Responsive To Fluid Flow Patents (Class 210/87)
  • Patent number: 6228271
    Abstract: A process is described for testing the integrity of liquid filtration membranes without the use of pressurized air. The process includes draining the upstream compartment 3 and filling it with air by venting it to the atmosphere; applying a partial vacuum to the permeate compartment 4 to create a pressure difference across the membrane 2; and measuring the liquid flow out of the permeate chamber that corresponds to air passing through the leak orifices in the membrane. After stabilization of the pressure in the permeate chamber, the resulting constant liquid flow rate out of the permeate chamber is then used to evaluate the integrity of the membrane. An installation for implementing the process is also described and can include a plurality of filtration modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Omnium de Traitement et de Valorisation (OTV)
    Inventor: M. Pierre Cote
  • Patent number: 6221263
    Abstract: A device and method for automatically treating water as it enters a fire protection sprinkler system (FPS) to kill microbes introduced with the water. More particularly, the device is a treatment system that includes a storage tank 20 for chemicals prescribed to kill the microbes of concern, means for injecting the chemicals into the FPS, a pump 18 capable of delivering the proper amount of chemicals to the FPS, valving to isolate the pump and tank and prevent backflow from the FPS, and a flow or pressure switch 16 to activate the pump when water enters the FPS from an outside source. Substantially all water entering the system, for example through fire pump 12 and jockey pump 14, is treated in order to prevent or control deposition and microbiologically-influenced corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventors: Daniel H. Pope, Delbert Collinsworth
  • Patent number: 6214239
    Abstract: As apparatus for monitoring usage of a replaceable water filter is adapted to determine the extent of filter usage and indicate the need for filter replacement. It includes elements for processing the flow of water over time to determine the extent of filter usage, and elements for activating and deactivating the processing elements upon starting and stopping of water flow. It further includes elements for indicating the extent of filter usage as determined by the processing elements by comparison to preset levels. The elements include a single magnet which is freely movable within a housing channel whose movement is solely responsive to pressure changes brought about by the stopping and starting of the water flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Renau Corporation
    Inventor: Karol Renau
  • Patent number: 6210565
    Abstract: A device and method for monitoring a fluid characteristic, such as flowrate, of a fluid within a fluid circuit having a preexisting filter head. The device is installed on the filter head in place of the existing filter element. The apparatus includes a housing having an internal surface defining an interior volume, a coupling for connecting the housing to the filter head and a flow indicator or other fluid responsive device actuated by flow of the fluid through the device. The fluid characteristic is monitored by observation of the fluid responsive component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Robert E. Evans
  • Patent number: 6207063
    Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods separate whole blood into red blood cells and a plasma constituent within a rotating centrifugal separation device. The systems and methods convey whole blood into the separation device through an inlet path including a pump operable at a prescribed rate. The systems and methods remove plasma constituent from the separation device through an outlet path including a pump operable at a prescribed rate. The systems and methods derive a value Hb representing an apparent hematocrit of whole blood entering the separation device, where: H b = H rbc ⁡ ( Q b - Q p ) Q b and where Hrbc is a value relating to hematocrit of red blood cells in the separation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventor: Richard I. Brown
  • Patent number: 6190543
    Abstract: A cyclonic separator for separating fluids of differing densities comprises a first chamber having a vortex finder and a core member. The vane is arranged co-axial with and adjacent the internal surface of the vortex finder to increase the rotational velocity component of fluids passing through the vortex finder by translating the axial velocity component of the fluids into a rotational velocity component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Kvaerner Process Systems A.S.
    Inventor: Bjørn Christiansen
  • Patent number: 6190558
    Abstract: A reverse osmosis water purification system for providing potable water from a municipal water or other source containing undesired impurities. A motor driven pump supplies a feed stream to a reverse osmosis unit resulting in the creation of a product water stream and a concentrate or brine stream. The inclusion of a product water holding tank may be optionally omitted by routing the product water outlet stream directly to the tap via a branched line. A pressure sensor causes a solenoid valve to open when the withdrawal of water from the tap is terminated, opening a valve in the branch line leading back to the pump. The pump then continues to run, recirculating the product water stream to a mixing unit where it is blended with a major part of the concentrate stream that is being recycled and with make-up fresh water to create a composite feed stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Nimbus Water Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam Robbins
  • Patent number: 6159359
    Abstract: A modular filter apparatus is formed from stacked filter modules. Slurry to be filtered flows into the apparatus through a flowmeter and check valve into a header. The flow of slurry then branches off through feeders to each of the filter modules. Connected to the header is a slurry supply source, a cakewash supply source and a header drain. The modules are coupled to a hydraulic jack mechanism and an upper strongback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: Steve C. Benesi
  • Patent number: 6149809
    Abstract: A water treatment system with a backwashable precise prefilter unit includes a backwashable prefilter column installation and a five-channel ball valve. The five-channel ball valve connects the water supply with both ends of the backwashable prefilter column installation. The backwashable prefilter column installation may be composed of three filter columns arranged in series: the first packed with quartz sand, the second with Cu-Zn alloy, and the third with sintered microporous polyethylene. The five-channel ball valve has three different working positions, namely, a cleaning water position, a discharging water position, and a backwashing position. The useful life of this backwashable precise prefilter unit can be more than three years. This backwashable precise prefilter unit may be used for independent water cleaners, as well as the precise prefilter for different kinds of water treatment systems, such as reverse osmosis water treatment systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Kai Rui Chen
  • Patent number: 6149801
    Abstract: A totalization meter system for a water treatment device, the device having an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture, and a channel for channeling water between the inlet and outlet apertures. A flow reactive device for measuring the volume of flow is positioned in the channel and is exposed to the flowing water, and a signal generating member is positioned on the flow reactive device. A switch is positioned proximately to the flow reactive device, and is sensitive to the proximity of the signal generating member. The switch is able to communicate electric signals indicative of the motion of the signal generating member. A resettable processor having a performance threshold programmed therein and an output device is included. The microcontroller is in electrical communication with the switch for receiving electrical signals from the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc,.
    Inventors: Edward C. Giordano, Thomas W. Graves, James M. Jennings, Mark Vander Berg, William James A. Storer, Douglas R. Gibbs, Douglas A. Lonsinger
  • Patent number: 6143183
    Abstract: Computerized (e.g., "intelligent") systems for monitoring, diagnosing, operating and controlling various parameters and processes of continuous feed centrifuges is presented. The computer control system actuates at least one of a plurality of control devices based on input from one or more monitoring sensors so as to provide real time continuous operational control. The monitoring sensors may sense process and other parameters located both inside the centrifuge (e.g., inside the bowl) and outside or exterior to the centrifuge (e.g., outside the bowl) including machine operation parameters and parameters related to the input and output streams of the centrifuge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Peter Wardwell, Wallace Leung
  • Patent number: 6139748
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for monitoring an infusion pump utilized in a dialysis machine for hemodiafiltration or hemofiltration. The apparatus includes a first flow circuit for a dialysis solution, including a flow meter, a second flow circuit for blood, the dialysis apparatus including a first chamber connected to the first flow circuit, a second chamber connected to the second flow circuit, and a semipermeable membrane separating the first and second chambers, a third flow circuit for withdrawing an infusion solution from the first flow circuit and delivering the infusion solution to the second flow circuit, the third flow circuit including the infusion pump, and a first valve for disconnecting the dialysis apparatus from the first flow circuit and connecting the infusion pump in series with the flow meter in the first flow circuit whereby the expected flow through the infusion pump can be compared with the measured flow through the flow meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Gambro AB
    Inventors: Bjorn Ericson, Olle Esser
  • Patent number: 6123837
    Abstract: A faucet mounted water filter is described, comprising a base having a water inlet upstanding from a first end of the base and attachable to a water faucet, a first water outlet downwardly directed from the first end of the base for discharging unfiltered water, a second water outlet downwardly directed from a second end of the base for discharging filtered water and a filter cartridge seat disposed on the second end of the base, a replaceable filter cartridge comprising a unitary subassembly including a closed outer cylindrical shell having top and side walls defining a chamber therein, a filter element disposed with the filter chamber and a filter cartridge base, a latch device for demountably securing the filter cartridge in the housing cartridge seat, a diverter valve for selectively permitting the flow of water through the housing first water outlet and the filter cartridge, and an end-of-use indicator for determining the status of the filter element during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: John Wadsworth, William Patrick Conley, Daniel T. Carty, Fredrick G. Doolittle, Edward B. Rinker, Kaj A. Johnson, Elizabeth Hedberg, Carl Kling
  • Patent number: 6106727
    Abstract: An automated system for processing biological fluid includes a pressure differential generator, a biological fluid processing assembly, and an automated control arrangement coupled to at least one of the pressure differential generator and the biological fluid processing assembly. The automated system may include a porous medium, such as a red cell barrier medium, a leukocyte depletion medium, or a combination red cell barrier/leukocyte depletion medium. The automated system may also include a sensor producing a signal reflecting a parameter of fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Eric J. Krasnoff, Thomas J. Bormann, Thomas C. Gsell, Frank R. Pascale, Vlado I. Matkovich
  • Patent number: 6106705
    Abstract: A totalization meter system for a water treatment device, the device having an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture, and a channel for channeling water between the inlet and outlet apertures. A flow reactive device is positioned in the channel and is exposed to the flowing water, and a signal generating member is positioned on the flow reactive device. A switch is positioned proximately to the flow reactive device, and is sensitive to the proximity of the signal generating member. The switch is able to communicate electric signals indicative of the motion of the signal generating member. A resettable processor having a performance threshold programmed therein and an output device is included. The microcontroller is in electrical communication with the switch for receiving electrical signals from the switch. The switch is capable of sensing the characteristics of the flow reactive device and communicates electrical signals representative of the characteristics to the microcontroller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward C. Giordano, Thomas W. Graves, James M. Jennings, Mark Vander Berg, William James A. Storer, Douglas R. Gibbs, Douglas A. Lonsinger
  • Patent number: 6096224
    Abstract: A filter alert has a pressure differential switch that is responsive to positive and/or negative pressure through a pressure tube. The pressure tube is in fluid communication intermediate a positive-pressure or high-pressure side of an intended filter and a positive-pressure inlet aperture of a pressure-differential switch for indication of positive pressure across the intended filter. Optionally, the pressure tube is in fluid communication intermediate a negative-pressure or low-pressure side of a filter and a low-pressure inlet aperture of the pressure-differential switch for indication of low pressure across the filter. The pressure-differential switch actuates an actuator for alarm signals for desired action. The filter alert also includes a switch condition communication component, a filter condition alert and an alert container on which the pressure-differential switch is positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Max C. Champie
  • Patent number: 6096202
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for optimizing the electrolytic production of a halogen in a water treatment system having a halogen salt dissolved therein. The flow rate to the electrolytic cell is maintained below a predetermined maximum beyond which the remaining flow is diverted from the cell. The flow going to the cell is monitored for flow rate, water temperature and conductivity and the operation of the electrolytic cell is adjusted in response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Autopilot Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul F. Fulmer
  • Patent number: 6080316
    Abstract: An adaptive control method for producing high purity water, the method having the ability to produce high purity water on a continuous basis having a resistivity in the range of 0.8 to 4 megohm-cm. The method comprises the steps of providing a feedwater to be purified and providing a first reverse osmosis unit having a first high pressure side and a first low pressure side and having a first permeate produced at the first low pressure side. The pH of the feedwater to be introduced to the high pressure of the first reverse osmosis unit is monitored before introducing the feedwater to the high pressure side of the first reverse osmosis unit. A second reverse osmosis unit is provided having a second high pressure side and a second low pressure side for producing high purity product water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventors: Anthony A. Tonelli, Eric Harrison
  • Patent number: 6074550
    Abstract: A device is described for indicating the depletion of a purifying agent contained in an insert of a water purifying apparatus (7). In order to produce such a device better, to improve it technically, to construct it so as to be user-friendly and also more moderate in price, provision is made according to the invention that an indicator apparatus (1) is arranged in order to indicate to the user the depletion of the purifying agent as a function of the quantity of water which has run through the purifying agent; or alternatively to indicate to the user the depletion as a function of the quantity of water which has run through the purifying agent and as a function of time; in which preferably the indicator apparatus is connected with an arrangement which is arranged on a part (3) movable relative to the insert and which on this movement triggers a switching process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: BRITA Wasser-Filger-Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Hofmann, Knut Sauerbier
  • Patent number: 6068761
    Abstract: A liquid purification device comprising an enclosure having a first portion with an inlet and second portion with an outlet; a partition separating the first and second portion; a hydrate sensitive purification medium disposed within the first portion; a second purification medium disposed within the second portion; a first valve disposed adjacent the inlet of the first portion; and, a second valve operably associated with the partition for permitting flow of the liquid from the first portion to the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: International House of Distinction (HK) Ltd.
    Inventor: Wang Sing Yuen
  • Patent number: 6063292
    Abstract: A computerized system for monitoring, diagnosing, operating, and controlling various parameters and processes of basket centrifuges is presented. The computer control system actuates at least one of a plurality of control devices based on input from one or more monitoring sensors so as to provide real time, continuous, operational control of certain parameters. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a basket centrifuge with at least one sensor for providing input which is analyzed to provide information regarding cake moisture at a given time. As a result of the analysis, at least one output may be generated to activate a control device that effects changes or adjustments in the operation of the centrifuge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Wallace Woon-Fong Leung
  • Patent number: 6059979
    Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods separate whole blood into red blood cells and a plasma constituent within a rotating centrifugal separation device. The systems and methods convey whole blood into the separation device through an inlet path including a pump operable at a prescribed rate. The systems and methods remove plasma constituent from the separation device through an outlet path including a pump operable at a prescribed rate. The systems and methods derive a value H.sub.b representing an apparent hematocrit of whole blood entering the separation device, where: ##EQU1## and where H.sub.rbc is a value relating to hematocrit of red blood cells in the separation device. The systems and methods generate outputs and control commands based, at least in part, upon H.sub.b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventor: Richard I. Brown
  • Patent number: 6051144
    Abstract: A filter cartridge is capable of at least one-way communication with the base of a filtration system so as to confirm that the filter cartridge is properly configured for installation and use in the filtration system. Transmission and receipt of a filter presence confirmation signal can enhance the effectiveness of the filtration system, e.g., by disabling one or more operational characteristics of the system in the absence of a confirmation signal, and/or by automatically resetting one or more counters of a capacity indicator of the system upon receipt of the confirmation signal. The filter cartridge is particularly well-adapted for use in a filtration system having a flow meter which monitors the flow of liquid through the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Clack Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Clack, Melvin R. Hemp, Richard E. Clack, W. Roger McPherson
  • Patent number: 6024867
    Abstract: A counter top water filter unit intended for domestic use to be placed adjacent to a sink and having an inlet at its lower end which is coupled to the sink faucet. The filter unit includes a cylindrical-shaped carbon particle filter cartridge which has a longitudinal passage extending from one end to the other, and a removable pre-filter screen coaxial with the cartridge and surrounding the cartridge, both elements being removably mounted within a cylindrical filter housing, the housing being closed at its upper end and open at its lower end. A replaceable electronic display monitor unit is mounted in an outlet housing fitted to the top of the cylindrical filter housing. The state of the life-span of the filter cartridge is shown on the display monitor in terms of colored indicator lights which denote whether the filter cartridge is within, nearing an end to, and outside its expected life-span.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Water Safety Corp. of America
    Inventor: Michael C. Parise
  • Patent number: 6015486
    Abstract: In a dispensing apparatus having a water purification unit for purifying raw water to produce purified water, a beverage unit for producing the beverage by the use of the purified water, and a pipeline for conducting the purified water from the water purification unit to the beverage unit, a flow rate detector is connected to the pipeline. The flow rate detector detects a flow rate of the purified water in the pipeline to produce a flow rate signal. Responsive to the flow rate signal, a control arrangement controls supply of the raw water into the water purification unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Sanden Corporation
    Inventor: Kazushige Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6001249
    Abstract: A water filter system having a housing for a plurality of serial-flow connected filter cartridges with distinct filtering characteristic related to the direction of flow of water being filtered. Each filter cartridge has a membrane wrapped activated carbon filter body. One of the filter bodies includes a heavy metal bacteriostat. The cartridges are each releasably retained in a manifold by keyed connectors including rotatable locking rings. Each cartridge having a distinct filtering characteristic includes a keying structure to ensure that the cartridge can only be connected to the manifold for placement in proper serial-flow relationship in the system. The filter system includes a spent filter cartridge indicator. The filter system is particularly suited for countertop placement and connection to a faucet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Dart Industries Inc.
    Inventors: J. Rushton Bailey, William Reinhard, Stephen E. Frazier
  • Patent number: 6001242
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for filtering particulates from a turbid liquid is provided. The apparatus is preferably used to filter particulates from water used to flush a pipeline after a cleaning operation, after hydrostatic testing or during product displacement at a high flow rate. The apparatus includes an inlet valve for receiving the turbid liquid from a liquid source connected to a gas buster for discharging the turbid liquid and air into a break tank located beneath the gas buster. A self-cleaning portable liquid filter having an inlet is connected to an outlet of the break tank and includes a screen filter for receiving the turbid liquid from the break tank. Particulates from the turbid water are accumulated on an internal surface of the screen filter and clean water is discharged from the filter through a discharge port. A flush mechanism is provided to rinse the accumulated particulate cake from the surface of the screen filter upon actuation of an automatic rinse cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Pipetronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale England, Harvey Futrell, Gunnar Kopp
  • Patent number: 5997734
    Abstract: A faucet mounted water filtration device (100) includes an end of life indicator assembly (130) having a flow totalization mechanism (600), a reset mechanism (602) and a flow restriction mechanism (604) coaxially aligned with an indicator assembly (130). A torsion spring (634) and compression spring (644) cooperate for automatic disengagement and resetting of the flow totalization mechanism and the flow restriction mechanism. A planetary gear reduction system 606 provides a 3,000,000:1 gear reduction in the flow totalization mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: American Standard, Inc.
    Inventors: Kraig J. Koski, Brian D. Hunter, Jeffrey K. Aldred
  • Patent number: 5993647
    Abstract: A slurry filtration system for supplying a slurry to a polisher to perform a chemical mechanical polishing process. The system comprises a first three-way valve, to receive the slurry supplied from an external system; a slurry pump, to control the slurry flowing from the first three-way valve, and to maintain a circulating state of the slurry within the circulating system after the chemical mechanical polishing process comes to a stop; a slurry filter, to filter a plurality of large size particles in the slurry pumped from the slurry pump; a second three-way valve, to supply the slurry flowing from the filter to the polisher; and a transportation pipe, connecting between the first and the second three-way valves to transport the slurry from the second three-way valve back to the first three-way valve when the polishing process has stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Chao-Yuan Huang, Peng-Yih Peng, Juan-Yuan Wu
  • Patent number: 5993671
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a water treatment system for providing a flow of treated water having a pre-established quality, for example, a maximum TDS and permitted pH range, from a flow of reclaimed water having a quality poorer than the pre-established quality of the treated water and a flow of treatment water. The system includes a mixing reservoir; first and second fluid conduits connected to the mixing reservoir for flowing the reclaimed water and the treatment water into the reservoir; and a third fluid conduit connected to the mixing reservoir for discharging a flow of treated water from the mixing reservoir, and sensors connected for sensing the flow rates and qualities of the reclaimed water and treatment water flowed into the mixing reservoir and of the treated water discharged from the mixing reservoir. Signals, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Charles T. Peltzer
  • Patent number: 5985155
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically adjusting electrolytic production or feeding of a sanitizer such as halogen for treating a water body such as a swimming pool or spa. A microprocessor is responsive to sensors monitoring pH and temperature of the water body to predict demand for sanitizer which varies dependent on pH and temperature and direct a controller which automatically modifies the ON time during an ON/OFF cycle for the sanitizer production system in response to changing demand resulting from changing measurements in temperature and/or pH of the swimming pool water. The controller also modifies an ON/OFF cycle for a circulating pump when demand predicted by the microprocessor exceeds the capability of the sanitizer producer or feeder under an existing ON/OFF pump cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Autopilot Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Maitland
  • Patent number: 5980735
    Abstract: A collection system for collecting coolant and chips from a series of machine tools for cleaning the coolant in a filter system and recirculating the coolant back to the machine tools. The system includes a series of end-to-end connected shallow depth troughs disposed on the floor below the machine tools, defining a downward sloping gravity flow path. Flow nozzles are used to maintain sufficient flow velocity to move the collected debris and liquid to the end of the trough. Collector-deflector plates prevent oversplashing and misting out of the troughs. A flow nozzle control variably sets the diversion of clean coolant to the flow nozzles in accordance with the sensed velocity of the coolant in the trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Jack R. Bratten
  • Patent number: 5976362
    Abstract: A faucet mounted water filter is described, comprising a base having a water inlet upstanding from a first end of the base and attachable to a water faucet, a first water outlet downwardly directed from the first end of the base for discharging unfiltered water, a second water outlet downwardly directed from a second end of the base for discharging filtered water and a filter cartridge seat disposed on the second end of the base, a replaceable filter cartridge comprising a unitary subassembly including a closed outer cylindrical shell having top and side walls defining a chamber therein, a filter element disposed with the filter chamber and a filter cartridge base, latch means for demountably securing the filter cartridge in the housing cartridge seat, a diverter valve for selectively permitting the flow of water through the housing first water outlet and the filter cartridge, and an end-of-use indicator for determining the status of the filter element during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: John Wadsworth, William Patrick Conley, Daniel T. Carty, Fredrick G. Doolittle, Edward B. Rinker, Kaj A. Johnson, Elizabeth Hedberg, Carl Kling
  • Patent number: 5965015
    Abstract: An oil-water separator system and method to separate contaminated oil and water into clean water and free coalesced oil for collection and removal. The system includes a process tank for the oil and water, a pump to pump the oil and water through first and second stage oil-coalescing filters and through a full depth, fibrous filter under back pressure to provide filtered clean water of selected purity; typically, less than 20 ppm. The coalesced and filtered oil-water is returned and recycled to the process tank wherein a free coalescing oil layer forms on the surface, which free coalesced oil is removed by a belt skimmer for collection and removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Whatman Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Ronan, Kenneth A. Perrotta, Paul E. Rebe
  • Patent number: 5961842
    Abstract: Blood separation systems and methods employ a rotating chamber. The chamber includes an inlet region where whole blood enters for centrifugal separation into packed red blood cells, a plasma constituent, and an interface carrying mononuclear cells between the packed red blood cells and the plasma constituent. The packed red blood cells in the chamber have a hematocrit value H.sub.PRBC. A controller operates in a first mode to convey whole blood into the inlet region while removing packed red blood cells and the plasma constituent from the chamber and while maintaining the interface within the chamber. The controller also operates in the first mode to maintain a set H.sub.PRBC by conveying packed red blood cells into the inlet region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Kyungyoon Min, Richard I Brown, Robert J Cantu, Daniel F Bischof, William H Cork
  • Patent number: 5958232
    Abstract: A reverse osmosis drinking water treatment system with a backwashable precise prefilter unit includes a super precise filter, a pressure pump and its automatic control system, a reverse osmosis membrane (or a nano-filtration membrane), a pressure tank, a post filter, and a drinking water dispensing apparatus. In front of the super precise filter, there is an independent backwashable precise prefilter unit. This unit is composed of three filter columns: the first packed with quartz sand, the second with a Cu--Zn alloy of high purity, and the third with sintered microporous PE. A five channel ball valve connects the water supply with the backwashable precise prefilter unit, and then with the super precise filter. The five channel ball valve has three different working positions, namely, a cleaning water position, a discharging water position, and a backwashing position. The useful life of this backwashable precise prefilter unit can be more than three years.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Kai Rui Chen
  • Patent number: 5958249
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed which provide enhanced solids-contacting vessel performance in which untreated liquid is injected into a lower portion of the vessel so as to flow in substantially helical and upward directions, solids separating from the untreated liquid into a suspended and rotating sludge blanket. The apparatus includes devices for withdrawing effluent from the vessel from a variety of locations depending upon the flow characteristics of the liquid in the vessel. The apparatus may include a radial weir trough that can be moved vertically within the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Chicago Bridge & Iron Company
    Inventors: John J. Fassbender, Donald N. Ruehrwein, Daniel H. Phillips
  • Patent number: 5954951
    Abstract: A sampling system for a blood treatment circuit is disclosed, and is designed to collect a sample representative of all waste liquid discharged from a blood treatment apparatus during a treatment session. The circuit includes a feed line for supplying fresh treatment liquid to the blood treatment apparatus and a discharge line for evacuating waste liquid. A withdrawal line connects the discharge line to a collecting container, and a flow meter in each of the discharge line and the withdrawal line measures liquid flow. A controllable flow restrictor such as a valve is provided in the withdrawal line. A controller selectively opens the flow restrictor each time a predetermine volume is measured in the discharge line and closes the flow restrictor each time another predetermined volume is measured in the withdrawal line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Hospal AG
    Inventor: Antonino Nuccio
  • Patent number: 5954971
    Abstract: Automated filtration of whole blood or blood components is accomplished in a manner that ensures consistent flow or pressure characteristics through the filter. A feedback circuit monitors pressure in the vicinity of the filter inlet and controls operation of a fluid pump that sends one or more unfiltered blood components into the filter. Using this arrangement, a variety of parameters relating to filtration efficacy can be precisely controlled, including flow rate, flow pressure, and average pressure over a predetermined volume. The system may provide an alarm or automatic cut-off in the event a maximum value of one of the parameters is reached or exceeded. The system is also capable of serially filtering multiple blood products through the single filter and accommodating different flow or pressure characteristics associated with each such product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Haemonetics Corporation
    Inventors: Etienne Pages, Alain Dransart, Yair Egozy, Yves Baratelli
  • Patent number: 5935426
    Abstract: A totalization meter system for a water treatment device, the device having an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture, and a channel for channeling water between the inlet and outlet apertures. A flow reactive device is positioned in the channel and is exposed to the flowing water, and a signal generating member is positioned on the flow reactive device. A switch is positioned proximately to the flow reactive device, and is sensitive to the proximity of the signal generating member. The switch is able to communicate electric signals indicative of the motion of the signal generating member. A resettable processor having a performance threshold programmed therein and an output device is included. The microcontroller is in electrical communication with the switch for receiving electrical signals from the switch. The switch is capable of sensing the characteristics of the flow reactive device and communicates electrical signals representative of the characteristics to the microcontroller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc., a California Corporation
    Inventors: Edward C. Giordano, Thomas W. Graves, James M. Jennings, Mark Vander Berg, William James A. Storer, Douglas R. Gibbs, Douglas A. Lonsinger
  • Patent number: 5935425
    Abstract: A centrifuge such as a continuous solid bowl centrifuge, for example, includes a rotatable bowl for receiving a slurry, and defines a zone in which the slurry is accelerated. The centrifuge includes a device such as a slurry feed tube for delivering slurry to the acceleration zone and a device for delivering a plurality of individual streams of flocculant solution coterminating with the slurry delivery device in order to uniformly distribute flocculant solution to the slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Sortwell & Co.
    Inventor: Edwin T. Sortwell
  • Patent number: 5911884
    Abstract: A coin-operated purified water dispensing machine has an exterior housing shaped like a kiosk for a mall. A state of the art water purification system is housed in the kiosk. A unique combination of an RO filter and a bladder type storage tank minimizes the necessary components to pump and measure the purified water. A unique tamper proof and bacteria resistant nozzle assembly includes a retractable nozzle having a shutter door to prevent access while in the passive mode. A pinch valve assembly controls the water flow in a non-invasive manner. Also a continuous flow of ozone to the nozzle assembly deters bacteria growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Entre Pure Industries
    Inventor: Roger Phillip Boulter
  • Patent number: 5910252
    Abstract: Blood from a patient is treated extracorporeally by any selected one of a plurality of predetermined treatments. Each of the treatments involves the flow of blood from the patient into a primary chamber of a filtration unit, past a semipermeable membrane located in the filtration unit which separates the primary chamber from a secondary chamber of the filtration unit, out the filtration unit and back to the patient. A replacement fluid is selectively and controllably added to the blood, as required for the selected treatment. A secondary fluid is controllably and selectively introduced into the secondary chamber of the filtration unit for controllably collecting material passing across the semipermeable membrane from the blood or for supplying material to pass across the semipermeable membrane into the blood as required for the selected treatment. Materials are removed from the secondary chamber and collected in accordance with the selected treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: COBE Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Lori A. Truitt, Frank Corbin, III, Donn D. Lobdell, Douglas P. Miller, Keith Manica, George J. Eilers, Steven H. Johnson, Lawrence L. Leppert
  • Patent number: 5893977
    Abstract: An ionizer for treating swimming pool water including an enclosure and an electrode housing. The electrode housing is removably secured to a wall of the enclosure and integrally includes a mounting bracket, a hollow cylindrical body, a sensor well, and a projection. The projection sealingly receives a pair of ion-producing electrodes. A vibration sensor is attached to an interior surface of the housing, and is operable to sense when water is flowing through the electrode housing. A method for determining and indicating when the electrodes need replacement is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Hercules Products
    Inventor: Joseph D. Pucci
  • Patent number: 5888381
    Abstract: A faucet mounted water filtration system with a filter life monitor includes a filter housing with a flexible cap which deflects upon introduction of water into the housing. The deflection of the cap closes a switch on an electrical circuit which counts the time the water is flowing through the housing. Once a predetermined amount of time accumulates, the circuit generates a message to inform the user that the filter needs replacement. The invention further includes a selector switch on the electrical circuit for signaling the circuit to count one of two predetermined amounts of time prior to generating a message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventors: Richard D. Primdahl, Dale A. Squier, John Zabinski
  • Patent number: 5882508
    Abstract: An easy clean system (18) for a gutter (20) at the eaves (24) of a roof (26) on a building (28) comprising a leader (34) connected to an aperture (36) in the gutter (20), so that the leader (34) will extend vertically down along an exterior wall (38) of the building (28) and carry rainwater away from the roof (26). A facility (40) within the leader (34) is for separating any dirt and debris (30) that falls into the rainwater in the gutter (20), so that the rainwater will flow without obstruction out through the leader (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventor: Jean St-Jacques
  • Patent number: 5876610
    Abstract: A liquid flow meter is designed to monitor the flow of a liquid through an enclosed stream such as through the tubes or internal passageways of a device such as a filtration system. The liquid flow meter includes an axial-flow magnetic turbine and a detector such as a reed switch that monitors turbine rotation by counting pulses. The counted pulses are then used to determine the aggregate volume of liquid that has flowed through the flow meter. When the liquid flow meter is used in a domestic potable water filtration system or in a similar application, the counted pulses can also be used in conjunction with a timer to determine liquid flow rate as well as the remaining useful life of a filter cartridge of the filtration system and/or of the remaining volumetric filtration capacity of the filter cartridge. The liquid flow meter exhibits high linearity or consistency of flow measurement over a wide range of liquid flow rates--even at very low pressures and low flow rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Clack Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Clack, Melvin R. Hemp, W. Roger McPherson
  • Patent number: 5873995
    Abstract: An end-of-life indicator comprising a housing having a chamber therein and attachable to the water treatment device, a diaphragm disposed within the chamber, a rotatable cap having indicia disposed thereon adapted to cooperate with the housing, a spring device for rotating the cap with respect to the housing, an escapement device for regulating the rotational displacement of the cap and means for resetting the cap to a start position. The chamber is arranged for the ingress of water into the water treatment device to pressurize the chamber and the egress of water from the water treatment device to depressurize the chamber, the ingress and egress of water defining one fill cycle. The diaphragm is arranged to be moved by the pressurizing and depressurizing of the chamber. The escapement device are arranged to cooperate with the diaphragm and the spring device whereby predetermined incremental rotation of the cap is provided during each of the fill cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Alexander Huang, Richard Fayram, John Stiggelbout
  • Patent number: 5871639
    Abstract: A monitoring device for an impurity filtration system of drinking water comprising a microprocessor that controls the overall operations of the monitoring system, a LCD indicating circuit that relates information to maintenance personnel, a detecting component that analyses related data for determining the condition and extents of clogging of the impurity filter devices, a warning component that produces verbal or musical sound for warning consumers about the clogged condition of the water impurity filter devices, and a power switching component that cuts off electricity supply to the water pump of the purification system. In operation, the impurity filter devices will be clogged by impurities after being used for a period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventor: Chao Fou Hsu
  • Patent number: 5871651
    Abstract: A fuel dispenser having a filter status sensor includes a fuel delivery path for delivering fuel from a station storage tank to a vehicle; a fuel filter in the delivery path for filtering fuel flowing in the delivery path; a flow monitor in the delivery path for measuring fuel flow in the delivery path; and a controller associated with the flow monitor adapted to determine and compare a first flow rate taken during a first cycle with a second flow rate taken during a second cycle. The controller provides a filter status signal when the first and second flow rates differ by more than a predetermined difference indicative of an unclean fuel filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventor: John S. McSpadden