Flow, Fluid Pressure Or Material Level, Responsive Patents (Class 210/97)
  • Publication number: 20100096338
    Abstract: The invention discloses a management arrangement for a swimming pool. The arrangement includes a number of sensors being adapted to measure variables and generate input data relating to a swimming pool. The input data is processed by a processing unit to generate output data, which data is then used by an actuator to control equipment. Various operating parameters are programmable into the processing unit via an operator interface. The arrangement provides a combination of ultraviolet treatment and ion enrichment in order to disinfect or purify the water. The arrangement specifically regulates the ionization of the swimming pool water so as to substantially maintain a pre-determined ion concentration level with reduced operator intervention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Riccardo Arthur De Wet, Daniel Alfonso Corte, Uwe Thuss
  • Publication number: 20100089825
    Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for removing perchlorate from water. The systems comprise reactors comprising biomass for degrading perchlorate, and the operation of the systems can be controlled according to novel logic specifications. Also provided are filters and filtration systems for clearing water in advance of analysis of the concentration of contaminants within the water. The filters comprise a length of tubing configured to generate backpressure at the filter sufficient to facilitate the flow of a water sample through the filter without overpressurization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: Envirogen Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Canzano, Michael A. Del Vecchio, Samuel Frisch, Douglas Watt, Robert Loudon, Todd Webster
  • Patent number: 7691261
    Abstract: A granular filter media dry cell (or filter or bed) for dewatering a liquid composition of water and particulate solids. The liquid composition is applied to the granular filter media to remove water from the liquid composition by passing through the granular filter media with the particular solids collecting on top surface of granular filter media. Water is first allowed to fill from below to just above the top layer of the filter media. A non-porous liner is located on the inner, bottom surface of the container. A drain pipe, having small openings, is located on top of the liner in the valley. A porous layer of large filter media, with the drain pipe therein, is located in the bottom of the container. A grid having open passageways, with fine filter media therein, is located on top thereof. A layer of fine filtrate sand is located on top of the grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Franklin David Deskins
  • Publication number: 20100051522
    Abstract: A novel, economical, efficient and versatile lagoon aeration system is provided which can be used with existing or new wastewater (sewage) lagoons to increase the lagoons treatment efficiency and capacity, and to allow for a continuous, year round discharge of treated wastewater to environment. The system can be operated in warm and cold climates for treatment of municipal and industrial wastewaters of varying strength and flow rates in a secondary activated sludge treatment process or in a tertiary activated sludge treatment process, or an extended aeration treatment process. The system employs patented (Patent No: U.S. Pat. No. 6,969,052 B2) Air Aspirator-Mixer (AAM) which provides highly efficient wastewater aeration outside the lagoon which facilitates an easy and economical operation and maintenance of the system throughout the year.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Jan A Korzeniowski
  • Publication number: 20100044287
    Abstract: A hydro cyclone device comprises a vertical separator tube (T) having an upper opening for the liquid supply and its upper front side (O) and an opening for the clear water drainage at its lower front side (U), at least a port (O) for concentrated suspension and the lower end of the separator tube (T) as well as a filter element (F) hydraulically connected to the clear water drainage and arranged centred in the separator tube (T). In the separator tube (T) between the upper opening (O) for the liquid supply and the filter element (F), a rotational element (R) is arranged axially centred with respect to the separator tube and rotationally supported which filter element is adapted to be driven an variable rotational speed. Hydro cyclone installation comprises a plurality of such hydro cyclone devices being hydraulically connected in parallel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: Holger Blum
  • Publication number: 20100018923
    Abstract: A dialysis system includes a dialysis machine with a variable fluid demand including at least a lower demand and a higher demand. A fluid source is in fluid communication with the dialysis machine and provides fluid to the dialysis machine at a fluid flow rate. A flow regulation device includes a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the fluid source and a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the dialysis machine. The flow regulation device is operable to expand and contract to provide a variable internal volume. The flow regulation device expands when the dialysis machine has the lower demand and contracts when the dialysis machine has the higher demand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicants: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Justin B. Rohde, Shincy J. Maliekkal
  • Publication number: 20100018929
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for treating waste water. The system may be applied to any application for the treatment of waste water which benefits from an equalized flow into the waste water treatment processes, such as industrial batch discharges, storm water settling and screening, and septic receiving at a waste water treatment plant. The system comprises a single primary settling tank for the processes of grit removal, flow equalization, fine screening and primary clarification. The system further comprises the use of a flow measurement device on the discharge side of the primary settling tank to provide a uniform flow to downstream processes. The system further comprises placement of a fine screen on a discharge mechanism which controls the effluent flow from the primary settling tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: Trans Terra Corporation
    Inventor: Terry Wright
  • Publication number: 20100006512
    Abstract: A method of removing water (7) from a fuel tank (2) using a water scavenging line (4) which has an inlet (6) immersed in the water and an outlet (5) coupled to a water tank (3). The method comprises filling the fuel tank with fuel (30) whereby the fuel exerts hydrostatic pressure on the water, the hydrostatic pressure driving the water up the water scavengingline against the force of gravity and into the water tank. The use of hydrostatic pressure provides an automatic and relatively simple method of extracting the water from the bottom of the fuel tank. The water tank enables the extracted water to be stored for disposal at a later time, typically by feeding the water into an engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Andrew Minty
  • Publication number: 20090314696
    Abstract: An adaptive membrane structure is provided. The adaptive membrane structure has movable membranes that can be made to change its gas, liquid or particulate permeability in response to surrounding environmental conditions. Such adaptive membrane structures can be used to provide protective apparel that is comfortable to wear wherein the level of protection provided is based on conditions in the environment. The adaptive membrane structures can be used to provide protective enclosures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: E.I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Joseph D. Trentacosta, Vivek Kapur
  • Publication number: 20090308818
    Abstract: A solid separator that uses a rotating screen, having spiral guides at its outer portion, over which a plurality of spiral-shaped scrapers are suspended. An inlet distributor including a plurality of apertures distributes a contaminated liquid flow over the screen, when rotated, permits the scrapers and guides to drive the deposited debris towards an outer edge of the screen and up a slight conical ramp and into a debris discharge sump. A level sensor may be included above the screen to activate the screen rotation based on the level of the contaminated liquid flow above the screen. An alternative embodiment uses individual scraper supports having respective jack mechanisms that permit the operator to independently lift and even rotate each scraper for additional cleaning or service. The alternative embodiment uses an assembly of two screens having an outer portion that also includes a slight conical ramp having spiral guides thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: David A. Laing
  • Patent number: 7632411
    Abstract: A method is provided for detecting filter clogging which are able to keep track of the filter clogging with precision and in detail. At least one pressure selected from the group consisting of a pressure Pa in a blood inflow portion (32a), a pressure Pv in a blood outflow portion (32b), a pressure Pf1 in a filtrate inflow portion (32c), and a pressure Pf2 in a filtrate outflow portion (32d) is measured continuously, then a variation (pressure waveform) of the pressure is analyzed, a clogging of a filter (32) is detected using the analyzed result. Thereby a clogging of a filter is detected early. As a result, it is possible to prevent from developing of the filter clogging by controlling a dosage amount of anti-coagulant properly and changing a flow rate of blood. The variation of the pressure wave may be analyzed by subjecting the variable to Fast Fourier Transform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Kuroda, Yohsuke Kinouchi, Masatake Akutagawa, Toshiya Okahisa, Yoshiaki Ohnishi
  • Patent number: 7618542
    Abstract: A blood purifying apparatus particularly suitable for continuous blood purification, and a method of controlling the same whereby the weight of body fluid removed from a patient and a feed weight to the patient can be more accurately controlled. A blood purifying apparatus 50 adapted for the continuous blood purification includes a drain C, a dialysate feed A, and a replacement fluid feed B, which are equipped with transfer pumps 5, 6, 7, respectively, reservoir containers 8, 9, and 10, respectively, that are capable of storing a predetermined volume, and fluid level sensors 11, 12, and 13, respectively. The blood purifying apparatus further includes a single weightmeter 20 capable of measuring the reservoir containers 8, 9, and 10 all at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Medical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Soichirou Okazaki
  • Publication number: 20090261044
    Abstract: An environmental monitoring and control system and method are provided for preventing overflow of fluid from a compartment continuous with a settling tank. The system includes an improved pump configuration to minimize pump failure and maintenance, as well as monitoring of fluid volume within the compartment and adjustment of pumping rate as necessary to maintain an appropriate fluid volume. Operators on or off-site may be notified of compartment fluid volume to provide further redundancy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: Scott GODLIEN, Gary Russell
  • Patent number: 7601256
    Abstract: Reverse osmosis filtration systems that are self contained and easily converted from above the counter use to below the counter use. The systems feature a simple construction, including a two piece manifold assembly to which filters, including a reverse osmosis filter, a product water storage tank and a control valve connect, all without separate fasteners. The manifold assembly provides all water connections within the system, and includes connections to connect to a water supply, a drain, two dispensers and to an auxiliary water storage tank. The system pressurizes squeeze water for product water dispensing, providing maximum efficiency, maximum storage capacity for a given tank size and maximum pressure for dispensing product water. Various embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Next-RO, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy A. Beall
  • Publication number: 20090242490
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for separating a multiphase fluid stream comprising a heavier fluid component and a lighter fluid component, the method comprising causing the fluid to flow along a first helical flowpath, the first helical flowpath having a first pitch, the first helical flowpath being sufficiently long to establish a stabilised rotating fluid flow pattern for the stream causing the uniform rotating fluid to flow along a second helical flowpath, the second helical flowpath having a second pitch, wherein the second pitch is greater than the first pitch; and removing the lighter fluid from a radially inner region of the second helical flowpath. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed. The method and apparatus are particular suitable for the separation of oil droplets from water, especially from water for reinjection into a subterranean formation as part of an oil and gas production operation. The method and apparatus are conveniently applied on a modular basis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hans Paul Hopper
  • Patent number: 7585408
    Abstract: A liquid filter, particularly for the lubricating oil of an internal combustion engine, having at least one replaceable filter and a carrier module, in which the replaceable filter has a housing with an inlet and an outlet for the liquid to be filtered; a housing vessel with an opening pointing essentially downward is provided, and a filter medium is arranged in the housing between the inlet and outlet in a sealed manner. The replaceable filter with the opening pointing downward is attached in a sealed manner to the carrier module, and the carrier module has semiautomatic emptying device for the replaceable filter such that emptying of the replaceable filter is initiated by an external operation which opens a drain passage, and the drain passage is automatically closed again after the emptying process is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Mann + Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Weindorf, Thomas Storch, Harald Zeiher
  • Publication number: 20090218284
    Abstract: There is described a method for the starting up of a filtration plant for the filtration of a process liquid, after cleaning of the filtration plant, and a filtration plant which is arranged to be able to started up in accordance with this method, where a secondary liquid supply unit connected to the post-treatment equipment during the starting up of the plant provides a flow of e.g. sterilised water to the post-treatment equipment, so that this can be held in a condition in which it is ready for operation, where thereafter, the process liquid is led to the filtration equipment, and the flow of liquid from the secondary liquid supply unit to the post-treatment equipment is shut off when a flow of filtered process liquid is obtained, and which thereafter replaces the liquid from the secondary liquid supply unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: TETRA LAVAL HOLDING & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventor: Svend Emil Himmelstrup Hansen
  • Publication number: 20090211954
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for denitrifying a solution that includes a denitrification tank configured to receive a portion of the solution for a period of time. Controlling an amount, duration and frequency of introduction of polyethylene glycol into the solution promotes indigenous heterotrophic bacteria depleting dissolved oxygen in the solution and obtaining oxygen from nitrate in the solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Murphy J. Cormier, Ronald J. Suchecki, JR., Robert K. Pertuit, Donald L. Brown, Troy L. Cormier
  • Patent number: 7578942
    Abstract: In wastewater treatment equipment, a surfactant is added to a micronanobubble reaction vessel 3 by using a surfactant pump 8 and a surfactant tank 9 which constitute a surfactant adding section. Thereby, a micronanobubble generator 4 stably and efficiently produces micronanobubbles in the treatment water as raw water containing the surfactant in the micronanobubble reaction vessel 3. Thus, the micronanobubbles make it possible to efficiently pretreat the wastewater introduced into the micronanobubble reaction vessel. Consequently, it becomes possible not only to enhance efficiency of wastewater treatment but also to reduce a treatment load on wastewater treatment equipment 14 in a step subsequent to the pretreatment. Thereby, scale of the wastewater treatment equipment 14 is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Yamasaki, Keichiro Uda, Kazumi Chuhjoh
  • Publication number: 20090184035
    Abstract: A chlorinator for wastewater treatment systems having a clarifier tank connected by a fluid line to a pump tank, which includes a reservoir of disinfectant fluid and a dosage container communicating with the reservoir, and a siphon communicating with the fluid line and dosage contain to dispense a determined quantity of disinfectant to the pump tank after flow through the fluid line has dropped below the flow rate of a drain in the siphon. The dosage container is vented to atmosphere to prevent vacuum lock in operation and communicates with the reservoir at a flow rate substantially smaller than it communicates with the siphon. Flow through the fluid line induces priming of a siphon for subsequent distribution of the quantity of disinfectant fluid into the pump tank after flow through the fluid line has dropped below the flow rate of a drain in the siphon, at which time disinfectant is drawn from the dosage container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: Michael R. Braden
  • Publication number: 20090173690
    Abstract: A reverse osmosis system in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir and a method of operating the same includes a pressure vessel having a membrane therein, a high pressure fluid input, a low pressure fluid input, a permeate output and a brine output. The system further includes a high pressure valve, a low pressure valve and a high pressure pump in fluid communication with the high pressure input through the high pressure valve. The system also includes a low pressure pump in fluid communication with the low pressure input through the low pressure valve. The high pressure pump and the low pressure pump are in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir. The low pressure pump initially fills the pressure vessel and the high pressure pump operates during permeate production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: Fluid Equipment Development Company, LLC
    Inventor: Eli Oklejas, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090173691
    Abstract: A reverse osmosis system and method for operating the same includes a fluid reservoir, a valve and a brine feed tank in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir through an input. The brine feed tank has brine feed fluid therein. The system also includes a high pressure pump and a pressure vessel in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir through the high pressure pump. The pressure vessel comprises a permeate outlet. The brine feed tank is in fluid communication with the pressure vessel. During a permeate production cycle, the high pressure pump pumps additional fluid under high pressure from the fluid reservoir into the pressure vessel using a high pressure pump. The pressure vessel communicates brine fluid into the brine feed tank. The high pressure pump raises a pressure in the pressure vessel until an amount of permeate is produced from a permeate output of the pressure vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: Fluid Equipment Development Company, LLC
    Inventor: Eli Oklejas, JR.
  • Patent number: 7555964
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the physical separation of components from a multi-phase fluid stream into its component phases. More particularly, the invention relates to a housing for a phase separation medium which allows one to change the phase separation medium without the necessity of disconnecting the flow lines. An alternative embodiment of the present invention contemplates a housing incorporating a unique internal valve configuration for controlling and limiting the fluid pressure differential across the sheet of phase-separating material. The internal valve begins to throttle or reduce the fluid flow rate through the sheet of phase-separating material after the differential pressure across the sheet of phase-separating material exceeds a preset value. If throttling the fluid flow rate cannot prevent the differential pressure from exceeding the preset limit, then the internal valve will shut off the fluid flow completely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: A+ Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: Donald P. Mayeaux
  • Publication number: 20090159514
    Abstract: A reactor includes a tubular-shaped housing in which a stack of filter plates can be rotationally arranged. The cross-sectional area of the reactor container is, in the region of the stack of filter plates, a maximum of 40% greater than the cross-sectional area of the stack of filter plates. The longitudinal extension of the reactor housing is a multiple of the longitudinal extension of the stack of filter plates, such that inside the reactor, adjacent to the stack of filter plates, additional processing devices can be arranged. The rotating stack of filter plates ensures that the entire reactor is cross-flown in an intensive manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: GRUNDFOS MANAGEMENT A/S
    Inventors: Finn Beldring, Christian Rasmussen
  • Publication number: 20090145823
    Abstract: A process for separating out and removing water present in liquid fuels, especially water from diesel oil, wherein the fuel is conveyed in a line system (3, 9, 13) which serves to supply an internal combustion engine by means of a fuel delivery pump (12), water is separated out at a filter arrangement (5) which has a collecting space (27) for collecting water which has been separated out and which is connected upstream of the suction side (11) of the fuel delivery pump (12), such that its sucking action counteracts an outflow of water from the collecting space (27), and wherein, depending on the collection of a given amount of water, the sucking action of the delivery pump (12) is negated and an outlet valve disposed at an outflow orifice (37) of the collecting space (27) for removing water is opened, is characterized in that the sucking action which counteracts the outflow of water is negated by a discharge means (43; 53), by means of which a pressure gradient which enables the discharge of water can be gene
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Viktor Lauer, Martin Hager
  • Patent number: 7544300
    Abstract: A method and device for blood treatments that use fluids such as dialysate and replacement fluid for renal replacement therapy. In an embodiment, fluid is passed either by pump or passively by gravity feed, through a microporous sterilization filter from a fluid source to a replacement fluid container. The latter forms a batch that may be used during treatment. The advantage of forming the batch before treatment is that the rate of filtering needn't match the rate of consumption during treatment. As a result, the sterilization filter can have a small capacity. In another embodiment, a filter is placed immediately prior to the point at which the sterile fluid is consumed by the treatment process. The latter may be used in combination with the former embodiment as a last-chance guarantee of sterility and/or that the fluid is free of air bubbles. It may also be used as the primary means of sterile-filtration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Brugger, Jeffrey H. Burbank, Brian C. Green
  • Publication number: 20090139928
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for biologically treating fluids, in particular municipal or industrial wastewater or the like, the apparatus comprising a pair of reservoirs each containing growth medium having a biofilm thereon, the apparatus being arranged to pump the wastewater from one reservoir to another such as to alternatively expose the biofilms within the reservoirs to air and wastewater, thus making it possible to achieve sequential aerobic, anoxic and anaerobic conditions in the biofilms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: National University of Ireland
    Inventors: Michael Rodgers, Jr., John Mulqueen, Jr., Rose C. Mulqueen, Jr., Edmond O'Reilly, Jr., Xinmin Zhan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7540958
    Abstract: Device for extracorporeal treatment of blood 1 intended to operate in a mode with a single needle 2, comprising: a treatment unit 3 having a first compartment 4 and a second compartment 5, which are separated by a semipermeable membrane 6, an extracorporeal blood circuit comprising a single needle 2, an intake line 7 in fluid communication with the first compartment 4 of the treatment unit 3, the first compartment 4, and a return line 8 in fluid communication with the first compartment 4 of the treatment unit 3, a purge line 9 at the outlet of the second compartment 5, a closure means (10, 11) acting on at least the intake line 7 and the return line 8 in order to generate the alternate sequence of blood intake and return, at least a first chamber 12 which is in fluid communication with the extracorporeal blood circuit and defines a first additional blood volume, the first chamber 12 having a variable total content; the first chamber 4 being rigid and including at least one wall capable of being moved, t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventors: Jacques Chevallet, Jean-Louis Romarie, Alain Frugier
  • Patent number: 7531098
    Abstract: A system for automatically processing blood components is described. The system includes a console, which contains all motors, pumps, sensors, valves and control circuitry, and a unique disposable set that includes a cassette supporting a centrifuge with an improved design, pump interfaces with an improved design, component and solution bags, and tubing. Various processes are implemented using a specific disposable set for each process which allows automatic identification of the process to be performed the console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Terumo Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas C. Robinson, Thomas P. Robinson, Richard D'Elia, Paul Eibe, Thomas Sahines
  • Publication number: 20090107921
    Abstract: A chemical treatment system that injects one or more dosage chemical solutions into a process. Conditions of the process are sensed by sensors, communicated to a chemical treatment management system. The chemical treatment management system processes the process conditions and issues command signals to one or more chemical storage systems to provide a dosage of chemical to the process. The chemical storage systems each comprise a chemical storage tank, a level sensor for the tank, a controller and a pump. The controller uses the command signals for varying in real time the dosage of the chemical solution by varying the pump operation. The chemical treatment management system also uses additional data from the chemical storage systems, such as tank level, and from other sources to provide the command signals and alerts/alarms and other user information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Yu-Gene T. Chen, Ron Dinello
  • Patent number: 7520979
    Abstract: A hemodialysis apparatus which controls dialysis conditions. The hemodialysis treatment is carried out under dialysis conditions determined by defining the course of the chronological target blood indication level as a target control line, measuring the blood indication level at each measurement point (controlling point) in the chronological course, calculating the dialysis conditions using the measured blood indication level and the target blood indication level at the next measurement point (controlling point) of the measurement point in the hemodialysis apparatus carrying out hemodialysis treatment by controlling dialysis conditions using blood volume (BV level) or blood volume change as an indication level (hereinafter blood indication level), to attain the target blood indication level at the next measurement point. This apparatus has a simple control mechanism and has little risk of misoperation or out-of-control. An operator can easily handle it and the control can be quickly and precisely carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: JMS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Ikeda
  • Patent number: 7520995
    Abstract: The invention provides a dilution apparatus for a thickener of the type having a thickening tank and a feedwell disposed upstream of the tank to receive feed liquid, said dilution apparatus including: a receiving vessel adapted for at least partial submersion within the thickening tank to receive supernatant dilution liquid therefrom; and a submersible pump including an impeller adapted for at least partial submersion within the dilution liquid, the pump being adapted to transfer the dilution liquid from the thickening tank through the receiving vessel to the feed liquid for dilution thereof, before transfer of the feed liquid from the feedwell into the thickening tank. The pump is responsive to system parameters for adjusting the flow rate of the supernatant liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: David John Buchanan Taylor, Jeffrey Victor Belke
  • Patent number: 7520978
    Abstract: A system for purifying a fluid uses ultra violet (UV) light to inactivate micro-organisms present in the fluid. The system has an arrangement of UV light emitters on perforated plates. The fluid, while passing through perforations in the perforated plates, is exposed to the UV light emitted by the UV light emitters. Micro-organisms present in the fluid pass very close to the UV light emitters. The UV light absorbed by the micro-organisms causes genetic damage and inactivation. The system has feedback units providing feedback about the physical properties of the fluid to a power unit supplying power to the UV light emitters. The power unit varies the amount of power supplied to the UV light emitters, based on the feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Philips Lumileds Lighting Co., LLC
    Inventor: Gerard Harbers
  • Publication number: 20090065409
    Abstract: This present invention provides a gasoline-ethanol separation apparatus which is used for an internal combustion engine, has a simple structure, and can separate a mixture fuel formed of mixed gasoline and ethanol into gasoline and ethanol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Junichi Kamio, Yasuyuki Kubo
  • Patent number: 7494590
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling a dialysis apparatus, which can be used, e.g., for hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration, or hemofiltration. Numerous alarms occur during treatments creating additional workloads for the operator. The present method of controlling the apparatus allows an automatic switch from a first control mode to another, thus allowing the treatment to continue without operator influence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventors: Anders Felding, Jan Sternby
  • Publication number: 20090039002
    Abstract: A liquid droplet ejecting apparatus comprises a liquid cartridge including a first unit having a liquid storing chamber and a liquid outlet, a second unit movable relative to the first unit between a close position where the second unit is close to the first unit and a distant position where the second unit is distant from the first unit; and a biasing member which applies a force to cause the second unit in the close position to move toward the distant position. The locking device is configured to lock the second unit in the close position in a state where the liquid cartridge is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion. When the second unit moves from the close position to the distant position under the force applied from the biasing member, in an unlocking state, the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet are maintained to be coupled to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takaichiro UMEDA
  • Patent number: 7485118
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a microstructure arrangement for the bubble-free filling with a liquid of at least one system for draining off liquids. The arrangement has an inlet for the arrangement to be connected to a system for the supply of liquids and at least one outlet for the arrangement to be connected to the at least one liquid-discharging system. The arrangement has a transition region, through which the liquid can be transported from the inlet to the at least one outlet. At a start of the transition region, at least one first microstructure element for producing a point with increased capillary force is provided, in order to achieve gap-free wetting of the areas bounding this point with increased capillary force, in particular side walls, a cover and/or a bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelholm Microparts GmbH
    Inventors: Gert Blankenstein, Ralf-Peter Peters, Claus Marquordt
  • Patent number: 7485217
    Abstract: A dental unit water line (DUWL) monitoring and maintenance apparatus, for monitoring a DUWL. The apparatus has a cleansing unit attached to the DUWL for cleansing the fluid passing there through. A control unit controls the cleansing unit associated with the water line. A monitoring unit monitors the operation of the dental unit when used by a dentist and stores data related to that operation. A timer times and records data relating to both periods of dental unit activity and inactivity, wherein, in use, the control unit operates to receive data from the monitoring unit and the timer and, based upon that data and reference data controls the operation of the water line to control flow of fluid through that DUWL and controls the cleanser to control the overall cleansing procedures associated with both the dental unit and associated DUWL.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Adept Water Technologies A/S
    Inventors: David Napper, Henry Lund Pedersen, Lene Rubner-Petersen
  • Publication number: 20090008308
    Abstract: The process for treating an ammonium containing liquid by denitrification treatment of an ammonium containing liquid containing at least ammonium comprises carrying out nitrate reduction treatment of reducing nitrate contained in or added to the ammonium containing liquid to nitrite, and carrying out anaerobic ammonium oxidation treatment of simultaneously anaerobically denitrifying nitrite produced in the nitrate reduction treatment and ammonium contained in the ammonium containing liquid by anaerobic ammonium oxidizing bacteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: HITACHI PLANT ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tatsuo Sumino, Kazuichi Isaka
  • Patent number: 7470372
    Abstract: A device for the treatment of an influent with a porous media. The influent passes radially through the porous media and into an internal volume of the device. The treated influent then passes through an open check valve in the internal volume, and then to downstream equipment. During a backwash operation, a backwash fluid is passed into the internal volume of the device in a direction to close the check valve. The blocked path in the internal volume of the device causes the backwash fluid to pass radially outwardly into the porous media and fluidize the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: John D. Martin
  • Publication number: 20080314838
    Abstract: Improved fluidized bed precipitators (20, 46, 62, 74, 108, 112, 134, 168) especially useful for the treatment of waste waters containing soluble phosphorus are provided, having upright, primary fluidized bed sections (22, 48, 64, 76, 110, 114, 136) and obliquely oriented solids settling sections (28, 54, 68, 120, 144) which enhance the settling of small particles (166) and return thereof to the fluidized bed sections (22, 48, 64, 76, 110, 114, 136). The precipitators (20, 46, 62, 74, 108, 112, 134, 168) may also be equipped with a solids detection/withdrawal assembly (178) made up of one or more pressure transducers (180, 182) operable to determine the pressures within the fluidized bed sections 22, 48, 64, 76, 110, 114, 136) as a measure of bed densities, along with a selectively operable valve (172) which may be opened to periodically remove solids without clogging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Gina Young Becker, Sigifredo Castro Diaz, Michael Hanson, Kylo Martin Heller
  • Publication number: 20080290037
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for separating biological particles are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: Applera Corporation
    Inventor: Yingjie Liu
  • Publication number: 20080290025
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for combination membrane/biolytic filtration. In one embodiment a filtration system is operated under suction. The arrangement includes a feed tan (5) having a smaller filtrate vessel (6) positioned therein. The region within, the feed tank (5) not occupied by the filtrate vessel (6) is partially filled with layers of decomposing and decomposed solid organic waste material to form an aerobic filter bed (7) of the type used in biolytic filtration as described above. A further module vessel (8) is mounted within the filtrate vessel (6) to form a membrane chamber (9) containing a membrane filtration module (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Warren Thomas Johnson, Bruce Gregory Biltoft, Dean Osman Cameron
  • Publication number: 20080283454
    Abstract: Remote delivery of water softener pellets into a water softener by means of vacuum. By using a vacuum the delivery system allows salt to be delivered to great distances to point of use (existing brine tank). This invention will allow people to drive into their garage close to the inventive salt loading hopper and either dump a bag of salt pellets or scoop out of it into the loading hopper, which is located a convenient minimized height off the floor. The current state prior to this invention was to carry the heavy bag of salt to the location of the water softener brine tank, which in most cases is located down the stairs in a basement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Michael J. MUNIAK
  • Publication number: 20080272059
    Abstract: A system (1) for separating a fluid stream (2) comprising gas, a light liquid and a heavy liquid, the system comprising a separation vessel (5) that is arranged to define a downwardly extending separation space and comprises a downwardly sloping tube (8), the separation space having an inlet (10) for the fluid stream at a first height, an outlet (20) for heavy liquid at a second height below the first height, an outlet (30) for light liquid at a third height between the first and second heights, an outlet (70) for gas above all outlets for liquid, wherein a further outlet (51, 56) for light liquid is provided at a fourth height between the first and third heights, and wherein at least the outlet at the third height is provided with a control valve (33) that is operative to open and close in dependence of the type of liquid in the pipes at that level, and a method of separating a fluid stream comprising gas, a light liquid and a heavy liquid in such a system, wherein an indication of height of an interface bet
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Jill Hui Chiun Chieng, Frederick Jan Van Dijk
  • Publication number: 20080272035
    Abstract: A system for water treatment comprising a first treatment area for receiving waste water and aerating the waste water to enhance aerobic bacterial treatment of waste water, a second treatment area for receiving waste water from the first treatment area and circulating waste water within it to enhance bacterial treatment of waste water, a third treatment area configured to receive waste water from the second treatment area and including a filter having at least one membrane for filtering the waste water to substantially remove particulate matter of a predetermined size, an outlet connected to the filter and configured to output filtered waste water from the filter and a transfer means for transferring waste water from the third treatment area to the first treatment area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: BUSHWATER HOLDINGS PTY LTD
    Inventors: John Fox, Errol O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20080251459
    Abstract: Biological fluid filtration systems and methods are provided for the treatment of air within the system. A filtration system includes a pre-filter container joined to an expandable post-filter container by a filter line having a filter. The post-filter container has a relatively smaller maximum volume, such that it limits the amount of gas in the post-filter container during and after filtration of a biological fluid, thereby improving removal of air from the post-filter container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Anthony Oleszkiewicz, Bryan Blickhan, Mark B. Jones
  • Patent number: 7435340
    Abstract: This disclosure describes wastewater treatment systems and methods of treating wastewater. In one exemplary method, a wastewater is split into first and second wastewater fractions. The first fraction is delivered to a membrane bioreactor, which may produce an effluent with a low pollutant concentration, and the second fraction is delivered to a biological wastewater treatment system, which may yield a higher pollution concentration yet have a shorter solids retention time. Some implementations of the invention can routinely meet or even exceed pollution discharge standards quite economically during normal operation, yet retain significant flexibility for handling seasonal or sudden variations in the flow rate of wastewater into the system. In select adaptations, waste activated sludge containing heterotrophs, autotrophs, and (optionally) polyphosphate accumulating organisms is delivered from the membrane bioreactor to the biological wastewater treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignees: CH2M HILL, Inc., CH2M HILL Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bruce R. Johnson, Glen T. Daigger, George V. Crawford
  • Publication number: 20080230452
    Abstract: A spool valve includes a sleeve, a spool and a filter. The sleeve is configured into a generally tubular form and has an opening, which communicates between inside and outside of the sleeve. The spool is axially slidably supported in the sleeve to change an opening degree of the opening of the sleeve. The filter is installed to the opening of the sleeve to filter fluid, which passes through the opening. The filter is configured into a generally rectangular form such that four outer edge portions of the filter are placed generally in a common imaginary plane. The sleeve includes two guide grooves that receive two opposed sides, respectively, of the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hidenori Fujii, Hiroyuki Nakane
  • Publication number: 20080217220
    Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing media and disinfectant includes a media housing, a disinfectant housing, a media input port formed on the media housing for accepting media fluid, a disinfectant input port formed on the disinfected housing for accepting disinfectant fluid, a disinfectant mixer for mixing the media fluid and the disinfectant fluid, and a float valve for the disinfectant mixer to dispense the mixed media fluid and disinfectant fluid. The media valve is controlled by a media regulator, and the media housing includes a media drain valve. The media housing includes a top section and a bottom section which is detachable connected to the top section, and the disinfectant housing includes a upper section and a lower section which is detachably connected to the upper section. The disinfectant housing includes a control valve for controlling the disinfectant fluid, and the disinfectant housing includes a disinfectant regulator to control the disinfectant control valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Gary Reeves