Patents Assigned to United States Filter Corporation
  • Patent number: 6645400
    Abstract: The present invention describes an innovative means of inhibiting corrosion of metals which experience active-passive transition in contact with an electrolyte. This invention incorporates hydrogen peroxide and/or peroxycarboxylic acids or their constituents to inhibit corrosion by inducing passivation of the metal. Application of this technology reduces the potential for fouling, scaling and deposition as well as outperforming existing methods of corrosion control in these applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventor: Roy Martin
  • Publication number: 20030183563
    Abstract: The bar screen of the present invention includes a bar rack and a cleaning rake. The bar rack includes a plurality of aligned bars and is adapted to be at least partially positioned within the channeled water. The cleaning rake is movably coupled to the bar rack and includes a plurality of tooth segments. Each tooth segment includes a base portion and a plurality of teeth. The base portion is coupled to the cleaning rake, and the plurality of teeth is connected to the base portion. Each tooth of the plurality of teeth is adapted to be inserted between adjacent bars on the bar rack to remove debris that has accumulated on the upstream side of the bar rack. The teeth are breakable from the base when the teeth engage immovable debris trapped within the bar rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen B. Wilcher
  • Patent number: 6623647
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a method and apparatus for controlling and optimizing the feed of two or more oxidizers to an aqueous stream, thereby providing a synergistic effect. The system combines the use of amperometric or ORP based sensor technology with amperometric sensor technology employing a gas permeable membrane, thereby providing definitive control of each oxidizer feed stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventor: Roy Martin
  • Patent number: 6620315
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a method and apparatus for controlling and optimizing the feed of two or more oxidizers to an aqueous stream, thereby providing a synergistic effect. The system combines the use of amperometric or ORP based sensor technology with amperometric sensor technology employing a gas permeable membrane, thereby providing definitive control of each oxidizer feed stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventor: Roy Martin
  • Patent number: 6607647
    Abstract: An electrodeionization apparatus and method of use includes an expanded conductive mesh electrode. The expanded conductive mesh electrode may be formed from any conductive material that is dimensionally stable and may be coated with conductive coating. The expanded conductive mesh electrodes typically have a diamond-shaped pattern of any size that provides support for an adjacent ion-permeable membrane while allowing an electrode or fluid stream to flow through. The conductive mesh electrode may also be placed against an endblock having fluid channels. These channels may be serpentine or parallel channels, which allow fluid flow to wash away any accumulation. The electrodeionization apparatus may have a protective ion-permeable membrane adjacent the electrode. The electrodeionization apparatus may also have a spacer, such as a fabric, a screen or a mesh, positioned adjacent the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick C. Wilkins, Li-Shiang Liang, Anthony Giuffrida
  • Patent number: 6607175
    Abstract: The present invention is related to valves for the controlling the flow of media. For example, the valves of the present invention may control the flow of solid media into a fluid stream. More, specifically, the valves of the present invention may be used to control the flow of a blasting media into an air stream as part of a blasting apparatus for treatment of a surface. In one embodiment, the media control valve of the present invention includes a valve body having a media inlet and a media outlet. A housing is connected to the valve body. A plunger is positioned within the valve body and is connected to a piston positioned within the housing. A base is connected to the valve body such that it communicates with the media outlet. The media control valve of this embodiment may further include a sleeve disposed between the valve body and the plunger. This sleeve may contain a media opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventors: Phuong T. Nguyen, Robert E. Thompson, Joshua J. Kimmel
  • Publication number: 20030136730
    Abstract: The clarifier of the present invention includes a tank, an influent pier, and a FEDWA. The tank that includes a bottom and a wall. The influent pier projects upwardly from the bottom of the tank along an axis. The influent pier includes ports that direct flow of the solution outwardly from the influent pier. The FEDWA separates the flow of the solution that is discharged by the ports and that flows into the tank. The separated flow of the solution includes a first flow portion that is directed in a first direction that is generally tangential with respect to the axis of the influent pier, a second flow portion that is directed in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction of the first flow portion, and a third flow portion that is directed in a third direction toward the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Applicant: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Schneider, Robert J. Fedie
  • Patent number: 6592762
    Abstract: A process for treating BOD, nitrogen and phosphorus containing wastewater. The process includes introducing wastewater influent into an anaerobic zone having activated sludge and mixing the wastewater influent with the activated sludge in the anaerobic zone to form a mixed liquor. The mixed liquor is introduced into an oxygen-deficit aeration zone, and denitrified mixed liquor from the oxygen-deficit aeration zone is recycled to the anaerobic zone for mixing therein with wastewater. The process also includes transferring the mixed liquor from the oxygen-deficit aeration zone to an oxygen-surplus aeration zone, transferring a portion of the mixed liquor from the oxygen-surplus aeration zone to a settling zone wherein a supernatant is separated from settled sludge and recycling at least a portion of the settled sludge to the oxygen-deficit aeration zone as recycled activated sludge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventor: George W. Smith
  • Patent number: 6579450
    Abstract: The bar screen of the present invention includes a bar rack and a cleaning rake. The bar rack includes a plurality of aligned bars and is adapted to be at least partially positioned within the channeled water. The cleaning rake is movably coupled to the bar rack and includes a plurality of tooth segments. Each tooth segment includes a base portion and a plurality of teeth. The base portion is coupled to the cleaning rake, and the plurality of teeth is connected to the base portion. Each tooth of the plurality of teeth is adapted to be inserted between adjacent bars on the bar rack to remove debris that has accumulated on the upstream side of the bar rack. The teeth are breakable from the base when the teeth engage immovable debris trapped within the bar rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen B. Wilcher
  • Patent number: 6575195
    Abstract: A bypass valve for directing fluid flow, where the bypass valve includes a valve body with a notch in at least one end thereof and a spool seated within the valve body. The spool is rotatable within the valve body. One preferred embodiment of the present invention also includes at least one endcap attached to an axial end portion of the spool, where the endcap includes a protrusion extending thereon for preventing relative rotation between the spool and the valve body when the protrusion is positioned within the notch. A further aspect of the present invention relates to a bypass valve with a valve body including a plurality of ports and a generally cylindrical inner periphery, as well as a spool seated within the valve body, where the spool is rotatable and axially translatable within the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventor: Mark E. Wichmann
  • Patent number: 6572758
    Abstract: An electrolytic cell producing sodium chlorate uses an electrode, specifically an anode, having a surface or coating or treatment of a mixed metal oxide having ruthenium oxide as an electrocatalyst, a precious metal of the platinum group or its oxide as a stability enhancer, antimony oxide as an oxygen suppressant and a titanium oxide binder. The electrocatalytic coating is about 21 mole percent ruthenium oxide, about 2 mole percent iridium oxide, about 4 mole percent antimony oxide and the balance is titanium oxide. The coating is characterized by high durability and low oxygen content in an off-gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventors: Vadim Zolotarsky, Irina A. Ivanter, Mark J. Geusic
  • Patent number: 6568282
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating a porous membrane. The method includes supplying a fluid to a first side of a wetted membrane at a pressure that is greater than the pressure on a second side of the membrane which is at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. The rate of transfer of the fluid from the first side to the second side is measured. The invention also includes an apparatus that includes a membrane mounted in a housing that divides the housing into a first compartment and a second compartment. A first fluid is contained in the first compartment at a pressure greater than the pressure in the second compartment. A second fluid is contained in the second compartment at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, and a measuring device is in communication with the first compartment, the second compartment, or both compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventor: Gary C. Ganzi
  • Publication number: 20030089609
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices able to purify fluids electrically that are contained within pressure vessels, as well as to methods of manufacture and use thereof. Liquids or other fluids to be purified enter the purification device and, under the influence of an electric field, are treated to produce an ion-depleted liquid. Species from the entering liquids are collected to produce an ion-concentrated liquid. Increasing the exterior pressure on the device may reduce the pressure difference between the interior of the device and the exterior, which may reduce manufacturing costs or simplify construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Applicant: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventors: Li-Shiang Liang, Emile Montminy
  • Publication number: 20030080035
    Abstract: A filter screen that is used in filtering water and that includes a frame and a grid assembly that is supported by the frame for movement. The grid assembly includes a continuous unbroken drive chain having a guide link, and a screen panel. The screen panel is coupled to the guide link for selective movement between an operating condition and a maintenance condition. When the screen panel is in the operating condition the screen panel is fixed relative to the guide link for movement with the guide link and for filtering water. In the maintenance condition, the screen panel is pivotable relative to the guide link to permit access to the interior of the filter screen for inspection of chain components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen B. Wilcher
  • Publication number: 20030070970
    Abstract: The bar screen of the present invention includes a bar rack and a cleaning rake. The bar rack includes a plurality of aligned bars and is adapted to be at least partially positioned within the channeled water. The cleaning rake is movably coupled to the bar rack and includes a plurality of tooth segments. Each tooth segment includes a base portion and a plurality of teeth. The base portion is coupled to the cleaning rake, and the plurality of teeth is connected to the base portion. Each tooth of the plurality of teeth is adapted to be inserted between adjacent bars on the bar rack to remove debris that has accumulated on the upstream side of the bar rack. The teeth are breakable from the base when the teeth engage immovable debris trapped within the bar rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen B. Wilcher
  • Patent number: 6546685
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bracket for securing collector flight support tracks that are used in sludge collectors. The mounting bracket is suitable for use with various types of support track configurations. The mounting bracket is part of an assembly that is adjustable and includes a pair of unitary molded hubs and a connecting member that extends between the pair of hubs. The hubs are preferably constructed so as to facilitate being mounted in one of a number of alternative positions on a wall of a collector tank or to be secured to a variety of commonly used collector flight support tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffery L. Nordland, Susan M. Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 6536606
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sludge collector for use with a circular clarifier. The circular clarifier includes a tank that has a bottom and a wall that extends upwardly from the bottom of the tank. The tank is configured to contain a solution and allow sludge to settle from the solution to the bottom of the tank. The sludge collector includes a withdrawal manifold, a scraper assembly, and an entrapment plate. The withdrawal manifold is located at the bottom of the tank. The scraper assembly extends from the withdrawal manifold toward the wall of the tank and moves the settled sludge toward the withdrawal manifold. The entrapment plate extends between the withdrawal manifold and the scraper assembly to trap sludge between the withdrawal manifold and the scraper assembly and funnels the trapped sludge into the withdrawal manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Schneider, Robert J. Fedie
  • Publication number: 20030047221
    Abstract: A bypass valve for directing fluid flow, where the bypass valve includes a valve body with a notch in at least one end thereof and a spool seated within the valve body. The spool is rotatable within the valve body. One preferred embodiment of the present invention also includes at least one endcap attached to an axial end portion of the spool, where the endcap includes a protrusion extending thereon for preventing relative rotation between the spool and the valve body when the protrusion is positioned within the notch. A further aspect of the present invention relates to a bypass valve with a valve body including a plurality of ports and a generally cylindrical inner periphery, as well as a spool seated within the valve body, where the spool is rotatable and axially translatable within the valve body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventor: Mark E. Wichmann
  • Publication number: 20030042199
    Abstract: A process for treating BOD, nitrogen and phosphorus containing wastewater. The process includes introducing wastewater influent into an anaerobic zone having activated sludge and mixing the wastewater influent with the activated sludge in the anaerobic zone to form a mixed liquor. The mixed liquor is introduced into an oxygen-deficit aeration zone, and denitrified mixed liquor from the oxygen-deficit aeration zone is recycled to the anaerobic zone for mixing therein with wastewater. The process also includes transferring the mixed liquor from the oxygen-deficit aeration zone to an oxygen-surplus aeration zone, transferring a portion of the mixed liquor from the oxygen-surplus aeration zone to a settling zone wherein a supernatant is separated from settled sludge and recycling at least a portion of the settled sludge to the oxygen-deficit aeration zone as recycled activated sludge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventor: George W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030029780
    Abstract: A submerged intake filter assembly comprising a cylindrical screen, a first end plate, a second end plate, a primary flow modifier pipe, and a plurality of secondary flow modifier pipes. The primary flow modifier pipe is eccentric with the cylindrical screen at the first end plate. The secondary flow modifier pipes are positioned to lie in an annular space between the primary flow modifier pipe and the cylindrical screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventors: Michael R. Ekholm, Michael D. Appel, Richard C. Maxson