Fluid Pressure Responsive Patents (Class 210/90)
  • Patent number: 6804991
    Abstract: In order to detect a leakage in a fluid system of a blood treatment apparatus having an extracorporeal blood circuit, the pressure in the fluid system is measured continuously during a predetermined period of the duration of treatment, and the leak rates are calculated from the change in the pressure at predetermined time intervals of the predetermined period of the duration of treatment. The leakage volume in the predetermined period of the duration of treatment is calculated from the leak rates, and the leakage volume is compared with a predetermined limit value. If the leakage volume is greater than the limit value, this indicates a possible loss of leaktightness in the system. This can be verified with a conventional pressure-holding test. The method and device are characterized by the fact that it is not necessary in principle to interrupt the blood treatment in order to detect a loss of leaktightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Balschat, Helmuth Ender, Alfred Gagel, Reiner Spickermann
  • Publication number: 20040200763
    Abstract: A pipe mounting apparatus for a water filter includes a first half body with a top, a first pipe assembly, a second half body with a top, a second pipe assembly and a mounting bracket. The first pipe assembly is formed on the top of the first half body and has a pump inlet and a pump outlet. The second half body is attached to the first half body. Likewise, the second pipe assembly is formed on the top of the second half body and communicates with the first pipe assembly to form a water filtering loop. The mounting bracket is mounted over the two half bodies to support a booster pump. Consequently, the booster pump will be quickly and easily connected to the pump inlet and the pump outlet with fittings or pipes to pump the water into the water filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Po-Chi Liang
  • Publication number: 20040195157
    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: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Applicant: GAMBRO, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen M. Mullins, Douglas A. Luehmann, John D. Bielefeld
  • Publication number: 20040188331
    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: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: PTI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel Moscaritolo
  • Publication number: 20040188330
    Abstract: The apparatus and material transport system conveys water softener salt from the outside of the house or structure to a water softener brine tank located in the basement. The apparatus may be used with existing homes or in newly built construction homes where a spacer sleeve is placed between concrete forms and the concrete foundation wall is poured around the sleeve. The apparatus includes an electrical circuit for automatically monitoring the amount of salt in the brine tank and when the salt is low, automatically ordering a delivery of replacement salt. A single portable loading hopper and elbow assembly is detachable mounted to the exterior wall of the structure for introducing salt into the brine tank. When the brine tank has been loaded, a buzzer is energized telling the responsible person in charge of loading the salt that the brine tank is full of salt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Larry R. Slawson, Robert Allen Wolfbrandt
  • Patent number: 6796955
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling blood flow through an extracorporeal blood circuit having a controller comprising the steps of: withdrawing the blood from a withdrawal blood vessel in a patient into the extracorporeal circuit, treating the blood in the circuit and infusing the treated blood into the patient; detecting an occlusion which at least partially blocks the withdrawal or infusion of the blood; reducing the blood flow rate and the rate of filtration in response to the occlusion, and further prompting the patient to move his arm in an effort to alleviate the occlusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: CHF Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. O'Mahony, Andrew Halpert, Edward G. Rychlick, Mark Gelfand
  • Publication number: 20040178138
    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: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: Phase, Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis Kirker, Berkeley F. Fuller
  • Publication number: 20040154967
    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: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: GAMBRO HOSPAL (Schweiz) AG
    Inventor: Renato Pedrazzi
  • Publication number: 20040144700
    Abstract: Fluid decontamination device includes a base having a fluid passage in it. An observation window is provided in the base for allowing a user to observe a fluid in the fluid passage. A differential pressure indicator, such as a vacuum indicator, is operatively connected to the fluid passage for indicating the relative pressure in the fluid. An indicator light which turns on when the differential pressure in the fluid passage is less than a predetermined differential pressure may be provided on the differential pressure indicator. A filter maybe fluidly connected with the fluid passage for filtering out one or more contaminants present in the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Paul Joseph Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20040144724
    Abstract: A method for the non-intrusive measurement of blood pressure in a circuit (3) of a dialysis machine (1), using a device (24) provided with a sleeve (6) forming a portion of the blood circuit (3) and having at least one part (14) which moves according to the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the sleeve (6), and with an emitter (22) and a receiver (23) 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 (14), in order to measure the displacement of the moving part (14) in such a way as to establish a relationship between the position of the moving part (14) and the pressure of the blood circulating in the sleeve (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Antonio Bosetto, Annalisa Delnevo
  • Publication number: 20040140250
    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: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventor: Humphrey Marshall Blackburn
  • Patent number: 6758975
    Abstract: An automated peritoneal dialysis system for performing continuous peritoneal dialysis is disclosed which includes a fluid circuit for delivering unsterilized dialysate from an uninterrupted supply, and a dialysate sterilization component having at least one in-line sterilization filter assembly disposed in the inflow line segment for realtime sterilization of the unsterilized dialysate during flow prior to patient delivery. A filter test component is operatively associated with the sterilization filter assembly for conducting a realtime integrity test on the filter assembly to test for a filter failure which would allow contaminants into the dialysate prior to patient delivery. If the filter fails the test, the fluid is discarded. In this manner, sterilization of fluid in realtime during a peritoneal dialysis process provides a high rate of dialysate exchange during repeated dialysate fill and drain cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Piedmont Renal Clinic, PA
    Inventors: Alan M. Peabody, Jeffrey J. Shimon, Joel Frederic Jensen
  • Patent number: 6758980
    Abstract: A liquid filter (10) housing an annular filter element (16) has an annular space or inlet chamber (24) between the filter element and the housing and viewable through the housing such that an operator can see the level of liquid in the inlet chamber as an indication of when to replace the filter element, the higher the level of liquid in the inlet chamber the greater the pressure drop across the filter element. A change interval plugging indicator (102), preferably part of the filter element, is provided by a gas trap and pressure responsive release mechanism (104) trapping gas in the upper section (23) of the inlet chamber until a designated release pressure is reached, corresponding to a desired terminal pressure, to prevent premature plugging indication otherwise indicated by rising liquid level in the inlet chamber. Accurate and reliable calibration is enabled by separating the filtration function and the plugging indication function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Fleetguard, Inc.
    Inventors: Ted Franklin Prater, Zemin Jiang, John Scheuren, John W. Clevenger, Jr., Barry M. Verdegan
  • Publication number: 20040118756
    Abstract: A filter module for an automotive fuel supply system includes a housing, a filter mounted in the housing, a pressure regulator conduit mounted in the housing, and a pressure regulator. The housing includes a module inlet and a module outlet. The filter is in fluid communication with the module inlet and the module outlet. The pressure regulator conduit includes a regulator inlet in fluid communication with the filter, regulator outlet, and a receptacle in fluid communication with the regulator inlet and the regulator outlet. The receptacle includes a first surface surrounding an axis, and a second surface surrounding the axis and the first surface to provide a void between the first surface and the second surface. The pressure regulator is mounted in the receptacle to selectively open fluid communication between the regulator inlet and the regulator outlet. The pressure regulator extends into the void between the first surface of the receptacle and the second surface of the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Barry S. Robinson, James A. Wynn,
  • Publication number: 20040094459
    Abstract: A liquid filter (10) housing an annular filter element (16) has an annular space or inlet chamber (24) between the filter element and the housing and viewable through the housing such that an operator can see the level of liquid in the inlet chamber as an indication of when to replace the filter element, the higher the level of liquid in the inlet chamber the greater the pressure drop across the filter element. A change interval plugging indicator (102), preferably part of the filter element, is provided by a gas trap and pressure responsive release mechanism (104) trapping gas in the upper section (23) of the inlet chamber until a designated release pressure is reached, corresponding to a desired terminal pressure, to prevent premature plugging indication otherwise indicated by rising liquid level in the inlet chamber. Accurate and reliable calibration is enabled by separating the filtration function and the plugging indication function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Ted Franklin Prater, Zemin Jiang, John Scheuren, John W. Clevenger, Barry M. Verdegan
  • Patent number: 6736980
    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. 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: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: PTI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Moscaritolo
  • Patent number: 6736789
    Abstract: A method and a device for continuous, noninvasive monitoring of an extracorporeal blood treatment, a patient's blood pressure or a quantity that correlates with the blood pressure is measured and compared with a predetermined limit value. If the measured blood pressure or its relative change drops below the predetermined limit value, an activation or deactivation signal is generated to initiate an intervention in the treatment sequence. The blood treatment machine therefore has a control unit. The continuous, noninvasive measurement of blood pressure is based on a determination of the propagation rate or transit time of the pulse waves produced by the patient's cardiac contractions and their propagation through the arterial system. To determine the pulse wave velocity or transit time, the blood treatment machine has an electrocardiograph and a device for detecting the pulse waves at a location on the patient remote from the heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Reiner Spickermann
  • Patent number: 6733676
    Abstract: A dialyzing system comprises a dialyzer 10 and an ultrafiltration-regulating unit 24 for regulating inflow and out flow of a dialysate to or from the dialyzer 10 to regulate ultrafiltration. The dialyzing system is adapted to determine a blood pressure from a dialysate pressure detected by a pressure transducer 28 at the time of temporary suspension of the ultrafiltration without use of a special line for measurement of pressure in the blood flow line and free from danger of blood leakage from the blood flow line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignees: Nipro Corporation, Nikkiso Co., Ltd., Nextier Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ichiro Takai
  • Patent number: 6730233
    Abstract: A dialysis machine includes an extracorporeal blood circuit having an arterial pipe and a venous pipe respectively connected to an inlet and an outlet of a blood compartment of a filter. The blood compartment and a dialysis liquid compartment of the filter are separated by a semi-permeable membrane. The machine is configured to determine a sequence of infusion of a liquid in the extracorporeal blood circuit, from at least one characteristic value correlated with the concentration of the blood and/or a filtration efficiency of the filter, and to infuse the infusion solution in the arterial pipe and in the venous pipe in accordance with the determined infusion sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Gambro Hospal (Schweiz) AG
    Inventor: Renato Pedrazzi
  • Publication number: 20040079685
    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: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: PTI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Moscaritolo, Michael Sandford
  • Publication number: 20040079686
    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: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: PTI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Moscaritolo, Rowland Ellis
  • Patent number: 6723232
    Abstract: A water purification apparatus for purifying water from a municipal water supply prior to a point of use has multiple water purification units including a carbon filter, a particle filter and an ultraviolet light source connected in series. The carbon filter removes free residual chlorine, the particle filter removes particles including carbon particles from the carbon filter, and the ultraviolet filter kills bacteria. A bypass conduit connected in parallel with the water purification units and valves permit system maintenance during which the water from the supply can flow directly to the point of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: United Export & Import, Inc.
    Inventor: Munir Simon
  • Publication number: 20040069714
    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 means 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: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Gary William Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20040060860
    Abstract: A method for providing a water treatment system for a dialysis clinic includes fabricating a portable water treatment system at a first location away from the dialysis clinic, moving the portable water treatment system from the first location to the dialysis clinic, connecting the portable water treatment system to a source of water, and connecting the portable water treatment system to loop piping for circulating treated water to a plurality of dialysis machines of the clinic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Michael J. Peterson, Richard M. Russell, David H. Albright
  • Patent number: 6709574
    Abstract: A system for filtering and treating waste generated or collected in the water of a fish pond. The system includes a pump, pre-filter, piping, a valve assembly, and a filter media container enclosing a plurality of discrete filter media. The filter media are generally hollow, plastic structures with a plurality of external ribs and internal dividing walls. The filter media has a high surface area-to-volume ratio and can support a high volumetric density of naturally occurring heterotrophic bacteria. The heterotrophic bacteria establish colonies on the internal and external surfaces of the filter media and biologically metabolize waste that is trapped on the media. The bacterial metabolization transforms much of the waste to an aesthetically and biologically neutral form thereby reducing the need for chemical treatment of the pond water. The system includes a backwashing mode to agitate and remove unreacted waste from the system and direct the waste stream out of the system, preferably to be used as fertilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Ron James
  • Patent number: 6685825
    Abstract: A system for treating water includes an ozone injector combined with a monitoring apparatus 400 that includes a flow meter 402 and a pressure sensor 404. The monitoring apparatus includes a flow path 424 having inlets 420, 422 communicating with the inlet 304 and outlet 306 of the ozone injector main water pipe 302. The flow path inlets are spaced respectively upstream and downstream of the ozone injection point. In operation, water filtered in filter 108 is ozonized in venturi 316 and then sterilized by UV lamp 210. The lamp is also used to generate ozone that is delivered to the venturi via check valve 308. The pressure sensor positioned within the flow path produces signals to control the switch of the UV lamp. The flow meter is used to determine when the filter should be replaced. The pressure sensor may be in the form of a silicon chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Senno Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Chang
  • Publication number: 20040016700
    Abstract: A system and a method for determining integrity of a dialyzer are provided. The dialyzer may have a gas, such as, for example, air, within the dialyzer. A liquid chamber may be connected to the dialyzer. Liquid within the liquid chamber may be directed toward the dialyzer. The air within the dialyzer may then be compressed. A monitor may be provided exterior to the dialyzer to measure a pressure decay within the dialyzer as the compressed air exits the dialyzer. A comparison between the pressure decay and a leak threshold associated with the dialyzer may assist in determining whether the dialyzer has a leak wherein the dialyzer is unacceptable for use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Benjamin Kellam, Robert Childers
  • Patent number: 6676831
    Abstract: Modular Pool Safety Controller used with swimming pool or spa. The controller stands alone, or integrated with a prior art controller. Emphasis is on safety of swimmers and pool equipment, providing low entry cost. Other modular features can be added. Safety features; Swimmer Protection: Excess Suction triggers latched pump shut-down and suction dump valve that admits air into the pump inlet, instantly releasing suction entrapment. When reduced daylight combines with swimmer activity, Pool Lights are turned on. Remote Control provides Emergency shut-down. Equipment Protection: Low pump Pressure triggers latched pump shut-down. Remote Control initiates draining high water levels. Portable Intelligent Remote Alarms (PIRA) offer specific voice messages when pump shut-down occurs; guidance concerning cause and actions required, plus chimes and red lights. After Startup PIRA delivers a green OK light and specific voice message confirming the communications link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Lawrence Wolfe
  • Patent number: 6673240
    Abstract: A control system for an upflow clarification tank comprises a regulator for controlling one or more characteristics of the flow within the tank (such as the power, pressure, velocity, momentum, or velocity head of the flow), a sensor for measuring one or more of the characteristics of the flow, and a linkage that automatically adjusts the regulator to a desired setting based on the sensor measurement. A processor may be used to determine the desired setting for the regulator. The control system may also include structure enabling the operator to manually select between multiple methods for determining the desired setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventors: John J. Fassbender, Donald Neil Ruehrwein
  • Publication number: 20040000509
    Abstract: A screw pressing type filtering apparatus that discharges a treated substance having a constant water content, including a screw rotatably provided inside a substantially cylindrical filter body so that a substance supplied to the space between the screw and the filter body is filtered by the filter body while being conveyed by the rotating screw. The apparatus further includes: a back pressure valve installed in the discharge port of the filter body to restrict the discharge amount of the filtered substance, an air cylinder that supplies a pressure to the back pressure valve, a valve opening detector which detects the opening amount of the back pressure valve relative to the discharge port, and a control section which controls the air cylinder based upon the detection results of the valve opening detector so that a pressure that corresponds to the degree of opening is supplied to the back pressure valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Applicant: Tsukishima Kikai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Murasawa, Yoshiyuki Moro, Tetsuhiro Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 6666970
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting water intrusion tests on hydrophobic filtration units is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Sartorius AG
    Inventors: Maik W. Jornitz, Hans-Jürgen Spanier
  • Publication number: 20030230521
    Abstract: Presteralized manifolds are provided which are designed for sterile packaging and single-use approaches. Disposable tubing and flexible-wall containers are assembled via aseptic connectors. These manifolds interact with at least one remotely controlled pinch valve which engages only the outside surface of the manifold tubing. Such manifold and pinch valve systems can be used in conjuntion with a peristaltic type of pump, which, together with the remotely operated pinch valve, can be operated by a controller which provides automated and accurate delivery of biotechnology fluid in an aseptic environment while avoiding or reducing cleaning and quality assurance procedures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: Karl G. Schick
  • Publication number: 20030226790
    Abstract: A filter system in which a housing and an environmentally friendly filter cartridge are coordinated to provide ease of change of the filter cartridge and reliable operation. The cartridge contains no metal parts and is readily incinerateable. The housing is provided with a number of “universality” features including a changeable bottom which allows the housing to operate as a fuel filter, a lubrication filter, or a hydraulic filter in different applications. The housing and cartridge are configured to provide support for the plastic elements of the cartridge to prevent crushing of the filter under normal and abnormal filter operating conditions. A key system associated with the cartridge and the housing provides assurance that the correct filter is installed for a particular application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Applicant: Baldwin Filters, Inc.
    Inventors: Gene W. Brown, Steven J. Merritt
  • Publication number: 20030226809
    Abstract: An oil circulation system that monitors filter life and can notify the operator of the oil filter life status. The oil filter life is calculated based upon oil pressure sensors on the inlet and outlet of the oil filter. Pressure drop, oil temperature, and engine speed from the tachometer are factored into an algorithm to calculate the percentage of oil filter life remaining. If the percentage is below the predetermined level, the system will warn the operator to change the filter. If the percentage is above the predetermined level, the system will record the extent of oil filter life remaining and repeat the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Applicant: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Zagone, S. Miller Weisman II, Ann W. Rock
  • Patent number: 6652740
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining hydraulic pressure within a pressure sensing fluid filter assembly includes a pressure-sensing polymer thick film transducer associated with an oil filter assembly. Preferably, pressure sensors are provided on both the oil inlet and outlet areas of the filter. The pressure-sensing transducers send signals to a control module, which may compare pressure readouts at the inlet and outlet sides of the filter. Based on the pressure in the filter, the on-board sensing system will detect a clogged filter condition, and if necessary, the control module will send a signal to an in-dash display terminal, to indicate that an oil change is needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey N. Schoess
  • Patent number: 6649047
    Abstract: A protection system arranged to prevent a large trans-membrane pressure difference over a pressure sensitive membrane (4) fitted in a pressure resistant chamber (3), wherein the membrane forms a physical barrier between a liquid and a gas mixture carried through the chamber (3), the protection system includes two shut-off valves (9, 10) provided in the liquid inlet and outlet lines respectively, a buffer tank (3) provided in the line between one of the shut-off valves (9, 10) and the pressure resistant chamber (3), a pressure equalizing valve (12) provided between the gas inlet line (8) and the buffer tank (2) and a pressure sensing valve (14) for measuring the pressure difference over the membrane (4) and which activates the shut-off valves (9, 10) once this pressure difference exceeds a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: K.V. Aerner Process Systems AS
    Inventor: Nils T. Ottestad
  • Patent number: 6649046
    Abstract: A device for measuring the pressure of blood in a pipe (44) of an extracoporeal blood cicuit, includes a pressure measurement section (46) having a compartment (58) which is delimited especially by a main wall (64) and by a secondary wall (65) facing it. The two walls (64, 65) have a hole (66, 84) which is closed by a closure element (68, 86) which can be elastically deformed under the effect of the blood pressure, and the compartment (58) has a spacer (94) which transmits the movements from the closure element (86) of the secondary wall (65) to the closure element (68) of the main wall (64), so that a load sensor (56) can measure a force which corresponds to a so-called “negative” blood pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Hospal International Marketing Management
    Inventor: Jacques Chevallet
  • Patent number: 6645277
    Abstract: A filter device for the filtration of compressed air, which is provided with a filter means (6) able to be deinstalled for cleaning and/or renewal purposes. Furthermore there is a detection means (52) which renders possible detection of the filter means (6) and which is able to produce an electrical detect signal dependent on the result of a detection operation, such signal being able to be employed for suitable purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventors: Jochen Franz, Günter Gebauer
  • Publication number: 20030205510
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and process for cleaning substrates using dense fluids under the influence of a continuous centrifugal force. Dense fluid centrifugal separations resolve many problems associated with conventional dense fluid cleaning technology. These include elimination of pooling and supercooling of liquid carbon dioxide trapped within pores and cavities of a substrate—leading to formation of dry ice and recontamination of substrate, ability to precision clean using one unit volume of dense fluid per cleaning operation and ability to remove small insoluble particles from deep voids or cavities. The present invention can perform solvent-aided separation processes heretofore not possible using conventional dense fluid technology. These include liquid-liquid, liquid-supercritical-fluid, froth flotation and centrifugal phase-shift separations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: David P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6641742
    Abstract: An annular space or inlet chamber 24 between the filter element 16 and housing of a liquid filter is viewable such that an operator can see the level of liquid in the inlet chamber as an indication of when to replace the filter element: the higher the liquid level, the greater the pressure drop across the filter element. A change interval plugging indicator includes a porous outer wrap 50 that traps gas in an upper section 23 of the inlet chamber below a designated release pressure and releases trapped gas upon attainment of the release pressure causing a rapid rise in liquid level within the housing and corresponding to a desired terminal pressure. The indicator prevents premature plugging indication otherwise indicated by a slowly rising liquid in the chamber. Accurate and reliable calibration is enabled by separating the filtering and indicating functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Fleetguard, Inc.
    Inventors: Ted Franklin Prater, Zemin Jiang, John Scheuren, John W. Clevenger, Jr., Barry M. Verdegan
  • Patent number: 6638433
    Abstract: A system for controlling the operation and performance of water-only cyclones used in coal preparation plants for separating a fine raw coal slurry into fine coal and fine refuse slurries includes a variable speed pump for feeding the slurry from an underpan of a deslime screen to a water-only cyclone. A nuclear density gauge measures the specific gravity of the slurry feeding the cyclones and generates a signal used to control the addition of water. A level sensor measures the level of the fine raw coal slurry in the underpan. A pressure sensor measures the pressure of the fine raw coal slurry pumped to the water-only cyclone. A speed control device uses signals from the level and pressure sensors to control the speed of the pump in order to maintain an appropriate level of slurry in the underpan, and an appropriate feed pressure to the water-only cyclone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Sedgman, LLC
    Inventors: Larry A. Watters, Daniel S. Placha
  • Publication number: 20030173271
    Abstract: A system is provided for controlling the operation and performance of water-only cyclones used in a coal preparation plants for separating a fine raw coal slurry into fine coal and fine refuse slurries. The inventive system includes a variable speed pump feeding the fine raw coal slurry from an underpan of a deslime screen to a water-only cyclone. A nuclear density gauge measures the specific gravity of the raw coal slurry feeding the water-only cyclones and generates a signal representative of the measured specific gravity value, which is then used to control the addition of water to maintain a set point specific gravity. A level sensor measures the level of the fine raw coal slurry in the underpan and generates a signal representative of the measured level value. A pressure sensor measures the pressure of the fine raw coal slurry pumped to the water-only cyclone and generates a signal representative of the measured pressure value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Larry A. Watters, Daniel S. Placha
  • Publication number: 20030173286
    Abstract: A hydraulic filter includes a canister extending along the longitudinal axis. A closed end cap is at one end of the canister for closing one end thereof. A removable filter element is contained within the canister and a modular one-piece input end cap is at an end of the canister. The one-piece input end cap includes a hydraulic input chamber and a hydraulic output chamber which can be positioned in any one of three mutually perpendicular directions. The one-piece input end cap also allows for sensors to be positioned in any one of three mutually perpendicular directions. In addition, the one-piece input end cap can be utilized in base-ported or top-ported configurations while also allowing for side-to-side or side-to-end configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: Alco Industries, Inc. d/b/a Schroeder Industries
    Inventors: Steven R. Evanovich, Alexander D. Kiderman, Michael J. Schmitt, Justin Dow
  • Patent number: 6620314
    Abstract: A unit 1 for producing pyrogen controlled water on a small to medium factory scale comprises a number of charged ultrafiltration units 10 arranged in parallel. Orifice plates 15 are used to restrict and control the flow of deionized water to each filter 10. The filter units 10 are mounted on a frame 2 with a wheeled chassis 3 which may be pushed or moved by a forklift truck to a site where pyrogen controlled water is required. The unit 1 has an inlet line 4 for connection to a supply of deionized water and an outlet line 6 for connection to a user of pyrogen controlled water. The unit 1 may be purged with nitrogen from a supply 18. Sampling ports 17 in a common supply inlet 4 and a common outlet 6 ensure that the filtration efficiency can be closely monitored. The flow of water is monitored by a flowmeter 19 and pressure sensors 16 upstream of each filter facilitate a high level of control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Warner-Lambert Company
    Inventors: William Tully, Evelyn Madigan
  • Patent number: 6616839
    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: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Dialysis Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Peterson, Richard M. Russell, David H. Albright
  • Publication number: 20030159977
    Abstract: Water dispenser, which comprises, in addition to a water container, a filter element contained within a filter housing having an inlet and a dispensing outlet, a source of pressure and first valve and first conduit means for feeding water from the container to the filter housing inlet; means for feeding gas to the filter inlet to create gas pressure at the inlet, consisting of a reservoir, and the control means comprise the third conduit and valve means for permitting or preventing the admission of water into the reservoir, second valve and conduit means for controlling the level of the water in the reservoir, a pressure gauge for monitoring the pressure at the filter inlet; and control means for controlling the gas feeding means to cause or stop the feeding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Applicant: SODA-CLUB (CO2) ATLANTIC GMBH
    Inventors: Gerald Tanny, Peter Hulley, Michael Anthony Thomson
  • Patent number: 6607669
    Abstract: A system is provided for proceeding with filtration of liquids in a manner having enhanced control characteristics. Yields are enhanced. The system and method can be used to maintain a substantially constant trans-membrane pressure. When desired, that constant trans-membrane pressure is especially well-suited to yield enhancement for the particular liquid being filtered, concentrated or collected, while minimizing a risk of damage to or loss of valuable components. Additionally, a constant feed rate or pump output can be maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: SciLog, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl G. Schick
  • Patent number: 6607668
    Abstract: Water purifier using membranes, ion exchange resins and electricity to remove ionic, organic and suspended impurities from water to produce high quality, pure water. Supply water is pre-treated by directing it first into a sediment pre-filter module, a softener module and a sediment removal and dechlorination module. The pre-treated water is supplied to a reverse osmosis module which separates the water into two streams (a purified water stream and a concentrate stream) by collecting fluids from both sides of pressurized membranes. The purified water is passed to an electrodeionization module which further purifies the water and directs the water to an ultraviolet sterilization module. The concentrate stream is divided into a recycle stream which is passed to the inlet of the reverse osmosis module and a waste concentrate stream which flows to an outlet of the machine. A control method for the water purifier is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Technology Ventures, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Rela
  • Patent number: 6605209
    Abstract: A self-sustaining non-biodegradable waste breakdown system has a preprocessing assembly, a heating assembly, a reaction assembly and a filtering assembly. The reaction assembly has a filtering layer to retain long chain molecules of the melted waste for continuous breakdown so as to change the long chain molecules into short chain molecules. The filtering-adjusting mechanism of the filtering assembly recycles the medium with a special concentration, viscosity and heat resistance in the reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Green Formosa Energy Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-En Lei, Fu-Jung Huang, Wen-Pin Wu, Shyh-Shin Chen, Joe Yueh Chou
  • Publication number: 20030141227
    Abstract: It is an object to solve problems incidental to the passage piping of a hemodialyzer, and more specifically to provide a hemodialyzer which is small-sized and inexpensive and has a great safety. As means for solving the problems, there is provided a hemodialyzer comprising dialytic basic devices such as a dialyzer, and fluid control devices such as a valve to be provided in a dialysis circuit, wherein a fluid passage block provided with a port for connecting the various devices is included and a fluid connecting circuit is formed between the ports in the block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: Teijin Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyozumi Fukui, Takuma Endo