And Fluid Filter Patents (Class 96/219)
  • Patent number: 11925488
    Abstract: Embodiments herein describe tools and instruments for holding, transferring, delivering, deploying an implantable device and methods and means of aseptically storing and shipping the implantable device including but not limited to a device case for protecting, housing and filling the device, a surgical sizer for preparing the implantable site, a deployer for transferring the implantable device from the device case and delivering or deploying the implantable device at the prepared implantable site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: ViaCyte, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent So, Erik Olson, Michael Scott, Chad Green, Giacomo Strollo, Gustavo Prado, Craig McGreevy, Laura Martinson, Donald Koenig
  • Patent number: 11883829
    Abstract: Systems and methods for cryogenic separation of plant material are provided. A method of cryogenic separation of plant material, includes placing a sieve into a vessel. Plant material is placed in the sieve. Cryogenic fluid is provided at or below ?150 degrees Celsius to the sieve. The plant material is agitated within the sieve and the vessel to separate plant particulates solidified by the cryogenic fluid from the remainder of the plant material. The cryogenic fluid and plant particulates are removed from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: CRYOMASS LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Barone, Matt Armstrong
  • Patent number: 11872338
    Abstract: The introduction pipe is extend from an inlet port to the inside of the chamber body, and has, as an end opening thereof, a discharge port provided in the inner circumferential surface of the chamber body so as to be directed toward the circumferential direction. The inner circumferential surface of the chamber body is provided so as to spirally extend, along the circumferential direction, from a discharge point at which the discharge port is disposed, to a connection point at which the outer circumferential surface of the introduction pipe is connected to the inner circumferential surface of the chamber body. The inner circumferential surface is formed such that a second radius connecting the connection point to the center axis of the chamber body is shorter than a first radius connecting the discharge point to the center axis of the chamber body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: NIKKISO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shunsuke Kawamura, Ryo Kato
  • Patent number: 11833287
    Abstract: An air trap chamber is provided with a chamber body and a filter. An introduction pipe of the chamber body is provided so as to extend to the inside of the chamber body, and an inlet port which is an end opening of the introduction pipe is provided, on the inner circumferential surface of the chamber body, so as to be directed toward the circumferential direction. The filter is provided inside the chamber body, and covers an outlet port of the chamber body. Openings are formed, at multiple stages along the center axis direction, in the cylindrical portion of the filter. An opening at an upper stage on the ceiling portion side of the filter has a circumferential width greater than that of an opening at a lower stage on the outlet port side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: NIKKISO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shunsuke Kawamura, Ryo Kato
  • Patent number: 11819639
    Abstract: A method may include priming a catheter system. The catheter system may include a catheter adapter, a catheter, and an extension tube. The catheter system may also include a Y-adapter, which may include first and second arms. A distal end of the Y-adapter may be coupled to the extension tube. The catheter system may further include a vent cap, which may be coupled to the second arm. Priming the catheter system may include attaching an IV line to the first arm and delivering saline through the IV line to the catheter system such that the saline exits a distal tip of the catheter and clamping the IV line via a roller clamp on the IV line. The method may also include actuating the vent cap after priming the catheter system. The method may further include inserting the catheter into a vein of a patient after actuating the vent cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Karl Burkholz, Bin Wang
  • Patent number: 11802802
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring pressure within a fluid path includes a housing defining the structure of the apparatus. The housing includes a fluid path that extends through the housing and allows a fluid to pass through the housing. The apparatus also includes a first volume chamber that is in fluid communication with the fluid path and has a first volume chamber opening, and a second volume chamber with a second volume chamber opening that is less than the first volume chamber opening. A diaphragm separates the first volume chamber from the second volume chamber and fluidly disconnects the second volume chamber from the fluid path. The diaphragm deforms based upon the pressure within the fluid path. The apparatus also includes an interface that is connectable to a pressure sensor, and the second volume chamber is in fluid communication with the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Haemonetics Corporation
    Inventors: Ming Lei, Matthew Murphy
  • Patent number: 11692661
    Abstract: A compact strainer having a small pressure loss which is easily cleaned without inserting and detaching screens in and from a strainer casing. Front and rear end portions of a tubular casing are respectively provided with an inlet and an outlet. A barrier divides in two a linear channel between the inlet and the outlet along a flowing direction and is provided on the outlet side so as to face the inlet. A filter portion surrounding the inlet is constituted by the barrier, a pair of screens laterally opposing each other and arranged at a predetermined interval are provided, and the upper and lower portions of an inner surface of an outer wall of the casing, and upper and lower regions of the outer wall are provided with opening portions with lids which make the inside of the filter portion communicate with the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: KANE KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masaru Ochiai, Nobuki Saito, Takashi Seino
  • Patent number: 11583638
    Abstract: An infusion device includes an infusion pump and an infusion tube assembly. The infusion tube assembly includes a first tube body connected to the infusion pump, a tube joint structure having first, second and third tube joints, a second tube body, and a clamping device on the second tube body. The clamping device is to clamp the second tube body. An infusion method includes instructing the infusion pump to perform an infusion operation. When bubbles are detected in a liquid in the infusion tube assembly, the infusion pump is instructed to stop the infusion operation and a bubble alarm is generated. After the infusion pump stops the infusion operation, it is determined whether a pressure of the liquid first drops to a first pressure value and then rises to a second pressure value. If yes, a rinsing operation is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignees: Inventec Appliances (Pudong) Corporation, Inventec Appliances Corp., Inventec Appliances (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Fong Chang, Yen-Hsiang Hsiung, Chia-Yao Chang
  • Patent number: 11511036
    Abstract: The infusion pump for stem cells includes a liquor storage device and an infusion pipe. The inner wall of the liquor storage sac of the liquor storage device and inner walls of the infusion pipe are provided with an anionic protective film to prevent stem cells from adhering to the infusion pump by mutual repulsion between anions. The infusion method includes checking an infusion pump for integrity, losing a liquor stop clamp, injecting a mixed liquor of stem cells and medicine, covering a protective cap, opening the liquor stop clamp, closing the liquor stop clamp for use, connecting an external cone joint with a venous cannula, and then opening the liquor stop clamp. The method also includes steadily placing the liquor storage sac on a horizontal plane using an auxiliary placing device, and after infusion ends, closing the liquor stop clamp, and disconnecting the external cone joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: BENING ZHEN HUIKANG BIOLOGICAL TECH. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yulin Cao, Juntang Lin, Xiayun Li, Wei He, Shihong Liu, Chengqian Lu
  • Patent number: 11490176
    Abstract: Examples of selective state change of a remote metering device are disclosed. In one example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, a connection between a mobile communication system and a remote metering device is established. A command to selectively change a delivery state of a valve of the remote metering device is then sent by the mobile communication system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Georgios Demosthenous, Jacqueline Duda Lemmerhirt, Christopher Paul LaCivita
  • Patent number: 11432543
    Abstract: An organ preservation system includes a housing, an organ perfusion circuit disposed within the housing, and a dual direction bubble trap disposed within the organ perfusion circuit. The dual direction bubble trap can include an upper interior chamber, a lower interior chamber, an air vent valve, and a hydrophobic membrane disposed between the upper interior chamber and the air vent valve. During operation, when fluid is pumped by a fluid pump into the dual direction bubble trap from either a retrograde or antegrade direction, air passes through the hydrophic membrane and is vented through the air vent valve until such time that the interior chamber is full of fluid which causes the air vent valve to close. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: BRIDGE TO LIFE LTD.
    Inventors: Lawrence R. Jones, Kenneth E. Marte, David W. Wright
  • Patent number: 11407230
    Abstract: A froth coalescing device comprises a froth receiving chamber with a vent and an umbrella valve arranged between the vent and a gas out port. The vent may be arranged to vent gas in a direction different from a direction of travel of froth in the receiving chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Anthony D Studer, Robert S Wickwire
  • Patent number: 11344672
    Abstract: A filter device includes a first component having an outer casing with a first accommodating cavity; a second component having a flow channel, an actuator for closing or opening the channel, an actuator head rotatably connected to the second component, an actuator rod inserted in the flow channel, and covered by a seal cover; a filter membrane sandwiched between the first and second components; and a flow path sequentially passing through the channel, the filter membrane, and the first accommodating cavity. A filtering infusion container includes an infusion container and the filter device connected thereto. One end of the flow path leads to the infusion container and the other end leads to the filter membrane. The filter membrane and an infusion fluid are always located in different closed spaces before usage, to maintain the best integrity of the filter membrane and there is no fluid leakage or actuator loosening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Gemtier Medical (Jiangsu) Inc.
    Inventors: Chunyuan Mao, Yaling Mao
  • Patent number: 11214074
    Abstract: A froth coalescing device includes a froth receiving chamber with a vent, and a vertical membrane arranged between the vent and a gas out port of the froth coalescing device. The vent is arranged to vent gas in a direction that is different from a direction of travel of froth in the froth receiving chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Anthony D Studer, Robert S Wickwire
  • Patent number: 10226614
    Abstract: A one-way check valve in an IV system set is provided with structural features to capture contaminant particles and inhibit the particles from adversely impacting the performance of the check valve. A screen can be provided upstream of the valve seat and the valve may be provided with flow channels for accumulating the particles. Modifications of the valve seat provide open volumes for accumulating contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Tumminaro, Christine A. Fredricks, Frank K. Villari
  • Patent number: 9056163
    Abstract: Drug delivery systems are provided that include an actuator assembly permanently attached to a filter for connection of a container containing medications such as epidural anesthesia, to a delivery site. In one or more embodiments, the actuator assembly includes a projection with an opening extending from a distal end of the actuator assembly in a proximal direction and the filter includes an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the opening. The filter includes a housing including two plates joined together or a cylindrical body defining a cavity containing filter materials. A conduit may be attached to the outlet of the filter to allow connection of the drug delivery systems described to a delivery site, such as a catheter. Methods of administering a medication to a delivery site are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Yongxian Wu, Yun Jin, Mitali Aon
  • Publication number: 20150096441
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bubble removing method in which fine bubbles are removed from a filter to improve the performance of the filter. The bubble removing method includes a step of degassing a processing liquid supplied from a supply source to prepare a highly degassed liquid (highly degassed liquid preparation), a step of supplying the prepared highly degassed liquid at a first processing liquid from a pump device to a filter device (temporary liquid permeation), a step of supplying the highly degassed liquid at a second processing liquid flow rate higher than the first processing liquid flow rate from the pump device to the filter device (initial liquid permeation), and a step of causing the highly degassed liquid to flow from the pump device to the filter device for a predetermined length of time (liquid permeation).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Tomohiro Iseki, Hideo Funakoshi, Seiya Totsuka
  • Patent number: 8968448
    Abstract: An emissions device for use with a container assembly with a vent opening is provided. The emissions device includes a housing configured to be mounted to the container. The housing includes a backing plate that has at least one opening. A membrane is supported by the backing plate and extends over the opening. The membrane is configured to allow passage of vapor and prevent passage of liquid. A filter is located within the housing such that vapor that passes from the at least one opening through the membrane then passes through the filter. At least one spring is positioned within the housing and is configured to compress the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew Lorenz Erdmann
  • Publication number: 20150053088
    Abstract: Degassing device (21) for systems for treatment of food products (12) such as leaf vegetables, tuberous, fruit of meet, cheeses or sausages, and like, characterized in that it comprises a degassing conduct (22) for a food product (12) treatment fluid, said degassing conduct (22) having, in sequence along its development trajectory, an inclined inlet tract (23), within which said flow fluid rises, a degassing tract (24), and an outlet tract (25), within which said flow is directed downward; and a degassing chamber (27), in correspondence of said degassing tract (24); said degassing tract (24) having, at least on its upper wall (24a), a plurality of holes (26) suitable to communicate said degassing tract (24) with said degassing tract (27) to permit exit of air bubbles trapped within said flow from said degassing chamber (27), preventing exit of food products (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Turatti, S.R.L.
    Inventor: Antonio Turatti
  • Patent number: 8876944
    Abstract: A system for separating fluids of a fluid mixture including a filter element operatively arranged for enabling a first component of a fluid mixture to flow therethrough while impeding flow of at least one other fluid component of the fluid mixture. An additive is configured to improve a first affinity of the filter element for the first component relative to a second affinity of the filter element for the at least one other fluid component of the fluid mixture. A method of separating fluids is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Jiaxiang Ren, David P. Gerrard, John C. Welch, James E. Goodson
  • Publication number: 20140311343
    Abstract: A primary separation apparatus for separating natural gas from high pressure, high velocity production streams comprising a liquid dispersion of water, sand, natural gas, and isolation plug cuttings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Mary Hendrix, Glen Hendrix
  • Publication number: 20140260963
    Abstract: A system comprises: a filter for removing at least one of a contaminant or gas bubbles from a liquid photoresist to provide a filtered photoresist at an outlet of the filter. The filter has a filter vent. A trap has an inlet coupled to receive the filtered photoresist from the filter, for removing a remaining contaminant or gas bubbles from the filtered photoresist. One or more valves and one or more conduits are connected to the filter and the trap. The one or more valves are operable to reverse a direction of flow of the filtered photoresist, so that the photoresist flows from the inlet of the trap, through the outlet of the filter, to the filter vent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Chung-Cheng WANG
  • Publication number: 20140260206
    Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine may have a reductant delivery system with a reductant tank. A filter module positioned in the reductant tank filters reductant before it is conveyed to the reductant pump to remove impurities. In order to reduce gas flow to the pump, the filter module may have an outlet port leading to the reductant pump and a venting port positioned above the outlet port such that gas bubbles float to the venting port prior to entry of the reductant into the outlet port. The filter module may be secured to a tank level sensor assembly, and may vent the gas to a gas reservoir above the reductant in the reductant tank. Such a filtration system may operate independently of any return line that conveys reductant back to the reductant tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: CUMMINS IP, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Myer, John Heichelbech, George Muntean, Steve Holl, Jim Burke, John Anthis
  • Publication number: 20140243782
    Abstract: Bubble traps for removing bubbles from a stream of liquid and flexible containers comprising such bubble traps are disclosed. The bubble trap includes a containment chamber fluidly coupled to an outlet conduit. At least one grate is disposed between the containment chamber and the outlet conduit. The at least one grate includes a plurality of grate inlets formed in a grate wall and fluidly coupled to the outlet conduit with a plurality of grate conduits such that the containment chamber is fluidly coupled to the outlet conduit. The grate traps bubbles entrained in the stream of liquid flowing from the containment chamber to the outlet conduit in the containment chamber when the bubbles are greater than or equal to a diameter of the grate inlets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Roche Diagnostics International AG
    Inventors: Christoph Huwiler, Florian Kuhni, Andreas Geipel
  • Publication number: 20140230657
    Abstract: An air separator (1) comprises a first chamber (2) where blood or other fluid can be received, an inlet and an outlet port associated to the bottom wall (4) and in fluid communication with the first chamber. A first channel (14) extending along the lateral wall of the separator and has a first and a second portion (16 and 18). The channel second portion (18) terminally forms an orifice (15) facing the chamber and extending in an area closer to a top wall (5) of the chamber (2) than to the bottom wall of the same chamber. The orifice faces the top of the separator and has a flow passage cross section greater than that of a first portion (16) of the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: GAMBRO LUNDIA AB
    Inventors: Luca CALEFFI, Francesco RIBOLZI, Ranko SAKOTA
  • Publication number: 20140102299
    Abstract: An air trap for a blood circuit and method for removing air from blood in a dialysis unit. The air trap may include a blood inlet supply line, a blood outlet supply line, and a container having an approximately spherical internal wall, an inlet at a top end of the container connected to the blood inlet supply line, and an outlet at a bottom end of the container connected to the blood outlet supply line. The inlet may be offset from a vertical axis of the approximately spherical internal wall such that blood entering the container is directed to flow in a spiral-like path. The inlet port may be arranged to introduce blood into the container in a direction that is approximately tangential to the approximately spherical inner wall of the container and/or in a direction that is approximately perpendicular to the vertical axis of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Michael J. Wilt, Jason A. Demers
  • Patent number: 8597417
    Abstract: A blood reservoir (1) including a venous blood filter (40) and a cardiotomy filter (5). The cardiotomy blood filter includes a first cardiotomy blood filter member (51) and a second cardiotomy blood filter member (52). The filter member (52) is equipped with a first filter portion (52a) and a second filter portion (52b). The first filter portion (52a) forms the wall portion and the second filter portion (52b) forms the bottom portion. Specifications of the first filter portion (52a) and the second filter portion (52b) are different. A guide member (60) of the blood storage tank (1) is made of a foam material. The blood from which bubbles have been removed is guided while permeating the guide member (60). Consequently, the guide member (60) can lead the blood from which bubbles are removed to a predetermined position at a suitable liquid impact speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Nipro Corporation
    Inventors: Susumu Kobayashi, Takashi Arai, Yuji Kuwahara
  • Publication number: 20130269533
    Abstract: A filter element that is provided with automatic air bleeding features to efficiently bleed air from a fuel filter module containing the filter element. The filter element has an upper end cap with one or two air vents. One of the vents provides a bypass for air through wet filter media through which air from the fuel supply may not be able to pass through easily. The inner air vent is located on the inside of a circle formed by attachment clips that attach the respective filter element to a removable cover. The inner air vent allows for air inside the filter module to be easily purged out via a drain hole on the fuel filter module, while providing resistance to fuel. The drain hole is provided on the filter module which is internally connected to the fuel outlet and therefore to the fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: CUMMINS FILTRATION IP, INC.
    Inventors: Jignesh Rathod, Mark T. Schoolfield, Ajay D. Joshi, Steven D. Trusty
  • Patent number: 8540808
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide venting and filtration systems with a membrane that is permeable to gas and substantially impermeable liquid. The systems can remove a gas from a liquid entrained with gas. The systems can include a reservoir in fluid communication with the membrane and a liquid outlet. The membrane can help prevent the gas from reaching the liquid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Porous Media Corporation
    Inventors: Robert O. Crowder, John H. Burban, Steven T. Jersey, Kevin Carlson, Michael Savellev
  • Patent number: 8529668
    Abstract: A deaerator includes a case defining a vortex chamber and a fluid inlet for allowing a mixture of lubricating liquid and air to pass through the case into the vortex chamber. An air outlet allows air flow out of the deaerator, and a liquid outlet allows lubricating liquid flow out of the deaerator. A porous diffuser is positioned proximate the liquid outlet for slowing the flow of lubricating liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Keith E. Short, Timothy A. Johnson, Michael R. Blewett
  • Patent number: 8512453
    Abstract: A fuel tank deaeration and aeration system, including a first main filter device having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is in fluid communication with a fuel tank; and a second additional filter device having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is in fluid communication with the outlet of the main filter device, and the additional filter device outlet is in fluid communication with an environment of a vehicle, and wherein a bypass valve controls a bypass, which bypasses the additional filter device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Rudolph, Tilmann Wächter
  • Patent number: 8506684
    Abstract: In one aspect, a gas release device for removing gas from a bodily liquid in extracorporeal circuitry is described. The device includes an elongate vertical portion and a flared portion that extends outwardly from the elongate vertical portion. The device also includes an inlet port for delivering a bodily liquid into the device, and an outlet port for evacuating the bodily liquid from the device. The inlet port is positioned below the elongate vertical portion and the outlet port is positioned below the flared portion such that bodily liquid traveling from the inlet toward the outlet is forced around the flared portion to cause air bubbles in the bodily liquid to be re-circulated back toward the inlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin Weaver, Martin Joseph Crnkovich
  • Patent number: 8500869
    Abstract: A deaerator includes a case defining a vortex chamber, a fluid inlet for allowing a mixture of lubricating liquid and air to pass through the case into the vortex chamber, an air outlet for allowing air flow out of the deaerator, and a liquid outlet for allowing lubricating liquid flow out of the deaerator. A porous diffuser is positioned proximate the liquid outlet. A plate is positioned adjacent the porous diffuser and has a first surface in contact with the porous diffuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy A. Johnson, Jeff A. Brown, Michael R. Blewett
  • Publication number: 20130180401
    Abstract: A system for separating fluids of a fluid mixture including a filter element operatively arranged for enabling a first component of a fluid mixture to flow therethrough while impeding flow of at least one other fluid component of the fluid mixture. An additive is configured to improve a first affinity of the filter element for the first component relative to a second affinity of the filter element for the at least one other fluid component of the fluid mixture. A method of separating fluids is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jiaxiang Ren, David P. Gerrard, John C. Welch, James E. Goodson
  • Patent number: 8449767
    Abstract: An oil reservoir having an oil inlet fitting and at least one oil outlet fitting for connecting to a hydraulic system. The reservoir comprising a housing having a lower housing part and a reservoir cover which is connected to the lower housing part and includes an integrated oil filter. An oil filler neck, which can be closed by a cap, is configured on the housing cover. The reservoir housing is equipped with at least one guide element which is attached to at least one inside wall of the reservoir housing and forms a circular guidance track for the oil. This guidance track forces the oil flow in a circular manner, after entering the reservoir and passing through the oil filter but before exiting the oil reservoir, such that any air which may be present is separated from the oil and can exit the oil reservoir via an air outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignees: Robert Bosch GmbH, ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Uwe Renner, Christoph Lipp, Rolf Karlstedt
  • Patent number: 8440077
    Abstract: A combined degassing and flotation tank for separation of a water influent containing considerable amounts of oil and gas. A rotational flow is created in the tank which forces the lighter components such as oil and gas droplets towards an inner concentric cylindrical wall where they coalesce and rise to the surface of the liquid and are removed via the outlet. The heavier particles are forced down and sink to the lower part where they can be removed as a sludge. The water is discharged via an outlet in the lower part of the tank. The combined degassing and flotation tank is particular suited for use in oil production at sea for removal of oil and gases from water streams before the water is returned to the sea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Norge AS
    Inventor: Stein Egil Oserød
  • Publication number: 20130108972
    Abstract: A separator assembly (1c) in the form of a flare tank for separating and igniting gas from non-gaseous components of a fluid stream (such as a well return). The separator assembly (1c) comprises: at least one degasser (4) having a fluid stream inlet (41) for introducing the fluid stream (well return) into a vessel (40) of the degasser (4) at a reduced velocity, and optionally a degasser gas pressure relief system (60) and non-gaseous component filter (40); a tank (3) having a settling compartment (30) and a suction compartment (31); and a flare (5c) for igniting gas leaving the degasser (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: AUSTRALIAN RIG CONSTRUCTION HOLDINGS PTY LTD
    Inventors: Guido Stangherlin, Allan Douglas Bougoure
  • Publication number: 20130074798
    Abstract: A tray for de-aeration of oil contained in an oil pan including an inner surface, an outer surface, and a side surface. The inner surface is adapted to face a bottom surface of the oil pan. The outer surface is adapted to face an oil-gas interface of the oil contained in the oil pan. The side surface extends from the inner surface. Moreover, the side surface encloses a submerged surface to collect aeration bubbles present in the oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley J. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 8292990
    Abstract: A High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) system including a pressure reducer assembly for reducing pressurized streams to ambient pressure. The pressure reducer assembly includes first and second flow restrictors, each coupled to a common chamber that acts as a surge suppressor that mitigates pressure spikes in the discharge lines. The flow restrictors may comprise tubes having a high length-to-diameter ratio. The pressure losses through the flow restrictors, in combination with transition losses as the flow stream enters and exits the chamber, are sufficient to reduce a discharge stream from a specified inlet pressure to substantially ambient pressure, thus eliminating the need for pressurized waste containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: TSI, Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael Schumacher, Robert Montividas
  • Publication number: 20120260802
    Abstract: A gas and liquid mixture separation and collection system for zero gravity operation that can be applied to a urinal toilet is disclosed. There is an inlet to receive the gas and liquid mixture. The mixture is directed to a filter having an air side. A vacuum pump on the air side of the filter generates a pressure delta to force the inlet flow. A peristaltic pump is used to transfer liquid away from the filter surface. In doing so, the flow on the liquid side of the membrane filter may contain some gas left over from the inlet flow mixture, but there is substantially less gas than in the gas and liquid mixture at the inlet. The filtered mixture is directed to an expandable collection bag that is attached to the air side of the filter so the filter process can be repeated to remove more gas from the mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Jay Ingham
  • Patent number: 8261947
    Abstract: An emissions device for use with a portable fuel container assembly is provided. The emissions device includes an emissions housing configured to be mounted to the portable fuel container. The emissions housing defines at least one device opening. A membrane is supported by the emissions housing and allows the passage of the vapor and prevents the passage of a liquid. An emissions filter is also located within the emissions housing and is located such that vapor exiting through the device opening must pass the emissions filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew Lorenz Erdmann
  • Patent number: 8231714
    Abstract: A combined machine for pumping and separating into two distinct and purified phases a two-phase liquid/gas mixture or fluid, is provided. A first stage of the combined machine is equipped with an intake for the two-phase fluid, in which the two-phase fluid is sucked, pumped and partially separated into two distinct phases. One phase is mainly liquid and the other phase is mainly gaseous. A second stage of the combined machine includes two zones, which includes a first zone and a second zone. In the first zone, the mainly liquid phase extracted from the first stage is degassed. In the second zone, the mainly gaseous phase extracted from the first stage is dried. In a third stage of the combined machine, the degassed liquid is forced back and pressurized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Techspace Aero S.A.
    Inventors: Albert Cornet, Nicolas Raimarckers
  • Patent number: 8202357
    Abstract: A bubble trap is especially suitable for separating gas bubbles from liquid fuel supplied from a fuel tank in a spacecraft. The bubble trap includes a rotationally symmetrical collecting container forming a container wall, plural liquid guide vanes extending radially and longitudinally along the inside of the container wall, a perforated conical gas separator that tapers conically toward an outlet of the collecting container, and screens arranged between the gas separator and the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Astrium GmbH
    Inventors: Kei Philipp Behruzi, Dennis Haake, Mark Michaelis
  • Patent number: 8182576
    Abstract: The present invention is a biogas processing system having a compressor having a biogas input and output, a pump having a water input and output, a scrubber tower having a mixing chamber connected to a biogas input, a water pump input, a water output, and a processed biogas output, and a filtration member connected to the water output to remove contaminants from the water exiting the first scrubber tower. The system also includes devices for heating and cooling the recycled flow of water to enhance the ability of the water to absorb contaminants from the biogas and the ability of a stripper to remove absorbed contaminants from the water in a closed loop water system, and a controller for closely controlling the operating parameters of the system to achieve safe and optimal operation of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: A&B Process Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin L. Roe, David J. Mandli, Amanda M. Neuhalfen
  • Patent number: 8177975
    Abstract: An apparatus removes air or debris from a flow of liquid. The apparatus includes a shell having an inlet, an outlet, and an elongate inner cavity in fluid communication with each of the inlet and the outlet. A plurality of elongate coalescing medium assemblies are disposed within the cavity of the shell such that the coalescing medium assemblies are oriented substantially parallel to each other. Each coalescing medium assembly includes a plurality of wire mesh tubes oriented substantially parallel to each other. A wire mesh retaining wall substantially surrounds the tubes and holds the tubes together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Thrush Co., Inc
    Inventor: Aaron Schipper
  • Patent number: 8128740
    Abstract: The invention is targeted at the process of separating gas, such as air, from a liquid path. Specifically, the invention provides a means to remove gas from a dynamic liquid path, manage the removed gas and liquid path. The invention provides a means to remove gas from a dynamic liquid path using the buoyant property of gas in a less buoyant liquid, having ingress and egress ports for liquid and gas flow, and separate points of egress for liquid and trapped gas and integral liquid channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Organ Recovery Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David Walter Wright, Jeffrey C. Garland
  • Patent number: 8119000
    Abstract: A combined degassing and flotation tank for separation of a water influent containing considerable amounts of oil and gas. A rotational flow is created in the tank which forces the lighter components such as oil and gas droplets towards an inner concentric cylindrical wall where they coalesce and rise to the surface of the liquid and are removed via the outlet. The heavier parts are forced down where the heavy particles sink to the lower part where they can be removed as a sludge. The water is discharged via an outlet in the lower part of the tank. The combined degassing and flotation tank is particular suited for use in oil production at sea for removal of oil and gases from water streams before the water is returned to the sea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Norge AS
    Inventor: Stein Egil Oserød
  • Publication number: 20120000357
    Abstract: The present invention is a biogas processing system having a compressor having a biogas input and output, a pump having a water input and output, a scrubber tower having a mixing chamber connected to a biogas input, a water pump input, a water output, and a processed biogas output, and a filtration member connected to the water output to remove contaminants from the water exiting the first scrubber tower. The system also includes devices for heating and cooling the recycled flow of water to enhance the ability of the water to absorb contaminants from the biogas and the ability of a stripper to remove absorbed contaminants from the water in a closed loop water system, and a controller for closely controlling the operating parameters of the system to achieve safe an optimal operation of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Kevin L. Roe, David J. Mandli, Amanda M. Neuhalfen
  • Publication number: 20110303761
    Abstract: The invention relates to an atomizer (10) for atomizing liquids, more particularly pharmaceutical or cosmetic liquids, comprising a liquid storage receptacle (30) pertaining to an atomizing device (20) having an atomizing chamber that communicates with the ambient atmosphere through a plurality of outlet orifices, and comprising a vibrator, by means of which liquid present in the atomizing chamber is caused to vibrate for the purpose of atomization, and further comprising an intake channel (70), via which said liquid storage receptacle (30) is connected to the atomizing device (20), and further comprising a pumping device (50), provided in the intake channel (70) for the purpose of conveying the liquid from the liquid storage receptacle (30) to the atomizing chamber, and further comprising an electronic control device (40) for controlling the pumping device (50) and the vibrator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Joerg Kohnle, Frank Keppner, Hubertus Pfeffer
  • Patent number: 8075766
    Abstract: A water treatment method is provided for helping to partially or completely remove sodium and methane gas from water. In the method, water is combined with a reactant that is formulated to combine with the sodium in the water and form a compound. The water and compound are then passed through a bed of media for helping to separate the compound from the water. The method also includes aerating the water to release gases contained therein by breaking the water into microdroplets by passing it through a screen. Additionally, the method may include a step wherein the water is passed through an acidic resin for facilitating a cation exchange where additional sodium is removed. A water treatment apparatus for performing the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignees: CST Industries, Inc., Blue Future Filters, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Stellema, Humphrey Blackburn, Brian Parris, Matthew D. Silvey