Fluid Pressure Responsive Patents (Class 210/90)
  • Publication number: 20080116122
    Abstract: The present invention relates to single-use chromatography devices and systems for use with a durable component for processing compounds such as protein compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: Genitope Corporation
    Inventors: Scott M. Wheelwright, Steven Schamow, Ed Louie, Andrew T. Zander
  • Publication number: 20080105616
    Abstract: A gravity separator S separates a liquid phase O and a gas phase G from a multiphase fluid mixture E. The gravity separator comprises a collector 1 for collecting the liquid phase O, and outlet 8 for extracting the gas phase G and a draining circuit 3 coupled to the collector 1 for draining the liquid phase O out of the separator. The gravity separator S further comprises a floating assembly 2 coupled to the collector 1. The floating assembly is arranged to float at an interface GLI between the liquid phase and the gas phase so that the collector is positioned in the multiphase fluid mixture present in the gravity separator S for collecting substantially the liquid phase O.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Francis Allouche
  • Patent number: 7368053
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a membrane zeta potential measuring system which comprises a first measuring course and a second measuring course. The provided system calculates the zeta potential of the membrane pores based on a first potential drop measured from the first measuring course, and calculates the zeta potential of the membrane surface based on a second potential drop measured from the second measuring course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Chung Yuan Christian University
    Inventors: Ching-Jung Chuang, Yi-Chen Chiang, Hui-Ju Hsu, Chia-Chun Wu
  • Patent number: 7361267
    Abstract: A fitting (1) for a blood circulating circuit (4) of a dialysis machine has a first ans a second mouth (8, 9) for connecting the fitting (1) to a first ans a second portion (2, 3) of the blood circulating circuit (4) respectively; the fitting (1) defining a third portion (10) of the blood circulating circuit (4) by means of a tuby (6) by which to determine the absorption of electromagnetic waved by the blood, and by means of a chamber (7) having a wall (15) movable as a function of the pressure of the blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Gambro Dasco S.p.A.
    Inventor: Annalisa Delnevo
  • Patent number: 7354510
    Abstract: A mechanism for introducing pressurized air into an extracting cartridge comprises an air pump, an on-off valve, and a pressure sensor for detecting an internal pressure within the extracting cartridge. The on-off valve is turned on in order to introduce the pressurized air into the extracting cartridge. When the internal pressure detected by the pressure sensor has become equal to a predetermined pressure range for a pressurization upper limit, the on-off valve is turned off in order to confine the area within the extracting cartridge in the pressurized state, the pressure being thereby exerted upon a sample liquid, a washing liquid, or a recovery liquid having been injected into the extracting cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Keiichi Fujimoto, Nobuyuki Torisawa
  • Publication number: 20080053879
    Abstract: A fluid filter having a fluid pressure sensor integral with a canister enclosing a filter medium, such that the fluid filter can be removed and replaced as a unit and further such that a new fluid pressure sensor is provided each time the fluid filter is replaced. The fluid filter can be readily adapted to many different fluid systems. In some embodiments, the fluid filter has two housing sections fastened together to enclose a filter medium. In some embodiments, the sensor includes an indicator that is easily visible outside of the housing. In some embodiments the indicator is responsive to a predetermined fluid pressure within the fluid filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: David N. Harris
  • Publication number: 20080053203
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating a volume of composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component including centrifuging a separation bag containing a volume of composite liquid and a volume of gas so as to sediment at least a first component and a second component separation bag; displacing a volume of hydraulic fluid against the separation bag to cause a transfer of at least one fraction of the content of the separation bag into at least one component bag connected to the separation bag; determining the volume of hydraulic fluid displaced and determining the volume of the composite liquid or the transferred components from the determined volume of displaced hydraulic fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: GAMBRO BCT, INC.
    Inventors: Niclas HOGBERG, Brian M. HOLMES, Briden Ray STANTON, Lars Persson, Lars Strandberg, Peter Pihlstedt
  • Publication number: 20080052094
    Abstract: A system for dispensing water comprises a water processing system comprising an input connected to receive water from a water supply system and an output configured to dispense a metered amount of processed water, the water processing system defining a closed path between the input and the output, a control system operatively coupled to the water processing system for controlling the dispensing of processed water from the output, and, a user interface operatively coupled to the control system for permitting a user to cause the output to dispense a desired amount of processed water. The user interface comprises control means for starting and stopping a flow of processed water from the output and logging means for debiting the amount of process water dispensed from the output from a user account.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: IMG MANAGEMENT GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Anastasios Morfopoulos, Jason Fahlman
  • Publication number: 20080035583
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method, devices, and reagents which are are used for Fenton reaction-based wastewater treatment. According to the invention, the oxidation reaction of organic material with the oxygenated water is performed in the main oxidation reactor (12) in the presence of metallic catalysts. The Fenton reaction takes place in the reactor at absolute pressure of between 1 Kg/cm2 and 1.5 Kg/cm2 and at a temperature between 110° C. and 120° C. Once treated and cooled, the effulent is conveyed to zone D to a neutralising tank (6) in which the pH is increased to a value greater than seven, thereby causing a precipitation of the hydroxides. In addition, safety checks are carried out automatically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: JoséM. Lopez Martinez, Fernando Puente de Vera, Luis Monreal Munoz, Pasqual Vall Escala
  • Patent number: 7329337
    Abstract: Filters that remove particulate and other solids from fluids often come in various sizes and include various types of seals. However, filter bases to which the filters are attached are generally manufactured to accommodate only one specific size of filter including one type of seal. A filter base of the present invention includes a filter attachment portion and a sealing portion. In order to expand the different sizes of filters that the filter base can accommodate, the sealing portion includes a first annular sealing surface with a relatively small diameter and a second annular sealing surface with a relatively large diameter. The two sealing surfaces can be any combination of radial and a face sealing surfaces. The filter base is used for filtering fluids, such as fuel, in an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: James Sutherland Millar
  • Patent number: 7320750
    Abstract: A centrifuge with controlled discharge of dense materials disclosed. A centrifuge includes a fluid separation wall placed within a sleeve to form a containment zone therebetween. The fluid separation wall aligns and rotates parallel to an axis of rotation. A receptacle forming a part of the fluid separation wall includes a void area. An opening extending through the fluid separation wall from the void area to the outer surface of the receptacle transports the more dense material to the containment zone. A valve ring forming a part of the fluid separation wall includes a valve orifice. The valve ring aligned perpendicular to the axis of rotation and slides along the fluid separation wall to move between open and closed positions. The valve orifice aligns with the opening such that the more dense material exits the fluid separation wall and moves into the containment zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Phase Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis Kirker, Berkeley F. Fuller
  • Patent number: 7316323
    Abstract: A filter block having a permeability of greater than about 3.0*10?9 cm2, and a F-VLR of greater than about 99% is provided. The filter block may be made of filter particles having a median particle size of less than about 50 microns and having a particle span of about 1.4 or less. The filter blocks of the present invention can be used to make a filter for filtering liquids and more specifically, for providing potable water. The filter particles may be mesoporous. Kits comprising filters and information relating to the killing or removal of bacteria, viruses, and microbials are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Dimitris Ioannis Collias, Stephen Allen Goldman, Michael Donovan Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7314554
    Abstract: The invention relates to an extracorporeal blood treatment machine in which a blood circuit (3) is equipped with an inlet line leading to a filtration unit (2) and with an outlet line (3b) from the filtration unit; a fluid circuit comprises an inlet line (4a) leading to the filtration unit and an outlet line (4b) from the filtration unit so as to allow a fluid taken from a primary container (5) to circulate within the filtration unit, thus enabling the treatment of the patient's blood. There is further an infusion line (6) acting on the outlet line of the blood circuit, which is supplied by an auxiliary fluid container (7). The inlet line of the fluid circuit is equipped with at least an infusion branch (8) acting on the outlet line of the blood circuit so as to enable the intensive therapy machine to manage therapies with large exchange of fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventors: Annalisa Delnevo, Francesco Ribolzi, Claudio Tonelli, Vincenzo Baraldi, Massimo Zaccarelli, Jacques Chevallet, Jacques Duchamp, Aziz Aberkane, Gabriel Meyssonnier, Dominique Pouchoulin
  • Patent number: 7288195
    Abstract: A process for filtering a fluid is provided. The process includes providing a filtration cell having a filter membrane, a base configured to receive filtrate passing through the membrane, and a flow channel open to the filter membrane. A flow of the fluid is provided through the flow channel substantially tangent to the filter membrane in a first direction and a second direction substantially opposing the first direction, whereby the fluid reciprocally flows across the filter membrane. Filtrate passing through the membrane is collected. A system for filtering a fluid is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Bio/Data Corporation
    Inventors: William E. Coville, David M. St. Onge
  • Patent number: 7204930
    Abstract: An oxidation filtration system for cleaning groundwater, the system having an aeration tower and a filtration tank. Within the filtration tank is an upper chamber and a lower chamber. Contained within the lower chamber is a plurality of Styrofoam™ filter media. Separating the upper chamber from lower chamber is a filter media mash which keeps the filter media from entering into the upper chamber. The aerated water from the aeration tower enters into the base of the lower filter chamber and rises through the filter media into the upper filter chamber. As the water passes through the filter media, the dissolved solvents fallout of the groundwater and attach themselves to the Styrofoam™ media. An automated back flushing and clarifying process is also provided using a back flush port and a clarification port, a higher level water sensor in the aeration tower and a programmable logic controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Skagit Farmers Supply
    Inventor: William Nightingale
  • Patent number: 7187545
    Abstract: At least one power semiconductor component is cooled by a flat, copper, plate-type hollow body conducting a coolant fluid. Components are fixed on one flat-sided surface of the hollow body and the other flat-sided surface includes two coolant fluid openings for introducing the coolant fluid into the hollow body and for evacuating the fluid therefrom. The other flat-sided surface is concave and elastically deformable between the coolant fluid openings. The concave other surface is attached to the even surface of a support in such a way that the concave surface and the even surface are pressed against each other by the elastically planar deformation of the concave surface and that the coolant fluid openings are sealed in a fluidproof manner by O-rings. A solid strut, which interconnects the two flat-sided surfaces is additionally configured in the hollow body. The cooling device may be used in a module or an assembly including a support and the cooling device or module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignees: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, Curamik Electronics GmbH
    Inventors: Karl Exel, Kai Kriegel, Guy Lefranc, Jürgen Schulz-Harder
  • Patent number: 7186331
    Abstract: The invention concerns a monitoring unit [10] for monitoring the condition of a semi-permeable membrane [24] in a water purification system, and particularly the condition of spiral membrane in a reverse osmosis water purification system. The monitoring unit [10] comprises a flow chamber [12] that includes an inlet for permitting ingress of a feed fluid into the flow chamber [12], and a feed fluid outlet [22] for permitting at least partial through-flow of the feed fluid through the flow chamber [12] such that cross-flow conditions apply in the flow chamber [12]. The semi-permeable membrane [24] is at least partly supported in the flow chamber [12]. The monitoring unit [10] further comprises at least one fluid outlet [18] arranged in fluid communication with the flow chamber [12] for permitting egress of fluid from the monitoring unit [10] after having passed through the membrane [24]; and an inspection window [20] for permitting visual inspection of the semi-permeable membrane [24].
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Sasol Technology (Pty) Limited
    Inventors: André Maartens, Edmund Petrus Jacobz, Douglas Peet, Petronella Maria Augustyn
  • Patent number: 7182855
    Abstract: A fuel filter includes a first filter chamber, a second filter chamber and a valve assembly disposed between the first and second filter chambers. The valve assembly includes a valve casing with a valve head connected to a flag indicator slidably disposed within the valve casing and movable between a first and second position. A port located in the valve casing allows fuel to flow from the first filter chamber to the second filter chamber when the valve head and flag indicator moves from the first position to the second position. A transparent portion of the valve casing allows the flag indicator to be visible in the second position allowing a user to determine that the fuel filter must be serviced or removed and replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Patrick Owen O'Leary
  • Patent number: 7175809
    Abstract: A method and system for the extracorporeal treatment of blood to remove fluid from the fluid overloaded patient is disclosed that non-invasively measures an oxygen level in the venous blood. The oxygen blood level is used to detect when hypotension is about to occur in a patient. The oxygen level measurements are used as feedback signals. These feedback signals are applied to automatically control the rate of fluid extraction to achieve the desired clinical outcome and avoid precipitating a hypotensive crisis in the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: CHF Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Gelfand, John O'Mahony, Howard R. Levin
  • Patent number: 7137303
    Abstract: A fluid system pressure indicator is adapted for use in fluid systems having a filter element. The fluid system force indicator includes a housing partitioned to be exposed to the fluid system to provide transmission of a mechanical force between these partitioned environments to indicate the fluid pressure. This exterior shape change is such that it can be identified through tactile means not requiring visual identification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Stanadyne Corporation
    Inventors: Leon P. Janik, Stephen J. Vardion, Michael J. Williams
  • Patent number: 7112273
    Abstract: A method and device for adjusting a volumetric flow balancing system for an extracorporeal blood treatment system receives a pressure signal and calculates a compensation factor that is used to adjust the relative flow rates of the volumetrically balanced fluids. For example, in a hemofiltration system, the flow of waste and and replacement fluid may be balanced volumetrically. Ultrafiltrate may be pumped in a bypass circuit in such a system. The rate of ultrafiltrate flow may be adjusted by the compensation signal. The compensation signal may be empirically derived.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Nxstage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: William Weigel, Daniel Call, Dennis Treu
  • Patent number: 7083719
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for performing peritoneal dialysis are provided. To this end, in part, a medical system is provided that includes (i) a liquid pump; (ii) tubing in communication with the liquid pump; and (iii) at least one processor that operates with the liquid pump to: (a) pump liquid through the tubing, the tubing having an end and a hydrophobic filter at the end, the filter allowing air but not the liquid to escape from the end of the tubing, (b) receive a signal indicating a pressure increase inside the tubing, and (c) cause the pumping to stop when air has been purged substantially from the tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Joseph H. Bowman, Jr., Loren M. Lundtveit, Jose Alvaro, Ben Kellam, Don Busby, Bruce Ming-Da Eu
  • Patent number: 7074191
    Abstract: A method for the non-intrusive measurement of blood pressure in a circuit of a dialysis machine, using a device provided with a sleeve forming a portion of the blood circuit and having at least one part which moves according to the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the sleeve, and with an emitter and a receiver of electromagnetic waves. The method comprising the emission of a beam of electromagnetic waves and the receiving of a beam of electromagnetic waves reflected from the moving part, in order to measure the displacement of the moving part in such a way as to establish a relationship between the position of the moving part and the pressure of the blood circulating in the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventors: Antonio Bosetto, Annalisa Delnevo
  • Patent number: 7074332
    Abstract: In a blood dialysis system including a source of substitution fluid (10) and a blood dialysis machine, a hemodiafiltration system having a first dialyzer (1) including a first blood compartment (4) having a first blood inlet which receives blood to be cleaned and a first blood outlet which discharges partially diafiltered blood and a first dialysate compartment (5) having a first dialysate inlet and a first dialysate outlet, means (8) for mixing the partially diafiltered blood with substitution fluid from the source to obtain a blood/substitution fluid mixture, and a second hemofilter (2) including a second blood compartment (11) having a second blood inlet which receives the blood/substitution fluid mixture and a second blood outlet which discharges filtered blood and a second permeate compartment (12) having a second permeate outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Nephros, Inc.
    Inventors: James Summerton, Gregory R. Collins, Edward Spence
  • Patent number: 6989104
    Abstract: A fuel filter assembly for a combustion engine, including a two-part filter housing, a filter element, and a restriction sensor, including an external visual display apparatus for indicating when to replace the filter element. As fluid pressure increases within the filter housing, the visual display apparatus correspondingly displays the increase in pressure. When the pressure sensor detects an amount of pressure at or in excess of a predetermined amount, the visual display apparatus indicates replacement of the filter element. A modified embodiment including an electronic pressure sensor and a remote display unit is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher R. Reamsnyder, Darryl V. Logan
  • Patent number: 6977041
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing deionized water is provided. Water is supplied to a first conduit. A plurality of reverse osmotic pressure vessels are connected to the first conduit. A filtering experimental vessel is connected to the first conduit, the filtering experimental vessel is separated from the plurality of reverse osmotic pressure vessels. A second conduit is connected to the plurality of reverse osmotic pressure vessels and the filtering experimental vessel for outputting the deionized water. A third conduit is connected to the plurality of reverse osmotic pressure vessels and the filtering experimental vessel for outputting concentrated ion water. The plurality of reverse osmotic pressure vessels and the filtering experimental vessel concurrently or independently separates the supplying water into the deionized water and the concentrated ion water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sun-pil Kim, Seung-geol Choi
  • Patent number: 6966980
    Abstract: The SSF/x slow sand filter for use in treating drinking water for homes or rural villages with features providing simpler on-site assembly, preset maximum flow, easy monitoring of pressure head loss, protection of piping, and a harrowing system for cleaning. The filter employs a novel hydraulic scheme which places most pipe and plumbing within the filter vessel. The filter employs a novel device that combines flow control, pressure measurement, freeze protection, and anti-siphon features. This in combination with a relatively shallow supernatant level provides for consistent reliable operation, easy maintenance, and reasonably long filter runs as deemed very desirable in remote rural locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Humphrey Marshall Blackburn
  • Patent number: 6966979
    Abstract: An infusion control device controls infusion of a liquid in an extracorporeal blood circuit having an arterial pipe connected to an inlet of a blood compartment of a filter and a venous pipe connected to an outlet of the blood compartment. The arterial pipe is also connected to a pre-dilution pipe of an infusion circuit, and the venous pipe is also connected to a post-dilution pipe of said infusion circuit. The infusion control device regulates and distributes an infusion flow rate in the arterial and venous pipes based on a monitoring of quantities that are directly correlated with the operating conditions of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Gambro Hospal (Schweiz) AG
    Inventor: Renato Pedrazzi
  • Patent number: 6964740
    Abstract: A system for separating particles from a contaminated liquid stream includes an apparatus for mixing the liquid with one or more separation enhancement additives and gases. A pressure reducing device having a flow restrictor element within an enlarged tube receives the mixed liquid and creates bubble laden floccs by reducing the pressure of the liquid stream. The pressure reducing device empties into a bloom chamber of a flotation tank, where the bubble laden floccs are directed upwardly to an upper portion of the flotation tank. The flotation tank is configured such that the bubble laden floccs circulate within the upper portion of the flotation tank until they float to the upper surface, while decontaminated liquid flows to a lower portion of the tank for removal. A skimmer removes the floated contaminated floccs from the upper surface of the flotation tank into a dewatering apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventors: Dwain E. Morse, Wade O. Morse, Thomas G. Matherly
  • Patent number: 6951614
    Abstract: A method for filtering liquids, especially drinks, is by a filtering device having at least two filter lines. Each filter line has at least one filter unit with at least one preliminary filter and one terminal filter which can be connected to or disconnected from the respective filter line independently of each other and which can also be independently regenerated. The pressure differential of at least one filter unit on each filter line is measured. Once a predefinable threshold value is reached for the pressure differential, the volume flow entering the device is reduced. The associated filter unit is disconnected from the filter line. The reduced volume flow to be filtered is handled by the corresponding filter unit in the other filter line which is fluidically connected to the filter line between the respective preliminary filter and the respective terminal filter. The disconnected filter unit is regenerated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: E. Begerow GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Elke Brett, Carsten Heinemeyer, Ralf Tesch
  • Patent number: 6946081
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and an apparatus for more efficiently and economically producing purified water from sea water or some other salty or brackish water source. The efficiency is derived from the co-location with a power plant or other thermal generating source that will heat the feed water. Reverse osmosis membrane filtration systems work optimally when the feed water is at certain higher temperature, where that temperature is typically higher than the feed water at ambient temperatures. By using the heated sea water as the byproduct of the power plant electricity generating process and if necessary mixing it with ambient temperature sea water, if needed to lower the water temperature, and using this feed water with a higher temperature than ambient water temperature, the efficiency of the reverse osmosis system can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Poseidon Resources Corporation
    Inventor: Nikolay Voutchkov
  • Patent number: 6936160
    Abstract: A sensor component that may be used in conjunction with a filter module may include a plurality of sensor packages. The latter, in turn, may incorporate one or more micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors to measure various characteristics of fluid flow and filtration. A single sensor component may be adapted to measure the pressure, temperature, flow rate, differential pressure, conductivity, viscosity, pH level, etc. of the fluid at an upstream and a downstream location. Sensor measurements may be obtained continuously in order to monitor and indicate fluid conditions, including the use of a warning mechanism to indicate an out-of-range condition when the measurements fall outside of pre-set limits. Depending on the application and the fluid being filtered, data, including measurement data, may be transmitted through electrical connections or wirelessly. In wireless configurations, a sleep-mode may be included to maximize the life of local power supplies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: PTI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Moscaritolo, Rowland Ellis
  • Patent number: 6929739
    Abstract: A cooling device includes a cooling unit (10) through which a fluid to be cooled, especially hydraulic oil, can flow and a filter unit (12) for filtering fluid. The cooling unit (10) and the filter unit (12) are joined together as one piece. The filter unit (12) is placed together with the cooling unit (10) inside a device housing (14). The cooling device can be constructed in a manner that is considerably more compact and lighter, while having an output that is comparable to that of prior art solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Hydac Fluidtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Patrik Pohl, Guiseppe Zeolla
  • Patent number: 6916424
    Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for a hemodiafiltration delivery module that is used in conjunction with a UF controlled dialysis machine to enable hemodiafiltration therapy to be performed. The advantage is that one can fully utilize a current functioning dialysis machine to perform a hemodiafiltration therapy as opposed to purchasing a completely new machine that offers this capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Nephros, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory R Collins, James Summerton, Edward Spence
  • Patent number: 6911151
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for separating substances by liquid chromatography. The aim of the invention is to provide a device and a method by which means substances can be separated by liquid chromatography under pressure and which enable parallel separation and detection of at least several samples. The device should have a compact, economical construction. To this end, the inventive device for separating substances by liquid chromatography under pressure is characterized in that at least several liquid chromatography separating lines (17) are supplied by a single delivery unit (one or two pumps), said separating lines being arranged so that they run parallel, and in that said separating lines are combined with a sample-loading system (5) and an injection system (18) in the sample introduction area and with a multi-channel detector (13), connected to an evaluation and control unit (16), in the detection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: SEPIAtec GmbH
    Inventors: Lutz Müller-Kuhrt, Ralf God, Holger Gumm, Jörg Binkele
  • Patent number: 6905594
    Abstract: The present invention is a filter apparatus with methods to capture a desired amount of material suspended in a liquid or gas for monolayer deposition, analysis or other uses. Novel filter devices are employed to capture material which may be used for the purification or enrichment of various sample constituents or captured material may be observed or analyzed. Alternatively, particulate material may be used as a transport mechanism for proteins or chemicals which in turn may be assessed or used. The filter device employs sensors to sense pressure and adjust, halt or otherwise control sample flow. The pressure sensor essentially monitors the flow rate of sample suspension through a filter, typically responding at a predetermined pressure associated with capture of a desired amount of material on the filter. A separate valve or valve integrated with pressure sensing provides a means to adjust sample flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: G6 Science Corp.
    Inventor: Gary William Ferguson
  • Patent number: 6899691
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a fluid separation system in response to fluid pressure changes in a fluid flow, said method comprising the steps of sensing a fluid pressure; comparing the fluid pressure to a threshold value, and if the fluid pressure is below the threshold value, then pausing fluid flow for a selected period. During the selected period, either the fluid pressure sensed automatically resolves or the method further comprises a step of setting a fall alarm condition. The method and apparatus may further include interpreting a particular quantity of below threshold fluid pressure occurrences where the fluid pressure is below the threshold value occurring within a particular time period, and then, signalling an alarm. Threshold values may be calculated by the method or apparatus according to a formula such as the following: Threshold Value=Config+75?0.3309*Qin/(1?Hin)?0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Gambro Inc.
    Inventors: Marlene A. Bainbridge, Thomas J. Felt
  • Patent number: 6890315
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for ultrafiltration of blood operating by removing blood from a peripheral blood vessel at a rate of less than two percent of total cardiac output of a patient, extracting fluid at a rate of 0.1 liter to 1.0 liters per hour while retaining cells and proteins in the blood, and returning the concentrated blood to a secondary blood vessel is disclosed. Blood is removed and returned using small gage needles. As a pump circulates blood from the patient, a filter removes ultrafiltrate from the blood using duty cycle or pump control, and a transparent container collects the removed fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: CHF Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard R. Levin, Mark Gelfand, John O'Mahony, Hans-Dietrich Polaschegg
  • Patent number: 6878273
    Abstract: A dialyzing apparatus includes a dialyzer which removes water from blood of a patient at a pre-set water-remove rate, an autonomic-nerve-activity-related-information obtaining device which obtains autonomic-nerve-activity-related information that is related to an activity of an autonomic nerve of the patient, and a water-remove-rate display device which displays a target water-remove rate based on the autonomic-nerve-activity-related information obtained by the autonomic-nerve-activity related-information obtaining device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Colin Corporation
    Inventor: Keizoh Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 6878272
    Abstract: A dialyzing apparatus includes a dialyzer which removes water from blood of a patient at a water-remove rate during a dialysis operation, a blood-pressure-change-related-information obtaining device which obtains a plurality of sorts of blood-pressure-change-related information each of which is related to a change of a blood pressure of the patient during the dialysis operation, and a water-remove-rate control device which controls the water-remove rate of the dialyzer, based on the plurality of sorts of blood-pressure-change-related information, according to a predetermined control manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Colin Corporation
    Inventor: Keizoh Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 6861033
    Abstract: A water supply sub-system for connection to a main water supply system includes a storage tank having an inlet with a flow control valve for connection to the main water supply system. The sub-system may be disconnected from the main system and configured as a closed system for disinfecting the sub-system. An outlet line connects the storage tank to a pump that pumps water from the tank to a sub-system supply line. One or more branch connections may connect the sub-system supply line to high-demand water using devices, such as dialysis machines. The supply line may be a feedback loop. A shunt feedback loop parallel to the feedback loop of the supply line has a pressure control valve that regulates pressure in the supply line feedback loop. A filtration device may also be included to ensure the purity of the water circulating through the sub-system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Gambro, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen M. Mullins, Douglas A. Luehmann, John D. Bielefeld
  • Patent number: 6855249
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a filter module that may incorporate sensors to measure various characteristics of fluid flow and filtration. The sensors may be MEMS and may measure the temperature, flow rate, pressure, etc. of the fluid. One or more MEMS sensors may be included in a sensor package which, in turn, may be included in a sensor component. The latter, which may also include a processor, conductor pins, etc. for data communication, may be coupled to a sensor port in such a way as to allow contact between the sensor(s) and the fluid. Sensor measurements may be used to determine the occurrence of harmful events, such as cavitation or particle breakthrough, or to predict the remaining service life of a filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: PTI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Moscaritolo
  • Patent number: 6837922
    Abstract: An air filter sensor kit and method of using the same for permitting a person to modify the filtering portion of a heating or cooling system that uses an air filter to enable the determination of when the air filter is dirty and needs changing. The air filter sensor kit includes an air filter sensor with a portion shaped for insertion through the air filter and a portion with an indicator for indicating the condition of the air filter. The kit includes an air filter sensor connecting and support member for connecting the air filter sensor to an air filter grill and for supporting the air filter sensor and a cutting tool for cutting a hole in an air filter grill to allow the passage of a portion of the air filter sensor connecting and support member to permit a portion of the air filter sensor to be inserted through the air filter. The air filter sensor kit also includes a cutting tool guide that is adjustable to conform to various configurations of air filter grills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Barney F. Gorin
  • Publication number: 20040262226
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a blood purification apparatus characterized by having a blood osmotic pressure changing means that changes periodically the difference of osmotic pressure between the patient's blood osmotic pressure and the intracellular osmotic pressure of the patient. By using this apparatus, the following effects can be obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Atsushi Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20040262213
    Abstract: A centrifuge with combinations of multiple features is disclosed. In one aspect, a centrifuge for removing more dense material from a fluid medium includes a fluid separation wall placed within a sleeve. The fluid separation wall rotates around the axis of rotation. A receptacle aids in separation of the more dense material from the fluid medium. The receptacle defined in a part by a respective geometry and a respective shape. An opening extends from the void area to the outer surface to transport the more dense material to the containment zone. An excitation apparatus associated with the receptacle creates a vibration within the receptacle. The centrifuge may further include a valve ring including a valve orifice the valve ring having a first position which blocks the more dense material from exiting the receptacle and a second position that allows the more dense material to move into the containment zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Phase Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis Kirker, Berkeley F. Fuller
  • Patent number: 6827846
    Abstract: A T-handle for a filter includes an integral mechanical indicator. The T-handle indicator has a threaded portion that extends through a hole in the filter cover and retains the cover to a canister. The indicator includes a spring-biased button that provides a visual indication of whether the element needs to be replaced. The button is received in a body that is open to the pressure on the downstream side of the filter element. A pair of clips on the button engage the indicator body to retain the button in the inward (element change) position. The clips can be accessed when the T-handle indicator is removed from the filter to return the button to the outward (fresh element) position. The indicator button includes an axially-elongated slot extending radially through the button, and the body includes a corresponding pair of holes on opposite sides of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Steven R. Knight
  • Publication number: 20040238419
    Abstract: The invention relates to an oil filter installation for cleaning or cleaning and dessication of the oil in a tap changer at a power transformer or a plunger core coil, wherein a measuring device for detecting the volume flow of the throughflowing oil is provided and the electric pump motor is influenced by way of an interposed frequency converter in accordance with the result of a comparison of this measured value with a target value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Dieter Dohnal, Karsten Viereck
  • Patent number: 6823718
    Abstract: A sensor component that may be used in conjunction with a filter module may include a plurality of sensor packages. The latter, in turn, may incorporate one or more micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors to measure various characteristics of fluid flow and filtration. A single sensor component may be adapted to measure the pressure, temperature, flow rate, differential pressure, conductivity, viscosity, pH level, etc. of the fluid at an upstream and a downstream location. Sensor measurements may be obtained continuously in order to monitor and indicate fluid conditions, including the use of a warning mechanism to indicate an out-of-range condition when the measurements fall outside of pre-set limits. Depending on the application and the fluid being filtered, data, including measurement data, may be transmitted through electrical connections or wirelessly. In wireless configurations, a sleep-mode may be included to maximize the life of local power supplies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: PTI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Sandford, Fermin A. Sandoval Diaz
  • Patent number: 6821441
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for blood purification by means of hemodialysis and/or hemofiltration, wherein to the blood in the extra-corporeal circuit of the hemodialysis and/or hemofiltration device a substitution solution is added upstream as well as downstream of the hemodialyser and/or hemofilter. A purification effect remaining constant with a high purification performance is achieved in that one or several of the operational and/or blood parameters are controlled and that the control is carried out using at least one of the infusion rates of the substitution solutions supplied upstream or downstream of the hemodialyser and/or hemofilter. The present invention also refers to a hemodialysis and/or hemofiltration apparatus for the performance of the inventive method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Luciano Pedrini, Gerhard Wiesen
  • Publication number: 20040226868
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a filter for trapping foreign matter in which a filtration element can trap foreign matter that is admixed to a fluid present inside the filter with good reliability and a comparatively high trapping ratio. Hydraulic oil that has flown from an opening portion into a guide space of a first flow path guide is guided downward by the first flow path guide and directed toward a second flow path guide. As a result, the oil passes through a very narrow gap, that is, a gap with a cross sectional area of the flow path narrowed so as to increase the flow velocity of the hydraulic oil, a rising flow of the hydraulic oil is formed, and this flow is spouted up by the second flow path guide and guided by the first flow path guide toward a filter element. Foreign matter admixed to the hydraulic oil rises with good intensity together with the hydraulic oil and is moved by the hydraulic oil toward the filter element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Yukio Shoji, Nobumi Yoshida