Plural Separating Patents (Class 210/806)
  • Publication number: 20100260815
    Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for concentrating a fluid and for treating a patient with the concentrated fluid. The concentrator apparatus includes a main housing (12) defining a separation chamber (14), a filter housing (48) containing a filter (46) comprising a filter element, a piping (44) for moving concentrated fluid from the separation chamber to the filter, and ports (32) for pressurizing the concentrated fluid past the filter element of the filter. The present invention also provides a variety of uses of concentrated body fluids, including autologous concentrated body fluid. The concentrated fluids can be used for example in surgical applications, including graft applications such as allograft, xenograft and autograft applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: Circle Biologics , LLC
    Inventors: Matthew R. Kyle, Thomas Coull
  • Publication number: 20100252510
    Abstract: Filter media, including those suitable for hydraulic applications, and related components, systems, and methods associated therewith are provided. The filter media described herein may include two or more layers, at least one of the layers having a relatively high percentage of microglass fibers. Additionally, the filter media may be designed such that the ratio of average fiber diameters between two layers is relatively small, which can lead to a relatively low resistance ratio between the layers. The filter media has desirable properties including high dirt holding capacity with low basis weight and a low resistance to fluid flow. The media may be incorporated into a variety of filter element products including hydraulic filters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: Hollingsworth & Vose Company
    Inventors: MILIND GODSAY, RANDALL KEISLER
  • Patent number: 7803279
    Abstract: A concentrator is used for concentrating a fluid, particularly a plasma component out of blood, for treatment of a patient. The concentrator apparatus includes a main housing defining a centrifuge chamber, that also holds the filter. The concentrator allows viewing of the fluid after centrifuging, with an outlet port positionable at a height corresponding to the level of the fraction of the fluid to be further concentrated. Once the fluid is centrifuged, a portion of the fluid is drawn through the outlet, and then pressured past the filter to further concentrate the fluid using the same vessel as used for centrifuging. The same plunger is preferably used to draw centrifuged fluid from the centrifuge chamber as to pressure the centrifuged fluid past the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Circle Biologics, LLC.
    Inventors: Thomas Coull, Matthew R. Kyle, Louis S. Kidder
  • Patent number: 7799231
    Abstract: A liquid/solid separator system mounted on a mobile cart and connected to a process tank for reducing the rate at which fluids are consumed in manufacturing processes. The system may include automation and also may include a shear-stepped screen including tilted wire wedge wires arranged at varying cant angles. The system may include a fine screen basket received in a settling box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Engineering Fluid Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: William O. Irvine
  • Patent number: 7794600
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of processing nanocrystals. The method comprises providing a mixture comprising nanocrystals, contaminants and a first solvent in which the nanocrystals are soluble, and using chromatography to reduce the amount of contaminants in the mixture. The method optionally comprises isolating the nanocrystals after chromatography. The method allows for the production of nanocrystal compositions having a total amount of surfactant associated therewith, the amount of surfactant comprising an amount of bound surfactant and an amount of free surfactant in the solvent, the amount of free surfactant being less than about 1% of the total amount of surfactant in the solvent. The present invention, accordingly, also relates to such compositions and corresponding composites of nanocrystals in organic polymer matrices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Nanosys, Inc.
    Inventors: Mihai A. Buretea, Joel Gamoras, Erik C. Scher, Jeffery A. Whiteford
  • Publication number: 20100224012
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system including a filter for filtering solid particles from a liquid sample, the filter including a first filter member configured to filter solid media from a liquid sample, a second filter member fluidly connected to the first filter member, and a third filter member fluidly connected to a downstream end of the second filter member. The second filter member is configured to filter relatively smaller solid media from the liquid sample than the first filter member, and the third filter member is configured to filter relatively larger solid media from the liquid sample than the second filter member. In various aspects, the system includes a displacement-type plunger needle to draw sample fluid from a vial, a cantilevered carousel for rotatably supporting an array of sample holding vials, and a support for supporting the carousel. Method of using the fluid delivery system are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: Dionex Corporation
    Inventors: Walter D. MODIC, Michael McADAMS, Lawrence T. McNARY, Trung K. HUYNH, Christopher A. POHL, Frank HOEFLER
  • Patent number: 7790001
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for reducing the corrosion rate of iron-containing vessels within an ethylene glycol distillation system. The inventive process includes the addition of an additive component of sodium nitrite and sodium hypophosphite into such iron-containing vessels, to thereby react with iron of the inside walls and form a protective coating thereon. This process reduces the corrosion rate in iron-containing vessels of the apparatus, and reduces the catalytic effects of iron corrosion products within the system. Thus, not only is the on-stream time of the vessels extended, but also product quality is improved by reducing the aldehyde content of the final ethylene glycol product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: SD Lizenzverwertungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Barry Billig, James Mann
  • Publication number: 20100213141
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for removing liquid from a suspension. More particularly, the present invention relates to a filtration apparatus using vacuum pressure, compressed air and radiant heat to facilitate extraction of water from a suspension and an air flow within the vacuum chamber to remove the evaporate as a cost-efficient and resource-efficient means of filtering and drying solids in large volumes of suspension to remove interstitial and chemically bound liquids, resulting in up to 100% total solids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: William Tid Smith Griffin, Joshua Michael-James DeArmond
  • Publication number: 20100213128
    Abstract: Polymer-containing solution can be purified and the solvent reused by subjecting the solution to microfiltration using tubular filters having an average pore diameter of less than 1 ?m and a filtration pressure of at least 0.35 MPa. This method is particularly useful for reclaiming and reusing solvents that are used in the development or chemical washout of flexographic printing plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: David C. Bradford, M. Zaki Ali
  • Patent number: 7776218
    Abstract: A process for removing water from solid material using liquid-solid extraction and liquid-liquid extraction. In most embodiments, multiple solvents are used to remove the water from the solids and obtain dry solids. Multiple solvents facilitate the removal of the water from the solids, by replacing the water with a solvent, replacing that solvent with a different solvent, and then eventually removing the second solvent from the solids. The process utilizes a lesser amount of thermal energy to dry the solids and separate the solvents than conventionally used in drying processes. The first solvent selected has a lower heat of vaporization, enthalphy of vaporization, boiling point, or other such physical property, than water. Each additional solvent can have a still lower heat of vaporization, enthalphy of vaporization, boiling point, or other such physical property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: KFI Intellectual Properties L.L.C.
    Inventor: Robert A. Wills
  • Publication number: 20100155345
    Abstract: A strainer is disclosed for filtering a flow stream passing therethrough, while reducing vortex shedding and related minimizing noise and vibration. The strainer includes an elongated member which defines a generally longitudinal axis, and having an opening at one end and a closed end at the opposite end. The opening has a greater dimension than the closed end. The elongated member includes a plurality of rows of apertures located between the opening and the closed end, with the apertures of each row being of generally equal dimension and located in a plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The pluralities of rows of apertures are of distinct dimensions and form a semi-random pattern such that a flow stream passing therethrough causes distinct frequencies associated with each row, which frequencies generally reduce or cancel any pulsation resulting therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Muhsen Shobbar Hashim Al-Sannaa
  • Publication number: 20100147779
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating solids from a fluid. The apparatus includes a first container for receiving solids and fluid and a second container adjacently disposed to the first container in fluid communication therewith. The apparatus includes a conveying member extending upwardly from the bottom of the first container and angling upwardly through the second container such that the conveying member transports solids that settle to the sloped bottom portion of the first container from the first container and through the second container. A conveyor member housing may be disposed in the second container so as to provide an enclosure about the conveyor member to prevent solids that are being transported through the second container by the conveyor member from being deposited into the second container while permitting fluid that separates from the solids during transport to pass from the conveyor member housing and into the second container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: 4 M Welding, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas D. Miller
  • Patent number: 7736495
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise reverse osmosis filters and systems comprising embedded radio frequency identification (RFID) tags for storing and retrieving data. The RFID tags can be preferably embedded under a filtration device's protective outer shell. Information can be easily stored onto and retrieved from the embedded RFID tags. The ability to easily store and retrieve data from the embedded RFID devices facilitates the creation of loading maps, monitoring, addition, and replacement of fluid filtration devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignees: Hydranautics, Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Norio Ikeyama, Mark Wilf
  • Publication number: 20100140177
    Abstract: A fluid processing system comprising a housing (12) and at least one of a first type and at least one of a second type module, (25-28), The first and second modules having different fluid processing characteristics each module comprising a body of wound layers of a sheet material, said body having an inner and an outer peripheral surface, a first and a second end face, a passage (42, 44) extending along the winding axis of said body and in fluid communication with said inner peripheral surface, the passage of one of the first type and one of the second type modules being closed at one end thereof, said sheet material having a plurality of openings formed therein, said openings forming a first and a second type of channels within the wound layers of sheet material of said body, extending in a direction from the inner peripheral surface to the outer peripheral surface, the first type of channels being open at one end at said outer peripheral surface of the body and closed at the other end located adjacent to sa
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: PALL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wolfgang Diemer, Martin Zeiler, Klaus Feifel
  • Publication number: 20100126948
    Abstract: A process for the filtration of an ionic liquid involves feeding an ionic liquid containing precipitated metal halides to a first filtering zone, which includes at least one first filter, to provide a partially filtered product. The process further includes subsequently feeding the partially filtered product to a second filtering zone, which includes at least one second filter having a smaller pore size than the at least one first filter, to provide a filtered product. A filter system capable of filtering precipitated metal halides from ionic liquid is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Huping Luo, Moinuddin Ahmed, Kris Parimi, Bong-Kyu Chang, Sara Lindsay
  • Patent number: 7708889
    Abstract: A method used in connection with processing of blood components, wherein blood products are then filtered via a filter rotating along with a centrifuge rotor and the sensed pressure may be used in connection with controlling the pumping of the blood products and/or in connection with determining the location of an interface associated with the blood products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: CaridianBCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Niclas Högberg, Emanuel Hällgren, Peter Pihlstedt, Brian M. Holmes, Lars Persson, Lars Strandberg, Geert Van Waeg, Frank Corbin, III
  • Patent number: 7704400
    Abstract: A system for washing contaminated sand comprises a plurality of reactors arranged in a sequence from a first to a last reactor. The first reactor is configured to receive contaminated sand. Each reactor comprises a funnel portion in a lower section thereof for accumulating a sand layer and a sand conveying device for removing sand through an aperture defined near a bottom of the funnel portion. Each reactor except the first reactor receives sand removed from a previous reactor. The system also comprises a steam supply system for providing each reactor with steam for washing the sand, a water supply system for providing the last reactor with clean water for rinsing the sand, and a fluid outlet associated with each reactor for removing fluid and providing the fluid to a separator for separating the fluid into first and second portions respectively containing relatively low and high proportions of hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Paul Costinel
  • Patent number: 7705193
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for conversion of a gasoline-range hydrocarbon feed into a gasoline fraction with a higher octane rating than that of the feedstream, and a gasoil fraction with a cetane number higher than 45, including the following steps: a) a membrane separation step (B) applied to the hydrocarbon feed under conditions enabling selective separation of the majority of the linear olefins present in said feed and constituting the ? fraction, the fraction containing the majority of the branched olefins, termed the ? fraction, constituting a gasoline with a high octane rating, greater than that of the feed; b) an oligomerisation step (C) applied to the linear olefins (? fraction) contained in the effluent stream from the membrane separation step (B) under moderate oligomerisation conditions; c) a distillation separation step (D) applied to the effluent stream arising from the oligomerisation step in at least two fractions; d) a hydrogenation step (E) applied to one of the fractions obtained at
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Patrick Briot, Arnaud Baudot, Vincent Coupard, Stéphane Morin, Alain Methivier
  • Publication number: 20100089833
    Abstract: A system and method of filtering metalworking fluid is disclosed. A particle filter is provided in fluid communication with a sump of machining equipment to filter particles from a metalworking fluid. The metalworking fluid is filtered using the particle filter to remove metal filings and debris from the metalworking fluid. A tramp oil filter is provided in fluid communication with the particle filter to remove tramp oil, wherein the tramp oil filter includes hydrophobic material to absorb oil. The oil-free metalworking fluid may then be re-circulated back to the machining equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Gary Major
  • Patent number: 7695626
    Abstract: A process for purifying a lipid composition having predominantly neutral lipid components having at least one long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid is disclosed. The process employs contacting the lipid composition with a polar solvent, such as acetone, wherein the solvent is selected such that contaminants are less soluble in the solvent than is the long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid. The process is typically conducted at cooler temperatures, including about 0° C. Upon precipitation of the contaminants from the lipid composition, a separation is conducted to remove the precipitated material from the lipid composition. The long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids can include ARA, DPA, EPA, and/or DHA. The process of the present invention effectively winterizes lipid compositions, thereby reducing the tendency of such compositions to become hazy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corp.
    Inventors: Daniel G. Dueppen, Samuel G. Zeller, Sandra I. Diltz, Robert H. Driver
  • Patent number: 7686957
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating fluids, in particular waste waters involving coagulation/flocculation, clarification by filtration or flotation stages and a stage of filtration through micro-, ultra, and nanomembranes or of hyperfiltration. The inventive method consists in injecting two times several coagulating reagents in a quantity ranging from 75 to 125% of an optimal coagulation dose or a dose cancelling a Zeta potential (pz) in an area (area n° 1) situated upstream of the clarification stage (2) and from 0.1 to 25% of an optimal dose cancelling the pz in a second area (area n° 2) situated upstream of the stage of membrane filtration (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Degremont
    Inventor: Chrystelle Langlais
  • Patent number: 7678284
    Abstract: A filter cloth of long pile fiber bundles is used as a tertiary filter in a wastewater processing method. The filter may be backwashed by a rotating suction head which does not touch the filter cloth. A combination of countercurrent and horizontal flow dislodges entrained solids from the filter cloth. Mounting of the filter media as modular components permits increased capacity within a single tank while avoiding down time in changeover of filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Grouse Mountain, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald D. Ricketts
  • Patent number: 7678280
    Abstract: A mobile apparatus and method for recycling an invert emulsion based drilling fluid, in which the invert emulsion based drilling fluid includes an oleaginous component and an aqueous component. The apparatus includes an emulsion breaking tank, a water treatment tank, a filter press, and hydrocarbon filters. The method includes: mixing said invert emulsion drilling fluid with a emulsion breaker, wherein the emulsion breaker is a mixture of an alkyl glucoside and an alkane sulfonate; and separating the oleaginous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid from the aqueous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid. The method preferably utilizes an emulsion breaker that is a combination of an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant and an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Frank Manfred Franz Mueller
  • Patent number: 7662290
    Abstract: The present invention removes contaminants from well water without creating the problem of large volumes of waste liquid disposal. It uses double-cone devices as pressure amplifiers which due to their lack of moving parts avoid the risk of additional contamination of the well and provide a prolonged lifetime. For toxic contaminants, a periodic purging of the concentrated contaminants is required. In the case of (sea) salt contamination, there is no waste brine to be continuously handled at all and the system may be run without interruption over an extended period. In this case, the brine is dumped into the well simply by periodically stopping the plant. The brine pours out of the double-cone unit(s) and due to its higher density, sinks down in the well without disturbing the operation of the purification plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: DCT Double-Cone Technology AG
    Inventor: John Stark
  • Publication number: 20100032372
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a primary liquid filtration/stabilization installation comprising in combination, a liquid in-feed line, a conventional dosing tank system for single use filter-aid and/or stabilization-aid, and an alternate dosing/storage tank system for regenerable filter-aid and/or stabilization-aid, wherein the installation is adapted to selectively operate one or the other of the dosing systems to meter doses of their respective charges into liquid that is delivered through the in-feed line, and a filter adapted to retain filter-aid material thereon, while passing liquid from which retained material has been removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: Pierre Adam, Winock Debyser, Benoit Formesyn, Patrick Haselaars
  • Patent number: 7658857
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating water passing through a catch basin may include first and second filters. In some embodiments, the filters each have a plurality of regions with different nominal flow rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Todd Wacome
  • Publication number: 20100018929
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for treating waste water. The system may be applied to any application for the treatment of waste water which benefits from an equalized flow into the waste water treatment processes, such as industrial batch discharges, storm water settling and screening, and septic receiving at a waste water treatment plant. The system comprises a single primary settling tank for the processes of grit removal, flow equalization, fine screening and primary clarification. The system further comprises the use of a flow measurement device on the discharge side of the primary settling tank to provide a uniform flow to downstream processes. The system further comprises placement of a fine screen on a discharge mechanism which controls the effluent flow from the primary settling tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: Trans Terra Corporation
    Inventor: Terry Wright
  • Patent number: 7651624
    Abstract: A process for decontamination and separation of a contaminated fluid including a first agent, a second agent, and a third agent may include the steps of directing the contaminated fluid to a first tank, substantially separating first agent in a first layer, a second agent in a second layer and a third agent in a third layer in a first tank, generating a vacuum and removing the first agent and the second agent by the vacuum, placing the first agent and the second agent in a second tank, generating a vacuum and removing the first agent and the second agent by the vacuum and placing the first and second agents in a second tank, removing the third agent by a vacuum and placing the third agent in a third tank, separating the first agent and the second agent based upon the gravities of the first and second agents, removing the second agent from the second tank and placing the second agent in the first tank based upon and until the first agent is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventor: B. Donald Parr
  • Patent number: 7638061
    Abstract: Coolant fluid cleaning method, system, and apparatus use a rotating magnet to remove particulate matter from a fluid used to cool or lubricate a machining or other operation. Such system includes a rotating magnet in fluid communication with apparatus circulating fluid past the rotating magnet. A scraper blade removes particulate matter which is picked up by the rotating magnet. The system or apparatus can include a dirty fluid reservoir, one or more conveyor which removes chips and particulate matter from the dirty fluid reservoir, and a clean fluid reservoir. The rotating magnet collects particulate matter in the dirty fluid reservoir and discharges the collected particulate matter to a discharge conveyance. When the rotating magnet is used in combination with a disc filter, the magnet relieves some cleaning load from the disc filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Hennig Incorporated
    Inventor: Robin C. Moore
  • Patent number: 7638062
    Abstract: A cyclonic flotation system may be used to separate oil, grease, solids and other suspended matter from produced water by a combination of flotation and centrifugation in a separator cyclone. The cyclonic flotation system has a higher capacity-to-footprint ratio compared to conventional apparatus resulting in reduced weight and cost. The system is motion independent and suitable for use on floating structures such as offshore platforms and vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Shaya Movafaghian, James C. T. Chen
  • Patent number: 7638068
    Abstract: A cogeneration process and system which provides for the reclamation of a grease fuel from a concentrated grease trap pumping waste stream and the use of said grease fuel in a compression ignition reciprocating engine for the production of electric power. The concentrated grease trap pumpings are heated and mixed in the first stage of the process to ensure all grease is liquefied. This warm mixed stream is then separated by centrifuge into a heavy stream consisting of water and sediments and an oil-rich stream consisting of oil, grease/water emulsion and residual water. This oil-rich mixture is heated sufficiently to evaporate the residual water as well as the water of emulsion yielding a water free grease fuel suitable for use in the compression ignition engine. Heat energy for grease liquefaction and emulsion breaking is supplied by an engine jacket water cooling circuit and an exhaust heat recovery, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Inventor: Alvin Edwin Toombs
  • Publication number: 20090314727
    Abstract: A primary and secondary filter are combined into a single housing, and two elements are combined into a single element. This combination is useable in any system that has a filter upstream of a pump and a filter downstream of a pump. The example described is a fuel system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Hacker, Jodi Billy
  • Publication number: 20090314724
    Abstract: A blood filtering device for the recuperation of blood from wound drained blood, in particular for an autologous blood transfusion system, has a first filter arranged upstream of a second filter. The first filter is adapted for removing emboli and/or large particulate matter from the blood and for allowing red blood cells to pass. The second filter is adapted for retaining red blood cells. An exit port is arranged downstream of the first filter and upstream of the second filter. The device is characterised in that the second filter has a pore size of more than about 0.5 ?m. A method of recuperating blood from wound drained blood is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Arno Pieter Nierich
  • Patent number: 7632410
    Abstract: A method of producing safe drinking water from virtually any water source utilizing a water purification system is disclosed. The method includes a combination of water purification methods with a control system that evaluates water quality and functional processing parameters, such as pressure and flow. The control system determines what water processing methods to utilize and how most efficiently to operate them. The system is capable of treating highly contaminated water to the necessary degree to produce safe drinking water. Furthermore, the system regulates and cleans itself to maintain functionality despite receiving high concentrations of various contaminants from the feed water source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventor: Christopher Heiss
  • Patent number: 7632416
    Abstract: A variety of improved hydroclone based fluid filtering systems are described. The hydroclones generally include a tank having an internal chamber and a filter (preferably a surface filter) that is positioned within the internal chamber. The filter defines a filtered fluid chamber within the internal chamber of the tank. The hydroclone may be operated such that a vortex of flowing fluid is formed between the chamber wall and the filter with the filter being located in the center of the vortex. With this arrangement, the filter acts as a cross-flow filter. In one aspect of the invention, the filter is a stepped filter. In another aspect of the invention, the filter is an surface filter, as for example, an electroformed metal surface filter. In some preferred embodiments, the openings in the filter are arranged as slots that extend substantially vertically so that they are oriented substantially perpendicular to the flow path of fluid flowing in the adjacent portion of the vortex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Clean Filtration Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Levitt
  • Patent number: 7628921
    Abstract: An apparatus for consecutive sequential closed-circuit desalination of a salt water solution by reverse osmosis having at least one circuit and a single container (CN), wherein the circuit includes at least one RO module (M1) connected in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Inventor: Avi Efraty
  • Patent number: 7625351
    Abstract: Provided herein is an innovative hemoperfusion system and method including a thermal-fused broad-spectrum biocidal iodinated interactive polymer for the treatment of biological contaminants in body fluids. In one exemplary embodiment, the system and method utilizes a Triosyn® thermal fused broad-spectrum iodinated interactive polymer, included in a hemoperfusion column, for devitalizing high levels of cell-free microorganisms in whole blood and biological fluids in relation with the characterization of blood cells viability and function post-treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Triosyn Holding, Inc.
    Inventor: Pierre Messier
  • Publication number: 20090277851
    Abstract: A vacuum system for wastewater removal and filtration, comprising: (1) at least one velocity reducing gravity separator, comprising: (a) a water input line; (b) a water velocity reduction mechanism at an end of the water input line; (c) a settling tank; and (d) a water output line; and (2) at least one negative pressure filter pump, comprising: (a) a water input line; (b) a water velocity reduction mechanism at an end of the water input line; (c) a filtration tank; (d) a filter cloth in the filtration tank; (e) a sump pump disposed on an opposite side of the filter cloth from the water input line; (f) a water output line connected to the sump pump; and (g) an air vacuum exit line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Dale Pearson
  • Publication number: 20090272702
    Abstract: A continuous online process for rejuvenating whole stream of contaminated lean sulfolane in an extraction system is provided. In particular, a rejuvenator is installed in the solvent circulation loop to remove the contaminants continuously to keep the solvent clean, effective and less corrosive. Specifically, the rejuvenator comprises 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 inside the ring of stainless steel tubes. As the contaminated sulfolane is passed through the rejuvenator, the rejuvenator picks up its contaminants. The rejuvenator can be dissembled to remove the contaminants periodically. The rejuvenator is characterized by simple in construction, reliable in operation, and low in operation and maintenance costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    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: 7597812
    Abstract: A method for receiving animal waste from animal confinements or other concentrated animal waste sources and for converting the waste into a usable form is described. The waste contains both liquids and solids. The method includes separating the liquids and solids into separate waste streams, controlling an amount of moisture in the solids waste stream such that the amount of moisture in the solid waste stream is compatible with a selected energy conversion process, and feeding the moisture controlled solid waste into the energy conversion process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Innoventor Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent F. Schien, Scott A. Moseley, Gary E. Winkler
  • Patent number: 7591309
    Abstract: An evaporation based method for generation of high pressure steam from produced water in the heavy oil production industry. De-oiled produced water is processed through a high pH/high pressure evaporator driven by a commercial watertube boiler. The vapor produced by the evaporator is suitable for the steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) method being utilized by heavy oil recovery installations, without the use of once through steam generators that require extensive chemical treatment, and without requiring atmospheric distillation, which requires high power consuming compressors. Evaporator blowdown may be further treated in a crystallizing evaporator to provide a zero liquid discharge (ZLD) system and, with most produced waters, at least 98% of the incoming produced water stream can be recovered in the form of high pressure steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Aquatech International Corporation
    Inventors: Keith R. Minnich, Mark C. Nicholson, RamKumar Karlapudi, Richard M. Schoen
  • Patent number: 7591953
    Abstract: Disclosed are improved methods and apparatus for radiolabeling, particularly methods and apparatus for large scale in-line radiolabeling of products, such as proteins and antibodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Peregrine Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Raimo Pellikka, Steven W. King, Peter Bläuenstein, Pius A. Schubiger
  • Patent number: 7588692
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system that separates first particles from second particles, or white blood cells from red blood cells, by sedimentation in a fluid chamber with debulking of one of the first or second particles or red blood cells through the inlet of the fluid chamber. The method and system further includes fractionation of the remaining particles or white blood cells into selected subsets. In one embodiment of the instant invention a blood product containing white blood cells is loaded in a separation chamber, a diluting or sedimenting agent is added to encourage rouleaux formation of any red blood cells, the cells are sedimented and the red blood cells are removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: CaridianBCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Delbert Antwiler, Linda A. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7588686
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and a filter unit for depleting or enriching a liquid or gas with substance(s) comprising i) providing a filter unit comprising at least one convective layer and at least one receiving layer adjacent one another, ii) passing the liquid or gas through the filter so that the main direction of flow is along the layers and the main flow of liquid gas is in the convective layer, allowing the substance(s) to: a) be transferred from a convective layer to a receiving layer, and b) be retained or otherwise modified or transferred within a receiving layer, or c) be provided by the receiving layer, and d) be transferred from the receiving layer to the fluid in the convective layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: University of Copenhagen
    Inventor: Marina B. Jensen
  • Patent number: 7588688
    Abstract: The disclosed principles for providing a chemical-free filtering of particulate down below sub-micron levels, while concentrating the particulate into a sludge. The disclosed principles integrate cross-flow filtration (i.e., micro-filtration or ultra-filtration) with a settling tank (or “weir”) to provide sequential filtration and dewatering of an aqueous media. The disclosed technique operates chemical-free and is continuous. Applications for systems and processes in accordance with the disclosed technique are wide, and include aggregate fines removal, sediment removal, replacement for clarifiers, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Purifics Environmental Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Butters, Anthony L. Powell
  • Patent number: 7578941
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to new liquid-liquid extraction methods for the length-based separation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and other 1-dimensional nanostructures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: Kirk J. Ziegler, Daniel J. Schmidt, Robert H. Hauge, Richard E. Smalley, Irene Morin Marek, legal representative
  • Publication number: 20090204419
    Abstract: A method for generating new water with attached water rights comprising identifying a source of production water and treating the water in appropriate ways to provide water appropriate for beneficial use such as agriculture, irrigation, industrial or municipal or potable applications. Appropriate permits are obtained to create the new water with attached water rights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: Produced Water Development, LLC
    Inventor: David Rakestraw Stewart
  • Patent number: 7572376
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for the recovery of 1,3-propanediol from an aqueous feed stream. The present invention involves contacting an aqueous feed stream that comprises water, 1,3-propanediol, and at least one contaminant with at least one solvent extractant to form a mixture. The mixture is separated into a first phase and a second phase. The second phase comprises a majority of the water from the aqueous feed stream. The first phase comprises solvent extractant and at least some of the 1,3-propanediol that was present in the aqueous feed stream. The weight ratio in the first phase of 1,3-propanediol to any one contaminant present is greater than the weight ratio of 1,3-propanediol to the same contaminant in the aqueous feed stream prior to the aqueous feed stream being contacted with the solvent extractant. The first phase can be removed from the separated second phase in order to recover the 1,3-propanediol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Tate & Lyle Ingredients Americas, Inc.
    Inventors: Avraham M. Baniel, Robert P. Jansen, Asher Vitner, Anthony Baiada
  • Patent number: 7572378
    Abstract: A process for irrigation involves monitoring reclaimed water, and treating it when necessary. The reclaimed water is tested with monitors to obtain results for water quality characteristics, including: pH; residual chlorine; and, sodium. These results are inputted to a computerized data handling system for data collection, storage and analysis for comparison to predetermined acceptable ranges for water quality characteristic, and to show any deviation from said acceptable ranges. Either alarms are set off or treatment occurs or both, when deviations are observed. Treatment includes a dechlorination system to correct active chlorine, and, optionally, an oxidation system. There is also a reverse osmosis step for reduction of salts, such as sodium. Other monitors may include one or more of hardness; turbidity; alkalinity; conductivity and nitrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Turf Sentry, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter L. Rosen, Robert D. Hodges
  • Patent number: 7569245
    Abstract: Deboned meat is subjected to processing in a surimi-type procedure in order to substantially reduce the heme content and thus the color intensity of the deboned meat, with bone marrow components and fat also being removed. When desired, the washed meat is subjected to dewatering, such as by pressing, in order to provide a color and fat reduced deboned meat. Multiple-stage separation is practiced, and the protein yield of the washed meat is advantageously elevated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Iksoon Kang, Gary Robert Skaar, William Nathaniel Gale Barron, III, Cory Jay Painter, James Donald Colby, Henri K. Salman