US3760949A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sealing means for hollow fiber bundles
Assignee: United States Department of the Interior
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Filing: 1971-08-13
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Granted: 1973-09-25
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Expires: 1991-08-13
Abstract
Abstract Hollow fiber bundles are sealed within an elongated tubular reverse osmosis module by means of a polymeric elastomer coated onto a fiber bundle at the point of exit of the bundle from the module. The elastomeric seal is in a tapered configuration with the narrowest point being at the open end of the module. The interior of the open end of the module contains a rigid insert shaped to mate the tapered bundle end. The sealing means described provides for fluid tight seals during operation of the module at relatively high pressures. There may also be provided a porous plate firmly held against the ends of the fibers at the open end of the module which aids in retaining the fiber bundle in the module during operation.
Inventors
- 👤 D Carey
- 👤 R Leonard
- 👤 T Orofino
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 19:43
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01D; B01D63/00; B01D63/02; B01D63/024; B01D63/0241
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
In an apparatus for purifying liquids by means of reverse osmosis comprising an elonagted module containing a plurality of hollow filaments, wherein the filaments are bonded together by means of an elastomeric sealant surrounding the bundle at a point proximate to an open end of the module, the improvement which comprises providing: (1) an elastomeric sealant surrounding the bundle in the form of a tapered plug with its narrowest point being proximate the open end of the module, and (2) a mated reverse taper element inserted into said module.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
89 words
In an apparatus for purifying liquids by means of reverse osmosis comprising an elonagted module containing a plurality of hollow filaments, wherein the filaments are bonded together by means of an elastomeric sealant surrounding the bundle at a point proximate to an open end of the module, the improvement which comprises providing: (1) an elastomeric sealant surrounding the bundle in the form of a tapered plug with its narrowest point being proximate the open end of the module, and (2) a mated reverse taper element inserted into said module.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1, comprising further a porous plate secured against the open end of the module.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 2, when the porous plate is composed of a fine gauge stainless steel mesh material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the elastomeric sealant is silicone rubber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the hollow filaments are composed of cellulose acetate.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
97 words
An apparatus comprising a pressure vessel having a conically shaped opening with the smaller diameter of said opening at the exterior of said pressure vessel, a plurality of hollow filaments residing in said pressure vessel with the ends thereof extending through said opening. an elastomeric sealant surrounding and separating said filaments along the lengths of said filaments proximate said opening in a trun-cated cone-shaped form, being received by and residing in said conically shaped opening, a reverse taper element mated to said elastomeric sealant, whereby said filaments are secured in said opening and pressure sealing said vessel.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
97 words
An apparatus comprising a pressure vessel having a conically shaped opening with the smaller diameter of said opening at the exterior of said pressure vessel, a plurality of hollow filaments residing in said pressure vessel with the ends thereof extending through said opening. an elastomeric sealant surrounding and separating said filaments along the lengths of said filaments proximate said opening in a trun-cated cone-shaped form, being received by and residing in said conically shaped opening, a reverse taper element mated to said elastomeric sealant, whereby said filaments are secured in said opening and pressure sealing said vessel.
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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) | 1976-09-24 | 1977-03-26 | 1977-09-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-09-24 | 1981-03-26 | 1981-09-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-09-24 | 1985-03-26 | 1985-09-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |