Thomasville Products, Inc.

North Carolina State University

Other

Miles E Talbert

Shamsuddin Ilias

James R Walsh

Sirena C Hargrove

Max E Hinkle

Ervin T Hall

A method for improving the permeate flux of a cross-flow membrane filter having at least two membrane ports through which the feed solution passes and at least two permeate outlets. The method includes the steps of establishing a first flow of a feed solution in a first direction through the membrane ports of the cross-flow membrane filter; reversing the first flow after a predetermined time to a second flow direction opposite that of the first flow direction; and repeating steps (a) and (b) until the permeate flux through the cross flow membrane filter reaches an unacceptable level by using a feed pump and a valve manifold assembly located between the feed pump and the cross flow membrane filter for selectively reversing the flow of the feed solution through the membrane ports of the cross flow membrane filter.

Method for improving the permeate flux of a cross-flow membrane filter

A filtration system for a cross-flow membrane filter which reduces the deleterious effects of concentration polarization and membrane fouling, thereby increasing the average transmembrane flux. The filtration system includes a feed supply for providing a feed solution; a feed pump connected to the feed supply; a cross-flow membrane filter connected downstream of the feed pump for separating the feed into a permeate and a retentate, the cross-flow membrane filter including at least two membrane ports and at least two permeate outlets; a valve manifold assembly located between the feed pump and the cross-flow membrane filter; and a control system for controlling the valve manifold to selectively reverse the flow of the feed through the cross-flow membrane filter. Periodic reversal of the direction of flow of the feed stream in the membrane module, while maintaining the cross-flow, keeps the system in a hydrodynamically transient state and prevents the formation of an undesirable stable boundary layer at the membrane surface thereby increasing the average transmembrane flux.

Flux-enhanced cross-flow membrane filter

A conventional strain gage mechanism is mounted within a support bracket having at least an end wall or plate through which the plunger of the strain gage extends. The dial of the strain gage is so arranged and calibrated as to be representative of 25% R.M.A. compression values responsive to a force applied against the free end of the plunger. The end plate insures that the device is applied consistently against different pieces of compressible material.

Portable device for measuring 25 percent R.M.A. compression values

Liquid foam reactants are deposited on an inclined pour plate from whence the reactants flow by gravity onto a single carrier, open top conveyor which carries the resulting foam bun away from the pour plate as it expands. A connecting wall is hingedly attached to the inclined pour plate along the lower edge thereof, which is also the 'creamline.' An elevator is attached to the pour plate, which, although generally maintained at a constant inclination during operation, may be selectively raised or lowered during operation to substantially alter the bun height adjusting the creamline height relative to the conveyor bed. The lower edge of the connecting wall loosely rests on the conveyor and moves back and forth responsive to adjustment of the creamline height, thereby maintaining support beneath the foaming bun between the pour plate and connector bed.

Apparatus for producing polyurethane foam buns of varying heights

A cushion construction having a central area formed of a flexible foam material exhibiting a 25% ILD in the range of 10-50 pounds and a surrounding outer band or border of rebonded foam material exhibiting a 25% ILD in the range of 50-200 pounds. The outer band extends around and is bonded or secured to the side walls of the central area and thereby supports the edges of the cushion to prevent edge collapse or 'rollover'.

Reinforced edge construction for cushions

A laminated mattress construction having outer layers of relatively soft, virgin foam material and an inner layer or core made of firmer reground, bonded foam. The thickness and firmness of the core are varied in relation to that of the outer layers to achieve a mattress having an overall compression modulus of at least 3. Individually the outer layers are so constructed as to exhibit a 25% ILD range of 10-45 lbs. and the core is so constructed as to exhibit a 25% ILD range of 20-80 lbs. The mattress is further constructed in horizontally juxtaposed sections with one section having firmness characteristics which differ from another section. Finally a removable mattress covering is provided which permits removal of the foam core and separate cleaning or replacement thereof.

Growing community of inventors

Trinity, NC, United States of America

Miles E Talbert