Dividing And Recombining Patents (Class 210/790)
  • Patent number: 11247927
    Abstract: A water purification system comprising a salvage pump, a vacuum assembly, and a clean water assembly. The salvage pump is configured to draw water from a water source. The vacuum assembly is configured to remove solutes from the water via vacuum evaporation. The clean water assembly is configured to remove non-soluble particles and/or bacteria from the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Inventors: Oliver James Groves, Mark James Groves, Shad James Groves
  • Patent number: 10323401
    Abstract: A curb inlet filter adapted to work in conjunction with a curb inlet comprised of permeable filter fabric fashioned generally in a V cross section, comprising an upper and lower fabric layer separated by one or more gussets. A user inserts the curb inlet filter into a curb inlet and may apply pressure to push the filter into the curb inlet causing the gussets to compress as the invention enters the curb inlet and resulting in a press fit between the gussets supporting the upper and lower permeable filter fabric layers. The compression fit retains the inlet filter into place and the curb inlet. Water may pass through the permeable filter fabric, while the permeable filter fabric prevents sediment and other unwanted debris from entering the storm water drainage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Granite Environmental, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Wilkie
  • Patent number: 9884777
    Abstract: Disclosed is a seawater desalination method. The method includes reading parameters representing properties of one or more membranes constituting a membrane combination to be applied to each membrane module; calculating water flux and salt flux of the membrane modules based on the read parameters; calculating a volumetric flow rate imbalance and a total permeate flow rate of the membrane modules based on the calculated water flux and salt flux; and determining a membrane combination having a minimum volumetric flow rate imbalance and a maximum total permeate flow rate based on the calculated volumetric flow rate imbalance and total permeate flow rate. Thus, it is possible to achieve arrangement optimization of reverse osmosis membrane modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: GWANGJU INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Joon-Ha Kim, Kwanho Jeong
  • Patent number: 9174149
    Abstract: A method and apparatuses are presented for rejuvenating a bed of granular filter medium that has accumulated contaminants during filtration of a liquid stream. The method first includes the step of establishing a small volumetric flow rate of clean filtrate in reverse flow. Then, the filter media is agitated to break-up contaminants that have become agglomerated on the surface of or within the interstitial spaces of the filter media. The agitating step is accomplished by exposing the liquid-full filter media to a jetting stream comprised mostly of a gas mixed with a clean liquid. The jetting stream is dispersed throughout the filter media through a plurality of radial nozzles located within the filter bed. The radial nozzles disperse the gas within the liquid and filter media causing sufficient turbulence and agitation of the filter media granules to liberate the trapped contaminants without the need for high liquid flow rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: EXTERRAN HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Douglas W. Lee, Colin Tyrie, William Bateman
  • Patent number: 9061232
    Abstract: Provided is an exhaust gas filter, including: an external case connected with an exhaust pipe; a filtering unit provided in the external case; a filtering path supplying exhaust gas to the filtering unit; and a pressure relief flange provided in the external case to discharge exhaust gas by bypassing the filtering unit. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an exhaust gas filter can prevent the exhaust gas filter from being broken by circuitously discharging exhaust gas even when particular matters collected in the exhaust gas filter increase and thus, pressure in the exhaust gas filter excessively increases Further, engine components such as an EGR, a turbocharger, and the like can be prevented from being broken or outputs thereof can be prevented from deteriorating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: ALANTUM
    Inventors: Kwon-Oh Oh, Gi-Young Kim, Jong-Kwang Kim, Woo-Joo Jeon
  • Patent number: 8956543
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a fluid distribution apparatus. The fluid distribution apparatus has a housing including an inlet configured to receive a drilling material, a first outlet configured to direct a first portion of the drilling material onto a first separatory surface, and a second outlet configured to direct a second portion of the drilling material onto a second separatory surface. The fluid distribution apparatus further includes a screen disposed within the housing and configured to separate solids from the second portion of the drilling material directed through the second outlet onto the second separatory surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Brian S. Carr, John Fedders
  • Patent number: 8945400
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a method and apparatus to quickly and inexpensively implement advanced filtration to engines and systems using spin-on oil filter by using a system adapter sandwiched between the spin-on oil filter and the engine block affixed by a nipple adapter. The adapter makes quick hydraulic connection to the inlet and outlet of a bypass grade or advanced filter, without modifications to the engine, as is the paradigm by traditional bypass filtration systems and without removing lubricant from the engine or system as is the paradigm of traditional bypass filtering systems. A differential pressure between said inlet and outlet side of the spin-on filter is complemented by a Venturi effect and fluid kinetic energy made possible by the special architecture of the nipple adapter and adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Pareto Point Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Adan Reinosa
  • Patent number: 8795532
    Abstract: A process for operating a cooling tower (10), said process comprising: introducing a feed solution into a cooling tower, evaporating solvent from the feed solution to produce a concentrated solution, removing a portion of the concentrated solution as blow-down, passing at least a portion of the blow-down through a first membrane in a nanofiltration unit (14), such that at least some of the solute in the blow-down are retained as a concentrated blow-down solution on the retentate-side of the first membrane, contacting at least a portion of the concentrated blow-down solution (42) with one side of a second membrane (12) and contacting a solution having a lower solute concentration than the combined concentrated blow-down solution and the return from the cooling tower with the opposite side of the second membrane, such that solvent flows across the second membrane to dilute the concentrated blow down solution by direct osmosis, and re-introducing the diluted blow-down solution to the cooling tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Surrey Aquatechnology Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter Nicoll
  • Patent number: 8790446
    Abstract: A removal device for removing gas bubbles and/or dirt particles from a liquid in a conduit system includes a housing (12) with an entry (14) and an exit (16) and a inter space (18) which is defined by the housing (12), wherein in the inter space a number of plates (20) are provided which extend substantially transversally to a main flow direction (58), wherein the plates (20) define a main ongoing flow channel (22), and wherein the plate define branch flow channels (21) which end in at least one quiet zone (44;48), and wherein at least one plate (50) defines a merge flow channel for a merge flow which merges with the main flow (22) at a merge point which is located downstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Flamco B.V.
    Inventors: Abraham Zaanen, Jan Henk Cnossen
  • Patent number: 8747679
    Abstract: A separation system for separating a fluid mixture includes a uniaxial cyclonic separator (2) having a first inlet (16) for receiving a fluid mixture, a separation chamber (18) for separating the fluid mixture by cyclonic action into a dense first fluid and a less dense second fluid, a first outlet (22) for the first fluid and a second outlet (26) for the second fluid. The system further includes a reverse flow cyclonic separator (32) having a second inlet (30) for receiving the first fluid from the first outlet (22), a separation chamber for separating the first fluid by cyclonic action into a dense third fluid and a less dense fourth fluid, a third outlet (34) for the third fluid and a fourth outlet (36) for the fourth fluid. A method for the bulk separation of water from an oil/water mixture is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Caltec Limited
    Inventors: Mir Mahmood Sarshar, Mirza Najam Ali Beg, Carl Wordsworth
  • Patent number: 8696912
    Abstract: A method of operating a water treatment system (1), having a softening device (4), in particular comprising an ion-exchange resin (7), a conductivity sensor (9), and electronic control device (13), and an automatically adjustable blending device for mixing a blended water stream V(t)blend from a first, softened part-stream V(t)part1soft and a second, raw-water-carrying part-stream V(t)part2raw, is characterized in that the conductivity LFsoft of the softened water or the conductivity LFblend of the blended water is determined experimentally, and in that the conductivity LFraw of the raw water and/or the total hardness of the raw water is derived from the experimentally determined conductivity LFsoft of the softened water or LFblend of the blended water. With the invention, inexpensive and permanently reliable control of a water treatment system, in particular of the regeneration and blending, is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: JUDO Wasseraufbereitung GmbH
    Inventor: Ralf Soecknick
  • Publication number: 20140083291
    Abstract: A non-fouling, bypass filter is disclosed. The filter is formed of a tapered structure having particulate material filtering properties. The tapered structure has an open base and a closed top, with its exterior surface being exposed to a gas/fluid stream to be filtered. A gas/fluid stream generating device generates a gas/fluid stream that is drawn into the tapered structure's interior and that is filtered due to the particulate material filtering properties of the tapered structure. The external profile of the conically shaped structure is adapted to cause a plurality of gas/fluid streams from the ambient gas/fluid to flow against the exterior surface of the tapered structure to prevent the building up of particulate material on the exterior surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: GAME CHANGERS, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Zonenberg, Jason D. Sanchez, Piotr A. Garbuz
  • Patent number: 8679353
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a method recovers oil from a concentrated byproduct, such as evaporated thin stillage formed during a dry milling process used for producing ethanol. The method includes forming a concentrate from the byproduct and recovering oil from the concentrate. The step of forming the concentrate may comprise evaporating the byproduct. Further, the step of separating the oil from the concentrate may comprise using a centrifuge and, in particular, a disk stack centrifuge. Other aspects of the invention include related methods and subsystems for recovering oil from thin stillage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: GS Cleantech Corporation
    Inventor: David J. Winsness
  • Patent number: 8647396
    Abstract: When producing biodiesel from fats, oils or split fatty acids rich in steryl glycosides, the light phase rich in fatty acid alkyl esters, which is obtained from the transesterification or esterification, is washed with water in a washing column, wherein the suspension layer formed is treated by stirring. In this way, the steryl glycosides are transferred into the light phase of the wash. In a subsequent treatment of the light washer phase with water in an intensive mixer, compact steryl glycoside/fatty acid alkyl ester/water agglomerates are obtained, which can easily be separated by means of centrifugation. From the light phase of centrifugation, on-spec biodiesel is obtained upon further processing by drying and/or filtration. This process is suitable for processing fats, oils or split fatty acids with a high content of steryl glycosides and avoids the use of auxiliary substances foreign to the process. It is characterized by simplicity of equipment and a low demand for energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Lurgi GmbH
    Inventors: Rudolf Boensch, Eckhard Seidel, Helmut Saft
  • Patent number: 8609874
    Abstract: Processes and methods of recovering desired products from fermentation stillage are presented, including processes and methods of recovering lipids and aqueous materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Edeniq, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Root Woods, Vahik Krikorian, Juston Smithers
  • Patent number: 8591746
    Abstract: A screening installation includes, provided in a flume (5) conveying a fluid flowing with a total flow QE: a screening device (10) including a screen which includes at least one filter member in order to screen a fraction Q10 of the total flow, at least one first passage (31) in the flume which is adapted to allow a fraction Q31 of the total flow to pass such that QE=Q10+Q31, so long as the head loss between the upstream side and the downstream side of the screening device is less than a predetermined value, and at least one second passage (32) in the flume which is adapted to allow a fraction Q32 of the total flow to pass such that QE=Q10+Q31+Q32 when the head loss is greater than the predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: E. Beaudrey et Cie
    Inventor: Manuel Fillon
  • Publication number: 20130306577
    Abstract: A separator is indicated, which is arranged in a container having a circular or ellipsoidal cross section and having a container wall, for separating a light liquid-water mixture, for example oil-polluted water, comprising: a feed arranged on a first side of the container having a feed chicane, which directs the supplied mixture downward and divides it into two first flow parts that are substantially of equal size, an outlet having an outlet tube, a circular or ellipsoidal flow wall having an internal wall side and an external wall side, wherein the flow wall passes through at least half of a full circle, preferably at least three quarters of a full circle, and has an opening, which is facing a second side of the container opposite the feed, wherein the flow wall between the external wall side of the flow wall and the container wall forms two flow channels at two opposite sides of the container wall in each case from the feed to the second side of the container, wherein in the flow channels in each case one o
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: ACO SEVERIN AHLMANN GMBH & CO.KG
    Inventors: Hermann Mayer, Marc Schmitz, Stefan Grube, Libor Docekal
  • Patent number: 8585909
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus to allow high pressure pumping a fluid mixture of solid and/or abrasive particles with a liquid, and separating the fluid mixture into a solid and/or abrasive particle component and a cleaned liquid component. An embodiment includes surrounding the pump plunger/piston, and timely cycling the cleaned liquid to flush the pump check valves to displace erosive solid and/or abrasive material. Consequently, this invention allows for proper check valve sealing, extends the life of check valves, extends the life of the pump, and improves efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventors: Wesley Mark McAfee, Mark Franklin Alley
  • Patent number: 8561220
    Abstract: A device (20) for improving drainline clearance for use with an ultra low flushing volume toilet (24). The device (20) includes a centrifuge separator means (30), for separating liquids (L) and solids (S), and a reservoir (42). The separator means (30) has a substantially horizontal inlet (32), adapted for connection to the outlet (26) of a toilet pan (24), an outlet (36) primarily for solids (S) and an outlet (38) primarily for liquids (L). The reservoir (42) is beneath the separator means (30) and has an inlet (38) in fluid communication with the liquids outlet (38) of the separator means (30). The reservoir (42) is adapted to syphonically empty substantially all of its contents into a sewerage drainline (22) after at least 2 flushes of the toilet (24). Further, the separator means (30) and the reservoir (42) have a combined vertical dimension less than the maximum height of the toilet pan outlet for installation adjacent the toilet (24) and substantially above the floor level (F) of the toilet (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Caroma Industries Limited
    Inventor: Stephen John Cummings
  • Patent number: 8506820
    Abstract: A continuous online process for rejuvenating whole stream of contaminated lean sulfolane in an extraction system is provided. A rejuvenator is installed in the solvent circulation loop to remove the contaminants continuously to keep the solvent clean, effective and less corrosive. The rejuvenator includes a high pressure vessel with a removable cover and a round rack with vertical stainless steel tubes fitted in the high pressure vessel. A magnetic bar is placed in each stainless steel tube. A screen cylinder is installed outside the ring of stainless steel tubes. As the contaminated sulfolane is passed through the rejuvenator, the rejuvenator picks up contaminants. The rejuvenator can be dissembled to remove the contaminants periodically. The rejuvenator is simple in construction, reliable in operation, and low in operation and maintenance costs. With this rejuvenator, the extraction system operates at high efficiency and high capacity without the dreaded corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: CPC Corporation, Taiwan
    Inventors: Ping-Wen Yen, Yuh-Sheve Ho, Hung-Tzu Chiu, Chung-Jong Hwu, June-Cheng Chang, Tzong-Bin Lin, Tsoung Y. Yan, Cheng-Tsung Hong, Hung-Chung Shen
  • Patent number: 8501012
    Abstract: A filter sub apparatus comprising a housing configured to contain a filter and a bypass mechanism is provided. The bypass mechanism may be actuated upon debris buildup on the filter resulting in a load applied to the bypass mechanism rising above a predetermined lower level. A method to prevent chemical injection process failures may also be provided. The method may comprise the steps of providing a filter sub prior to a check valve. The filter sub may include a filter and a bypass mechanism. Another step may be passing fluid through the filter. In addition, the steps may also include containing at least some debris on a side of the filter such that the debris is prevented from reaching the check valve. A further step may be actuating the bypass mechanism after the debris builds up to a level in which a resulting load applied to the bypass mechanism exceeds a lower limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: David Himmel
  • Patent number: 8464783
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and arrangement of optimizing the level of anti freeze agent in a heat transfer fluid in a heat exchange system The method comprises determining (305) a wanted level of anti freeze agent at least partly based on the temperature of the media to which the heat exchange system will deliver heat, controlling (310) the current level of the anti freezing agent in the heat transfer fluid. Anti freezing agent is added 315:1 to the heat transfer fluid if the current level is a predetermined amount lower than the wanted level, and removed 315:2 from the heat transfer fluid if the current level is a predetermined amount higher than the wanted level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Mikael Nutsos
  • Patent number: 8444620
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separation, concentration, and/or applying a biological or bio-engineered fluid. Generally, the fluid application device includes a sprayer body to enable the application of the fluid and a container adaptable to enable the separation of the fluid into at least a first component and a second component. The container is releasably coupled to the nozzle. The nozzle is adapted to withdraw at least one of the first component or the second component from the container after the fluid has been separated to apply the fluid to a selected site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Barry F. Hecker
  • Publication number: 20130098848
    Abstract: Disclosed are wastewater treatment systems and methods of treating wastewater. In particular, this disclosure provides a method of lowering the biological oxygen demand, total nitrogen, total suspended solids, and phosphorous within wastewater containing human excrements. In addition to improving the quality of the wastewater on a per Liter basis, this disclosure also provides methods and systems that reduce the absolute quantity of total nitrogen, total suspended solids, and phosphorous released into the environment through effluent. The disclosed methods and systems also provide ways of reintroducing water into the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: George Frigon
  • Publication number: 20130056426
    Abstract: A method and system for wastewater treatment comprising a first treatment zone (11) fluidly connected to one or more further treatment zones (12, 13, 14), a membrane module (16) comprising a filter membrane positioned in or fluidly connected to the further treatment zone (14), a gravity settling device (15) fluidly connected to the first treatment zone (11) to receive overflow therefrom; and a flow control device (23) between the first treatment zone (11) and the gravity settling device (15) to control the flow of liquid therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Dennis J. Barnes
  • Patent number: 8343341
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of sanitizing drinking water to be dispensed from a water dispenser having a reservoir includes the steps of providing the ozone gas generator that generates an ozone gas stream, transmitting the ozone gas stream from the generator to the water dispenser reservoir, mechanically breaking up the ozone gas stream inside the reservoir to produce ozone gas bubbles, and using the ozone gas bubbles to disinfect water in the reservoir. The ozone gas stream can be mechanically broken up using a pump such as, for example, an impeller type pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: S.I.P. Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Davis, James Jackson Shelton
  • Publication number: 20120312022
    Abstract: A fuel system comprising a liquid fuel tank, an engine, and a coalescing filter adapted to separate water from fuel, the filter having an inlet fluidically connected to the fuel tank, a first outlet fluidically connected to a fuel feed system for the engine, and a second outlet fluidically connected to the fuel tank, wherein the coalescing filter is adapted to discharge fuel filtrate from the second outlet and filtrand from the first outlet. Also, a method of removing water or ice from a fuel tank, the method comprising directing a flow of fuel from a fuel tank to a coalescing filter adapted to separate water from fuel, discharging filtrand from a first outlet of the coalescing filter to a fuel feed system for consumption by an engine, and discharging fuel filtrate from a second outlet of the coalescing filter and returning the fuel filtrate to the fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Joseph K-W Lam, Franklin Tichborne, David Parmenter, Simon Masters
  • Patent number: 8323506
    Abstract: An apparatus for and method of filtering hydrocarbon contaminated water, which may be used in drainage openings in parking lots and containment areas for large sources of hydrocarbons to remove hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon contaminated water. The apparatus has a filtration compartment which filters out debris which may clog the treatment compartment. A pre-filtration and means for melting snow may be incorporated. The treatment compartment contains a hydrocarbon absorption media which absorbs any hydrocarbons present in the water rendering such water substantially hydrocarbon-free for discharge directly into a stream or groundwater. If a hydrocarbon spill occurs, the hydrocarbon absorption media forms a plug which seals off the flow of contaminated water. A hydrocarbon solubilizing material capable of effectively removing sheen in a first pass may be disposed as a top layer over the hydrocarbon absorption media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: SPI Filtration LLC
    Inventor: William J Gannon
  • Patent number: 8323510
    Abstract: Methods and systems for heavy metal separation and recovery from heavy metal-containing sludge or wastes. The method utilizes ultrasonic treatment assisted acid leaching process to separate and recover different heavy metals from multi metals-containing sludge. The technique can be cost effectively implemented for heavy metal separation and purification processes in the real world at industrial scales.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventors: Fengchun Xie, Yang Ma
  • Publication number: 20120285901
    Abstract: A filter includes a plurality of annular filter elements arranged in axially staggered relation. An axial flow path includes a plurality of flow path segments, some being filtered by a respective filter element, and others bypassing a respective filter element. Various combinations are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: CUMMINS FILTRATION IP INC.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Holm, Michael J. Connor, Peter K. Herman, Scott W. Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20120285902
    Abstract: A filter includes a plurality of annular filter elements arranged in axially staggered relation. An axial flow path includes a plurality of flow path segments, some being filtered by a respective filter element, and others bypassing a respective filter element. Various combinations are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: CUMMINS FILTRATION IP INC.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Holm, Michael J. Connor, Peter K. Herman, Scott W. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 8287742
    Abstract: Method for separating a volume of whole blood into at least a plasma component and a red blood cell component comprising centrifuging a separation bag containing a volume of whole blood so as to separate therein at least a first component comprising plasma and a second component comprising red blood cells; transferring the first component into a plasma component bag during centrifugation of the separation bag; transferring into the separation bag a volume of wash solution from a wash solution bag during centrifugation of the separation bag; mixing the volume of wash solution with the second component; centrifuging the separation bag so as to separate therein a washed red blood cell component and a supernatant component; and transferring the supernatant component into a waste bag during centrifugation of the separation bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian M. Holmes
  • Patent number: 8236184
    Abstract: A method related to using a squeezing or transfer fluid to transfer fluid or components between bags in a centrifuge wherein the squeezing fluid can be reversed to reduce squeezing and such fluid an also be used to build up a over-pressure for rapid movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Holmes, Peter Pihlstedt
  • Patent number: 8231793
    Abstract: A cartridge type filter is mounted in a housing and is serviced through the top of the housing. The cartridge includes first and second media packs axially stacked. The second media pack is in series behind the first media pack, and filters a portion of the liquid therethrough. The second media pack has a higher efficiency than the first media pack. The overall design has a drain system which allows liquid to drain from the interior of the filter housing and back to the sump before the filter cartridge is completely removed from the housing. Other optional features include an oil cooler, various valving, and a filter cartridge lockout mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Hacker, Bradley S. Honermann, Mark S. Emery
  • Publication number: 20120181238
    Abstract: A water treatment system can be essentially non-electric, and can use gravity to produce water that is safe for drinking. By such a system there can be provided a low cost, reliable way to treat water that is contaminated by water borne pathogens, to reduce or eliminate such contaminants to a safe level, and thereby produce water that is drinkable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: PRISTINA CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC
    Inventors: Arthur SUSSMAN, Lora Sussman
  • Publication number: 20120175318
    Abstract: A removal device for removing gas bubbles and/or dirt particles from a liquid in a conduit system includes a housing (12) with an entry (14) and an exit (16) and a inter space (18) which is defined by the housing (12), wherein in the inter space a number of plates (20) are provided which extend substantially transversally to a main flow direction (58), wherein the plates (20) define a main ongoing flow channel (22), and wherein the plate define branch flow channels (21) which end in at least one quiet zone (44;48), and wherein at least one plate (50) defines a merge flow channel for a merge flow which merges with the main flow (22) at a merge point which is located downstream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: FLAMCO B.V.
    Inventors: Abraham Zaanen, Jan Henk Cnossen
  • Publication number: 20120152861
    Abstract: A multi-stage method of reducing solids and contaminants from liquid waste and other suitable streams without the use of chemical flocculants or polymers is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Jay Vanier, Rick Simmons, Bryan Thibodeaux
  • Patent number: 8187470
    Abstract: Some mineral processing plants encounter difficulties in dewatering pulps using clarifier/thickener (C/T) equipment due to a layer of fine particles, air bubbles and chemicals formed at the top of the liquid in the thickener. Such layers are very stable and form a cap on the C/T. The dewatering performance of the C/T then deteriorates under these conditions, and a high percentage of solids is contained in the thickener overflow. A process for removing water from rock slurry containing a wide range of particle sizes in mineral processing operations has been developed. The process includes: (a) classifying the feed slurry into two size fractions, namely a coarse fraction and a fine fraction, (b) treating the fine fraction (and the coarse fraction if required) with a selected flocculant, and (3) thickening the flocculated slurry in sedimentation equipment to separate liquid from solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: ARR-MAZ Custom Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Guoxin Wang, Zhengxing Gu, Edward W. Gannon
  • Patent number: 8168037
    Abstract: Methods and related systems efficiently and effectively recover a significant amount of valuable, useable oil from byproducts formed during a dry milling process used for producing ethanol. The method may include forming a concentrate from the byproduct and recovering oil from the concentrate. The step of forming the concentrate may include evaporating the byproduct using a multi-stage evaporator, as well as recovering the oil before the final stage of the evaporator. Further, the step of recovering oil from the concentrate may include using a centrifuge and, in particular, a disk stack centrifuge. Other aspects of the invention include related methods and subsystems for recovering oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: GS Cleantech Corporation
    Inventor: David J. Winsness
  • Patent number: 8153012
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for filtering a fluid, in particular a liquefied plastic, with a housing with backflush channel and screen carrier and filter element whereby, in order to accelerate and improve the backflush effect, one or more displacement cylinders are provided that guide material removed from the production at adjustable high pressure and speed to the screen to be cleaned from the clean screen side to the dirty screen side, whereby an additional pressure generator ensures constant process pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Kreyenborg Verwaltungen und Beteiligungen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Woestmann, Dirk Bussmann
  • Publication number: 20120080384
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a method and apparatus to quickly and inexpensively implement advanced filtration to engines and systems using spin-on oil filter by using a system adapter sandwiched between the spin-on oil filter and the engine block affixed by a nipple adapter. The system adapter has the ability to make quick hydraulic connection to the inlet and outlet of a bypass grade or advanced filter, where oil is super cleaned, without modifications to the engine as is the paradigm by traditional bypass filtration systems and without removing any lubricant from the engine or system that the present invention is connected to, as is the paradigm of traditional bypass filtering systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventor: Adan Reinosa
  • Patent number: 8114293
    Abstract: A liquid treatment plant has sets of membrane trains and processing trains with flow between them through channels. Steps of withdrawing permeate and sludge from the trains are described. Cyclic aeration is provided to the membrane trains. Methods of foam control, backwashing and chemical cleaning are described. Single membrane trains or process trains may be isolated for various functions. An isolated membrane train may be used to thicken sludge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Zenon Technology Partnership
    Inventors: Deonarine Phagoo, Douglas Joseph Thompson, Jeffrey Peter Penny, Jake Goldstein, Jason A. Diamond
  • Patent number: 7998353
    Abstract: A filter candle 100 as subject of the present invention comprises: an elongated mesh pack 200 for filtering a fluid, comprising an end fitting 206 securely fixed to a filter medium 205. Further, a hollow core tube 300 is provided having a fluid permeable wall 310, the core tube being positioned within the axial opening of the mesh pack. The core tube 300 has an end flange 340 fixed to the outer end surface 312, which end flange is suitable for engaging the end fitting 206 on the mesh pack. A ring-shaped seal 500 is provided between and making contact with the outer end surface of the core tube, the end fitting and the end flange. The seal is a porous ring-shaped structure comprising a multitude of pores, which pores have an average pore size being equal or less than the filter rating of the filter medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: NV Bekaert SA
    Inventors: Stefan Vandendijk, Yakov Gerzon
  • Publication number: 20110056894
    Abstract: A water-filtering method has effectiveness and reduced contamination, and is in particular an ultrafiltration method, and a filtration system contains a plurality of individual filtration modules, each of which is supplied with untreated water via at least one untreated water inlet, and whose filtrate is removed via a filtrate outlet. The filtration modules are backwashed with filtrate, and are divided into groups, wherein during backwashing, each group is individually separated from the untreated water inflow and rinsed with the filtrate that is produced by the remaining groups and fed back during the backwashing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventor: DIRK SCHEU
  • Publication number: 20110031195
    Abstract: A recirculating/filtering/flushing system for cleaning a water main is provided, wherein the water main includes first and second access points. The system comprises at least one filter for filtering water in the water main; an inlet conduit coupled with the first access point and the at least one filter; an outlet conduit coupled with the second access point and the at least one filter; a bypass conduit coupled with the inlet conduit at a first location upstream of the at least one filter, and coupled with the outlet conduit at a second location downstream of the at least one filter; and a pumping device for flowing the water in the water main through the inlet conduit, through either the at least one filter or the bypass conduit, and through the outlet conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Chris E. Wilkinson
  • Publication number: 20110000861
    Abstract: An embodiment of a water reclamation system has at least one water filtration module mounted to a transport vehicle. The at least one water filtration module has a plurality of water treatment vessels with a treatment media positioned therein. A waste water inlet header, a produced water collection header, and a waste water outlet header are all connected to the plurality of water treatment vessels of the at least one water filtration module. A method of reclaiming waste water comprises flowing waste water into the waste water inlet header where it is distributed into the plurality of treatment vessels. The waste water engages the treatment media and the filtered or produced water is collected in the produced water collection header. The waste water is collected in the waste water outlet header.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: Bear Creek Services, LLC.
    Inventors: Nathan R. Hutchings, Eric W. Appleton
  • Patent number: 7780855
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of installing an environmental control system so as to allow for separate sizing of treatment and bypass capacity while also offering the ability to make or change either treatment or bypass capacities at different times. This is accomplished by containing the treatment and bypass functions in separate chambers, using screen, baffle, or coalescing media pack to further refine effectiveness and capacity of each structure independently. The control structure and interceptor structure may be pre-engineered to a variety of sizes, capacities, or other specifications. This allows simple selection of a specific control structure and a specific interceptor structure from a variety of combinations, eliminating the need for custom engineering for each installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher N. Eberly
  • Publication number: 20100133196
    Abstract: This is a method and apparatus for combined gravity separation-filtration for conducting physical, physical-chemical, chemical, and biological processes in solid-liquid systems; including but not limited to separation of dispersed solids from liquids, separation of alkalinity from the liquid stream, chemical acid-base interactions, chemical oxidation-reduction, chemical dissolution-precipitation, physical chemical adsorption, ion exchange, mass transfer in any combinations of multiple liquid-solid-gas phases, biological oxidation-reductions, biological growth, and combinations of these processes; gravity separation steps can be conducted in rectangular horizontal unidirectional flow clarifiers, rectangular or circular radial flow clarifiers, rectangular or circular vertical flow clarifiers, lamella clarifiers, suspended sludge blanket clarifiers, fluidized bed separators, and combinations thereof, wherein the filtration step is disposed in the upper portion of the combined process or side-by-side with clarifi
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Boris Mikhail Khudenko
  • Patent number: 7641929
    Abstract: A method of adjusting a sediment content of a drink by a centrifuge. The method includes the steps of feeding a starting product into a centrifugal drum, clarifying the starting product by a clarification process of sediment substances into a clear phase, a solids phase and a finely cloudy phase, and discharging the clear phase, the solids phase and the finely clouded phase from the centrifugal drum. Also disclosed is a centrifuge for adjusting a sediment content of a drink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventors: Bernd Spiekermeier, Carsten Waubke
  • Patent number: 7560029
    Abstract: An energy efficient desalination process that does not produce waste products involves the extraction of water from a first solution, such as seawater, by using a second concentrated solution to draw the water from the first solution across a semi-permeable membrane. By manipulating the equilibrium of the soluble and insoluble species of solute within the second solution in favor of the soluble species of the solute, a saturated second solution can be used to generate osmotic pressure on the first solution. Also, by adjusting the equilibrium in favor of the less soluble species after the water has been drawn from the first solution, a portion of the solute can easily be precipitated out. Heating the second solution decomposes the solute into its constituent gasses. The constituent gasses and precipitated solute may be recycled through the process to affect the changes in equilibrium and eliminate waste products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Yale University
    Inventor: Robert Mc Ginnis