Responsive To Fluid Flow Patents (Class 210/87)
  • Publication number: 20100018911
    Abstract: The teachings presented herein provide a water distribution manifold assembly for distribution of water for mixed indoor and outdoor usage. The assembly finds direct application in water reclamation and conservation in that it allows for the use of runoff and gray water. The assembly integrates in-line filtration in a convenient, readily accessible way. In one or more embodiments, the assembly includes: a supply inlet and an associated check valve and pressure release valve; a filter unit connected to a second check valve; a pressure gauge; one or more outlets, each of which may be connected to a check valve; and a manifold or connecting pipe that interconnects the inlet, filter unit, and one or more outlets. The assembly also may include a controller, which in one or more embodiments provides control, monitoring, and communications for the assembly and/or associated water distribution systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas L. VanZeeland
  • Publication number: 20100010412
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for extracorporeal blood treatment comprising a blood treatment device (2) having a semipermeable membrane (5) which separates a blood chamber (3) from a fluid chamber (4). A used fluid line (7) connects the fluid chamber to a used fluid discharge. A first pump (8) controls the ultrafiltration through the semipermeable membrane. A second pump (9) arranged in the used fluid line downstream of the first pump keeps pressure between the first and the second pump at a constant predetermined value. The invention provides a protection system against any possible pressure change in the used fluid discharge in a hemodialysis or hemo(dia)filtration apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: GAMBRO LUNDIA AB
    Inventors: Massimo Fava, Mauro Suffritti, Anna Puppini
  • Patent number: 7638043
    Abstract: A grit chamber for a wastewater treatment plant. A vertical floodgate is installed on a partitioning wall and is driven in a vertical direction to be opened downwardly from a top toward a bottom. A floodgate driving motor is coupled to one end of the vertical floodgate to directly drive the vertical floodgate. An inflow amount measurement sensor functions to stepwisely measure a flow amount of wastewater which passes through a wastewater tank. A control section is connected to the floodgate driving motor and the inflow amount measurement sensor to control the floodgate driving motor in response to a measurement result of the inflow amount measurement sensor. A wastewater level is adjusted within a predetermined range through operation of the vertical floodgate to maintain a constant flow velocity of wastewater which passes through a sand sedimentation zone, thereby preventing organic material which is contained in the wastewater and is other than sand, from sedimenting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Blue Whale Screen Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyung In Park, Doo Yun Hwang
  • Publication number: 20090314695
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for tangential filtration of a fluid to be treated and to be separated into a filtrate and a retentate, comprising at least one filtration element which comprises at least one inlet for a fluid to be filtered and at least one outlet for the retentate having circulated the filtration element, wherein said element is incorporated in a circulation loop so that at least a part of the retentate is reinjected into the fluid to be treated before being introduced into the filtration element. a module of filtration into which the circulation loop is integrated and realized by a series of filtration elements in forward direction and a series of filtration elements in backward direction, forming forward and backward circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Philippe Lescoche
  • Patent number: 7632410
    Abstract: A method of producing safe drinking water from virtually any water source utilizing a water purification system is disclosed. The method includes a combination of water purification methods with a control system that evaluates water quality and functional processing parameters, such as pressure and flow. The control system determines what water processing methods to utilize and how most efficiently to operate them. The system is capable of treating highly contaminated water to the necessary degree to produce safe drinking water. Furthermore, the system regulates and cleans itself to maintain functionality despite receiving high concentrations of various contaminants from the feed water source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventor: Christopher Heiss
  • Publication number: 20090283458
    Abstract: A regeneration tank for water softeners which includes a flow rate control unit to control the pressure in the regeneration tank, and a coupling member to protect a connection part between the regeneration tank and a water softener. The regeneration tank includes a hollow casing, which has an open inlet part, through which regenerative substances are supplied into the casing. The hollow casing further has a mounting part, which is coupled to the water softener, and a storage part, which is provided between the open inlet part and the mounting part to contain the regenerative substance therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Sang Cheol Sim, Won Tae Kim
  • Patent number: 7614279
    Abstract: A method for determining pore structure characteristics of a filtration cartridge includes the steps of placing a porometry test location isolating device in sealing contact with the filtration cartridge at a desired test location, increasing the porometer test gas pressure until the test gas flows through the cartridge at the test location, measuring the flow rate of the test gas through the test location as a function of differential pressure, reducing the test gas pressure to atmospheric pressure, wetting the test location with a wetting liquid, increasing the test gas pressure again until the test gas flows through the cartridge at the test location, measuring differential gas pressure and gas flow rates through the test location, and converting the measured gas flow rates and differential pressures into through pore throat diameters, largest through pore throat diameter, mean flow through pore throat diameter, pore distribution, and gas permeability of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Porous Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Krishna M. Gupta, Akshaya Jena
  • Publication number: 20090250397
    Abstract: Systems and methods for filtering and softening water in combination are disclosed. The systems may include a water filtering system, having a water filter and a water softening system connected to the water filtering system. In addition, a controller may be connected to the water filtering system and the water softening system via wired or wireless connections. The methods may include filtering incoming water, monitoring the hardness of the incoming water, and softening the incoming water when the water hardness is above a maximum level. Furthermore, the performance of the water filtering system may be altered in response to the performance of the water softening system. In addition, the performance of the water softening system may be altered in response to the performance of the water filtering system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Christopher Raymond Geisen, Michael Thomas Beyerle, Mark Allen Banta, Samuel Vincent DuPlessis, Norman Jacques Beulard, Daniel Ryan Capelle, Mark Anthony Copelli
  • Publication number: 20090206015
    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 warning a user to clean or change the filter cotton of the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Yu-Chin WANG
  • Publication number: 20090200245
    Abstract: A system for controlling water within an aquatic facility includes a water chemistry controller, a variable rate water pump adapted to move water in the facility, and a variable rate motor driver operationally coupled to the water pump for variably energizing the water pump. The variable rate motor driver is coupled to the water chemistry controller to allow the water chemistry controller to manage the operation of the water pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Brett D. Steinbrueck, Darren Greenwalt, III
  • Publication number: 20090171261
    Abstract: A switch valve for use in an extracorporeal blood flow circuit comprises a valve housing having a chamber, four openings communicating with the chamber, and a valve member located in the valve chamber. A first opening is to be connected to a patient via an arterial cannula, a second opening is to be connected to a patient via an venous cannula, a third opening is to be connected to a first inlet/outlet of a blood treatment device, and a fourth opening is to be connected to a second inlet/outlet of a blood treatment device. The valve member is movable within the valve housing to fluidly connect the first opening to either the third or the fourth opening and to fluidly connect the second opening to either the third or the fourth opening. The width of the valve member is smaller than a peripheral dimension of the openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: GAMBRO LUNDIA AB
    Inventors: Jan Peter STERNBY, Gary Joel MISHKIN, Perry ASBRINK, Eddie NILSSON
  • Publication number: 20090166297
    Abstract: A blood cell collection system having means for detecting when a cell separation chamber has filled with white blood cells, and flushing the cells out of the cell separation chamber into a collect bag. A red-green sensor senses the optical characteristics of fluid leaving the cell separation chamber. A baseline value is calculated. The device calculates a ratio of the intensities of red light and green light and a peak-to-peak ratio of intensities. If either ratio exceeds thresholds computed from the baseline, the device flushes the cells into the collect bag. A camera detects white cells passing into the cell separation chamber and the device calculates the number of cells being collected. If the calculated number of collected cells exceeds a certain limit, the cell separation chamber is flushed. If the device is unable to establish a baseline, the donation can proceed, relying solely on the calculated number of collected cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: CARIDIANBCT, INC.
    Inventors: William SWEAT, Jeremy KOLENBRANDER, John R. LINDNER, Jennifer HINZ
  • Publication number: 20090152178
    Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and methods for completely automated cleaning of reverse osmosis systems. This includes cleaning initiation, selection of cleaning agent, complete cleaning and rinsing, and cleaning evaluation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Christopher Heiss
  • Publication number: 20090139916
    Abstract: A filtration device includes a carrier for attaching to the aquarium and having a filtering chamber for receiving a water, a filter member disposed in the filtering chamber for filtering the water, and a signal generating device for generating a signal to indicate whether the filter member has been blocked or not or when the filter member may no longer filter the water contained within the container of the aquarium, and for allowing the filter member to be cleaned or changed or replaced by the user right away or when required. A dirt collecting device may be used to collect the dirt carried by the upwardly flowing bubbles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Hsueh Lee Tsai
  • Patent number: 7540958
    Abstract: Device for extracorporeal treatment of blood 1 intended to operate in a mode with a single needle 2, comprising: a treatment unit 3 having a first compartment 4 and a second compartment 5, which are separated by a semipermeable membrane 6, an extracorporeal blood circuit comprising a single needle 2, an intake line 7 in fluid communication with the first compartment 4 of the treatment unit 3, the first compartment 4, and a return line 8 in fluid communication with the first compartment 4 of the treatment unit 3, a purge line 9 at the outlet of the second compartment 5, a closure means (10, 11) acting on at least the intake line 7 and the return line 8 in order to generate the alternate sequence of blood intake and return, at least a first chamber 12 which is in fluid communication with the extracorporeal blood circuit and defines a first additional blood volume, the first chamber 12 having a variable total content; the first chamber 4 being rigid and including at least one wall capable of being moved, t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventors: Jacques Chevallet, Jean-Louis Romarie, Alain Frugier
  • Publication number: 20090134075
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a liquid dispense system having at least one liquid outlet and at least one flow control device for controlling the dispense of liquid from said outlet(s) during a dispense operation, said control apparatus including an operating device for controlling the operation of at least one flow control device to permit dispense of a desired volume of liquid from the outlet(s) during a dispense operation; a recording device for recording one or more parameters of the liquid dispense system and/or the operating device during the dispense operation to create a dispense profile for the dispense operation, at least one of the recorded parameters being indicative of the flow rate of liquid at the outlet(s); and a control device for controlling the operation of the operating device during a subsequent dispense operation based upon the recorded dispense profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Lee Underwood
  • Publication number: 20090120851
    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: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Karlis Vecziedins, Joshua K. Schwannecke, Michael E. Miles, William T. Stoner, JR., Clinton H. Throop
  • Patent number: 7531098
    Abstract: A system for automatically processing blood components is described. The system includes a console, which contains all motors, pumps, sensors, valves and control circuitry, and a unique disposable set that includes a cassette supporting a centrifuge with an improved design, pump interfaces with an improved design, component and solution bags, and tubing. Various processes are implemented using a specific disposable set for each process which allows automatic identification of the process to be performed the console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Terumo Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas C. Robinson, Thomas P. Robinson, Richard D'Elia, Paul Eibe, Thomas Sahines
  • Publication number: 20090101550
    Abstract: A dialysis system includes a dialyzer; a blood pump coupled operably to a dialyzer; a dialysate inlet pump couple operably to a dialysate inlet of the dialyzer; a dialysate outlet pump coupled operably to a dialysate outlet of the dialyzer; a first non-invasive fluid velocity sensor positioned to sensor of inlet flowrate of dialysate pumped to the dialysate inlet by the dialysate inlet pump; and a second non-invasive fluid velocity sensor positioned to sense an outlet flowrate of dialysate pumped from the dialysate outlet by the dialysate outlet pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicants: BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC., BAXTER HEALTHCARE S.A.
    Inventors: Matthew Muller, Donald Busby, Justin Rohde, Mark Jablonski
  • Publication number: 20090101490
    Abstract: Devices and methods for water purification are provided. An improved demister (70) for removing liquid or other particles from steam is disclosed. The demister can have adjustable outlets. In other embodiments, a demister apparatus is placed, at least partially, inside a boiler apparatus (310). Additionally, a filter flow indicator (401) that provides an optical indication of the efficiency of a water filter is also provided. The filter flow indicator has a viewable side passage that connects the input and output sides of a filter unit. A weighted object, such as a ball (440), can move up and down the side passage in response to the pressure differential in the filter system. The user can determine the status of the filter by viewing the location of the weighted object in the side passage. Additionally, a device and method of adding various minerals back to purified water in order to improve the flavor of the water is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: Sylvan Source, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene Thiers
  • Patent number: 7520978
    Abstract: A system for purifying a fluid uses ultra violet (UV) light to inactivate micro-organisms present in the fluid. The system has an arrangement of UV light emitters on perforated plates. The fluid, while passing through perforations in the perforated plates, is exposed to the UV light emitted by the UV light emitters. Micro-organisms present in the fluid pass very close to the UV light emitters. The UV light absorbed by the micro-organisms causes genetic damage and inactivation. The system has feedback units providing feedback about the physical properties of the fluid to a power unit supplying power to the UV light emitters. The power unit varies the amount of power supplied to the UV light emitters, based on the feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Philips Lumileds Lighting Co., LLC
    Inventor: Gerard Harbers
  • Publication number: 20090090661
    Abstract: A faucet-mounted filter system that includes a body forming a fluid chamber having a water inlet, a quick connect device positioned adjacent the water inlet for mounting the filter system to a water faucet such that the water inlet is placed in fluid communication with the water faucet, a filtered water flow path disposed within the body and in fluid communication with the water inlet, an unfiltered water flow path disposed within the body and in fluid communication with the water inlet, a diverter valve disposed within the fluid chamber and operable to open and close the filtered and unfiltered water flow paths, a seal for sealing the fluid chamber, an actuator engaging the diverter valve to open and close the filtered and unfiltered water flow paths without having to interrupt the seal, a flow meter connected to the body and in fluid communication with the filter flow path, a filter housing connected to the body and having a reservoir, and a filter cartridge disposed within the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: PUR WATER PURIFICATION PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: John Tanner, David Emmons, Matthew L. Newman, Brian D. Andres, Simon Leung, Steven J. Schroeck, Armin Schwarz-Hartmann, Peter Stoeffel, Richard P. Riedel
  • Publication number: 20090090670
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a wastewater treatment system having an anoxic biological treatment zone, an aerobic biological treatment zone and a separator. The concentration of oxygen in streams within the system is strategically managed for improved removal of nutrient from the wastewater. A source of biodegradable carbon may be introduced to reduce the concentration of oxygen within the system. An effective treatment time under anoxic or aerobic conditions may further be varied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: Siemens Water Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Robert A. Elefritz, Wenjun Liu
  • Publication number: 20090078652
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for purifying a waste fluid stream. The system includes a recirculation pump having an inlet for a recirculation stream and an outlet to expel a pressurized stream. The system includes a compressor having an inlet for an evaporation stream and an outlet for a pressurized evaporation stream. A primary heat exchanger has inlets for the pressurized stream and the pressurized evaporation stream, an internal surface area for heat transfer from the evaporation stream to the pressurized stream, and outlets for a cooled product stream and a heated pressurized stream. The heated pressurized stream is formed by heating the pressurized stream and the cooled product stream is formed by cooling the evaporation stream. The system includes an evaporation unit having an inlet for the heated pressurized stream and outlets for an evaporation stream and the recycled liquid bottoms stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: H2OIL, INC.
    Inventors: Larry D. Sanderson, James W. Schleiffarth, Leslie D. Merrill, Bradford M. Rohwer
  • Publication number: 20090078622
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dialyser with a measuring unit assigned thereto that transmits data to said dialyser via a wireless link, the measuring unit being able to determine and transmit to the dialyser at least one measurable variable which can also be determined by another measuring device that is connected physically to the dialyser, a comparison of the at least one measurable variable as determined by the measuring unit and by the measuring device indicating whether the measuring unit is indeed the one assigned to the dialyser in question and/or whether the measuring unit is working properly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMB
    Inventors: Wei Zhang, Elke Schulte
  • Publication number: 20090057212
    Abstract: This invention relates to a treatment system of low concentration sanitary sewage, mainly comprising a primary filtering device, a cyclone separator assembly and an aerobic biochemical treatment fluidized bed. The primary filtering device, cyclone separator assembly and aerobic biochemical fluidized are connected orderly. The primary filtering device is composed of several filtering modules, the cyclone separator assembly is composed of several cyclone separators, and the aerobic biological treatment fluidized bed is composed of several aerobic biochemical treatment modules. Such a system is suitable for small-scale and low-concentration sanitary sewage treatment, which has the advantages of good treatment effect, compact structure, flexible installation and small land used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: BEIJING NENGTUO HIGH TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Qingmei LI
  • Publication number: 20090050568
    Abstract: A system and process for chromatography that uses a chromatography column to separate components from a sample received into the column in a mobile phase flowstream and places a second chromatography column between a detector and a collection system that compensates the timing of fraction collection for a delay caused by processing the collection signals generated by the detector. The device and process of the preferred and alternative embodiments add a delay into the flowstream of a chromatographic system, such as LC, HPLC, and SFC. Sample fractions are collected from sample component concentration peaks based upon the chromatographic elution of the sample components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Kimber D. Fogelman, Edwin E. Wikfors, Rui Chen
  • Publication number: 20090050543
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a bacterial eliminator suitable for reduction in size or lowering of cost. A UV filament lamp is preheated by a control section even when water is not flowing. Consequently, the UV filament lamp can be lit immediately upon flow of water. The lamp can thereby be kept unlit when water is not flowing. Consequently, the lamp is unlikely to overheat easily when water is not flowing. Also, power consumption is reduced and lifespan of the lamp can be prolonged. If the lamp overheats and unheated water flows in, there is a possibility of the lamp being damaged. In order to avoid such damage, a special structure or material is normally required. Since overheating of the lamp can be avoided with the invention, a special structure or material for avoiding damage to the lamp due to unheated water are not necessary, or the structure can be simplified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: DYNAFLO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Youichi Nishioka
  • Patent number: 7494590
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling a dialysis apparatus, which can be used, e.g., for hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration, or hemofiltration. Numerous alarms occur during treatments creating additional workloads for the operator. The present method of controlling the apparatus allows an automatic switch from a first control mode to another, thus allowing the treatment to continue without operator influence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventors: Anders Felding, Jan Sternby
  • Patent number: 7491320
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for estimating blockage within a liquid strainer used in a marine vessel is provided. The apparatus includes a sensor for measuring the rate of liquid flow through the strainer and a sensor for measuring the operational speed of a device utilizing the strained liquid. The apparatus also includes a control panel and central processing unit configured to receive at least one measurement from the flow sensor and receive at least one measurement from the speed sensor. The central processing unit then compares the relationship of the measured liquid flow rate and measured device speed to a predetermined clean strainer reference relationship of liquid flow rate and device speed at an equivalent device speed to determine the degree of strainer blockage. Visible and audible indicators are actuated when blockage becomes excessive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventor: Donald P. Gross
  • Publication number: 20090032448
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for separating solids from a liquid, comprising at least one reservoir or basin (12) for receiving solid-loaded liquid and having at least one inflow (1, 27, 101) and/or outflow (2, 111); and at least one separation device (9, 16, 25, 55, 56, 62, 63, 108) arranged in the reservoir or basin (12) for the solids, wherein the separation device has at least one separation surface, which is at least adjustable between a separation position (?) and a cleaning position (?). According to the invention, the apparatus comprises a control device (57, 58; 64, 66; 106) coupled or connected to the separation device (9, 16, 25, 55, 56, 62, 63, 108) and being operable by the liquid supplied into the reservoir or the basin (12), by means of which the position of the at least one separation surface can be changed or varied. Further a separation device (9) having at least one separation surface is provided, which comprises a surface coating and/or an at least partially structured surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Frank R. Kolb
  • Patent number: 7485218
    Abstract: A storm water filtering system located in a storm water catch basin, the basin having a storm water inlet spaced from at least one storm water outlet and defining a chamber for storm water collection between the inlet and the outlet. The filtering system comprises a plate for dividing the basin into a first chamber for receiving storm water and a second chamber for passing storm water out of the basin and a filter assembly mounted within a hole formed in the plate, the filter assembly including a filter media having a predetermined effective flow rate for removing pollutants from the storm water. The system further includes at least one overflow tube coupled to the plate at another hole formed therein for passing storm water through the plate and bypassing the filter assembly. The overflow tube has a storm water inlet at a height above the filter media so as to limit the maximum water pressure applied to the filter media. The overflow tube also includes a diverter lid mounted to a top of the overflow tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: EcoSense International, Inc.
    Inventor: George Victor Anthony Dussich, I
  • Publication number: 20090020464
    Abstract: A portable system for on-site monitoring and treatment of water comprising a protective enclosure adapted to be positioned proximate a site of collected water, an internal fluid flow system disposed within the enclosure comprising a first conduit extending from a dirty water inlet on the enclosure to a pair of dirty water outlets and a second conduit extending from a return water inlet on the enclosure to a filtered water outlet and a clean water outlet. Probes are provided in the conduits for monitoring fluid parameters therein and communicating those parameters to a controller within the enclosure. The controller compares the measured parameter levels with predetermined acceptable levels and actuates valve members in said conduits in response to the measured parameter levels to selectively communicate the respective conduits with respective outlets for the treatment of water passing through the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: Western Oilfields Supply Co.
    Inventor: Dennis M. Lack
  • Publication number: 20090014366
    Abstract: A drinking water device including a water storage section that stores drinking water inside an installation type casing; a water outlet that is connected to the water storage section via a passage and is located outside the casing; filtering device that is provided in the passage on further upstream side of the water outlet so as to be freely attachable/detachable; and a flow rate switch, which is provided between the water storage section and the water outlet and which is capable of detecting flow rate of the drinking water and also capable of outputting an actuating signal upon detecting the flow rate within a preset flow rate range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: MRC Home Products Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Hatsumi Takeda, Atsushi Hatakeyama, Futomitsu Horiuchi, Hiroki Sakakibara
  • Publication number: 20090000999
    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: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Steven D. Kloos, Philip M. Rolchigo, Christopher J. Kurth, Chia Kung, Thomas J. Cartwright, Richard M. Reckin, Kenneth J. Sieth
  • Publication number: 20090001024
    Abstract: Improved detection and enumeration of magnetic particles in a flowing stream by enveloping the particle-containing sample stream with buffer streams from the sides and from the top, thus individualizing the particles and navigating the sample stream as a single-file flow into the proximity of sensors embedded underneath the flow channel. At the same time, larger physical size of the flow channel alleviates problems such as channel clogging. Magnetic particles can represent any analyte of interest, such as biomolecules or bacterial cells, which are labeled with magnetic labels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: MARC D. PORTER, NIKOLA PEKAS
  • Patent number: 7468127
    Abstract: A hand held shower head with a filter replacing pre-alarm assembly includes a propeller wheel with a magnetically induced signal emitter and a correspondingly placed signal receptor, as well as a digital display connected to the signal receptor. Upon a total accumulated quantity of water flow through a filter positioned within a hand held portion, a pre-alarm signal is generated, and upon reaching a critical point, a buzzer is activated to remind the user to replace the filter to ensure a quality filtered water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Inventor: Chao Fou Hsu
  • Publication number: 20080296208
    Abstract: The present invention relates to reverse osmosis filtration devices, and more particularly, to membrane filtration devices (10, 11, 12) that have flow meters and fluid conductivity meters powered by RFID tags. Embodiments of the present invention comprise reverse osmosis filters and filtration systems comprising measuring devices, including flow and conductivity meters. The meters of the present invention are preferably located on or within permeate core tubes (16) of filtration devices and systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Norio Ikeyama, Mark Wilf
  • Publication number: 20080277353
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a fluid is provided and includes a fluid storage tank for partially containing a fluid and a gas, wherein the fluid storage tank includes a fluid inlet pipe and a fluid outlet pipe. The fluid treatment apparatus also includes a first aeration device, wherein the first aeration device is configured to be in flow communication with the fluid inlet pipe and the fluid portion of the tank cavity. The fluid treatment apparatus further includes a pumping device, wherein the pumping device is configured to cause the fluid portion of the tank cavity to flow through the fluid outlet pipe and a second aeration device, wherein the second aeration device is configured to be in flow communication with the fluid outlet pipe and the fluid portion of the tank cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Raymond Leroy Frosti
  • Patent number: 7442291
    Abstract: A system and method relating to in situ monitoring, analysis, and control of a lubricating material within a lubrication filter assembly is provided. A filter-sensor integration comprises a lubrication filter assembly and at least one lubrication sensing assembly, wherein the lubrication sensing assembly comprising at least one sensor array, and the sensor array comprises of at least one sensor. The lubrication filter assembly comprises a housing which defines a chamber, wherein lubricating material enters the chamber through a filter material. The lubrication sensing assembly is embedded into the chamber of the lubrication filter assembly, and the lubrication sensing device is positioned relative to the filter material so that the at least one sensor of the sensor array senses in situ different parameters of the lubricating fluid, analyzes measured parameters to determine health of the system, and generates a control signal to protect machinery and processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick M. Discenzo, Chung-Chiun Liu, Laurie A. Dudik
  • Patent number: 7442294
    Abstract: A hemodialysis apparatus that carries out hemodialysis treatment by measuring or calculating the blood volume or its volume change as a blood indication level, and by controlling dialysis conditions according to said target blood indication level, wherein the chronological course of said blood indication level is defined as a target control line, and the primary blood volume (BV0) can be calculated as blood indication level. In the former part of the dialysis operation, the water removal is controlled so that the circulating blood volume in the body approach to the standard blood volume (BV st) with the use of said target control line. After the water removal of the former part of the dialysis operation, when the circulating blood volume in the body attains the standard blood volume (BV st), the latter part of the dialysis operation is started. In said latter part of the dialysis operation, the water removal operation is performed by substantively maintaining said standard blood volume (BV st).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: JMS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Ikeda
  • Patent number: 7437267
    Abstract: A case base (54) is generated from historical data containing inflow data (31) that indicates a sewage inflow measured at a sewage treatment plant (10) and meteorological data (33) corresponding to the inflow data (31). A similar case search section (56) and output estimation section (57) predict a sewage inflow corresponding to an input prediction condition (40) after a predetermined prediction time in real time using the case base (54) and output inflow prediction data (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Yamatake Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Oka, Hiroaki Tsutsui
  • Publication number: 20080237142
    Abstract: Concentrator systems include a circulating fluid pathway passing through a pump, a filter, and a retentate container. An effluent outlet line communicates with the circulating fluid pathway through a filtering element within a body of the filter. The systems further include a control system. In some embodiments, the pump, filter, and retentate container may be secured within a portable container. Methods for concentrating a foreign substance within a fluid sample include establishing circulation of fluid through a fluid circulation path passing through a fluid pump, a filter body, and a retentate container. Fluid is caused to exit the fluid circulation path through a filtering element within the filter body, and at least one foreign substance is prevented from passing through the filtering element. A control system may be used to control at least one of a speed of the pump and a quantity of retentate within the retentate container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Michael V. Carpenter, Lyle G. Roybal, Alan Lindquist, Vicente Gallardo
  • Publication number: 20080230476
    Abstract: The invention provides a process for purifying water containing soluble species capable of forming one or more sparingly soluble salts or minerals, said process comprising feeding a pressurized water stream into a treatment zone having one or more membranes disposed therein, passing said stream along said membrane(s) to recover a permeate and to withdraw a concentrate therefrom while periodically reversing the direction of the flow of said stream in said treatment zone, wherein the periodicity of the flow reversal is such that said one or more membranes are exposed to supersaturation conditions evolving in said water stream for a period of time which is less then the time required for said supersaturated water stream to precipitate one or more of said sparingly soluble salts and/or minerals therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Jack Gilron, Eliyahu Korin
  • Patent number: 7402249
    Abstract: A blood purification method that purifies blood taken from a body by blood dialysis or by hemodiafiltration includes the step of changing an osmotic pressure of the blood to an increasing condition until a blood volume (BV level) attains a standard blood volume, in a former part of a blood purification process and the step of maintaining a standard blood volume and periodically changing the osmotic pressure of the blood in a later part of the blood purification process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: JMS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Ikeda
  • Patent number: 7396452
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises an inlet to convey a first fluid comprising first and second components having different density into a rotating chamber such that an interface forms between at least portions of such components at a first location. At least one outlet removes at least one of the first and second components. A controller is adapted to introduce the first fluid and is operable to move the interface from the first location to a second location and to move the interface from the second location in a direction toward the first location and to return the interface to the second location. The controller is operable to determine a flow rate of the first or second component based, at least in part, on the time interval between when the interface moves from and returns to the second location. At least one sensing assembly is adapted to sense the location of the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyungyoon Min, Richard I. Brown
  • Publication number: 20080142456
    Abstract: A method for determining when sufficient cells of a biological specimen have been collected by a filter is based on measuring an air flow rate between a filter and a vacuum source. The air flow rate can be measured by a mass air flow sensor. The air flow rate dropping below a threshold, such as a certain percentage of an initial or baseline flow rate, indicates that sufficient cells have been collected to provide sufficient filter coverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: CYTYC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric V. Duhamel, Tuan Ha
  • Publication number: 20080142451
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning and shutting down a part-time wastewater treatment system is disclosed. The wastewater treatment system has a water input to receive an influent flow of wastewater to be treated, a water output to discharge treated clean water effluent, and a water treatment capacity volume. An effluent external tank receives the clean water effluent and has a size greater than or equal to the capacity volume. Influent flow of wastewater is terminated. Clean water effluent is pumped through a fluid pathway from the effluent external tank to the water input. A sufficient volume of clean water effluent is passed through the wastewater treatment system to complete treatment of the wastewater within the wastewater treatment system, purge wastewater from the wastewater treatment system, and fill the wastewater treatment system with clean water effluent. The wastewater treatment system is thus prepared to be shut down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: WATER SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael R. Rusnack, Stephen D. Allen
  • Publication number: 20080116122
    Abstract: The present invention relates to single-use chromatography devices and systems for use with a durable component for processing compounds such as protein compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: Genitope Corporation
    Inventors: Scott M. Wheelwright, Steven Schamow, Ed Louie, Andrew T. Zander
  • Publication number: 20080116121
    Abstract: The present invention is a reclamation unit (1) for a liquid comprising a housing (4) with a detachable upper (2) and lower (3) part, where the lower part (3) is connected with a base part (13) which comprises at least one heating unit (17) and inlets (14) and outlets (15,34), where the upper part (2) encloses at least one filter unit (8), and where the lower part (3) and the base part (13) form an evaporation chamber (27), wherein the connection between the lower part (3) and the base part (13) includes a separator plate (19) leading the liquid from the filter unit (8) onto side walls (37) of the evaporator chamber (27), and said heating unit (17) is protruding into the evaporator chamber (27) with no conductive contact to said side walls (37).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: GREENOIL STANDARD APS
    Inventors: Lars Brejnbjerg, Bjarne Egelind