Material Level Or Thickness Responsive Patents (Class 210/86)
  • Patent number: 8142660
    Abstract: A filtrate monitoring device and a filtrate monitoring system, which can monitor a membrane-type water filtrating/purifying system at all times and which can flexibly adjust themselves to the contents and sizes of impurities, are provided. The filtrate monitoring device monitors the filtrate having passed through the membrane-type water filtrating/purifying device. The filtrate monitoring device comprises: imaging/detecting means for shooting images in the filtrate having passed through the filtrating/purifying device, on the filtrate flowing in an observation bath of a filtrate observing cell disposed midway of the branched filtrate pipeline, thereby to specify the particles contained in the filtrate, and/or optical detecting means disposed midway of the filtrate pipeline before or after branching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Hirata Corporation
    Inventors: Seigo Murakami, Takenori Hirakawa, Takafumi Iseri
  • Publication number: 20120037548
    Abstract: A filtering device for fluids features a filter element located in a filter housing and a heating device located in the flow path of the fluid. The heating device comprises a heating element that is held by a heating support which is located at the inner surface of the cover, with a water outlet connection being designed as one-piece with the heating support, the water outlet connection being directed outwards through a recess in the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: MANN+HUMMEL GMBH
    Inventors: Günter Jokschas, Frank Muschkiet, Michael Fasold, Gunther Kraft, Stefan Uhl, Thomas Friederich, Oliver Krauß
  • Patent number: 8105483
    Abstract: An improved water sensor and method for retaining a water sensor to a filter housing are described herein. A snap-fit connection is utilized to secure the water sensor to the filter housing. In one embodiment, the snap-fit connection is achieved using non-metallic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin C. South, Charles W. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 8105258
    Abstract: A hemofiltration system and method for pumping blood from a patient's blood stream into an access line, introducing an anticoagulant solution into the pumped blood, filtering the pumped blood and delivering it to a return line, introducing a substitution fluid into the pumped blood, introducing a calcium and magnesium solution into the blood traveling through the return line, and returning the blood back to the patient's blood stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Lannoy
  • Patent number: 8088291
    Abstract: A method of collecting medical waste in a waste collection unit using a disposable manifold and filter assembly. The disposable manifold and filter assembly includes a manifold housing with a plurality of inlets, a neck extending from the manifold housing to define an outlet, and a filter basket disposed in the manifold housing. The method includes inserting the neck into the waste collection unit to direct the medical waste passing through the disposable manifold and filter assembly into the waste collection unit. Tubes are connected to the inlets of the manifold housing to provide a path for the medical waste to travel from a target site, e.g., a patient, to the manifold housing. A vacuum is drawn in the waste collection unit to pull the medical waste through the tubes and into the disposable manifold and filter assembly where the medical waste is processed/filtered in a plurality of stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: David Hershberger, Richard F. Huyser, Stephen P Isham, Bruce MacDonald, Michael Noonan, Karen Staley
  • Patent number: 8070940
    Abstract: A filter element is formed from a filter material configured to capture a foreign substance in fuel. A lower case is attachable to and detachable from a bottom portion of a housing in a movable direction. The housing and the lower case are configured to accommodate the filter element. The filter element defines a passage extending through the filter element in the movable direction. The passage is configured to accommodate the component. The component is configured to be attached to and detached from the housing together with the lower case when the lower case is attached to and detached from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Kyosan Denki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Yonemoto, Yoshihiko Ooya, Shigeru Nonoyama, Osamu Takamisawa
  • Patent number: 8066127
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting whole blood and then separating it into components for subsequent use or storage. A self-contained bag set is used to collect the sample, which may then be placed into a device adapted to fit into a centrifuge for separation of components. Each component is then sequentially extracted according to density, with a sensor present in the device to control the operation of valves directing the collection of each component. The sensor may be reading one or more of the following characteristics: infrared, optics, density, weight, radioactive, fluorescence, color, magnetism, ultrasonic, capacitance wherein the characteristic is inherent in the blood and blood component or is an additive. Each component may then be separated into its own storage container. The preferred sensors include optics and weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: ThermoGenesis Corp.
    Inventors: Philip H. Coelho, Eric Sommer, Richard Klosinski, Jim Hobbs, Bruce Baker, Brian Malone
  • Publication number: 20110284433
    Abstract: A water distribution system configured for control by a remote control system is disclosed comprising of a water filtration unit for filtering water and a water storage unit for storing the filtered water and including a water dispenser. A control unit is provided that is configured to control the operation of the water filtration unit and includes a sensor system to measure the quality and the quantity of the water filtered, and to monitor the functioning of one or more components of the water filtration unit. A point of sale device is also provided comprising of a service management device mounted on the water dispenser and is configured to control the operation of the water dispenser and a user interface to receive user inputs and is configured to process user payments for the dispensing of water at the remote control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: Piramal Enterprises Limited
    Inventors: Anand Shah, Naman Shah, Sameer Kalwani
  • Publication number: 20110278220
    Abstract: The present invention is a wastewater treatment system utilizing a recirculating filter system comprising sand, gravel, or synthetic media. Septic effluent is continuously, or approximately continuously, dosed under pressure to the treatment media through pressure compensating drip irrigation emitters. The system comprises a commonly known septic tank and recirculation tank. Septic tank effluent is collected in the recirculation tank, from which it is continually dosed by means of a pump to the top of the treatment media of the recirculating filter through pressure compensating drip emitters. Continuous dosing of diluted residential septic tank effluent through drip irrigation emitters provides a slow consistent application of liquid rich in organic material and pathogens over the treatment media. The treated effluent is then recirculated if water is low or went to final disposal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: David Mark Lowe, Richard D. Eldredge
  • Patent number: 8038872
    Abstract: A filtering device for fluids features a filter element located in a filter housing and a heating device located in the flow path of the fluid. The heating device comprises a heating element that is held by a heating support which is located at the inner surface of the cover, with a water outlet connection being designed as one-piece with the heating support, the water outlet connection being directed outwards through a recess in the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Mann + Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Günter Jokschas, Frank Muschkiet, Michael Fasold, Gunther Kraft, Stefan Uhl, Thomas Friederich, Oliver Krauss
  • Patent number: 8038870
    Abstract: A centrifuge includes a rotational mechanism, a housing, a rotating feed pipe and a basket. The housing includes at least one side and defines an interior volume. The basket is positioned in the interior volume of the housing and is operatively coupled to the rotational mechanism such that rotation of the rotational mechanism is imparted to the basket. The rotating feed pipe extends into the basket through a pipe support positioned over the basket. The rotating feed pipe includes a nozzle operable to direct a flow of liquids, solids or combinations thereof onto a sidewall of the basket. The rotating feed pipe is operable to rotate from a first position towards a second position thereby increasing the distance between the nozzle and the sidewall and varying an angular orientation of the nozzle with respect to a normal to the sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: The Western States Machine Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 8038871
    Abstract: A septic tank float mounting system includes a septic tank having a pump therein. A discharge conduit is in fluid communication with the pump. A pump actuating assembly is removably positioned in the septic tank. The pump actuating assembly includes a tube having a first end and a second end. A plurality of clamps is attached to the tube and releasably engages the discharge conduit. A control is positioned outside of the septic tank. An electrical conduit extends through the tube and is in electrical communication with the control and the pump. A float apparatus is releasably engaged to the tube and in communication with the electrical conduit. The float apparatus signals the control to turn on the pump when the float apparatus detects a preselected height of fluid in the septic tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: Minous S. Durham
  • Publication number: 20110233116
    Abstract: A water separator for continuous separation of water, air and particles includes an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, an upper chamber connected with a lower chamber, and a three-way valve located in an air connection pipe being adapted to establish a connection between the upper and lower chambers in a first position and closing the connection to the upper chamber and allowing atmospheric air to enter into the lower chamber in a second position. The upper chamber includes a coarse filter capturing particles from the liquid flow to the lower chamber. The water separator includes a main tank and a safety tank, which are connected through a connection pipe from the upper chamber in the main tank to the safety tank and through the air connection pipe from the lower chamber in the main tank to the safety tank. The inlet pipe is through the lid of the main tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Fridthjof Moe
  • Publication number: 20110220558
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an upstream ozone contact tank for removing residual ozone. The upstream ozone contact tank comprises an inlet through which purified raw water flows, at least one contact chamber, at least one reaction chamber, an upstream contact chamber, and an outlet that discharges ozone-treated raw water. Especially, the invention provides an upstream contact chamber between the reaction chamber and outlet, wherein the upstream contact chamber includes carbonaceous filter media mounted on a porous plate. An openable gate unit is installed at the lower part of a panel partitioning a final reaction chamber and the upstream contact chamber and controls flow rate. Additionally, the invention enables upstream flow of the raw water flowing into the upstream contact chamber from the final reaction chamber so that the raw water may pass through the carbonaceous filter media upwardly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Woo Hyeun Joe, Young Ae Baek, Gang-Seok Baek, Byeong-Eui Hong, Byeong-Chul Jang, Mun-Ho Son, Young Jun Choi, Sang Tae Han
  • Patent number: 8007664
    Abstract: A floating dispenser is provided for dispensing a solid, dissolvable water treatment chemical into ambient water. The dispenser includes a bucket having top and bottom ends, a top wall covering the top end, an opening for admitting ambient water into the bucket interior, and a floatation ring that keeps only the top end above water such that the interior is water filled when the dispenser floats. A basket is disposed in the interior of the bucket for carrying a solid, dissolvable water treatment chemical, such as calcium hypochlorite. The basket is buoyant and movable vertically toward the top wall of the bucket. The dispenser includes a refill indicator that indicates when most of a full load of said chemical has dissolved. The refill indicator includes a pair of tabs that are connected to the basket and slidably mounted in slots in the top wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignees: Chemtura Corporation, Slingshot Product Development Group
    Inventors: Christopher Reed, Nidhi Rawat, Melissa Hickman, Jeffrey N. Smith, Jerry Foster, Matthew Gabriel, Greg Harding, H. Shaw Strothers, IV, Allison Guyton, Noah McNeely
  • Patent number: 7988849
    Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis machine includes an enclosure; dialysate pump located within the enclosure; a graphical user interface connected to the enclosure and configured to display a parameter associated with the dialysate pump; and a projector configured to project the parameter onto a surface external from the enclosure so as to allow a patient to readily view the parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: John A. Biewer, Andrey Kopychev, Merrick F. Kossack, Philip J. D'Almada Remedios
  • Publication number: 20110180464
    Abstract: A shut-off valve for use in a reverse osmosis filtering system including a housing defining an interior in fluid communication with a water inlet, a water outlet, and a permeate inlet, the housing having a fluidic network with a flowpath that connects the water inlet and the water outlet, a diaphragm plate forming a portion of the fluidic network within the interior, a piston within the interior for selectively opening and closing the flowpath, and at least one diaphragm coupling to the piston and the diaphragm plate such that as permeate pressure changes occur at the permeate outlet, the piston rocks between opening and closing the flowpath based on deflection of the at least one diaphragm in response to the permeate pressure changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: WATTS WATER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Craig A. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 7981278
    Abstract: This present invention provides a gasoline-ethanol separation apparatus which is used for an internal combustion engine, and can separate a mixture fuel formed of mixed gasoline and ethanol into gasoline and ethanol. The gasoline-ethanol separation apparatus 1 includes a fuel tank 2 for accommodating a mixture fuel, a separation tank 4 for separating the mixture fuel supplied from the fuel tank 2 into the gasoline (A) and an ethanol-water mixture liquid (B), by mixing water supplied by water-supply means 3 with the mixture fuel, and storing the separated mixture liquid (B); pressurizing means 5 for pressurizing the mixture liquid (B) to be supplied into the separation tank 4; gasoline-taking-out means 6 for taking the gasoline (A) out of the tank from an upper part of the interface between the gasoline (A) and the ethanol-water mixture liquid (B) first valve 62; and ethanol-taking-out means 7 for taking the ethanol-water mixture liquid (B) out of the separation tank 4 through a second valve 72.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Kamio, Yasuyuki Kubo
  • Publication number: 20110168608
    Abstract: A water treatment apparatus having a vessel defining a chamber adapted to contain a water treatment chemical over which a dosing liquid can flow from an inlet to form a dosing reservoir at the bottom of the vessel. A supply of dosing liquid is connected to the inlet. The interior of the vessel communicates with a conduit along which an entraining pressurized flow of water can be fed for treatment and via an opening in the conduit that is connected to a bottom outlet of the vessel. A venturi is located in the conduit adjacent the opening so that the velocity of the pressurized water is increased as it passes over the opening and entrains a dosing stream from the dosing reservoir into the pressurized flow. The venturi also applies suction to the interior of the vessel, which draws dosing liquid into the vessel from the supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: GAFFEY TECHNICAL SERVICES LIMITED
    Inventor: Philip Gaffey
  • Publication number: 20110168643
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for treating a liquid containing impurities may include a filtering chamber configured to permit granular media to interact with liquid containing impurities, thereby removing impurities from the liquid to produce filtrate; a filtrate section for receiving the filtrate; a gas supplying system for delivering gas to the granular media in the filtering chamber for transport of a portion of the granular media to a granular media washer; a reject section in fluid communication with the granular media washer for receiving a reject mixture comprising liquid and impurities from the granular media washer; and a control unit that is configured to determine whether the portion of the granular media is being transported properly based on an amount of reject mixture in the reject section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Adrian STRENG, Brett H. BOYD
  • Patent number: 7972500
    Abstract: A wastewater purifying apparatus has plural treatment chambers for stepwise purifying wastewater discharged from a lavatory, a storage chamber for storing purified wastewater derived from the downstream-most treatment chamber, and a purified wastewater storage tank. A suction port is formed in the upstream-most treatment chamber for sucking the wastewater. Refluxing equipment refluxes wastewater from the treatment chambers downstream of the upstream-most treatment chamber into the upstream most treatment chamber. A purified wastewater supplier supplies the purified wastewater in the purified wastewater storage tank into the upstream-most treatment chamber. The above arrangement performs expedient and sophisticated purification treatment of the wastewater containing sludge components, such as sewage discharged from the lavatory, or miscellaneous effluents generated by pulverizing garbage by a disposer. The arrangement also simplifies washing of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Eiwa Land Environment Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Ryoichi Okamoto
  • Patent number: 7959798
    Abstract: In order to provide a device for treating a fluid containing solids which has been flushed back from a reversible flow filter, comprising a sedimentation device for separating solids from the flushed back fluid by a process of sedimentation in a sediment collecting region which enables solids to be removed in a manner free from filter-aids and which exhibits as small a degree of fluid loss as possible, it is proposed that the sediment collecting region is arranged to be subjected to a positive pressure and/or a negative pressure in order to remove residual fluid from the sediment collecting region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Durr Ecoclean GmbH
    Inventor: Egon Käske
  • Patent number: 7947180
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the air-free filling of the blood side of a hemodialysis apparatus with a physiological electrolyte solution and for the venting of the blood side of a hemodialysis apparatus during operation includes using a chamber in a blood-removing line system. The blood-removing line system, including the chamber arranged therein, is filled with a physiological electrolyte solution, with a valve arranged above the chamber and connected thereto being opened to fill the chamber completely with the physiological electrolyte solution until it comes into contact with a hydrophobic filter arranged above the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Joern Apel, Max Fischer
  • Patent number: 7947917
    Abstract: For specifying a cause of generation of a water level abnormality alarm in a wire-cut electric discharge machine, stopping supply of a machining liquid to a machining tank when the alarm is generated, draining the liquid; measuring an amount of change in the water level per unit time that is detected by the water level detecting unit; and displaying a question to an operator about the measured amount of change in water level and the state of a water level adjusting mechanism. The operator manually inputs an answer to the displayed question, and specifies, from the answer input by means of the inputting unit, a part which causes the generation of the alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd
    Inventors: Yuki Kita, Hikaru Yamane
  • Publication number: 20110089120
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a system and method for processing fluid captured from a vehicle surface to provide a desired fluid product. The system includes sensors and control circuitry to determine system fluid volume levels and/or the ambient temperature of the system to safeguard the system against non-requested activation or deactivation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: James K. Weigle, Ben A. Hammock, II, Robert Tupper
  • Publication number: 20110084007
    Abstract: The “Pure Sip” system will reliably address biological, as well as chemical, contamination in the distribution system after treatment at a central purification facility. The Public water supply industry relies heavily on the “multiple barrier” approach in the protection of public health; the “Pure Sip” Point of Use (POU) treatment unit/system is a logical, economical, and effective, addition to the water industry's traditional “multiple barrier” treatment strategy. The unique “Pure Sip” system incorporates 10 micron and 1.0 micron filtration, activated carbon adsorption, and 12V UV primary disinfection, in a portable countertop unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: John James McEncroe
  • Patent number: 7918994
    Abstract: A system for removing contaminant from sulfur to a level that allows re-processed sulfur to reenter a supply chain. The system melts contaminated sulfur, filters the molten sulfur, and then dispenses the less contaminated sulfur after filtering it. More specifically, solid contaminated sulfur enters a settling tank, while heated molten sulfur circulates through the system and the settling tank. The circulation of the molten sulfur assists in the melting process of the solid sulfur, allowing the solid sulfur to melt efficiently. In preferred embodiments of the system, the system uses steam jacked sulfur lines and steam tracing to maintain temperatures for melting the solid sulfur and maintaining the molten state of the sulfur circulating through the system. Furthermore, the system comprises a programmable logic controller, which controls motors, pumps, valves, and environment monitoring instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Brimrock International Inc.
    Inventors: Leslie Lloyd Leroy Lang, Paul Roy Larson, John Alexander MacDonald
  • Patent number: 7909990
    Abstract: A filter device is made up of: a filter portion having a fluid outlet at its axis, and a fluid inlet in a position away from the axis, in which a fluid containing particles is supplied at a predetermined flow speed from the fluid inlet to cause a swirling, particles are moved outward in a centrifugal state and the fluid from which the particles are separated is discharged from the fluid outlet, and the particles separated by slowing down the swirling are allowed to sink; and a settlement portion in which the particles that settle in the filter portion are allowed to settle. Thus, a fluid containing particles is supplied at a predetermined flow speed to cause swirling, the particles are separated by a centrifugal force caused by the swirling and allowed to sink and settle, and the fluid from which the particles are separated is discharged. A large amount of particles can be allowed to settle and be reliably removed in a short time with this small-sized and simple device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Takahashi Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuaki Takahashi, Junichi Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20110049050
    Abstract: A method of controlling a separation unit, having a reverse osmosis element, a raw water pump, a concentrate and permeate outlet conduit, where a predetermined yield is substantially kept constant, and where the raw water pump is controlled in response to a flow rate measurement of the raw water between the raw water pump and the reverse osmosis element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Dirk Scheu
  • Publication number: 20110036783
    Abstract: A system for controlling discharges of untreated water from a Combined Sewer System carrying rainwater and sewage from a drainage basin and having a Combined Sewage Overflow for discharging untreated material comprises the following: at least one cistern located within the drainage basin served by the Combined Sewer System, the cistern being positioned to capture rainwater that is collected from a portion of the drainage basin, the cistern having a drainage outlet for discharging water into the Combined Sewer System, the drainage outlet having a control valve positioned to control water flow through the drainage outlet, and the cistern also having an overflow outlet configured to discharge rainwater in the event that the cistern contains an amount of water approaching its capacity; a detector for obtaining data that correlates with water being discharged through the Combined Sewage Overflow; and a transmitter for remotely controlling the control valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: Bart Chezar
  • Publication number: 20110030951
    Abstract: An integrated fluid filtration and recirculation system and method are provided for re-circulating and filtering fluid that is used in well cleaning operations. The system is incorporated within an enclosure, which is transportable, such as on a vehicle trailer. The system has power generation capability, thereby making the system capable of operating as a stand-alone unit. Chemicals may be infused into the filtered fluid from an integral chemical supply allowing the system to also function as a treatment facility for the fluid. The components of the system are arranged in a linear fashion that enables the system to maintain a minimum profile for transport upon a conventional trailer, yet the system provides enough room within the enclosure to allow operators to repair/inspect each of the system components. The enclosure may be climate controlled, and the enclosure may include removable panels for operation of the system in temperate conditions when climate control is unnecessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: William O. Irvine, Benjamin Allen Galassini
  • Patent number: 7883620
    Abstract: A filter trap into which waste water can be dumped to separate particulate matter from the water. A sensor senses when the liquid level in the filter trap rises above a predetermined level, and triggers an alarm to indicate the filter basket is full of particulate matter and must be removed to dispose of the contents. The withdrawal of the filter basket from the filter trap causes the inlet thereto to automatically close so that waste water cannot be dumped into the filter trap when the filter basket has been removed. A sensor senses when the filter basket has been removed to provide a visual indication thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: Jonathan Owen
  • Publication number: 20110011807
    Abstract: A device and a method for operating a fuel filter (1) with a diaphragm (16) for cleaning water separated from the fuel, comprising a collecting chamber (9) for the water geodetically arranged at the bottom in a housing (2) of the fuel filter (1), are proposed, comprising at least one sensor (10, 11) each for the maximum (10) and for the minimum (11) water level in the collecting chamber (9), by means of which a valve (13) for discharging the water from the collecting chamber (9) arranged between the collecting chamber (9) and a water purification device (14) containing the diaphragm (16) is controllable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: MANN+HUMMEL GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Micke, Holger Schwarz
  • Patent number: 7867386
    Abstract: It is proposed to avoid an excessive formation of foam in the collection vessel of a protein separator by throttling the feed of air to a foam generator according to the foam generation rate in the separator. The foam generation rate in the separator can be measured by the amount of phase water that is separated in a second separator, which is located between the foam collection vessel and a first separator, in which second separator the mixture generated by the foam generator is freed from liquid constituents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Tunze Aquarientechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Axel Tunze, Claude Hug
  • Patent number: 7864062
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for detecting a change in a specific gravity of a fluid surrounding the apparatus wherein the fluid moves upwardly and downwardly with respect to the apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing having a top and a plurality of openings for allowing the fluid to enter the housing. A first floatation device is provided having a first specific gravity and being located within the housing. The first floatation device includes a magnet. A second floatation device is provided having a second specific gravity and located within the housing adjacent said first floatation device. The said second floatation device includes a magnet aligned to have the same polarity as the magnet of the first floatation device. A switch fixedly attached to said top, the switch having an open state and a closed state where when one of said magnets is in proximity to the switch, the switch is in a closed state and wherein when both of said magnets are in proximity to said switch, the switch is in an open state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Kinetico Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephen W. Cook, Michael A. Hemann, Steven M. Hoopes, Jerome P. Kovach
  • Patent number: 7846340
    Abstract: A water treatment system provides treated or softened water to a point of use by removing a portion of any hardness-causing species contained in water from a point of entry coming from a water source, such as municipal water, well water, brackish water and water containing foulants. The water treatment system typically treats the water containing at least some undesirable species before delivering the treated water to a point of use. The water treatment system has a reservoir system in line with an electrochemical device. The electrochemical device of the water treatment system is operated at a low current and low flow rate to minimize water splitting or polarization, which minimizes scale formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Water Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Evgeniya Freydina, Anil D. Jha, Frederick Wilkins, Aytac Sezgi, Reshma Madhusudan
  • Publication number: 20100300945
    Abstract: A medical apparatus (100) for extracorporeal blood treatment comprises a support structure (101) housing a hydraulic circuit (1) located above a liquid collection zone (103) such that liquid losses from the hydraulic circuit can at least partially accumulate at the liquid collection zone. A liquid sensor (108) detects presence of any liquid in the liquid collection zone and operates in a distanced position with respect to the liquid collection zone (103).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: GAMBRO LUNDIA AB
    Inventors: Luca Vinci, Andrea Rossi
  • Publication number: 20100294702
    Abstract: A separator for use in ships' bilges capable of physical and chemical separation of both free and emulsified hydrocarbons from a water stream that includes two separation units, the first one being a gravimetric separation unit that utilizes coalescent plates to separate free hydrocarbon in the mixture of water/hydrocarbons and a pump which recirculates the water emulsified hydrocarbon mixture through the self-filtration unit and also sends the separated hydrocarbons in the gravimetric unit to the corresponding deposit of free hydrocarbons collecting tank, and the second separation unit being a membrane ultrafiltration apparatus to separate the emulsified hydrocarbons from the water stream, the separator also including a control panel that controls the operation of all elements and devices of the separator, and a phase detector which determines the quantity of accumulated hydrocarbons at the top part of the gravimetric unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Camilo Vázquez Pérez, José Saavedra Pereira
  • Patent number: 7837866
    Abstract: A drainless reverse osmosis (RO) water purification system provides relatively pure water for on-demand dispensing, while recycling brine to a domestic hot water system. The drainless purification system includes a pre-filter catalyst cartridge for removing chlorine-based contaminants from a tap water supply upstream from an RO membrane. The catalyst is regularly refreshed by a high through-flow of water to a conventional cold water dispense faucet, thereby significantly prolonging the service life of the RO membrane. The RO membrane is incorporated into a multi-cartridge unit adapted for facilitated slide-out removal and replacement as needed. A control valve recycles brine from the RO membrane to the hot water system during pure water production, and recirculates tap water through the RO membrane when a pure water reservoir is substantially filled. The multi-cartridge unit may further include an air filtration system for providing a flow of filtered air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: Bruce D. Burrows
  • Patent number: 7833410
    Abstract: In systems for treating wastewater liquid by utilizing aerobic biological species, the contaminated wastewater stream is pretreated in a dissolved air flotation system to remove suspended solid waste, including large particles such as fats, grease, and physically emulsified oils. The purified wastewater containing dissolved waste is thereafter gasified and further decontaminated in a bioreactor tank. Biological species in the bioreactor tank consume gas and perform bodily functions that converts dissolved waste into easily removable carbon dioxide and suspend solids. Gas consumed by the biological species is replenished by pumping the wastewater though a liquid-gas mixer. A controller regulates the speed of the pump based on real-time gas concentration measurements provided by a corresponding gas probe disposed within the wastewater in the bioreactor tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Dwain E. Morse
  • Patent number: 7833411
    Abstract: The present invention provides a ballast water treatment system including a reaction tank in which raw water and ozone are imported and made to react each other for a predetermined period of time to kill microorganisms existing in raw water, an ozone decomposer in which water containing residual ozone discharged from the reaction tank is imported and the residual ozone is decomposed, and a circulation pump installed between the reaction tank and ozone decomposer, forming a circulation system which removes the residual ozone by means of circulating the water containing the residual ozone between the reaction tank and ozone decomposer. Accordingly, this system dispenses with a deaeration tank which would require a wide space for installation, small cost and is able to be applied to existing ships easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuji Ueki, Masahiro Saito, Noboru Takemura, Yukirou Kadomoto, Takeo Nojiri, Izumi Onishi, Masahiro Kuwajima, Masabumi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 7828960
    Abstract: A separator for separating F.O.G. from an effluent that contains F.O.G. includes a tank, an inlet to the tank for receiving effluent that contains F.O.G., and an outlet to allow grey water to leave the tank. The tank has a size to enable stratification of a layer of F.O.G. present in the tank on water in the tank, and first and second thermocouples are positioned at differing levels in the tank. Conductors couple the thermocouples to sensors, and differing voltages in the thermocouples can be sensed to determine if the thermocouples are surrounded by F.O.G. or water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Thermaco, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Batten, Bruce W. Kyles
  • Publication number: 20100264086
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for monitoring the supply of replacement fluid during an extracorporeal treatment of blood is disclosed. Detection of the supply of replacement fluid upstream or downstream of the dialyser or filter is based on a measurement of the optical or physical density of the blood or of a constituent of blood in the extracorporeal circulation. To detect pre- or post-dilution, the blood flow rate and/or the replacement rate and/or the flow rate of the fluid removed from the blood through the dialyser membrane is altered, and the density of the blood or of the constituent of blood is measured upstream and/or downstream of the dialyser. Additionally, an apparatus for treating blood with an apparatus for monitoring the supply of replacement fluid is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Joachim Noack, Joerg Dreyhsig
  • Patent number: 7815794
    Abstract: Remote delivery of water softener pellets into a water softener by a vacuum. By using a vacuum the delivery system allows salt to be delivered to great distances to point of use (existing brine tank). This invention will allow people to drive into their garage close to the inventive salt loading hopper and either dump a bag of salt pellets or scoop out of it into the loading hopper, which is located a convenient minimized height off the floor. The current state prior to this invention was to carry the heavy bag of salt to the location of the water softener brine tank, which in most cases is located down the stairs in a basement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventor: Michael J Muniak
  • Publication number: 20100258485
    Abstract: A solution containing a target compound is passed through a trap column (14) to capture the target compound in the column (14). Thereafter, wash water is introduced in the trap column (14). Then, the setting of a six-port valve (7) is changed and an on/off valve (6) is opened to introduce nitrogen gas through a supply-side passage (8) in the trap column (14). In this stage, the nitrogen gas is warmed by means of a heat-exchange block (10), and the trap column (14) is warmed via a column rack (15). Any water remaining in the trap column (14) is initially thrust upwards by the nitrogen gas, to be extruded from an exit edge (14b) and discharged through a discharge-side passage (20). Furthermore, any water adhering to adsorbent or the inner wall surface of the trap column (14) is quickly vaporized and carried away by the nitrogen gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yutaka Kono, Masayuki Nishimura, Bob Boughtflower, Przemyslaw Stasica
  • Publication number: 20100252489
    Abstract: The present patent aims to control and adjust water storing quantities of a plurality of treated sewage tanks distributed along a sewer trunk line by a unified management.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Kiyokazu TAKEMURA, Makoto Onishi, Shinichi Yoshikawa, Masami Ito, Shinjiro Ueda
  • Patent number: 7807059
    Abstract: During collection of pollutants having a density lower than that of water and carried by a surface layer of a body of water, water of the surface layer is caused to flow into and through a collection vessel having a separation compartment with a top wall, pollutants entrained by the inflowing surface layer water are allowed to collect gravimetrically as a supernatant layer carried beneath the top wall of the separation compartment on water in the separation compartment, and changes of the weight of the collection vessel in the body of water are monitored. Intake and discharge phases may be initiated and terminated to in response to the said weight reaching predetermined values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Surfcleaner AB
    Inventors: Stig Lundback, Jonas Johnson
  • Publication number: 20100200475
    Abstract: The waste water treatment system using a distribution manifold comprises a source water storing tank for storing waste water; a drum screen which filters the source water inputted from the source water storing tank through a first transfer pump P1 and eliminates foreign substances of above 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Young-Bok KWON
  • Patent number: 7771589
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided that enable the control of a screening operation based on a calculated screen blockage percentage and the velocity throughput of the screen. The apparatus includes an upstream level detector, a downstream level detector and a flow determining device which determines the volumetric flow through the screen. The apparatus may further include a blockage determination unit which determines the percent screen blockage based on the flow level upstream of the screen, the flow level downstream of the screen and the volumetric flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: JWC Environmental
    Inventors: Scott Kelly, Kenneth Oyler, James Burke
  • Publication number: 20100193446
    Abstract: A separation unit for separating oil from oily water has a first oil to water ratio and the separation unit comprises a body which defines an inner chamber and which has a first end-wall and an opposite second end-wall and first and second side-walls that extend between the first end-wall and the second end-wall. The inner chamber is at least partly delimited by the first end-wall and the second end-wall, the first side-wall and the second side-wall. The separation unit further comprises a third wall which constitutes a separation wall extending from the first end-wall towards the second end-wall and divides the inner chamber into a first and a second sub-chamber. An inlet is defined at the first side-wall and the first end-wall and a first outlet is defined at the second side-wall and the first end-wall. A passage is defined at the third wall and the second end-wall and a fluid path from the inlet which passes through the first sub-chamber and the passage and the second sub-chamber to the first outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Tommy Byskov