US4082668A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ultra filtration apparatus and method
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-09-04
•
Granted: 1978-04-04
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Expires: 1993-09-04
Abstract
Abstract An ultrafiltration cell utilizing two membranes with a magnetic stirring bar system in between. This permits stacking of stirred cells and doubles the efficiency of each cell. Automatic stop to prevent drying is accomplished by employing a floating valve. When using compressed gas for pressure filtration, the floating valve sinks when empty and the valve mechanically stops gas pressure. When an electric motor pump is used, the floating valve keeps a switch on by pressing it upwards and shuts it off when it sinks. The switch could be magnetically or mechanically operated by the floating valve.
Inventors
- 👤 Rashid Ayoub Zeineh
- 👤 Richard Arthur Finley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 16:03
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01D; B01D61/00; B01D61/14; B01D61/18; B01D63/00; B01D63/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
161 words
An instrument for ultrafiltration of proteins and macromolecules in solution comprising a unit of three parts including upper, middle and lower elements secured together by retaining means, said upper part comprising a membrane holder having a membrane filter, a porous disc support and an outlet for ultrafiltrate, said middle part including a magnetic stirrer bar assembly and having sample inlet and outlet ports, said lower part comprising a second membrane holder having a second membrane filter and a second porous disc and a second ultrafiltrate outlet port, said magnetic stirrer bar being driven to rotate by means of an external motorized magnetic bar under the lower element, said magnetic stirrer bar being located in proximity to the two said membrane filters but out of contact therewith during rotation of the stirrer bar, and sealing means between said middle part and said membrane filters, said membrane filters being of relatively large diameter and spaced relatively close together separated by said middle part.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
161 words
An instrument for ultrafiltration of proteins and macromolecules in solution comprising a unit of three parts including upper, middle and lower elements secured together by retaining means, said upper part comprising a membrane holder having a membrane filter, a porous disc support and an outlet for ultrafiltrate, said middle part including a magnetic stirrer bar assembly and having sample inlet and outlet ports, said lower part comprising a second membrane holder having a second membrane filter and a second porous disc and a second ultrafiltrate outlet port, said magnetic stirrer bar being driven to rotate by means of an external motorized magnetic bar under the lower element, said magnetic stirrer bar being located in proximity to the two said membrane filters but out of contact therewith during rotation of the stirrer bar, and sealing means between said middle part and said membrane filters, said membrane filters being of relatively large diameter and spaced relatively close together separated by said middle part.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
119 words
An insturment as set forth in claim 1 with a safety valve and switch to protect said unit against drying of said membrane filters and the sample being processed, said valve including a float in a cylinder activated to close an outlet port and disconnect an electrical connection when the cylinder is empty of fluid, said cylinder having an inlet port and a bottom outlet port, said float having an elastic member to close said bottom outlet port and an embedded magnetic member on the top of the float whereby when the cylinder is full the float is in an upper position with the outlet port open and said magnetic member activates a switch to operate the ultrafiltration apparatus.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
An instrument as set forth in claim 1 wherein said units are arranged to pass said sample from one cell to another in series relation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
An instrument as set forth in claim 2 wherein said safety valve is connected to a sample reservoir on one side and to said unit on the other side whereby the ultrafiltration system ceases operation when the valve system fills with gas.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
An instrument as set forth in claim 2 wherein said safety valve stops the flow of pumped liquid by the opening of said electric switch.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
An instrument as set forth in claim 2 wherein said valve automatically stops the flow of liquid by mechanically closing said outlet port.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-04-03 | 1981-10-03 | 1982-04-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-04-03 | 1985-10-03 | 1986-04-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-04-03 | 1989-10-03 | 1990-04-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |