis
  • Patent number: 8057688
    Abstract: A filtration appliance for wastewater purification, preferably for a sewage treatment plant, in particular for a small sewage treatment plant, including at least one ceramic-based membrane for separating off microorganisms, to a sewage treatment plant having such a filtration appliance, a method of purifying wastewater, in particular in a sewage treatment plant, wherein microorganisms present in the wastewater are separated off by means of at least one ceramic-based membrane, and also to the use of a ceramic-based membrane as filter for separating off microorganisms and, if appropriate, fine solids, from wastewaters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: ITN Nanovation AG
    Inventor: Ralph Nonninger
  • Patent number: 8057687
    Abstract: A liquid filter heat exchanger unit has a heat exchanger having an inlet through which a liquid is supplied to the heat exchanger and a drain through which the liquid exits after having passed through the heat exchanger. The unit also has a liquid filter with a filter housing and a filter element exchangeably arranged in a receiving chamber, wherein the liquid is supplied through the drain of the heat exchanger to an unfiltered side of the filter element. A bypass connects an inlet passage for supplying the liquid to be filtered to the receiving chamber in the filter housing. A switching member opens and closes the bypass. The switching member is formed by the filter element such that the bypass is closed when the filter element is inserted in the filter housing and is opened when the filter element is removed from the filter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Mann + Hummel GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Jainek