And Recirculating Liquid Patents (Class 210/805)
  • Publication number: 20020056690
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for washing manure to remove undesirable elements and produce environmentally desirable processed manure solids and a manure tea by-product. The apparatus is arranged so that the manure, which is transformed into a slurry, passes through the apparatus vertically by gravity during the washing process. The process includes the addition of most preferably nitric acid or alternatively iron salts; and a polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventor: Paul Wegner
  • Patent number: 6387275
    Abstract: A pretreatment system and a pretreatment method for recycling exhaust water, for purifying exhaust water to a water quality acceptable to ordinary water-purification equipment, has advantages of small space occupation, low energy consumption, and lower cost. By providing a mixing piping with coarse interior, a series of closed micro continuous stirred tank reactors can be established inside the pipe to form plenty of turbulent regions for thoroughly mixing the chemical and the exhaust water. Flocculent gels that carry pollutants and particles of the exhaust water then can be removed by a filtering unit, for purifying the exhaust water. Also, by providing a modified silt density index, the pollution of a sample water can be clearly scaled and monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chen-Chang Chang, Shih-Cheng Lin, Hsing-Fen Tsai
  • Publication number: 20020053549
    Abstract: A system for filtering well water residing in a water storage tank or reservoir in which water laden with sediment and debris is removed by a pump from the center of the bottom of the tank, passed through one or more sand filters, and returned to the tank. The suction caused by the pumping action creates a vortex in the water in the storage tank which promotes the collection and accumulation of sediment and debris in the center of the bottom of the tank. The tangential injection of the return water aids in the creation of the vortex or swirling motion around central axis of rotation which in turn causes particulate matter, dirt, and debris to gravitate to the bottom of the tank and collect in the center of the tank's floor, which is skimmed by either the same or a separate stand-alone pumping action. The degree of separation of the particulate matter from the well water is substantial with a large majority of the particulate matter accumulating near the center of the bottom of the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventor: Mark Voll
  • Patent number: 6375843
    Abstract: A liquid solid separation apparatus having a porous metal pipe sealed inside a non-porous metal pipe which allows a portion of the liquids, e.g., hydrocarbons and water to pass through the first pipe into the non porous pipe from which they are removed while solids are retained within the porous pipe. In the process there is a system pressure which aids in the filtration and a circulating velocity which removes the detained solids. Preferably a portion of these solids with reduced liquid content are recycled back to the system, mixed with fresh feed. By recycling a porion of the recovered solid concentrate the velocity of the flow in the system kept constant and the system itself is stabilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Environmental Safeguards, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Leon Potter, Ross D. Roberts, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020040871
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment process that provides improved reduction of total solids through endogenous respiration while reducing biochemical oxygen demand and utilizing biological nutrient reduction. The wastewater treatment process uses an efficient aeration delivery system to drastically reduce the time needed to oxidize organic matter, and re-circulates, shreds and homogenizes the organic matter and microorganisms and oxygenates the entire mass many more times than traditional systems resulting in a greater biological solids digestion rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Applicant: PREMIER WASTEWATER INTERNATIONAL, LLC.
    Inventors: Paul G. Garcia, Leonard Davidson, H. Matthew Russell, Martin Perry Johnson, Paul F. Garcia
  • Patent number: 6365395
    Abstract: A process is provided for selectively removing protein aggregates and virus particles from a protein solution in a two-step filtration process. In a first step, a protein solution is filtered by tangential flow filtration through a cellulosic ultrafiltrate membrane at a transmembrane pressure of between about 1 and about 10 psi to produce a first permeate and a retentate stream. Water or aqueous buffer is added to the retentate stream to form an essentially constant volume retentate stream. The first permeate is filtered through a second ultrafiltration membrane to retain virus particles at a retention level of at least 3 LRV and to allow passage therethrough of a protein aggregate free and virus free protein solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventor: Chris Antoniou
  • Patent number: 6365047
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating biogenic residues, especially cafeteria leftovers, meat refuse, clarification sludge, organic industrial wastes and the like, wherein the residues are subjected to temperature pressure hydrolysis. In order to obtain a higher flow rate for residues using a small apparatus, the invention provides that temperature pressure hydrolysis is carried out in a cylindrical section in a first direction and in an external radial section in a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Applikations-und Technikzentrum für Energieverfahrens-Umwelt-, und Strömungstechnik (ATZ-EVUS)
    Inventors: Franz Bischof, Ralf Schneider, Rolf Jung, Bernd Genenger
  • Publication number: 20020030016
    Abstract: Method for treating non-gelatin colloidal encapsulation waste materials in which the waste is combined, optionally, with a solvent capable of dissolving the non-gelatin colloidal encapsulation material, and any softening agent contained therein, and then treating the solvent layer to remove contaminants such as residual oils and/or particulates which may be present, to provide a purified and usable encapsulating material containing stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Applicant: A.B. Technologies Holding, L.L.C.
    Inventor: William J. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6350382
    Abstract: A system is provided for proceeding with filtration of liquids in a manner having enhanced control characteristics. Yields are enhanced. The system and method can be used to maintain a substantially constant trans-membrane pressure. When desired, that constant trans-membrane pressure is especially well-suited to yield enhancement for the particular liquid being filtered, concentrated or collected, while minimizing a risk of damage to or loss of valuable components. Additionally, a constant feed rate or pump output can be maintained. Approaches also are described for determining optimal filtration conditions, including trans-membrane pressure and feed rate. Also described is a system and method for determining pressures in a pulsating system with enhanced accuracy by using a peak pressure mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Scilog, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl G. Schick
  • Patent number: 6348154
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods to remove metals from water in a cost effective and efficient manner using an inorganic cross-flow filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventor: David R. Stewart
  • Patent number: 6331251
    Abstract: A system is provided for withdrawing permeate from a substrate through a filter and for cleaning the filter in situ. The system includes a vessel configured to contain a substrate and a compartment connected to receive substrate from the vessel and connected to return a portion of received substrate to the vessel during normal operation of the system. The system also includes a filter positioned at least partially within the compartment to withdraw permeate from substrate in the compartment during normal operation of the system. A source of cleaning solution is connected to the compartment to deliver cleaning solution into the compartment and into contact with the filter during cleaning operation of the system. The compartment facilitates circulation of substrate in the vessel during normal operation of the system and substantially prevents introduction of cleaning solution from the compartment into contact with substrate contained in the vessel during cleaning operation. A method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Envirogen, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Arthur Del Vecchio, Robert Eben Loudon, Paul Matthew Sutton
  • Patent number: 6331256
    Abstract: Fluorine-containing water is treated by contacting the fluorine-containing water with calcium carbonate to react the fluorine in the fluorine-containing water with the calcium carbonate and fix it as calcium fluoride. After the fluorine-containing water is contacted with the calcium salt in the reaction tank to react the fluorine in the fluorine-containing water with the calcium salt and fix it as calcium fluoride, it is subjected to solid/liquid separation, and the treated water is removed while a portion of the sludge concentrated by the solid/liquid separation is returned to the reaction tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Satoshi Kezuka, Takayuki Sadakata
  • Patent number: 6325941
    Abstract: An adjustable continuous filtration system; a continuous split-stream bypass filtration system; a method for controlling the proportion of a fluid recycled through a filtration system; a method for controlling the proportion of a fluid which is routed to the filter of a filtration system, and the proportion of the fluid which is discharged from the system without passing through the filter; and a method for controlling the quality of cooking fats and cooking oils. The mechanisms for controlling the proportion of fluid routed or recycled to a filter depend on the size or width of orifices in passageways conveying the fluid, including the restriction of one or more of the orifices. A needle valve beneficially provides a continuous range of variation of orifice size. If the quality of cooking fat or cooking oil discharged from the filtration system is below industry standards, the proportion of the cooking fat or cooking oil routed or recycled to the filter is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventor: Ronald J. Zappe
  • Patent number: 6315837
    Abstract: A slurry of contaminated sand and water is delivered to a solid/liquid hydrocyclone (2) surmounting a pressure vessel (1). That is divided into two sections (3, 4) by a bulkhead (5) leaving a gap between the sections at the top. The partially cleaned sand from the hydrocyclone (2) is dropped into one section (3) while the water is directed to the section (4). The sand is then fluidized with clean, preferably recycled water and directed back through the hydrocyclone (2). This is repeated several times, progressively cleaning the sand. Oil removed by the process floats on the water in the section (4) and is discharged to drain (22). Provision for degassing the pressure vessel (1), discharging the fully cleaned sand, and for flushing and draining the pressure vessel is made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Axsia Serck Baker Limited
    Inventor: Thomas Clarkson Barclay
  • Publication number: 20010037981
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment equipment is provided with a reaction tank and a separate reaction unit installed in the reaction tank. In the separate reaction unit, a reaction different from a reaction in the reaction tank is carried out with returned sludge and a acid or alkali. Reactants are generated from the returned sludge in the separate reaction unit and then introduced from a bottom portion of the separate reaction unit into the reaction tank so as to be used for wastewater treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Yamasaki, Norio Sawai, Kazumi Chujou
  • Publication number: 20010035377
    Abstract: A bag or reservoir for recirculation washing of blood cells having a top outlet port and bottom inlet port. A method of recirculation washing of blood cells using the bag in conjunction with a spinning membrane filter. The method can be used in an instrument for magnetic cell selection or a stand-alone cell washing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Applicant: Nexell Therapeutics Inc.
    Inventor: Craig L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6297061
    Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for detecting the presence of analyte particles in a sample fluid also comprising larger particles, particularly blood. It exploits diffusion to provide simultaneous filtering of the larger particles and reaction of the analyte particles. A sample stream and a reagent stream join on the upstream end of a laminar flow reaction channel and flow in adjacent laminar streams. The reagents can be in solution or immobilized on a bead. The analyte particles diffuse from the sample stream into the reagent stream, leaving behind the larger particles in the residual sample stream. In the reagent stream the analyte particles react with reagent particles and form product particles, thereby creating a product stream. At the downstream end of the reaction channel, the residual sample stream and the product stream are divided. The product particles are then detected, preferably optically, in the product stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Caicai Wu, Bernhard Weigl, Margaret A. Kenny, Paul Yager
  • Publication number: 20010017282
    Abstract: This invention is related to a method for recovery of aqueous wash in a phosphate chemical conversion of a shaped metal product involving carrying out chemical conversion and subsequent cleaning with water,
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Inventors: Hiroshi Chihara, Seiichiro Shirahata, Syoji Shiraishi, Naoki Tada, Toshiyuki Kawashima, Hideaki Morita, Yutaka Ohashi
  • Patent number: 6280638
    Abstract: The invention discloses an improved apparatus for continuous purification of liquids, dewatering and drying of the separated non-filtering solids. The apparatus is intended to be applied for the purification of industrial or household waste liquids, as well water form natural sources, by separating and drying of non-filtering solids. The apparatus can be applied successfully for dewatering and drying of various slurries without the emitting of vapours, dust and other detrimental substances in the atmosphere. The apparatus includes a belt filter (1) with an incorporated filter sector and an elastic thermos-filter press (35). The belt filter ensures a continuous purification of water from different sources by separating the non-filtering solids and detrimental ion components comprised in the water, and ensures their bacterial sterility. The separated non-filtering solids are permanently accumulated in the belt filter, and are mixed with the water fed to be purified forming together a slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Belcho Alexandrov Belchev
  • Patent number: 6274054
    Abstract: The method of the present invention is to pump contaminated water, either by pushing or drawing, through a particulate filter and then through a contact chamber containing firstly copper wool and secondly brass wool. This method may be applied to a wide number of applications in which water is subject to either algae or bacterial contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Edward L. Murphy, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6267894
    Abstract: A method of filtering a bath (1,31) having a liquid containing particles of varying sizes therein and the recirculation and filtering system. The method and system require providing a recirculation route from the bath outflow and returning to the bath inflow. The route includes a first path communicating with the bath outflow and having serially a first controllable valve (5,9) and a filter having a relatively large pore size. The route also includes a second path communicating with the bath outflow and having serially a second controllable valve (11,15) and a filter having a relatively small pore size. There is a return path from each filter to the bath inflow. The return path from each filter can be a separate path or the paths can be connected at the output end before returning to the bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard L. Guldi, Vikram N. Doshi, James M. Drumm
  • Publication number: 20010008220
    Abstract: Device (DME) or panel for collecting, distributing, mixing or drawing off several fluids, at least one main fluid and at least two secondary fluids, that comprises at least:
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Gilles Ferschneider, Jean-Christophe Viguie, Olivier Callebert, Frederic Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 6254788
    Abstract: A filter/sanitizer has a filter housing, provided with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a filter cartridge with a hollow interior, located within the filter housing, and a sanitizer cartridge, with a hollow core, positioned within the hollow interior of the filter cartridge. In a preferred embodiment, the sanitizer cartridge is constructed with an outer fluid-permeable member and an inner fluid-permeable member, the outer and inner members substantially enveloping a space therebetween, with the space containing a sanitizing media bed. In operation, as fluid enters the filter housing through the fluid inlet, substantially the full flow of fluid passes through the filter cartridge, through the sanitizer cartridge and around the sanitizing media contained within the bed, into the hollow core of the sanitizer cartridge, and out of the filter housing through the fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: H-Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald R. Davidson
  • Patent number: 6254781
    Abstract: Ferrofluid coated particles resulting from a ferrofluid materials separation process are washed with a solvent which is the same material as the liquid carrier employed in the ferrofluid. The result is a “dirty” solvent which is a very weak ferrofluid. The dirty solvent is then filtered or centrifuged to remove dust particles and other impurities and then the solvent is recovered by distillation in a distillation unit. The solvent can then be reused in the materials reclamation process. The residue in the distillation unit is surfactant-coated particles of ferrofluid. This residue is mixed with either clean or unprocessed solvent in the right proportion and the slurry is passed through an attritor to convert it to a high grade ferrofluid. The ferrofluid can also be reused in the materials separation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Ferrofluidics Corporation
    Inventor: Kuldip Raj
  • Patent number: 6254789
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for treating an aqueous solution derived from sluicing of crude mononitrated or dinitrated aromatic compounds obtained by nitration of the corresponding aromatic compounds, consisting in: (a) contacting said aqueous solution with said aromatic compound thereby obtaining an aqueous phase and an organic phase; (b) recycling said organic phase in the nitration process; (c) distilling said aqueous phase; (d) recycling the resulting concentrated acid solution in the nitration process; (e) recycling or eliminating the recuperated water after distillation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Rhodia Chimie
    Inventors: Philippe Marion, Louis Le Bris, Gérard Berrod, Georges Dovergne, Philippe Perrona
  • Patent number: 6254790
    Abstract: A method for filtering suspended materials from a cooking substance, e.g. oil or shortening, in a central filtration system 100. The method including the steps of (i) receiving the cooking substance in a first tank 106 from a deep fryer and filtering in a first filtration stage through a separator 112 and returning to the first tank 106; (ii) transitioning to a second stage by filling a second tank 118; (iii) filtering in a second filtration stage through filters 120 and 112; and (iv) holding the cooking substance in a heated tank 126 before returning to the deep fryer. Each stage commences when a certain condition is met, e.g. a predetermine level or weight of cooking substance in a tank or a predetermined clarity of the cooking substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Henny Penny Corporation
    Inventors: James D. King, William Casey
  • Patent number: 6251285
    Abstract: A method for preventing an obstruction from being trapped by suction to an inlet of a pool filter pump system, and a lint trap cover therefor. The cover is for installation on a lint trap unit located upstream of a pool filter pump, and is configured to vent air into the lint trap unit when a vacuum level within the unit exceeds a specified vacuum limit, as is the case if the drain or another inlet connected to the lint trap unit is partially or completely obstructed, such as by a child or foreign object. The rapid influx of air eliminates the vacuum within the pump and suction lines and, therefore, the resulting unsafe condition. The lint trap cover preferably has a damped mode of operation so that the pump system does not recover before the obstruction is removed. The cover can be manufactured as original equipment for the lint trap unit, or an existing cover can be modified to include the components required for venting the lint trap unit without requiring any modifications to the remaining pump system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: Michael James Ciochetti
  • Patent number: 6251295
    Abstract: A bag or reservoir for recirculation washing of blood cells has a top outlet port and bottom inlet port. A method of recirculation washing of blood cells uses the bag in conjunction with a spinning membrane filter. The method can be used in an instrument for magnetic cell selection or a stand-alone cell washing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Nexell Therapeutics Inc.
    Inventor: Craig L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6238576
    Abstract: Impure portions such as air bubbles and gelled portions in a liquid are removed so that the liquid can be discharged with improved cleanliness. Under condition that a return flow path and a liquid discharge flow path are closed, a pump chamber is expanded, thereby sucking the liquid in a liquid container portion into a pump chamber through a filter. Under condition that a vent port of the filter and the return flow path are opened and a liquid introducing flow path, the liquid discharge flow path, and a pump inlet flow path are closed, the pump chamber is contracted, thereby returning the liquid in the pump chamber toward the filter so that air in the filter is exhausted to the outside. Under condition that the return flow path and the pump inlet flow path are closed, the pump chamber is contracted, thereby discharging the liquid from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Koganei Corporation
    Inventor: Takeo Yajima
  • Patent number: 6235209
    Abstract: An auxiliary filter for removing residual particles from already filtered cutting fluids used in metal cutting machines, the auxiliary filter including a hollow wheel member rotated in a sealed tank into which the filtered liquid flows. Pressurized liquid passes through a fine screen on the perimeter of the rotating wheel to capture any residual particles. A high pressure backwash jets are directed at the screen as it rotates past an array of nozzles, and a collection trough draws any dislodged material away and out of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Jack R. Bratten
  • Patent number: 6235210
    Abstract: The present invention provides a combination continuous and batch filtration system for a recirculating fryer where the continuous filter and batch filter assemblies are integrated into a single unit, utilizing a common pump. This unit is substantially compact and is therefore able to fit within the frame of most recirculating fryers. The outlets of the continuous filter and the batch filter are connected to a two-way valve, which is, in turn, connected to the inlet of the common pump. The valve allows an operator to selectively pump cooking fluid from either the continuous filter or the batch filter back into the fryer vat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Hobart Corporation
    Inventor: Atul Saksena
  • Patent number: 6224273
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of photopolymer printing blocks, which are utilizable for producing printed matter by flexography, typography or dry offset, of the type including a stage for polymerizing areas by exposure to ultraviolet rays; a stage for engraving non-polymerized areas by immersion and brushing in an engraving bath contained in an engraving tank, the bath becoming loaded with dissolved particles or particles in suspension during the engraving stage; and a separation of the constituents of the engraving bath, with the liquid obtained at the time of separation being injected back into the engraving tank, characterized in that the separation consists of filtration, during which the particles are progressively eliminated. The invention also relates to an engraving device for carrying out the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Mario Ferrante
  • Patent number: 6221677
    Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for detecting the presence of analyte particles in a sample fluid also comprising larger particles, particularly blood. It exploits diffusion to provide simultaneous filtering of the larger particles and reaction of the analyte particles. A sample stream and a reagent stream join on the upstream end of a laminar flow reaction channel and flow in adjacent laminar streams. The reagents can be in solution or immobilized on a bead. The analyte particles diffuse from the sample stream into the reagent stream, leaving behind the larger particles in the residual sample stream. In the reagent stream the analyte particles react with reagent particles and form product particles, thereby creating a product stream. At the downstream end of the reaction channel, the residual sample stream and the product stream are divided. The product particles are then detected, preferably optically, in the product stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Caicai Wu, Bernhard Weigl, Margaret A. Kenny, Paul Yager
  • Patent number: 6221261
    Abstract: A process for treating sewage containing biological solids including the steps of mixing the sewage with oxygen-containing hydro fluoro ether polymers, retaining the sewage with the hydro fluoro ether polymers for a desired period of time so as to produce oxygenated sewage and carbon dioxide-containing hydro fluoro ether polymers, and separating the carbon dioxide-containing hydro fluoro ether polymers from the oxygenated sewage. Water is separated from the oxygenated sewage so as to produce a sludge. Oxygen is mixed with the carbon dioxide-containing hydro fluoro ether polymers so as to oxygenate the hydro fluoro ether polymers and to remove carbon dioxide therefrom. The sewage is retained with the hydro fluoro etherpolymers at a temperature of between 32° and 140° F. The sewage is dewatered prior to mixing so that the dewatered sewage has a water content of less than 93 percent by weight. The steps of mixing and retaining can be carried in a closed vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventors: Edward E. Boss, Samuel L. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 6221253
    Abstract: A powder of magnetized material is added to an aeration chamber, and aeration is conducted. The mixture is then sent to a sedimentation chamber, and solid-liquid separation is conducted. A portion of the precipitated sludge is returned to the aeration chamber as return sludge and reused. Sedimented sludge is highly concentrated, due to the action of the magnetized material. By returning a portion to the aeration chamber as return sludge, the biomass concentration becomes high, and high load operation in the aeration chamber can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuro Fukase, Hidenari Yasui
  • Patent number: 6217765
    Abstract: A calcium carbonate mineral is placed in a lower portion of a second water tank, while sludge precipitated in a sixth water tank is returned to an upper portion. A blower and an air diffusion pipe weakly aerate the lower portion. Thus, an unreacted chemical sludge zone is formed in the upper portion of the second water tank. As a result, the second water tank can execute a primary treatment of fluorine in a waste water by the calcium carbonate mineral, a secondary treatment of fluorine and a primary treatment of phosphor by unreacted chemicals, treatment of surface active agent by microorganisms in a return sludge and reduction treatment of hydrogen peroxide by anaerobic microorganisms in the return sludge. The unreacted chemicals are thus reused, so that the amount of generation of waste can be reduced and concurrently the treatment can be executed with energy conservation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Yamasaki, Kazuyuki Sakata, Noriyuki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6217782
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for cleaning the filter surface (2, 3) of a filter medium in a suction drier. According to the invention, in order to mark the surface to be cleaned, in contact with the surface to be cleaned there is set a sealing surface (4) that forms an essentially closed space for the surface to be cleaned, and that into said closed space, there is conducted cleaning liquid (7) in order to carry out the cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Outokumpu Oyj
    Inventors: Timo Tuori, Hannu Sekki, Jorma Ihalainen, Pentti Pirkonen, Hannu Mursunen
  • Patent number: 6218592
    Abstract: A method for the treatment of radioactive evaporator concentrates from the evaporation system of nuclear plants comprises the steps of (a) freeing the evaporator concentrates from undissolved components, (b) crystallizing the sodium sulfate contained in the evaporator concentrates as Glauber's salt (Na2SO4.10 H2O) on an immersion cooler, (c) recrystallizing the Glauber's salt deposited on the immersion cooler, (d) optionally, repeating the recrystallization step (c) once or several times, (e) separating essentially inactive sodium sulfate from the process, and (f) recycling the depleted evaporator concentrates of step (a) to the evaporation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Kernkraftwerke Gundremmingen Betriebsgesellschaft mbH
    Inventors: Manfred Lasch, Udo Krumpholz
  • Patent number: 6214232
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for substance-specific treatment of fluids, whereby the apparatus comprises a housing with a distribution space and a collection space, between which is arranged a structure of adjacent flat first and second layers containing first and second hollow-fiber membranes, respectively, and a matrix on which groups acting in a substance-specific manner for fluid treatment are immobilized, whereby the filling ratio &egr; of the housing determined by the hollow-fiber membranes and the matrix is greater than 0.55. The first hollow-fiber membranes are open in the direction of the distribution space and closed in the direction of the collection space, and the second hollow-fiber membranes are open in the direction of the collection space and closed in the direction of the distribution space, and the hollow fiber membranes are embedded at least at their open end in the sealing compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Akzo Nobel NV
    Inventors: Ulrich Baurmeister, Rudolf Wollbeck
  • Patent number: 6210582
    Abstract: A system is provided for withdrawing permeate from a substrate through a filter and for cleaning the filter in situ. The system includes a vessel configured to contain a substrate and a compartment connected to receive substrate from the vessel and connected to return a portion of received substrate to the vessel during normal operation of the system. The system also includes a filter positioned at least partially within the compartment to withdraw permeate from substrate in the compartment during normal operation of the system. A source of cleaning solution is connected to the compartment to deliver cleaning solution into the compartment and into contact with the filter during cleaning operation of the system. The compartment facilitates circulation of substrate in the vessel during normal operation of the system and substantially prevents introduction of cleaning solution from the compartment into contact with substrate contained in the vessel during cleaning operation. A method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Envirogen, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Arthur Del Vecchio, Robert Eben Loudon, Paul Matthew Sutton
  • Patent number: 6210590
    Abstract: An adjustable continuous filtration system for cooking fats and cooking oils. Using a variable orifice restriction such as a valve, the amount of cooking fat or cooking oil recycled to a filter is controlled in accordance with the results of testing the discharged cooking fat or cooking oil for quality control, by changing the size of the orifice. If the discharged fat or oil is not within industry standards, the proportion being recycled is increased. If the fat or oil tests appreciably above industry standards, the proportion recycled to the filter is decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Ronald J. Zappe
  • Patent number: 6207063
    Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods separate whole blood into red blood cells and a plasma constituent within a rotating centrifugal separation device. The systems and methods convey whole blood into the separation device through an inlet path including a pump operable at a prescribed rate. The systems and methods remove plasma constituent from the separation device through an outlet path including a pump operable at a prescribed rate. The systems and methods derive a value Hb representing an apparent hematocrit of whole blood entering the separation device, where: H b = H rbc ⁡ ( Q b - Q p ) Q b and where Hrbc is a value relating to hematocrit of red blood cells in the separation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventor: Richard I. Brown
  • Patent number: 6203704
    Abstract: A method for separating an objective component from a crude material in a time lagged multi-stage counter flow system, comprising: (a) contacting the crude material with a washing liquid or an extracting reagent in a semi-batch system to form a mixture of the crude material and the washing liquid or extracting reagent; (b) separating the mixture into a recovered liquid containing the objective component and a residue, with the proviso that the mixture is not separated with a separation membrane that is connected to a tank containing the crude material; and repeating (a) and (b) at least once, wherein the concentration of the objective component is successively lower in the washing liquid or extracting reagent contacted with the crude material in each (a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Nittetu Chemical Engineering Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Tateishi, Yoichi Shimoi
  • Patent number: 6203712
    Abstract: A process for separating at least two liquid phases which are at least partially non miscible is characterized in that after reacting, a polyphase effluent is settled in at least two distinct settling zones arranged in parallel, each of these settling zones containing at least one settler. The feed to be treated is sent to reactor R via a means for circulating fluids P via line 1. The effluent leaves the reactor via line 2 and is separated into two fractions. One fraction is sent to a settling zone a) via line 3; the other fraction is sent to a settling zone b) via line 4. The heavy phase from settling zone a) is sent to the reactor via line 7 and the heavy phase of the settling zone b) is sent to the reactor via line 6. The light phase from settling zone a) is sent to line 8, and rejoins fresh feed supply line 1. The light phase from settling zone b) is evacuated from the circuit via line 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Charles Bronner, Alain Forestiere, François Hugues
  • Patent number: 6203705
    Abstract: A process for treating waste water containing copper and other particles from a chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) process is provided. This process includes adjusting the pH of the waste water to between about 3 and 4, adding a coagulant or flocculating polymer to the waste water to generate larger particles, filtering the waste water through a filtration unit to produce a permeate and solids, feeding the permeate through a carbon bed to remove total organic carbon, and feeding the carbon bed treated permeate through an ion exchange column to remove copper from the permeate. This process may further involve washing sludge collected in a concentration tank with the treated stream exiting the ion exchange column. Still further, another aspect of the present invention is a system for performing the process described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Koch Microelectronic Service Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Dustin Kimbel James, Deon Eugene Campbell, Thuy Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6200485
    Abstract: A multipurpose hemofiltration system and method are disclosed for the removal of fluid and/or soluble waste from the blood of a patient. The system and method are equally applicable to adult, pediatric and neonatal patients. In one embodiment, the system continuously monitors the weight of infusate in a first reservoir and drained fluid in a second reservoir and compares those weights to corresponding predetermined computed weights. When necessary, the pumping rates of the infusate, drained fluid and blood are adjusted in order to achieve a preselected amount of fluid removal from the patient's blood in a preselected time period. Application of this system and method provide repeatable and highly precise results. Alternatively, predetermined patient parameters can be monitored and the adjustment of pumping rates may be responsive to these monitored parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Chidren's Hospital Medical Center
    Inventors: Yuli Kitaevich, Nat Hemasilpin, J. Gabriel Marchevsky, John J. Bissler, George Benzing, III, Paul T. McEnery
  • Patent number: 6197203
    Abstract: Filtration apparatus prevents a membrane filter from fouling by providing a UV irradiation apparatus. The filtration apparatus comprises a filtration tank which contains a membrane filter with a pore size of 0.1 to 1 &mgr;m connected to the UV irradiation equipment, an air diffusing pipe placed below the membrane filter, an air blower for sending air to the air diffusing pipe, a filtrate discharge pipe connected to the membrane filter, a flow meter and a flow control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Chiyoda Kohan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ishida, Itsuo Uragami, Toshiaki Inaba
  • Patent number: 6195825
    Abstract: A waste-water treatment and recycling process that reduce water, energy and chemical consumption in commercial laundry operations. A portion of the warm waste water from each wash cycle is first passed through a vibrating shaker screen to remove particles larger than 70 microns and then filtered through a 1-5 micron medium in a tubular filtration unit. The clear-water filtrate is then heated to operating temperature and recycled to the wash cycle of the process through the hot-water feed system. Only unheated fresh water is used for the rinse cycle, thereby also providing make-up water to the system. For operations requiring low total dissolved solids, a nanofiltration unit is added downstream of the tubular filtration unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Wastewater Resources Inc.
    Inventor: Randall J. Jones
  • Patent number: 6193895
    Abstract: A multipurpose vehicle coolant recycling device is described. The multipurpose vehicle coolant recycling device includes a pump for pumping coolant through said recycling device, a processing tank for receiving used coolant, a fresh coolant tank for receiving fresh coolant, a filter for removing particulates from coolant, a coolant outlet hose constructed for attachment to a cooling system of a motor vehicle, a coolant inlet hose constructed for attachment to a cooling system of a motor vehicle, and a plurality of control valves for directing flow of coolant through the recycling device. The plurality of control valves are adjustable between a first configuration, a second configuration, a third configuration, and a fourth configuration. The first configuration is constructed for directing coolant from the fresh coolant tank through the pump and through the coolant outlet hose, and directing coolant from a cooling system of a motor vehicle through the coolant inlet hose and into the processing tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Century Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: William S. Dea, Todd Moore
  • Patent number: 6190566
    Abstract: Noxious odors and water pollution commonly associated with the raising of hogs, cattle or poultry under confined conditions are eliminated by replacing the conventional waste lagoon and waste spreading fields with a wastewater treatment plant. The treatment plant extracts manure from the wastewater, then dries and burns the manure along with collected waste gases. The liquid waste portion is filtered, deodorized and then recirculated to the growing buildings as flushwater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Steven N. Kolber