Abstract: An artificial kidney comprises an exchanger (1) having two compartments (2, 3) separated by a semipermeable membrane (4), a first compartment (2) being connected to a circuit (5, 7) for extracorporeal blood circulation, the second compartment (3) having an outlet for draining waste liquid. Means (22, 25) are provided for controlling the flow rate (Q.sub.A) of a sterile solution containing a substance (A) to be perfused into the circuit (5, 7) for conveying a flow of blood outside the body, which flow rate is controlled as a function of the flow rate (Q.sub.OUT) of waste liquid. This kidney makes it possible to dose a substance such as a medicine, glucose or bicarbonate, accurately into the blood of a patient undergoing treatment by hemofiltration, hemodialysis, or hemodiafiltration.
Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for separating into solid material and liquid a mixture thereof. The apparatus includes a movable filtering element for filtering the mixture, a feed device for supplying the mixture onto the filtering element, a suction device for drawing off liquid from the mixture through the filtering element and a measuring device for measuring the area or areas on the filtering element where the liquid is predominantly to be found.
Abstract: An apparatus for separating a liquid by pervaporation, which comprises at least one pervaporation membrane module unit for purifying a liquid to be treated, a supply line connected to said pervaporation membrane module unit for supplying the liquid to be treated to the membrane module unit, a withdrawing line for withdrawing the permeated fluid from the membrane module unit and a withdrawing line for withdrawing the non-permeated liquid, wherein said supply line is provided with a pressure pump for transporting the liquid and a heater, and the final withdrawing line for the non-permeated liquid is provided with a pressure regulating valve.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 24, 1994
Date of Patent:
September 17, 1996
Assignees:
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Mitsubishi Kasei Engineering Corporation
Abstract: A blood processor for separating blood into cellular blood components and blood fluids including means for receiving a source of blood whose components are to be separated; means, operatively associated with the means for receiving, for separating cellular blood components from blood fluids, the means for separating including means for permitting passage therethrough of blood fluids but inhibiting the passage of blood components therethrough; a pulsating pump for pumping blood from the means for receiving into the means for separating and for agitating the blood within the means for separating; and, wherein the cellular components in the blood are inhibited from blocking the means for permitting passage, thereby facilitating the movement of blood fluids through the means for permitting passage.
Abstract: An ultraviolet-based or dual mode water purifying system operates under household water pressure to provide a batch treatment of contaminated water. Treated water is stored in a pressurized reservoir, from which it may be released for use. A treatment cycle is initiated by a drop in pressure within the system, which occurs when sufficient water has been withdrawn from the reservoir. The pressure drop is detected by a pressure gauge linked to a UV lamp dimmer, which causes the UV lamp to change from a reduced-output standby mode to an operative mode. The dimmer may be further linked to a thermostatic switch positioned adjacent the lamp, to reduce the output of the lamp when the temperature exceeds a predetermined level, and to a backwash event control, to increase the lamp output to the operative level during filter backwash.
Abstract: A point of use water purification system for home use is provided comprising a carbon block filter housed in a self-contained disposable pressure vessel for removing particulates and organic contaminants from water. The filter is provided with a pore-size distribution, a binder and a flow path which optimizes filtration performance and enhances microbiological kill rates obtained in a source of radiant energy which is used to kill microorganisms in the filtered water. The source of radiant energy comprises an ultraviolet discharge lamp having an elongate central axis and a diverter for providing a spiral plug flow of water about the discharge lamp. A flow regulator adjusts flow through the system for varying line pressure conditions to ensure adequate exposure of microorganisms to ultraviolet energy. A lamp control circuit conserves power and optimizes ultraviolet output.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 22, 1993
Date of Patent:
July 16, 1996
Assignee:
Amway Corporation
Inventors:
Roy W. Kuennen, Robin M. Dykhouse, Dennis J. Kool, Ronald C. Markham, Bradley J. Pippel, Dennis E. Kidd, Merlin G. Tiede
Abstract: An integral structure is provided for chemical processing and manufacture, in which a plurality of laminae are joined together and having inlet and outlet ports connected by a three dimensionally tortuous channel. Chemicals are introduced through the inlet ports and processed along the channel, with desirable product withdrawn through the outlet ports. The laminae are of materials selected to be compatible with the chemical process, from the group consisting of elements of groups III, IV or V of the Periodic Table, ceramics, glasses, polymers, composites and metals. Processes of manufacture of the apparatus and processes utilizing the apparatus are also disclosed herein.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 2, 1993
Date of Patent:
July 9, 1996
Assignee:
E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
Inventors:
James W. Ashmead, Charles T. Blaisdell, Melvin H. Johnson, Jack K. Nyquist, Joseph A. Perrotto, James F. Ryley, Jr.
Abstract: The dialysis apparatus in accordance with the present invention is provided with main piping connecting a blood inlet and a blood outlet, and having disposed therealong a blood pump, a dialyzer, and a venous-side chamber, in that order from the blood inlet side; and with a supplementary fluid supply mechanism, which is connected between the blood inlet and the blood pump through the medium of a branch pipe branching from the main piping; this apparatus is furthermore provided with a first clamp provided between the blood inlet and the blood pump of the main piping, a second clamp provided between the venous-side chamber and the blood outlet, and a third clamp provided on the branch pipe. In addition, by means of this dialysis apparatus, it is possible to reliably and easily return blood within the main piping of the dialysis apparatus to the body of the patient after the completion of blood dialysis.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 2, 1993
Date of Patent:
June 25, 1996
Assignees:
Senko Medical Instrument Mfg. Co., Ltd., San Ai Memorial Clinic
Abstract: In a dialysis apparatus having a dialyzer and a single balance chamber, the internal volume of the balance chamber is preferably at most 2/3 of the volume of the dialysis fluid chamber within the dialyzer. As a result, during the dialysis fluid recirculation cycle, at most 2/3 of the volume of fluid within the dialysis fluid chamber will be replaced by fresh dialysis fluid. Preferably, the duration of the recirculation cycle is approximately equal to the duration of the balance chamber filling cycle.
Abstract: A device for cleaning caustic liquor mixtures containing lime, comprising a closed chamber 7 for the caustic liquor mixture to be cleaned with an upper horizontal wall 5, to which a number of hollow filter elements 8 are attached. The filter elements extend downwardly in the chamber and communicate with the latter via a great number of filtrate holes 9 in the filter elements. Each filter element is provided with a filter material 10, which covers the filtrate holes. According to the invention, the filtrate holes 9 are arranged below a horizontal plane P, which is situated below and at a distance from the horizontal wall 5 such that during operation gas is enclosed between the wall and the uncleaned caustic liquor mixture. As a result the caustic liquor mixture in the chamber is prevented from contacting the wall 5, which counteracts the formation of permanent tight layers of lime on the filter material.
Abstract: An arrangement for, and a method of, treating fluids, e.g., conditioning water in a pipe to resist scale deposits from building up in the pipe, comprise a primary coil mounted exteriorly of the pipe, and an electronic circuit for energizing the primary coil to generate a succession of radio frequency signals that form an electromagnetic field in the water. The field has generally circular flux lines in generally co-axial relation with the pipe, and is propagated along the entire pipe.
Abstract: System to re-circulate the treatment material in processes of surface treatment and finishing, which can be employed in association with a pickling and/or acid washing plant (12) or in association with a plant (12) for metal-coating with heat, the plant (12) comprising at least one dip tank (13) containing the treatment material (11), which is caused to circulate advantageously in countercurrent to the material to be treated, which is advantageously strip (14), the treatment material (11) being able to consist of acid baths or molten metal, such as zinc or aluminum, the dip tank (13) comprising a discharge conduit (18) and a feeder conduit (17), the system comprising at least two vessels (16a-16b) which can be hermetically sealed and are of a type resistant to pressure and which are positioned in parallel and associated with the discharge conduit (18) and with the feeder conduit (17), each of the vessels (16a-16b) including an independent inlet closure (20) and an independent outlet closure (19), each of the
Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for treating wastewater in a recirculating filter is disclosed. Solids are removed from the wastewater by gravitational separation and the wastewater is flowed to a tank. At least a portion of the wastewater is flowed from the tank to a filter comprised of filter media and flowed through the media to produce a filtrate. The amount of wastewater in the tank is sensed. When the amount of wastewater sensed is at least a predetermined amount, a fraction, less than all but more than none, of the filtrate is returned to the tank. When the amount of wastewater is less than the predetermined amount, more than the fraction of filtrate is returned to the tank by decreasing resistance to flow of the filtrate to the tank. The apparatus includes a tank and a filter interconnected by a conduit for conducting liquid from the tank to the filter. A conduit assembly interconnects a filter outlet and a discharge conduit for conducting liquid from the filter to the discharge conduit.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 28, 1994
Date of Patent:
January 2, 1996
Assignee:
Orenco Systems, Inc.
Inventors:
Harold L. Ball, Eric S. Ball, Jeffrey L. Ball, Terry R. Bounds
Abstract: A device and method are provided for controlling the balance of fluids during an extracorporeal blood treatment session, according to which treatment, a certain quantity of liquid is withdrawn from the blood which is compensated for by the injection of a substitute liquid into the extracorporeal circuit. A recirculation circuit is provided and pressure is monitored. A pressure deviation within the recirculation circuit reflects a change in the balance between the quantity of liquid withdrawn from the blood and the quantity of liquid injected into the blood, and injection and/or withdrawal rates are altered to obtain a desired balance. The device and method are especially applicable to haemofiltration, haemodiafiltration and plasmapheresis.
Abstract: A waste water treatment system is illustrated which can be configured to be portable and which minimizes the addition of solids to be disposed of through the use of ozone for contaminant reduction to basic elements after the pH value of the waste water to be treated is properly adjusted. This ozone in one stage is combined with ultrasound to cause coagulation and precipitation. In another stage, ozone and ultraviolet light are used in a reduction process. Ion alignment using a magnetic field and an electrochemical flocculation process to which the waste water is subjected causes further coagulation and precipitation. As designed, the system can operate continuously with redundancy at appropriate points so that removal of solids from the filtration units can occur simultaneous with the overall decontamination process.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 6, 1994
Date of Patent:
November 14, 1995
Assignee:
Environmental Restoration Services, Inc.
Abstract: A filter apparatus of the dynamic mass granular filter type, for filtering contaminants from a liquid includes a vessel which contains a first chamber, a second chamber and a conduit pipe which connects the two chambers. The first chamber includes a sump defined by vertical walls and a flat bottom, and supports a dynamic filter bed of granular filter material. The second chamber receives a portion of the mass of granular filter material drawn from the filter bed in the sump and a portion of the liquid, in a flow of liquid through the conduit pipe and cleans and returns the portion of the mass of granular material to the dynamic filter bed through an opening in the second chamber, the size of which is adjustable from a position remote from the vessel. A filtrate recovery chamber, positioned within the dynamic filter bed, has perforated side walls for passing filtrate into the recovery chamber. The side walls are parallel with the movement of the filter materials passing the filtrate recovery chamber.
Abstract: In a process for filtering plasma by separating blood into blood cells and plasma by a primary filter and filtering the separated plasma by a secondary filter to remove macromolecules from the plasma as harmful components, the loss of plasma to be discarded from the system by a procedure for eliminating plugging of the secondary filter can be diminished by opening an inner chamber of the secondary filter to the atmosphere to thereby lower the internal pressure of the chamber every time increase of the pressure to an upper limit value due to an increasing plugging tendency of the secondary filter is detected, and washing the interior of the secondary filter from the inner and outer chamber sides after the internal pressure has lowered.
Abstract: An apparatus for extracting liquids different in kind from a flexible primary container storing therein liquid components fractionated into three layers to some satellite containers, by virtue of forming a adhering portion inside the primary container, and communicating with a first outlet and a second outlet, and guiding the upper liquid component to either outlets and the lower liquid component to the remaining outlet.
Abstract: A closed loop system for processing the effluent of drilling mud, cuttings, diesel, water and ultrafines includes a first mechanism for separating the cuttings from the mud, ultrafines and diesel utilizing washing fluid and shaking mechanisms. A second system is also provided to separate the majority of the diesel and water and ultrafines into water and diesel and ultrafines separately.
Abstract: A clarifier is disclosed with a cover or roof configured and disposed to minimize headspace between a top level of liquid in a clarifier vessel and a bottom of the roof. In one aspect the roof or cover includes one or more removable panels which permit access to a clarifier vessel's interior; the panels removably secured to a purlin system which is connected to a truss support secured to the vessel. In one aspect one or more circumferential purge air inlets are provided through which flow purge air. Purge air and gaseous material emitted from a mixture in the clarifier flow to a vent or vents through which they exit the clarifier. In one aspect the air inlet or inlets are disposed to provide uniform flow from the inlets to the vents. In one aspect one or more roof panels is connected with a known force and has a known rupture strength so that before explosive damage to other parts of the clarifier the panel is explosively disconnected and ruptured to relieve pressure in the clarifier.
Abstract: Apparatus combination and system for reducing use of fresh water in a photoprocessing operation by recirculation of the wash water to the photoprocessing operation via a silver recovery system. Wash water is periodically discharged to waste and a like amount of fresh water is added to the system which serves to reduce the concentration of thiosulfate ions in the wash water.
Abstract: Industrial filtration apparatus for the separation of solids entrained in a fluid stream comprises: a flexible perforate filtering sleeve closed at one end such that fluid can pass through perforations in the sleeve but entrained solids of a predetermined size are retained within the closed end of the sleeve. The apparatus has a structure for holding the sleeve about a discharge pipe for the fluid at a point between the closed and open ends of the sleeve, and for restraining movement of the sleeve away from the pipe; the apparatus is adapted such that in response to a predetermined fluid (e.g. hydraulic) pressure within the sleeve between its closed end and the discharge pipe, the closed end is allowed to be displaced away from the discharge pipe, thereby drawing a portion of the sleeve nearer its open end into a position forward of the pipe to expose said portion to the fluid stream.
Abstract: An apparatus for gas entrainment of wastewater in an anaerobic wastewater treatment system, the use of which includes the steps of withdrawing wastewater from an anaerobic digester and piping it into a flotation container. Thereafter the wastewater is pumped into a free standing tank having pressure in the tank maintained at a predetermined level through the injection into the tank of compressed gas generated by anaerobic digestion occurring in the treatment system. The wastewater is removed from the tank and pumped through a multiple jet configuration wherein gas from the tank is entrained in the wastewater as the water is injected back into the tank. The gas entrained water is then discharged from the tank back into the flotation container where the gas bubbles particles to the surface of the water to form a sludge layer.
Abstract: An aqueous emulsion accumulating and breaking system for an offshore drilling or hydrocarbon producing platform, located at an offshore operating site. The system is comprised of a primary emulsion separator, which receives untreated aqueous emulsion and includes a hydrocarbon component, and further includes an emulsion accumulating system of conductors which collect rainwater and discharge it into the separator or to a secondary accumulating tank. A control system in the emulsion separator includes a liquid level monitor, which activates a flow regulating valve at the separator inlet to adjust the influx of the aqueous emulsion as a function of the emulsion level within the separator.
Abstract: A filtration device includes an ultrafilter having an inlet chamber, an outlet chamber, and an ultrafiltration membrane separating the inlet chamber from the outlet chamber. An inlet line flow connects the inlet chamber to a source of dialysis liquid. Pressure sensors determine pressure values on opposite sides of the membrane, and a controller calculates a transmembrane pressure therefrom and compares the calculated transmembrane pressure with a predetermined threshold value. If the threshold value is reached, the controller emits a threshold signal to either warn an operator or alternatively to automatically divert flow to bypass the ultrafilter.
Abstract: Described is a chemical feeder comprising a housing having a base and upwardly extending side walls that define a cavity for containing solid chemical material, e.g., calcium hypochlorite. A hollow coaxial chamber is located within the cavity and is seated on the base. The side walls of the chamber are spaced from the side walls of the housing, thereby to define an annular collection zone. A grid having a plurality of perforations covers the hollow coaxial chamber and has a flange associated with the edge of the grid, the perimeter of the flange being adjacent to, or close to but spaced from, the walls of the housing, thereby to permit liquid communication between the portion of the housing cavity above the grid with the collection zone. An inlet conduit is used to supply dissolving liquid to the hollow chamber. An outlet conduit from the annular collection zone to outside the housing wall removes liquid solution of solid chemical material from the collection zone.
Abstract: An automatic system to precisely maintain bactericidal action in a reservoir of water equipped with a recirculation system, such as a swimming pool, decorative fountain, spa, cooling water reservoir or the like. The automatic system includes: a service loop which bypasses a portion of the recirculating water past sensors which measure the pH and oxygen reduction potential (ORP) of the water and in which acid and halogen are injected by a chemical feed unit; an electronics unit for determining the injection quantity of the acid and/or halogen needed to restore pH and ORP to stored set-points, and for controlling the chemical feed unit in response to the injection time determination; and an optional telecommunication unit for reporting process control status to a remote location and allowing modification of the process parameters, selection of operating modes, and performance of diagnostic tests from the remote location.
Abstract: The water remediation and purification apparatus includes a cavitation nozzle which is operated with a throat size and pressure drop to incur cavitation in the water. The explosive and implosive bubble growth and collapse produces free radicals which interact with contaminants in the water to oxidize the contaminants. The cavitation process is enhanced by (1) a variable throat nozzle, (2) recycling the product back through the nozzle for further oxidation, and (3) programmable control feedback. Subsequent ultraviolet radiation from high energy lamps, ion exchange and/or degassifying treatment can be employed to produce water quality within acceptable levels.
Abstract: An apparatus for dissolving a solid chemical material including a housing having a base and sidewalls that define a cavity within which is seated a container that is spaced from the housing sidewalls and covered with a grid is described. A flange connects the upper end of the housing sidewall to the container sidewall above the grid. A plurality of arrayed openings in the container sidewall above the grid and below the flange level leads to an annular collection zone in the housing. An outlet discharge pipe is connected to the collection zone and an inlet pipe for charging dissolving liquid communicates with the container below the grid.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 28, 1993
Date of Patent:
January 24, 1995
Assignee:
PPG Industries, Inc.
Inventors:
Richard H. Ferguson, Charles R. Wiedrich
Abstract: A filter backflushing system including either a pneumatically-driven piston or pneumatic accumulator for propelling a supply of a filtered backflushing fluid, contained in a backflushing fluid chamber, in a reverse direction through a filter element. The filter backflushing system provides a high intensity, substantially instantaneous, constant pressure backflushing flow which effectively removes clogging contaminants from the filter element.
Abstract: The artificial kidney includes an exchanger having two compartments separated by a semipermeable membrane, the first compartment of which is connected to a circuit for conveying a flow of blood outside the body. A source of treatment liquid is provided, and a control unit selectively connects the source to either the inlet of the second compartment of the exchanger or to the blood circuit as a function of the transmembrane pressure. This kidney provides optimum purification treatment for patients suffering from temporary kidney failure.
Abstract: A multipurpose hemofiltration system and method are disclosed for the removal of fluid and/or soluble waste from the blood of a patient. The system and method are equally applicable to adult, pediatric and neonatal patients. The system continuously monitors the weight of infusate in a first reservoir and drained fluid in a second reservoir and compares those weights to corresponding predetermined computed weights. When necessary, the pumping rates of the infusate, drained fluid and blood are adjusted in order to achieve a preselected amount of fluid removal from the patient's blood in a preselected time period. Application of this system and method provide repeatable and highly precise results.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 17, 1993
Date of Patent:
September 6, 1994
Assignee:
Children's Hospital Medical Center
Inventors:
Yuli Kitaevich, Nat Hemasilpin, J. Gabriel Marchevsky, John J. Bissler, George Benzing, III, Paul T. McEnery
Abstract: Polymer is recovered by ultrafiltration from a whitewater waste stream generated during the production of a polymer latex. The whitewater stream is circulated through an ultrafiltration system in laminar flow, under conditions of shear insufficient to destabilize the whitewater emulsion, and the recovered polymer is in the form of an emulsion which may be blended at significant levels into the original polymer latex without degrading its performance properties.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 15, 1992
Date of Patent:
August 30, 1994
Assignee:
Rohm and Haas Company
Inventors:
Randall G. Buckley, George L. Eastburn, Marion C. Schmitz, Barry R. Breslau, Shawn P. Tansey
Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the calibration of a pair of sensors placed in a dialysis circuit. The method includes performing at least one step for determining an auxiliary calibration coefficient for the intake sensor, performing at least one step for determining an auxiliary calibration coefficient for the outlet sensor, and in determining on the basis of at least one auxiliary calibration coefficient, a new calibration coefficient for the two sensors.
Abstract: The water remediation and purification apparatus includes a cavitation nozzle which is operated with a throat size and pressure drop to incur cavitation in the water. The explosive and implosive bubble growth and collapse produces free radicals which interact with contaminants in the water to oxidize the contaminants. The cavitation process is enhanced by (1) a variable throat nozzle, (2) recycling the product back through the nozzle for further oxidation, and (3) programmable control feedback. Subsequent ultraviolet radiation from high energy lamps, ion exchange and/or degassifying treatment can be employed to produce water quality within acceptable levels.
Abstract: A control circuit for reducing current flow through the UV light bulb of a water purification unit when water is not flowing through the unit. In a first embodiment, the control circuit includes an RC shunt selectively connected in parallel with the UV bulb, thereby selectively adding a positive impedance in parallel with the negative impedance of the bulb. In a second embodiment, the control circuit includes an impedance selectively connected in series with the bulb ballast. In either embodiment, the impedance circuit is actuated in response to a water flow switch. When water is flowing through the unit, the impedance is removed so that full current is delivered to the bulb enhancing UV intensity. When water is not flowing through the unit, the impedance is added so that current flow is reduced.
Abstract: A system and method for the prevention of bacterial growth in portions of a water treatment system which contain water from which bactericide has been removed includes a cross connect between the water containing the bactericide and the water from which the bactericide has been removed. The cross connect includes a check valve which closes to block communication between the respective waters when water is flowing through the system, and opens to permit diffusion of the bactericide from the water containing the bactericide to the water from which the bactericide has been removed when the flow of water through the system ceases.
Abstract: In a separation device for separation of blood into its components, the hematocrit value of the blood to be separated plays a significant role relative to the sedimentation of cellular blood components. Since in blood processing, particularly in the intraoperative area, significant fluctuations of the incoming hematocrit value may occur, for example, due to infused volume expander, irrigation solutions, anticoagulant additives, etc., it is useful for maintenance of a blood separation working with constant values, particularly a constant hematocrit value of the erythrocyte fraction, to take the preset hematocrit value of the blood to be separated into account. According to the invention, the rate of blood flow through the separation device is automatically adjusted as a function of the hematocrit value of the incoming blood.
Abstract: A water purification apparatus utilizing a reverse osmosis cartridge which supplies a measured amount of potable water to substantially fill an open top pitcher of known desired size. This free-standing apparatus includes an electric pump which withdraws water from an overhead reservoir and pumps it through prefilters and the reverse osmosis cartridge, from which a brine stream returns to the reservoir and a product water stream discharges from an overhead outlet above the pitcher. Control means monitors the level and quality of water in the reservoir and halts the operation of the pump as soon as the water level falls below a lower predetermined level which is set so that the desired measured quantity will have been delivered to the pitcher from a full reservoir. The control means also halts operation when the total dissolved solids content in the reservoir reaches a preset upper limit.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 16, 1993
Date of Patent:
March 22, 1994
Assignee:
Nimbus Water Systems, Inc.
Inventors:
Anthony M. Colangelo, Kenneth N. Saunders
Abstract: Waste water discharged from a reverse osmosis unit served by a water feed line and producing potable water is returned to the water feed line for water conservation purposes. After periodic flushing of the reverse osmosis unit, the flush water may be returned to the water feed line or channelled to a drain. After each cycle of operation, any pressure differential between the water inflowing to and water outflowing from the reverse osmosis unit is relieved.
Abstract: A water purifying apparatus of compact construction. The water purifying apparatus has a water channel for receiving water via an inflow passage and discharging water via an outflow passage. An electrically conductive filter is disposed in and fully occupies a portion of the water channel for purifying water flowing through the filter. A first electrode is electrically connected to the filter, and a second electrode, disposed in the filter, is electrically connected to the filter via water flowing through the filter. A battery supplies voltage between the first and second electrodes. A switch controls application of the voltage from the batteries to the first and second electrodes. A circuit board having a control circuit is disposed above the first electrode, the second electrode and the switch. The circuit board is electrically connected to the various electronic components.
Abstract: The invention concerns a process and a device for more efficiently obtaining a highly pure fraction of thrombocytes during density centrifugation of blood, which no longer has to be filtered before infusion into a patient for leukocytes contained therein, in order to prevent immunization of the recipient. The invention is based on a two-stage density separation, wherein in a first stage a separation is made between cells and thrombocyte-rich plasma, and the thrombocyte-rich plasma is not separated into a thrombocyte concentrate and thrombocyte-poor plasm until a second stage. During the first separation, the position of the phase boundary is changed cyclically in the first separation stage. Through alternating the phase boundary in the first stage, it becomes possible for the first time in the second stage to obtain highly pure thrombocyte concentrations with minimally low leukocyte contamination from the transferred thrombocyte-rich plasma without loss of efficiency.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 19, 1992
Date of Patent:
January 25, 1994
Assignee:
Fresenius AG
Inventors:
Wolfgang Biesel, Johannes Geibel, Henning Brass
Abstract: A process for treating drinking water at greater than atmospheric pressure to remove radon and the apparatus for carrying out the process. The process involves introducing water under pressure into a pressure vessel maintained at a pressure about equal to the pressure of the water to be treated. This water is continuously fed onto the upper surface of a packed column and allowed to fall downwardly through the packed column. A gas is drawn upwardly through the packed column causing the radon gas to be expelled from the water into the gas, and the gas stream is forced through a carbon absorber. Preferably, the tank is cylindrical and has a blower which draws air upwardly through the packed column and then returns it downwardly through a gas conduit thereby continuously recirculating the gas. A carbon absorber also maintained at the same pressure as the pressure vessel is in the gas-full passageway and absorbs radon gas.
Abstract: A loading control system for a cyclical centrifugal machine including a rotary centrifugal basket and a loading gate movable between closed and open positions to control delivery of charge material into the basket includes a mechanism for moving the loading gate from closed position to a gate full open position that is variable in extent to adapt it for various loading properties of the charge material, together with a controller for moving the loading gate from the gate full open position to a pinch position to slow delivery of charge material into the basket and for determining the extent of the gate opening in pinch position in predetermined relation to the extent of gate opening in the preceding gate full open position.
Abstract: An improved chemical treatment system for hemodialysis machines, which includes a first three way valve which has a normally open position in the dialysis and rinsing modes of the hemodialysis machine. The valve in the normally open position couples a source of water through the valve to the bicarbonate pump for rinsing purposes before and after dialysis and the chemical treatment modes of the hemodialysis machine. In the chemical treatment mode of the hemodialysis machine the valve is switched to couple a source of treatment chemical through the valve to the bicarbonate pump. The chemical treatment system includes a second valve, which if in the normally open position, then only the bicarbonate portion and associated downstream portions will be chemically treated. In the closed position, the chemical will be switched to also flow through the whole hemodialysis machine from the water inlet to provide for a half or total system chemical treatment cycle.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 15, 1991
Date of Patent:
September 14, 1993
Assignee:
Baxter International Inc.
Inventors:
Edward R. Lindsay, Robert C. Kusmierczyk
Abstract: A method is presented for achieving constant purification cycle times over the life of an ultrafiltration membrane in a silver halide purification system. Silver halide emulsion pumped from a feed vessel enters an ultrapurification module wherein a permeate stream is separated from the emulsion. The permeate stream is then divided into a permeate-to-drain stream and a recycle stream. The recycle stream is returned to the feed vessel. By varying the amount of permeate recycled, a constant permeate-to-drain rate can be maintained, and hence the purification cycle time can be maintained constant despite fouling of the membrane.
Abstract: A device and a related method are provided for reclaiming or recovering dry cleaning solvent from otherwise disposable fluid contained within a separator or other suitable receptacle of a dry cleaning machine. The device includes an evaporator and a fluid transfer mechanism for transporting fluid evaporated by the evaporator through a filter that removes substantially all of the solvent present within the evaporated fluid. Alternatively, a filter can be interposed between the separator or other suitable receptacle and the evaporator so that solvent is filtered before reaching the evaporator. Consequently, the device substantially reclaims or recovers dry cleaning solvent that may still be present within the fluid that is to be otherwise disposed of from the separator or other suitable receptacle.
Abstract: A processing system separates a cellular rich suspension into a cellular first constituent and cellular-free second constituent. The system includes a separation zone that receives the cellular rich suspension and discharges the first and second constituents. The system coordinates the flow of cellular rich suspension into the separation zone with the flow of the cellular-free second constituent from the separation zone to get a desired nominal separation efficiency. The system also recirculates the cellular first constituent back into the zone. By continuously recirculating the cellular first constituent back into the separation zone, the system is can get and maintain a desired volume of the first constituent, despite the volume of cellular rich suspension that is processed.
Abstract: An ultraviolet purification system in which ultraviolet radiation is generated by an ultraviolet lamp wherein the amount of ultraviolet radiation is varied in accordance with fluid flow. The intensity of the ultraviolet lamp is controlled by a circuit which is responsive to fluid flow for selectivity energizing the lamp to provide variable UV intensity output depending upon fluid flow. The circuit arrangement is such that the ultraviolet lamp is always started with a high current ballast. The selection of ultraviolet lamp intensity outputs according to fluid flow maximizes the useful life of the ultraviolet lamp and renders the system more efficient by reducing the amount of heat transmitted to the fluid being acted upon during periods of low flow or non-use.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 24, 1990
Date of Patent:
July 27, 1993
Assignees:
Christian Sauska, George Csokneyai
Inventors:
Christian Sauska, George Csoknyai, David Packlocok