Responsive To Fluid Flow Patents (Class 210/87)
  • Publication number: 20110240557
    Abstract: The present invention can include a reverse osmosis unit, a control system, a display, and/or a memory. The reverse osmosis unit can include a filtration unit, a liquid utilization system, and/or an instrumentation system. The filtration unit includes a plurality of filter banks which each have a plurality of filter unit. The filtration unit receives a feed liquid and generates permeate and concentrate. The permeate is sent to the liquid utilization system, while the concentrate is removed. The instrumentation system can include a plurality of sensors to detect operational data of the feed liquid, permeate, and/or concentrate. Using the operational data and equations, the control unit can calculate the normalized permeate flow rate indicating whether the filters should be cleaned and/or replaced. The operational data and the equations can be used to determine whether the pressure and/or flow can be manipulated without damaging the filters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: John A. Goodfellow
  • Publication number: 20110220559
    Abstract: There is provided a water purifying filter assembly module that a water purifying filter can be easily released from or assembled with. A water purifying filter assembly module according to an aspect of the invention may include: a filter assembly head having a water purifying filter assembled on one side thereof, the filter assembly head configured such that water to be filtered flows into the water purifying filter and the water, filtered through the water purifying filter, is discharged to an outside thereof; and a module body having the filter assembly head rotatably provided therein, the water purifying filter being released from or assembled on the filter assembly head as the water purifying filter is aligned and rotates with the filter assembly head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: Woongjin Coway Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Won Il Joo, In Du Choi, Jung Hwan Lee, Hyun Young Kim
  • 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: 20110168609
    Abstract: A method and system of controlling addition of a treating agent based on a control function comprising a plurality of demand values is disclosed. Process parameters of a fluid to be treated are measured and one or more control signals are generated based on the measured process values and the control function. The control signals are used to actuate a treating agent dosing system and also used to monitor and compare the levels, status or condition of the treating agent. Additional features of the invention compensate for rain events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: SIEMENS WATER TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
    Inventors: Brett T. McQuade, David L. Morano
  • Publication number: 20110160637
    Abstract: A method for detecting blood flow degradation in a dialysis system. The method includes measuring a flow rate of blood in a blood line, calculating a current impedance value based on the measured flow rate, and comparing the current impedance value to a baseline impedance value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Michael James Beiriger
  • Publication number: 20110114560
    Abstract: Provided are a spiral type membrane element that can ensure a larger amount of electric power without performing a cumbersome work and a spiral type membrane filtering device having the element, as well as a membrane filtering device managing system and a membrane filtering device managing method using the device. The spiral type membrane element comprises a sensor for detecting a property of liquid, a power generating section that generates electric power by using said liquid, and a wireless transmitting section that receives the electric power supplied from said power generating section and wirelessly transmits a detection signal from said sensor. By generating electric power in the power generating section with use of the liquid detected by the sensor, a larger amount of electric power can be ensured without performing a cumbersome work.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Takahisa Konishi, Kouji Maruyama, Toshiki Kouno, Keisuke Hirano, Akira Ootani, Hiroshi Yoshikawa, Norio Ikeyama
  • Patent number: 7935249
    Abstract: A blood purification apparatus includes a blood circuit, a blood purifying device, a first valve, a discharge line, a second valve, and a detection device. The blood circuit has an arterial blood circuit and a venous blood circuit. The first valve opens and closes the venous blood circuit. The second valve opens and closes the discharge line. The detection device detects whether a priming solution is replaced with blood in an end portion of the venous blood circuit at an upstream side from the first valve. The blood purification apparatus automatically turns the first valve from a closed position to an open position and the second valve from an open position to a closed position, respectively, when the detection device detects the priming solution being replaced with the blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Nikkiso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nimura, Azusa Mori, Yoshiro Ueda
  • Publication number: 20110094951
    Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for accurately measuring the pressure within a filter housing. A pressure sensor and a communications device are coupled so as to be able to measure and transmit the pressure within the filter housing while in use. This system can comprise a single component, integrating both the communication device and the pressure sensor. Alternatively, the system can comprise separate sensor and transmitter components, in communication with one another. In yet another embodiment, a storage element can be added to the system, thereby allowing the device to store a set of pressure values. The use of this device is beneficial to many applications. For example, the ability to read pressure values in situ allows integrity tests to be performed without additional equipment. In addition, integrity testing for individual filters within multi-filter configurations is possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: MILLIPORE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Anthony DiLeo, John Dana Hubbard
  • Patent number: 7931810
    Abstract: A water purification system and method. A closed water recirculation loop supplied at one point by a water inlet with water to be purified, and having at least one outlet point of use of the purified water. Also included is a pump and a water purifier on the loop respectively downstream of the inlet point and upstream of the at least one outlet point, in the water flow direction. The system includes two independent valves, including a first valve on the loop upstream of the pump and a second valve upstream of the at least one point of use outlet point. The first and second valves are selectively opened and closed to recirculate all the water treated by the purifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Yves Gaignet, Ichiro Kano, Cecilia Regnault, Daniel Darbouret
  • Publication number: 20110079546
    Abstract: Provided are a membrane filtering device managing system by which the membrane filtering device can be managed with a better precision and membrane filtering device for use therein, as well as to a membrane filtering device managing method. At least two sensors of an electric conductivity sensor 11, a flow rate sensor 13, and a pressure sensor 15 are provided in at least two membrane elements 10 provided in a membrane filtering device 50. A managing device 200 obtains data from the at least two sensor, and compares the data with comparison data that represents a correlative relationship between a position along the axial line direction in the membrane filtering device 50 and a standard value obtained from the at least two sensor. Accordingly, it is possible to specify the cause of change occurring in the membrane filtering device 50 more definitely, and to carried out a suitable maintenance in accordance with the cause, so that the membrane filtering device 50 can be managed with a higher precision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: Takahisa Konishi, Norio Ikeyama, Kouji Maruyama, Yukio Fujiwara, Akira Ootani, Toshiki Kouno
  • Publication number: 20110073535
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a reverse osmosis (RO) system that includes a housing and a pre-filter within the housing such that feed water flows into the housing and enters the pre-filter. The reverse osmosis (RO) system further includes a membrane element within the housing such that the pre-filtered water flows from the pre-filter and enters the membrane element and permeate exits the membrane element through the housing. In some embodiments, the housing includes a first end cap at one end and a second end cap at an opposing end such that feed water flows through the first end cap into the pre-filter and pre-filtered water flows from the pre-filter into the first end cap. In addition, the pre-filtered water may flow from the first end cap to the membrane element such that permeate exits the membrane element through the first end cap in order exit the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: GE Osmonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Kloos, Philip M. Rolchigo, Christopher J. Kurth, Chia Kung, Thomas J. Cartwright, Richard M. Reckin, Kenneth J. Sieth
  • Patent number: 7896168
    Abstract: A filter block may comprise activated carbon filter particles without metallic biocides. The activated carbon filter particles may have a median particle size of less than or equal to about 90 microns and having a particle span of less than or equal to about 1.7. The filter block may have a permeability of greater than about 3.0×10?9 cm2 and a Filter Viruses Log Removal of greater than about 2 logs. A portion of the activated carbon filter particles may be coated with a cationic polymer. Another filter block may comprise mesoporous activated carbon filter particles without metallic biocides, wherein the mesoporous activated carbon filter particles may have a median particle size of less than or equal to about 104 ?m and a particle span of less than or equal to about 2.05, and wherein at least a portion of the filter particles may be coated with a cationic polymer. The filter block may have a permeability of greater than about 2.0×10?9 cm2 and a Filter Viruses Log Removal of greater than about 2 logs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Dimitris Ioannis Collias, Stephen Allen Goldman, Michael Donovan Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20110031195
    Abstract: A recirculating/filtering/flushing system for cleaning a water main is provided, wherein the water main includes first and second access points. The system comprises at least one filter for filtering water in the water main; an inlet conduit coupled with the first access point and the at least one filter; an outlet conduit coupled with the second access point and the at least one filter; a bypass conduit coupled with the inlet conduit at a first location upstream of the at least one filter, and coupled with the outlet conduit at a second location downstream of the at least one filter; and a pumping device for flowing the water in the water main through the inlet conduit, through either the at least one filter or the bypass conduit, and through the outlet conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Chris E. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 7883619
    Abstract: A water treatment system including a UV bulb, a moisture detector, and a control circuit responsive to the moisture detector to terminate power to the bulb when moisture is detected. The moisture detector includes a nonconductive substrate and a pair of conductors on the substrate. When moisture is not present, the detector is nonconductive. However, when moisture accumulates on the detector, the moisture provides a conductive path between the conductors so that the detector becomes conductive. When moisture is detected, the control circuit terminates power to the bulb and/or provides an appropriate indication to the system user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Karlis Vecziedins, Joshua K. Schwannecke, Michael E. Miles, William T. Stoner, Jr., Clinton H. Throop
  • Publication number: 20110024353
    Abstract: A proposed blood treatment apparatus includes: a blood treatment unit, a pair of fluid pumps and a pair blood pumps. The blood treatment unit is configured to receive untreated blood and fresh blood treatment fluid, and emit treated blood and used blood treatment fluid. The fluid pumps are configured to pass blood treatment fluid through the blood treatment unit. The blood pumps are configured to extract untreated blood from a blood source, pass extracted blood through the blood treatment unit and deliver treated blood to a target vessel. Additionally, the fluid pumps are configured to control the operation of the blood pumps via the blood treatment fluid. Moreover, a flow control device is configured to control a trans-membrane flow between the blood side and the a fluid side of the blood treatment unit. Hence, for instance ultrafiltration can be adjusted to a desired level in a very straightforward manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Lennart Jönsson, Olof Jansson, Mattias Holmer, Jan Sternby, Anders Nilsson, Per Hansson
  • Patent number: 7879226
    Abstract: A flow indicator for showing blocking of filter cotton, being installed in a pipe line of a spraying head for the purpose of showing and controlling blocking of filter cotton in a filter in connecting with a submerged pump for the spraying head, it has a tri-branch tube to connect the pipe line, and to connect to a housing provided therein with an electric power source, an indicating device, an igniting switch and a triggering device, the tri-branch tube is provided therein with a pusher rod that can detect the pressure of water and can thus be moved. When the filter cotton is blocked to lower the water pressure, the pusher rod is moved and makes the triggering device to turn on the indicating lamp device, in order to warn a user to clean or change the filter cotton of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Eiko Electric Products Corp.
    Inventor: Yu-Chin Wang
  • Patent number: 7875169
    Abstract: A leakage indicator is provided for a filter element of a filter press, in which the filter element has at least one membrane that can be impinged by a pressure medium. In order to create a leakage indicator that is constructed in a particularly simple manner, an indicator body is freely movable in a flow chamber. Any change in position of the indicator body, which is caused by inflowing or outflowing pressure medium, can be monitored visually or through the use of sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: JVK Filtration Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Kiessling, Manfred Hermann
  • Patent number: 7875168
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for calculating blood flow and to an apparatus for extracorporeal blood treatment provided with the device. The device includes a memory for receiving and storing either a first datum relating to a blood flow removed from the patient Qb, or a second datum relating to a flow of liquid Qt crossing a tract of the extracorporeal circuit, and a third datum relating to a flow of infusion liquid Qinf flowing through the infusion line. The device also comprises a control unit able to calculate the first datum or the second datum as a function of the third datum relating to the flow of infusion liquid Qinf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventors: Jean Louis Fressinet, Massimo Zaccarelli, Gianluca Artioli, Jeffrey J. Letteri
  • Publication number: 20110000830
    Abstract: A hemodialysis apparatus includes a hemodialysis treatment administering unit including a blood treating unit for treating patient's blood; and a controller for controlling the hemodialysis treatment administering unit. The controller includes a maximum change rate setting unit for setting the maximum rate of change in circulating blood volume, and an adjustment line forming unit for forming an adjustment line for adjusting the rate of change in circulating blood volume so as to be equal to or less than the maximum change rate set in the maximum change rate setting unit. The controller controls the hemodialysis treatment administering unit based on the adjustment line formed in the adjustment line forming unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Atsushi Ikeda
  • Patent number: 7862710
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a reverse osmosis (RO) system that includes a housing and a pre-filter within the housing such that feed water flows into the housing and enters the pre-filter. The reverse osmosis (RO) system further includes a membrane element within the housing such that the pre-filtered water flows from the pre-filter and enters the membrane element and permeate exits the membrane element through the housing. In some embodiments, the housing includes a first end cap at one end and a second end cap at an opposing end such that feed water flows through the first end cap into the pre-filter and pre-filtered water flows from the pre-filter into the first end cap. In addition, the pre-filtered water may flow from the first end cap to the membrane element such that permeate exits the membrane element through the first end cap in order exit the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: GE Osmonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Kloos, Philip M. Rolchigo, Christopher J. Kurth, Chia Kung, Thomas J. Cartwright, Richard M. Reckin, Kenneth J. Sieth
  • 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: 7857976
    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 continuously monitors the flow rates of drained fluid, blood, and infusate. When necessary, the pumping rates of the infusate, drained fluid and blood are adjusted to remove a preselected amount of fluid from the blood in a preselected time period. A supervisory controller can monitor patient parameters, such as heart rate and blood pressure, and adjust the pumping rates accordingly. The supervisory controller uses fuzzy logic to make expert decisions, based upon a set of supervisory rules, to control each pumping rate to achieve a desired flow rate and to respond to fault conditions. An adaptive controller corrects temporal variations in the flow rate based upon an adaptive law and a control law.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Children's Hospital Medical Center
    Inventors: John J. Bissler, Marios M. Polycarpou, Nat Hemasilpin, Efrain O. Morales
  • 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: 20100294703
    Abstract: There is a water enhancement system coupled to a water conduit, wherein the water enhancement system is configured to enhance a water supply. The water enhancement system includes a filtration system coupled to a water conduit, configured to filter water flowing therethrough. The water enhancement system also includes an enhancement system coupled to the filtration system, configured to treat water flowing therethrough by dispensing a fluid therein. The enhancement system includes a plurality of cartridge sockets and matching cartridges configured to selectably couple together and contain enhancing fluid. The water enhancement system further includes a treatment bracket coupled about the water conduit and to the enhancement system. The water enhancement system additionally includes a treatment device coupled about the treatment bracket and configured to alter a characteristic of the water flowing therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: HEALTH AND BEYOND, LLC
    Inventor: DAVID HALL
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100282676
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a desalination system comprising a plurality of elongated pressure vessels (PV). Each PV has a longitudinal axis, oriented such that the longitudinal axis thereof is of a vertical orientation. Each of the PVs is adapted to receive therein a plurality n of desalination membranes. The membranes located above the lowermost membrane within the PV have a total weight allowing them to function as a mechanism limiting axial expansion of the lowermost membrane, whereby the PV is free of any additional limiting mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: I.D.E. TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventors: Boris Liberman, Miriam Faigon, Yosef Pinhas, Maya Ilevicky-Ozel, Yacov Ben-Yaish, Erez Reuveni
  • Patent number: 7828970
    Abstract: A reverse osmosis system that includes a housing which receives feed water and a membrane element within the housing to filter the feed water. The membrane element includes a permeate outlet and a concentrate outlet. The reverse osmosis system further includes a sensor that monitors the condition of the water that exits from the membrane element. The reverse osmosis system further includes a first set of indicators that are located remotely from the housing. The first set of indicators showing a condition of the system based on data obtained from the sensor. The reverse osmosis system further includes a second set of indicators that are located near the housing to show a condition of the system based on data obtained from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: GE Osmonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Kloos, Philip M. Rolchigo, Christopher J. Kurth, Chia Kung, Thomas J. Cartwright, Richard M. Reckin, Kenneth J. Sieth
  • Patent number: 7824543
    Abstract: Wireless water purification systems and wireless remote dispensing devices for a water purification system. The remote dispensing device is fluidly coupled with the main purification unit. A wireless transceiver is associated with the remote dispensing device and another wireless transceiver is associated with the main purification unit. The wireless transceivers communicate across a wireless communications link between the remote dispensing device and the main purification unit. The system may include multiple remote dispensing devices and/or multiple main purification units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Barnstead Themolyne Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Larkner
  • Publication number: 20100237013
    Abstract: An autonomous filter device and a method for improving the filter life and performance is disclosed. The filter element is equipped with one or more sensors, adapted to measure one or more characteristics or parameters of the fluid, such as temperature, pressure, or flow rate. In response to the measured characteristic or parameter, the control logic within the filter element is able to determine an appropriate response. For example, the control logic may determine that a sudden, but temporary, blockage has occurred in the filter membrane. In response to this, the control logic may initiate a specific response designed to alleviate the blockage. This response may be a temperature change, a vibration, a change in fluid flow path, or some other action. The control logic will then determine the success of the response, based monitoring any change in the fluid characteristics. Based thereon, the control logic may alert the operator that the filter element must be replaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: MILLIPORE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Aaron Burke, Anthony DiLeo, Timothy O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20100219135
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a fluid comprising a fluid supply port for receiving a contaminated fluid; a fluid return port for providing a cleaned fluid; an evaporator for evaporating liquid contaminants from the fluid; a fluid line connecting the evaporator between the fluid supply port and the fluid return port; a sensor connected to at least one of the fluid filter, the evaporator, and the fluid line; a controller connected to an output of the sensor, wherein the controller includes: a processor; and a memory device including computer readable instructions which, when executed by the processor cause the processor to perform the steps of: receiving data from the sensor; comparing the data from the sensor to reference data; sending a control signal to at least one of the fluid filter and the evaporator based on comparing the data from the sensor to the reference data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: OIL PURIFICATION SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: William Lawrence Priest, Satish Kumar, Gregory Allen Slawson
  • Patent number: 7785463
    Abstract: A system, program product and method continuously optimize an ultrafiltration rate during an extracorporeal renal replacement process by modeling physiological and actual rate data. The system maps the sensed, physiological data to a mathematical model to assess the data in terms of the ultrafiltration rate. The model provides parameters used to predict where the treatment is headed based on current conditions. The system processes the parameters in terms of preset criteria to generate the optimized ultrafiltration rate. Where the system is networked, communication of the data may be accomplished using remote and online communication techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Children's Hospital Medical Center
    Inventors: John J. Bissler, Nat Hemasilpin, Marios M. Polycarpou
  • Patent number: 7776209
    Abstract: A modular water treatment system includes a plurality of water treatment components including selected from a group of a particulate filter component, a taste and odor filter component, a lead and mercury filter component, a water softener component, and a water disinfection component. A plurality of interfaces are provided for coupling to the selected water treatment components. Plumbing lines provide flow communication between the selected water treatment components, and the plumbing lines include a system water inlet and a system water outlet. A controller is configured to control the flow of water through the system, and a sensor is configured to transmit a signal to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Samuel Vincent Duplessis, Kyran P. Hoff, Craig R. Vitan, Laurence H. Fish, Jonathan D. Nelson, John Steven Holmes, Almir Begovich, Erik J. Matusek, Timothy G. Hooker, Dennis J. Dicken
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7749184
    Abstract: In the apparatus and method for monitoring a vascular access (6) of an extracorporeal circuit (5; 10) of a patient, a control and calculation unit (17) varies a flow rate of a blood pump (9) predisposed to cause blood to circulate in the extracorporeal circuit. The control and calculation unit receives the pressure values in the blood withdrawal line (5) and the blood return line (10) from two pressure sensors (8, 12); the pressure values are a series of different values of the blood flow rate. The control and calculation unit processes the data gathered by means of a mathematical model which describes the variation of pressure in the vascular access as a function of the flow rate, in order to determine the blood flow rate in the vascular access. The invention detects the presence and location of a stenosis at the vascular access of a patient subjected to a hemodialysis treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventors: Silvio Cavalcanti, Carlo Alberto Lodi, Massimo Fava
  • Publication number: 20100168498
    Abstract: Apparatus, process and article for treating an aqueous solution containing a chemical contaminant. The process includes contacting an aqueous solution containing a chemical contaminant with an aggregate composition comprising an insoluble rare earth-containing compound to form a solution depleted of chemical contaminants. The insoluble rare earth-containing compound can include one or more of cerium, lanthanum, or praseodymium. A suitable insoluble cerium-containing compound can be derived from a cerium carbonate, cerium oxalate and/or a cerium salt. The aggregate composition can include more than 10.01% by weight of the insoluble rare earth-containing compound, and in a particular embodiment consists essentially of one or more cerium oxides, and optionally a binder and/or flow aid. Although intended for a variety of fluid treatment applications, such applications specifically include removing or detoxifying chemical contaminants in water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: MOLYCORP MINERALS, LLC
    Inventors: John L. Burba, III, Richard D. Witham
  • Patent number: 7740753
    Abstract: A water treatment system that performs a water purifying treatment by use of ultraviolet radiation, comprises a front stage ultraviolet radiation device for radiating ultraviolet light in a front stage process in a water purifying treatment process, a rear stage ultraviolet radiation device for radiating ultraviolet light in a rear stage process, and a controller for controlling these ultraviolet radiation devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Norimitsu Abe, Takeshi Ide, Takeshi Matsushiro, Hiroyuki Suzuki, Seiichi Murayama
  • Patent number: 7741617
    Abstract: There is disclosed a fluid treatment device comprising a housing for receiving a flow of fluid. The housing comprises a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a closed fluid treatment zone disposed between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. Disposed in the housing is at least one elongate radiation source assembly having a longitudinal axis disposed in the fluid treatment zone substantially parallel to a direction of the flow of fluid through the housing. The radiation source assembly comprises an elongate radiation source disposed in a protective sleeve to define a substantially annular passageway. The protective sleeve has opposed open ends configured to permit heat to exit the passageway and the housing through at least one of the opposed open ends of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Trojan Technologies
    Inventors: Brent Matthews, Jason Cerny, Bradley Pusching
  • Patent number: 7722772
    Abstract: The present invention realizes an ion exchange apparatus capable of enhancing the reliability of regeneration operation. Further, the present invention realizes an ion exchange apparatus capable of simplifying the construction of a salt water supply device. The ion exchange apparatus includes a resin bed housing part (2) in which an ion exchange resin bed (5) is housed; a flow passage control valve (3) for switching between a water service operation and a regeneration operation; and a salt water tank (40) for reserving salt water to be used in regeneration, the flow passage control valve (3) being connected to the salt water tank (40) through a salt water supply line (31), in which the salt water supply line (31) is provided with a flow detecting unit (48) for detecting a flow rate in a direction of supplying salt water and a flow rate in a direction of supplying refill water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Miura Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Furukawa, Hajime Abe, Makoto Hato, Hironao Kato, Kazutaka Baba
  • Patent number: 7718054
    Abstract: A modular water treatment system includes a plurality of water treatment components selected from a group of a particulate filter component, a taste and odor filter component, a lead and mercury filter component, a water softener component, and a water disinfection component. The water treatment system also includes a plurality of interfaces for coupling to the selected water treatment components, and plumbing lines providing flow communication between the selected components, the plumbing lines comprising a system water inlet and a system water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Samuel Vincent Duplessis, Kyran P. Hoff, Craig R. Vitan, Jonathan D. Nelson, Almir Begovich
  • Publication number: 20100116745
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling nano-scale flow rate of fluid in the operating flow path of a HPLC system provide fluid flow without relying on complex calibration routines to compensate for solvent composition gradients typically used in HPLC. The apparatus and method are used to correct the flow output of a typical, analytical-scale (0.1-5 mL/min) HPLC pump to enable accurate and precise flow delivery at capillary (<0.1 mL/min) and nano-scale (<1 ?L/min) HPLC flow rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Geoff C. Gerhardt, Joseph A. Luongo
  • Publication number: 20100116740
    Abstract: The application is directed to an extracorporeal blood processing system capable of using dialysate to prime the system. A plastic molded compact manifold supports molded blood and dialysate fluidic pathways along with relevant sensors, valves and pumps. The compact manifold is also disposable in one embodiment and can be detachably installed in the dialysis machine. A two-way valve in the manifold is used to direct the dialysate flow through the blood circuit to prime the circuit for use in treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Martin Hering, Frank Isackson
  • Publication number: 20100096306
    Abstract: A water filter with a sterilizing function has a filtering device, a sterilizing device and a pipe connecting the filtering device and the sterilizing device. The filtering device has a water inlet and a water outlet. The water inlet is connected with a water supplying pipe for receiving water. The sterilizing device has an inlet and an outlet. The outlet is connected with an output pipe for providing water. The inlet is connected to the water outlet of the filtering device. The water flows through the filtering device and the sterilizing device as it goes through the water filter. Therefore, chemical materials and bacteria in the drinking water are removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventor: Chih-Chao Chang
  • Publication number: 20100096338
    Abstract: The invention discloses a management arrangement for a swimming pool. The arrangement includes a number of sensors being adapted to measure variables and generate input data relating to a swimming pool. The input data is processed by a processing unit to generate output data, which data is then used by an actuator to control equipment. Various operating parameters are programmable into the processing unit via an operator interface. The arrangement provides a combination of ultraviolet treatment and ion enrichment in order to disinfect or purify the water. The arrangement specifically regulates the ionization of the swimming pool water so as to substantially maintain a pre-determined ion concentration level with reduced operator intervention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Riccardo Arthur De Wet, Daniel Alfonso Corte, Uwe Thuss
  • Patent number: 7695613
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a chlorinator mounted inline in a water purification system having a housing having an inlet end and an outlet end and an upper compartment having an electronics section with a controller unit contained within the electronics section and in electrical communication with a power source and an at least one electrolytic plate. The system having a heat sink member in thermal communication with the controller, wherein the flow of the water in the water purification system cools the heat sink member and the controller unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: KBK Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Doyle, Keith Schulte, Bruce Johnson
  • Publication number: 20100083730
    Abstract: A multi-sensing device is provided which includes a first sensor for sensing a temperature of the fluid flowing through the filter element, a second sensor for sensing a pressure generated by the fluid flowing through the filter element; and an indicator for indicating a condition of the filter system, and a microcontroller operatively coupled to the first and second sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: LURACO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin D. Le, Jeffrey J. Tooley
  • Publication number: 20100078392
    Abstract: A density centrifuge blood processing system comprising a separation chamber rotating about a central rotation axis, the separation chamber being coupled to an elutriation chamber, a first detector for the separation chamber to detect light from an observation region, a computational apparatus distinguishing at least two regions in the observation region and distinguishing incipient spill over of cellular components out of the elutriation chamber as a function of light intensity received from the at least two regions in the separation chamber, and a controller regulating speed of at least one pump or of the separation chamber in response to signals from the computational apparatus to avoid spill over.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: CARIDIANBCT, INC.
    Inventor: William SWEAT
  • Patent number: 7678235
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for water purification. The systems have a preheater, a degasser, an evaporation chamber, a demister, and a control system, wherein the control system permits operation of the purification system through repeated cycles without requiring user intervention or cleaning. The system is capable of removing, from a contaminated water sample, a plurality of contaminant types including: microbiological contaminants, radiological contaminants, metals, salts, volatile organics, and non-volatile organics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Sylvan Source, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Deep, Eugene Thiers, Douglas Michael Thom
  • Patent number: 7669490
    Abstract: To provide a filter test apparatus that can easily and efficiently test parallel filters in a clean room, a plurality of filters for purifying air supplied into the room are disposed in parallel, and a moving frame oriented along the exit surfaces of a filter group is disposed in the clean room, in which the exit surfaces of the filter group are used as the ceiling surfaces or side surfaces of the room, so as to allow movement in the direction along the exit surfaces of the filter group in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the moving frame. The moving frame is disposed so as to span opposing room walls and in a position near the exit surfaces of the filter group in the room. A filter test device is movably mounted on the moving frame in the longitudinal direction of the moving frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Taikisha Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Yoshitome
  • Publication number: 20100038292
    Abstract: An apparatus that combines desalination and pressure washing. The apparatus includes separate inlets for seawater and for freshwater. The apparatus includes a first diverter valve to selectively permit the flow of seawater or freshwater into the apparatus. The apparatus also contains a second diverter valve for directing the flow of seawater or freshwater to a pressure-washer outlet for pressure washing or directing the flow of seawater to a desalination assembly such as a reverse-osmosis (RO) membrane for desalination. The apparatus contains one or more pumps sufficient to generate fluid pressure for pressure washing and generating a driving pressure across the desalination assembly. A variable frequency drive system may be included in the apparatus to regulate the RO pump flow rate across a fixed orifice thereby regulating driving pressure and in turn the freshwater production rate from the RO system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Jess Edward Fike
  • Publication number: 20100038317
    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 continuously monitors the flow rates of drained fluid, blood, and infusate. When necessary, the pumping rates of the infusate, drained fluid and blood are adjusted to remove a preselected amount of fluid from the blood in a preselected time period. A supervisory controller can monitor patient parameters, such as heart rate and blood pressure, and adjust the pumping rates accordingly. The supervisory controller uses fuzzy logic to make expert decisions, based upon a set of supervisory rules, to control each pumping rate to achieve a desired flow rate and to respond to fault conditions. An adaptive controller corrects temporal variations in the flow rate based upon an adaptive law and a control law.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER
    Inventors: John J. Bissler, Marios M. Polycarpou, Nat Hemasilpin, Efrain O. Morales