Fluid Pressure Responsive Patents (Class 210/90)
  • Patent number: 6334951
    Abstract: A reverse osmosis water treatment system includes a tube connecting unit 10 having a water incoming end 102, a water outgoing end 103, and a diaphragm 104 having a check valve 108 therein to allow water to flow directly from the incoming end to the outgoing end. In operation, water flows from the tube connecting unit through-hole 105 and into preliminary filtering units 2 and membrane unit 3 via the pipe assembly 1. Wastewater from the membrane unit drain end 31 is then routed back to the tube connecting unit via pipe assembly 42 and through-hole 106. A faucet 5 is provided at the water outgoing end to deliver water for non-drinking uses. By virtue of issuing water from the outgoing end, the membrane is washed and cleaned. Accordingly, the amount of discharged wastewater is greatly reduced so that water resources are conserved and the useful life of the membrane is prolonged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Inventor: Ting-Kwok Cheng
  • Patent number: 6334950
    Abstract: An automatic oil filter replacement assembly for a locomotive including a plurality of oil filters mounted within a cartridge. The filters are mounted within the chamber. An indexing plate, mounted to the cartridge, has a single portal for alignment within a selected chamber and filter. The operating system of the locomotive is adapted so an operator may remotely rotate the indexing plate a given distance after certain set parameters have been reached, so a clean filter, or filters, replace exhausted filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Inventors: Frank J. Bogacki, Andrew Raymond Spriegel
  • Patent number: 6324898
    Abstract: An improvement to an outside/in hollow fiber membrane filtration system includes a source of suction on the lumens of the membranes or pressure on the outside of the membranes operable without producing permeate and an air collector to collect any air that passes from the outside of the membranes to their lumens during an integrity test. A method for testing the integrity of filtering membranes involves exposing a first side of the membranes to air while a second side of the membranes remains exposed to water. A transmembrane pressure forces air through defects of concern in the membranes. Air that passes through a set of membranes is collected and its amount measured and compared to an acceptable amount of air to indicate whether there is a defect in the set of membranes. Preferably, air is collected individually from a plurality of membrane units in a filtration train and the amounts so collected compared to indicate if one of the membrane units is defective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Zenon Environmental Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre Cote, Arnold Janson, Nicholas Adams
  • Patent number: 6325922
    Abstract: A filter device for filtering plastic melts includes a filter wheel having cavities which are covered by screening elements. A pressure sensor is provided in a melt inflow line upstream of the filter wheel. A pressure sensor is also provided in a melt outflow line downstream of the filter wheel. The pressure sensors measure the pressure drop across the filter. The melt inflow and outflow lines are connected to a melt channel in the filter device, respectively. A melt return line is in connection via a pump and a discharge line with a backflushing slot. The discharge line is connected to an accelerator for increasing pressure in surges. A further melt return/discharge line is connected via a 3-way valve and a return line to the melt inflow line or to a disposal line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Arteva Technologies S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Rainer Schaller, Eduard Lindner, Ralf Henke, Detlef Gneuss
  • Patent number: 6322705
    Abstract: A water-based heating or cooling plant incorporating a filtration device and a pipeline network for bleeding water from the heating or cooling plant to the filtration device, the filtration network for bleeding water from the heating or cooling plant to the filtration device, the filtration device having a tank with an upright column of horizontal layers of granulated filtration materials, the densities in the layers increasing from the layer at the top downwardly to the most dense bottom layer, at least one layer being a mechanical layer and at least one layer having a chemically active material to increase the pH value of the water to a magnitude exceeding neutral. The invention includes a method for operating the plant and for backwashing the granulated filtration material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: RC EnWa A/S
    Inventor: Svein Olav Stornes
  • Patent number: 6319399
    Abstract: A plumbing system for a pure water supply of a dialysis clinic includes an isolation block assembly to which the various purifying components can be quickly connected and disconnected. The isolation block assembly includes an isolation block which has both a supply passage and a discharge passage defined therethrough. A first self sealing quick connect part is connected to the supply passage outlet. A second self sealing quick connect part is connected to the discharge passage inlet. The purifying component may be connected to the isolation block assembly through the use of flexible conduits having complementary self sealing quick connect parts connected thereto, so that the flexible conduits may be connected to the quick connect parts of the isolation block assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Dialysis Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Peterson, Richard M. Russell
  • Patent number: 6312589
    Abstract: A modular water treatment apparatus is provided for soft drink postmix dispensers. The apparatus includes a basic filter unit and additional modules selected from booster pump, UV treatment, and ion exchange modules as needed to match situs water problems determined water testing. A control module has microcontroller based circuitry which provides apparatus monitoring and control. Disabling and warning alarms are generated for predetermined apparatus conditions on a priority basis. A hand-held controller can be coupled to the control module to provide an operator interface for entry and readout of data on the basis of key entries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: George J. Jarocki, Paul S. Sudolcan
  • Patent number: 6306291
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring particulates in a liquid stream and the rate at which the particulates foul a filtering medium, generally a reverse osmosis membrane, to determine at what point in time the filtering medium should be cleaned or replaced. The apparatus includes a monitoring filter unit having a plurality of filter portions. The pressure drop across each filter portion, through which a sample of the feed stream is passed, is monitored. Fouling of a filter portion by accumulated particulate thereon causes an increase in the pressure drop across the filter unit. The increasing pressure drop is monitored as an indicator of the correlative or correspondent fouling of the main filtering medium to be protected. Different filter portions in the filter unit are successively used as each becomes fouled, allowing continuous monitoring for extended periods of time between filter media changes in monitoring filter unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Stanley R. Lueck
  • Patent number: 6299766
    Abstract: Liquid filtering apparatus includes a plurality of reverse osmosis filters for receiving seriatim under pressure a mixture of feed liquid and recirculated concentrate. Feed liquid such as salt water is introduced into the inlet of each reverse osmosis filter to dilute the recirculated concentrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Clark Permar
  • Patent number: 6299762
    Abstract: An oil-filter assembly has an upwardly open can generally centered on an upright axis and having at an upper rim a mounting ring having in turn an axially upwardly directed annular seal surface and, offset axially downward therefrom, an annular upwardly directed annular shoulder surface. A filter insert of filter material in the can has an annular outwardly directed flange sitting on the shoulder surface and an upper end wall. A cover fittable over the ring has a lower surface engageable with the seal surface of the ring and with the end wall of the filter insert. Fasteners press the cover down on the ring and filter insert and retaining the cover in place on the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen GmbH
    Inventors: Arpad Szabo, Georg Wittenzellner
  • Patent number: 6296762
    Abstract: Methods for the central preparation and distribution of a concentrate to a plurality of medical treatment devices are disclosed comprising supplying a stream of substantially only water to a central container which includes a single salt composition at least partially in solid form, producing a substantially saturated solution of the salt composition in the central container, and distributing the salt solution to a distribution conduit which includes a plurality of concentrate connectors whereby the salt solution can be distributed to the plurality of medical treatment devices. Methods for disinfecting this apparatus, the apparatus itself, and containers for use in the apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Gambro AB
    Inventors: Lennart Jönsson, Birger Hallberg, Sven Jönsson, Stefan Knutsson, Lennart Olsson
  • Patent number: 6280632
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing sterile substitution solutions from a dialysis fluid used in connection with the treatment of a patient's blood in an extracorporeal circuit are disclosed. The apparatus includes pumps or valves for comparing the flow of fresh dialysis fluid prior to treatment and after treatment of a patient's blood and a throttle which divides the fresh dialysis circuit into a positive pressure portion and a negative pressure portion, a sterile filter including a membrane disposed in the positive pressure portion of the dialysis circuit, and a valve for controlling the pressure in the positive pressure portion to pass a predetermined amount of the fresh dialysis fluid through the membrane in a sterile filter to provide a predetermined amount of the sterile substitution solution for addition to the extracorporeal circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventor: Hans-Dietrich Polaschegg
  • Patent number: 6267875
    Abstract: The invention is a spin-on type filter with a reclaimed permanent filter casing and permanent filtering media that are washable and reusable. There are three distinct progressive filtering systems that function simultaneously,but separately within one filter housing, one is the full flow filtering at 10 micron capability while the other is in its bypass fine filtering mode at 1 to 3 micron filtering capability. In addition, a safety full flow filter can be activated to filter the return oil while the main full flow medium is fouled. Each system can be implemented with multiple media. The main body of the filter, which comprises the filter head and the media, can be separated easily for servicing from its casing which is designed to attach to the engine. Fine stainless steel cloths are utilized as filtering media which can last the life of an engine Furthermore, magnets arc utilized to trap suspending metal filings in oil flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Ano Leo
  • Publication number: 20010002006
    Abstract: A filtering apparatus for removing solid particles from a liquid which includes a pressure-tight cylindrical housing with a filter assembly coaxially mounted in the housing. A liquid inlet is provided at the upper end of the filter housing and is positioned for tangentially injecting the water to be filtered into the interior of the cylindrical housing for imparting a swirling cyclonic movement to the liquid to be filtered. The liquid is filtered to the interior of the filter assembly and then drains from the bottom of the assembly through an outlet. A drain is also provided in the lower end of the housing for draining off accumulated solids and a wash-down apparatus is provided in the upper end of the housing for directing a wash liquid under pressure against the filtering surface for washing the filtering surface down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: May 31, 2001
    Inventor: James E. Huckestein
  • Patent number: 6228255
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a portable water treatment facility. The water treatment facility has housing on castors. The housing houses the water treatment member. The housing has various doors which are locked to make the housing tamper resistant. The housing has an external sampling station which allows a technician at any point in time to ensure that all of the liquids being provided by the water treatment member meet specifications. This system has a modular water treatment member consisting of various filters, tanks, and pumps which are attached to one another by short fluid conduits with quick disconnects. The system is computer monitored, capable of remoting data offsite and producing an audit trail capturing system operational parameters and quality of water produced over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Dialysis Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Peterson, Richard M. Russell, David H. Albright
  • 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: 6217753
    Abstract: A water purifier generally associated with a beverage dispenser is disclosed. The water purifier includes a conduit having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, and a water purifying device disposed in the conduit between the first and second ends thereof. The first end of the conduit is arranged to conduct water to be purified into the conduit, and the second end of the conduit is arranged to conduct the purified water from the conduit to a location outside of the water purifier. A flow of the water through the conduit is completely prohibited by the cooperative operations of a pressure detector at the second end of the conduit and an electromagnetic valve at the first end of the conduit at a time when the water attempts to flow through the conduit from the second end to the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Sanden Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Takigawa, Toshiya Chiku
  • Patent number: 6217754
    Abstract: A swimming pool filter including a casing having an opening and a filter cartridge arranged in the casing having an axial hollow core. The swimming pool filter also includes a top cover having means for securing the top cover to the casing in order to cover the opening of the casing and an opening substantially corresponding to the axial hollow core of the filter cartridge. The swimming pool filter further includes a plug structured and arranged to fit within the opening of the top cover and an accessory element arranged in the plug to complement the functions of the filter. The accessory element is structured and arranged to fit at least partially within the axial hollow core of the filter cartridge when the plug is fitted within the opening of the top cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Aplister, S.A.
    Inventor: Armand Puiggros Ros
  • Patent number: 6203714
    Abstract: Device for filtering a liquid. The filter device is provided with at least two filter elements (8, 15) placed parallel to each other. A three-way cock (6, 13) is accommodated in the pipe (4, 5) to each filter element (8, 15) for connection of the inflow opening of each filter element (8, 15) to a mains system (3) for supplying the liquid with sufficient pressure to press the liquid through the filter device. The three-way cocks (6, 13) are mutually connected by a pipe (19). A drain (23) to a sewer is provided which has a closing device (21), which is connected to a branch point (26) of the pipe (19) via a pipe (20). A three-way cock (10, 17) is accommodated in the pipe (9, 16) of each filter element (8, 15) for connecting the outflow opening of each filter element (8, 15) to a mains system (12) of a user. The three-way taps (10, 17) are mutually connected by a pipe (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: SepeQ B.V.
    Inventors: Meindert Bos, Dirk Marinus Koenhen
  • Patent number: 6200485
    Abstract: A multipurpose hemofiltration system and method are disclosed for the removal of fluid and/or soluble waste from the blood of a patient. The system and method are equally applicable to adult, pediatric and neonatal patients. In one embodiment, the system continuously monitors the weight of infusate in a first reservoir and drained fluid in a second reservoir and compares those weights to corresponding predetermined computed weights. When necessary, the pumping rates of the infusate, drained fluid and blood are adjusted in order to achieve a preselected amount of fluid removal from the patient's blood in a preselected time period. Application of this system and method provide repeatable and highly precise results. Alternatively, predetermined patient parameters can be monitored and the adjustment of pumping rates may be responsive to these monitored parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Chidren's Hospital Medical Center
    Inventors: Yuli Kitaevich, Nat Hemasilpin, J. Gabriel Marchevsky, John J. Bissler, George Benzing, III, Paul T. McEnery
  • 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: 6187207
    Abstract: A method and a device for verifying the proper replacement of a used filter that is divided into two chambers by a membrane in a device for extracorporeal treatment of blood. The verification of whether the filter has been properly replaced with a new filter is performed by a pressure retaining test, which determines whether the membrane of the filter is permeable to gas. In the event the membrane is permeable to gas, it is concluded that the used filter has been replaced by a new filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Helge Brauer
  • Patent number: 6187177
    Abstract: A filter unit for filtering pressurized liquid carrying solid contaminants, comprising a housing having a cavity, an unfiltered liquid inlet port, and a filtered liquid outlet port. The filter unit also has a filter element having a generally cylindrical shape positioned within the housing, an interior, and a porous filter sleeve having an exterior face, the interior of said filter element in fluid communication with the filtered liquid outlet port and the exterior face of the sleeve of said filter element in fluid communication with the unfiltered liquid, so that, in operation, unfiltered liquid carrying solid contaminants flows into the cavity of the housing through the unfiltered liquid inlet port, the filter element filters the solid contaminants from the liquid, and the filtered liquid passes through the sleeve of the filter element to the interior thereof before exiting the filter unit via the filtered liquid outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Scott E. Ogburn
  • Patent number: 6171480
    Abstract: The present invention relates to computer automated upflow bead filter systems. These systems typically include a bead bed; in situ sensors/transducers for monitoring dissolved oxygen, differential pressure across the filter, water flow, pH, oxidation-reduction potential or any combination of these; a control system, such as a computer, operably coupled to the in situ sensors/transducers; an influent conduit below the bead bed; and an effluent conduit above the bead bed. The in situ sensors/transducers convert monitored conditions to electrical signals and at least back washing or dissolved oxygen may be continually adjusted in accordance with the electrical signals using the control system. By virtue of the control system, water flow rate or residence time, backwash frequency, and backwash duration may be continually adjusted to optimize the operation of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Phillip G. Lee, Philip E. Turk, John L. Whitson
  • Patent number: 6165370
    Abstract: A screening system includes a pressure screen which receives a liquid/solid suspension and filters the suspension to provide an accept portion and a reject portion. The pressure screen includes a housing which encloses a chamber containing a screen basket through which a portion of the liquid/solid suspension passes from a first side of the basket to a second side to form the accepts. A pressure sensor monitors the pressure differential between the first side and the second side and provides a sensed differential pressure signal indicative thereof. The system also senses the accept flow rate and provides a signal indicative thereof to a controller. The controller sets a differential pressure threshold value as a function of the accept flow rate signal and monitors the sensed differential pressure signal. If the sensed differential pressure signal exceeds the threshold value, the controller automatically initiates corrective action in order to reduce the differential pressure across the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Paper Technology North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter J. Heissenberger
  • Patent number: 6159383
    Abstract: A filter head having a pump housing, a flow passage network, and a mounting bracket is adaptable to engage a replaceable filter cartridge. An electric pump is positioned within the pump housing. A Seal/isolator disposed between the pump housing and electric pump protects the electric pump from vibrations. After changing the filter cartridge, typically an air pocket forms creating a danger for a fuel injector or fuel injector pump. By using an electronic controller, an operator may remotely operate the electric pump to prime the filter cartridge. Also, the electronic controller may selectively determine whether the fluid flowing from the filter cartridge passes through the electric pump or instead passes directly into an outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Gullett, Larry A. Larson
  • Patent number: 6159384
    Abstract: A differential pressure monitor measures the pressure at a plurality of heights in a filter bed. A preferred embodiment of the monitor comprises an elongated body, a plurality of pressure sensors located on the elongated body for obtaining the pressure readings, a control apparatus for determining differential pressures from the pressure readings, each differential pressure being the difference in pressure between pressures measured at two different heights in the filter bed, and transmission apparatus to transmit the pressure readings from the pressure sensors to the control apparatus. Methods of monitoring and controlling the performance of a filter bed during filtration and during backwashing also are provided. Two such methods include measuring turbidity levels in a filter bed and obtaining water samples from a filter bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: RG, Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Lee Roberts, John D. Simmons
  • 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: 6139724
    Abstract: A process is described for filtration of fluids, particularly of heterodisperse fluids like beer, in which a cleaning cycle of the MF modules is always carried out when the transmembrane pressure exceeds a pre-set pressure which has been selected to be equal to the optimal trans-membrane pressure for the particular fluid to be filtered as regards its analytical appearance. In beer filtration this value is preferably set at 1.5 bar. The microfiltration facility is equipped with numerous MF modules 5, arrayed in series and parallel; with a device for cleansing the MF modules 5; and with a measuring device 3 for recording trans-membrane pressure, attached to a control device 7, which, upon attaining the pre-set trans-membrane pressure, interrupts the filtration process and starts a cleansing cycle going.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Seitz-Filter-Werke GmbH und Co.
    Inventors: Gerhard Strohm, Georg Schnieder, Wolfgang Hepp, Paul Duckek
  • Patent number: 6139725
    Abstract: An oil reclamation device includes a full flow filter (10) fitted around a partial flow filter (12) within an open-ended casing (8). The open end of the casing is capped by a housing defining a vaporization chamber (6). In normal operation, oil flows from oil passage (14) through the full flow filter (10) to a branched leg (22). A metering jet (34) provided in the branched leg allows a minor portion of the oil to flow through the partial flow filter and then into the vaporization chamber. The full flow filter extracts solid contaminants having a particle size of 15 microns or greater. The partial flow filter extracts solid contaminants of 1 micron or greater. The filter element of the partial flow filter is composed of compressed cotton fibers and preferably has a higher density in an upper end adjacent the vaporization chamber. In the vaporization chamber, liquid contaminants are removed from the minor portion by a heating element (72).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Purdayn Filter Technologies Inc
    Inventors: Richard Henry Howard Barr, Albert Neal Davies
  • Patent number: 6123839
    Abstract: An essentially non-electric automatic fluid dispensing system is provided wherein a first induced pressure induces flow of a first fluid, which in the preferred embodiment is a liquid sanitizer. The system further divides the first fluid into a first divided fluid and second divided fluid, said first divided fluid inducing flow into a second fluid located in an airtight container for the second fluid, a regulator valve for varying the second divided fluid, a dispensing valve for displacing the second fluid from the said container under pressure and for varying the flow rate of the said displaced second fluid, and connector for impressing the displaced fluid into a receiving line which in the preferred embodiment is a water circulation circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Arthur Sussman
  • Patent number: 6106704
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system having a tank with an aeration compartment and a clarifier compartment, an air pump affixed to a top of the tank and having an air line delivering air to the aerator of the aeration compartment. The air line extends through an interior of the tank. A control panel is also affixed to a top of the tank. The control panel is electrically connected to the air pump. A raised platform is formed on the top of the tank such that an outer periphery of the platform intersects at least at one point of the cylindrical wall. The top of the tank also has an access opening formed therein located along the periphery of the cylindrical wall diametrically opposite the platform. The air pump is affixed to the horizontal platform. A housing is attached to the platform. The housing extends over the air pump and the control panel. The housing includes a base affixed to the platform and a cover removably affixed to the base so as to extend over and around the air pump and the control panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Aqua Partners, Ltd.
    Inventor: T. Gig Drewery
  • 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: 6090275
    Abstract: A liquid filter includes a barrel defining a cylindrical water chamber having a neck at the middle, a raw water inlet at the bottom side, and a clean water outlet at the top side, a suspension board suspended in the water chamber, a pneumatic cylinder operated to reciprocate pressure means through the suspension board in and out of the neck of in cylindrical water chamber, bundles of fibers respectively suspended from the suspension board for removing solid matter from upward flow of water passing through, a weight board connected to the bundles of fibers and suspended in the water chamber below the neck, and a fabric filter suspended in the water chamber below the weight board, wherein the sizes of the filtering open spaces in the bundles of fibers are reduced when the pressure means is lowered into the neck; the sizes of the filtering open spaces in the bundles of fibers are expanded when the pressure means is lifted away from the neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Danny Kwei Cheng
  • Patent number: 6077443
    Abstract: In a method and device for monitoring a vascular access during a dialysis treatment, pressure pulses generated by a balancing device connected in a dialysis fluid inlet line and drain line are monitored in the extracorporeal blood circulation path. The pressure pulses are detected with a pressure sensor in the venous blood line and are analyzed in an analyzer unit. When there is a characteristic change in pressure pulses in the extracorporeal blood circulation path, a faulty venous access is deduced, i.e., the needle has slipped out. Upon a faulty venous access condition, an alarm generator generates an acoustic and/or optical alarm, and the blood flow in the extracorporeal circulation is interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Rainer Goldau
  • Patent number: 6077442
    Abstract: A filter is pressed down in a collection tube holding separated blood as a lower solids mass and an upper liquid mass defining with the lower mass an interface. The filter has a sleeve fittable in the tube and having a lower end covered by a membrane that fits snugly in the tube. A vertical level of an upper surface of the upper liquid mass in the tube is detected and a pusher is engaged with an upper end of the sleeve to push the filter downward in the tube. Downward pushing of the filter is stopped when the upper end of the sleeve is at a predetermined spacing above the vertical level of the liquid upper surface. A vertical level of the interface is also detected and downward pushing of the filter is also stopped when the membrane is at the vertical level of the interface. Thus two separate events can trigger stopping of the downward pushing: reaching the interface or reaching a certain fill level in the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Sarstedt AG & Co.
    Inventor: Walter Sarstedt
  • Patent number: 6077437
    Abstract: A polishing agent recovery and reuse method and device for the same removes large impurities by a filtration device, concentrates by an ultrafiltration device, and continuously recovers polishing agent. Polishing agent used in polishing a semiconductor board or a coating formed on top of a semiconductor board is collected in a pre-processing container after use. Large impurities are removed by a dual fine filtration device. The resulting filtrate is concentrated by an ultrafiltration device. The concentrated solution may then be mixed with filtrate from the dual fine filtration device to further concentrate the polishing agent. The concentration of the polishing agent in the concentrated solution, the pH, and the temperature of the solution are continuously monitored and controlled. The filtrate of the ultrafiltration device is further treated to remove impurities, resulting in pure or ultrapure water. The recovered polishing agent may be reused in further polishing steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Hayashi, Yukishige Saito, Tsutomu Nakajima, Shin Sato, Yukihiro Furukawa
  • Patent number: 6071408
    Abstract: To provide performance particularly in handling supercritical extraction systems, a specially designed pump includes a cam-driven, single-plunger with a cam having a profile that enables the pumping system to avoid destructive reverse torque on the cam, gear train and drive motor after the cam passes top dead center. The fluid volume leaving the pump is determined by measuring only pressure or other parameters related to flow and movement of the plunger. Measurement of the fluid volume leaving the pump is useful for recording or indicating the flow rate while the pump is operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Isco, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert William Allington, Daniel Gene Jameson, Dale A. Davison, Dale Clay, Robin R. Winter, Yoossef Tehrani
  • Patent number: 6068762
    Abstract: A filter assembly includes a housing having a cylindrical side wall and a first and second end walls at either end of the cylindrical side wall. The first end wall has a fluid inlet port for receiving fluid to be filtered and at least one fluid outlet port for discharging the filtered fluid. The second end wall is easily removable from the housing, and includes a pressure-activated sensing device preferably extending centrally within filter media to an outlet. The filter media can comprise either a single filter element or a pair of nested filter elements, and is supported between the upper and lower end walls. The pressure-activated sensing device includes a piston assembly which is responsive to a pressure drop across the filter media. A first flow path is provided to the upstream side of the piston assembly from the inlet to the filter assembly, while a second flow path is provided to the downstream side of the piston assembly from the downstream side of the filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Walter H. Stone, Michael D. Clausen
  • Patent number: 6066261
    Abstract: To monitor the functionality of a partial device of a blood treatment machine, an excess pressure is built up on the blood side and on the dialysis fluid side and is monitored to detect a pressure drop. To do so, the flow path through the dialysis fluid inlet line (12), the dialysis fluid outlet line (13) and the blood outlet line (6) can be interrupted, and the blood pump (7) is started. The test pressure on the dialysis fluid side is built up due to the ultrafiltrate passing through the membrane (2) of the dialyzer (1). Any leakage in the closed volume, which includes a part of the blood path as well as part of the dialysis fluid path, is then detected by a (greater) pressure drop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Reiner Spickermann
  • Patent number: 6056873
    Abstract: The installation disclosed comprises a body of water, a pump, a filter and pipes connecting the body of water, pump and filter. Additional pipes lead from the pipe to the return pipe and to waste. Solenoid operated valves are provided in the pipes so that flow through these pipes can be permitted or prevented depending on whether the valves are open or closed. A pressure sensor detects pressure at the inlet of the filter. A programmable controller controls operation of the valves all of which can be operated independently of the others. The body of water will normally be a swimming pool but could be a tank in which aquatic creatures are grown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventors: Quentin John Seaton Hartley, Nicholas Johannes Grobler Smit
  • Patent number: 6039877
    Abstract: A device for treatment of blood by extracorporeal circulation comprises a dialysis liquid circuit having a supply tube (9a, 9b) on which is arranged a filter (21) having a first chamber and a second chamber (22, 23) which are separated by a filtering membrane (24), the supply tube having a first portion (9a) connecting a dialysis liquid source (10) to an inlet of the first chamber (22), and a second portion (9b) having an end connected to an outlet of the second chamber (23) of the filter (21) and another end which can be connected to an inlet of a compartment (3) of an exchanger (1) with semipermeable membrane (4). A feedback tube (25) connects the inlet of the first chamber (22) of the filter (21) to the outlet of the first chamber (22). A flushing pump (26) is arranged on the feedback tube (25) for circulating liquid in the first chamber (22) of the filter (21) and causing cleaning of the membrane (24) by tangential flushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Hospal Industrie
    Inventors: Jacques Chevallet, Jean-Claude Riquier
  • Patent number: 6015487
    Abstract: A number of embodiments of improved systems for cleaning contaminants from a cooling liquid for machining operations. The system includes a series flow relationship between a rare earth magnetic separator, an amorphous filter and a mechanical filter with an arrangement for ensuring balanced flow and facilitating continued operation while at least some of the filters are serviced. Also disclosed are a number of arrangements for cleaning the amorphous filter automatically without requiring excessive manual labor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuaki Mori
  • Patent number: 6007710
    Abstract: The cap to a reverse osmosis (R.O.) system membrane cartridge housing integrates both (i) a system automatic shut-off valve, and (ii) an improved check valve of such enlarged area and low pressure drop as typically gains 2-4 gallons per day in purified water output. The housing both reduces, typically from seven ports to five ports, and simplifies with hand-tightened quick fittings, the plumbing requirements of the R.O system. The housing fits a new and larger, typically 100+ gallon per hour, high-flow-rate R.O. membrane cartridge as well as myriad universal standard cartridges. A pressure gauge is optionally integrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventor: Augustin Pavel
  • Patent number: 6001244
    Abstract: The invention relates to a new water purification system design that uses reverse osmosis membrane filtration and optional ultra violet light treatment. The new system creates the potential for achieving a higher standard of performance for point-of-use reverse osmosis systems. The system provides for a multiple pass, multiple barrier method for delivering freshly treated, high-quality water from the system. A microprocessor controlled operating system maintains the system within a narrow range of optimal performance at all times. The system provides for two water storage tanks, each equipped with its own pump. With an operating system sequence of alternating flow cycles, an internal state of continuous water movement and dynamic treatment is created and maintained within the elements of the system. The system dynamics contribute to microbial control throughout the system. The system incorporates cross flow filtration in all elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Anthony Pipes
    Inventors: Edwin Christopher Salter, Anthony Pipes
  • Patent number: 6001254
    Abstract: A method of operating and monitoring a group of filter membrane modules connected in parallel and with the modules being periodically backwashed, in which:raw water to be treated is injected at a regulated pressure and the permeate outlet pressure is regulated to less than the inlet pressure;the group is provided with a water meter (60) on the raw water inlet duct and with three pressure sensors, one on the raw water inlet, one on the permeate outlet, and one on the backwash circuit, the meter and the sensors (100) delivering signals to a controller;each module is backwashed in succession with permeate from the other modules, with each module being individualized at that moment, thereby making it possible with aid of the water meter and of the pressure sensors to determine the permeability (150) in backwashing specific to the module as individualized in this way, and also to determine the production permeability of the remainder of the modules; andthe values determined in this way are compared with reference
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Aquasource
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Espenan, Franc Saux
  • Patent number: 5984645
    Abstract: A combined compressor pressure sensor and excess pressure relief valve (12) uses a formed disk (22) that snaps down and back up at a pair of predetermined pressures. The disk (22), when it snaps down, opens a plug (34) to in turn allow excess pressure from the compressor (10) to escape. When up, the plug (34) remains sealed, the outside vents (42) remain blocked, and compressor gas flow only through the center of the plug (34) and disk (22) to a sensing chamber (46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Larry Donald Cummings
  • Patent number: 5980755
    Abstract: A differential pressure monitor measures the pressure at a plurality of heights in a filter bed. A preferred embodiment of the monitor comprises an elongated body, a plurality of pressure sensors located on the elongated body for obtaining the pressure readings, a control means for determining differential pressures from the pressure readings, each differential pressure being the difference in pressure between pressures measured at two different heights in the filter bed, and transmission means to transmit the pressure readings from the pressure sensors to the control means. Methods of monitoring and controlling the performance of a filter bed during filtration and during backwashing also are provided. Two such methods include measuring turbidity levels in a filter bed and obtaining water samples from a filter bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: RG, Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Lee Roberts, John D. Simmons
  • Patent number: 5976363
    Abstract: A water station, or cabinet, or console, particularly for use in kitchens and in restaurant kitchens and in oriental restaurant kitchens, contains (i) a reverse osmosis system, and (ii) a sink. The water cabinet dispenses copious amounts of (i) water purified by reverse osmosis ("RO water"), as well as (ii) tap, or supply, water and (iii) waste water from the reverse osmosis (RO) process, respectively from three faucets in position over the sink. The cabinet is compact: it fits within the footprint of, and replaces, a conventional restaurant sink. The RO water purification performed by the RO system completely within the cabinet is water-conserving, typically producing RO purified water and waste water at a ratio as low as one-to one (1:1) by using an adjustable feedback path for waste water. Operational status is clearly visible. Maintenance is easy, with sediment filters replaceable on-line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventors: Jerry Monroe, Wayne Windenburg
  • Patent number: 5972210
    Abstract: In a bypass filter unit, in particular, for filtering supplies of hydraulic oil in a bypass flow, comprising a motor-driven pump and a fixedly mounted filter housing closeable by a cover and containing an exchangeable filter element, it is proposed that the drive of the pump, the pump and the filter housing be arranged coaxially with one another, with the end of the filter housing that is closeable by the cover pointing upwards, that the filter housing be directly connected to the pump, and that the filter housing form a receptacle for the clean oil while the filter element is being changed, so as to enable changing of the filter element and renewal of the filter in a simple way and without risk of soiling the clean oil side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Argo GmbH Fuer Fluidtechnik
    Inventor: Karlheinz Munkel