Patents Examined by Christopher Upton
  • Inclined linear multi-phase gravity separation system
    Patent number: 11285405
    Abstract: A separation system for separating components of a flow of multi-phase fluid includes an elongate separator vessel oriented on an incline to define a lower inlet end having an inlet for receiving the fluid flow, a raised outlet end, and an inclined top inner surface extending from the inlet end to the outlet end. The system includes a lower weir plate positioned above the inlet end and an upper weir plate positioned below the outlet end having an upper edge defining a liquid level within the separator vessel, thereby allowing a lighter fluid component to flow over the upper edge into a upper section located forwardly of the upper weir plate. The system also includes a clear water pipe with a withdrawal opening positioned below the upper weir plate. The incline of the separator vessel is adjustable in accordance with the composition of the multi-phase fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: EnXL LLC
    Inventor: Bruce D. Johnson
  • System and method of scum collection in wastewater treatment systems
    Patent number: 11286185
    Abstract: System and method of scum collection and removal in batch biological wastewater treatment systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Terence K. Reid, David Smith
  • Heated separation assembly
    Patent number: 11274540
    Abstract: Provided is an indirect heated separation assembly that includes a vessel assembly having a heating section and a separation section, a wall separating the heating section from the separation section, the wall configured to be heated by a heating fluid in the heating section to provide indirect heat to the separation section, and a coil assembly at least partially disposed in the heating section, the coil assembly including an inlet configured to receive a process fluid and an outlet in communication with an inlet of the separation section to direct the process fluid after heating to the separation section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: WESTERMAN, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas Lee Jensen, Spencer Scott Bruner, Derek Rupp
  • Heated separation assembly
    Patent number: 11274539
    Abstract: Provided is an indirect heated separation assembly that includes a vessel having a heating section and a separation section, a plate separating the heating section from the separation section, the plate being configured to be heated by a heating fluid in the heating section to provide indirect heat to the separation section, and a coil assembly disposed in the heating section, the coil assembly including an inlet configured to receive a process fluid and an outlet in communication with an inlet of the separation section to direct the process fluid after heating to the separation section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: WESTERMAN, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas Lee Jensen, Spencer Scott Bruner, Derek Rupp
  • Separation assembly
    Patent number: 11268361
    Abstract: Provided is an assembly including a vessel having first and second ends and an interior, an inlet diverter disposed in the interior at the first end, at least one flow baffle disposed in the interior and having a gas section including a plurality of gas openings extending through the baffle, a liquid section below the gas section including a plurality of liquid openings extending through the baffle, and a bottom surface spaced from a bottom interior surface of the vessel to define a fluid flow path between the bottom surface and the bottom interior surface, and at least one vane section disposed in the interior downstream of the at least one flow baffle, the at least one vane section having a bottom surface spaced from the bottom interior surface of the vessel to define a fluid flow path between the bottom surface and the bottom interior surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: WESTERMAN, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas Lee Jensen, Spencer Scott Bruner, Derek Rupp
  • Grease trap with safety barrier
    Patent number: 11267726
    Abstract: A grease trap for separating waste from wastewater includes a tank having an outer wall, bottom and open top. An inlet invert in the tank receives incoming wastewater, and an outlet invert removes water from the tank. The tank has a cover on the open top, and the cover has a hatch. A barrier spans a diameter of the open top below the cover and has an opening vertically below the hatch. A divider divides the tank into an upper chamber and a lower chamber and has a hole for allowing FOG into the upper chamber from the lower chamber, the hole being colinearly aligned with the hatch and the opening in the barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Thermaco, Incorporated
    Inventors: William C. Batten, Zachary Michael Rubeor, Erwin F. Hani
  • Ligature resistant strainer and drain assembly
    Patent number: 11261594
    Abstract: A ligature resistant strainer for a drain assembly and connecting to a drain system. The strainer includes a grate and an extension block coupled to the grate. The grate defines a first thickness, and the extension block defines a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness. Portions of the grate cooperate with portions of the extension block to define a plurality of apertures extending through the strainer and inhibiting attachment of a ligature to the strainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Acorn Engineering Company
    Inventor: Darryl M. Boeltl
  • Plate assembly and method of manufacturing for use in water treatment
    Patent number: 11260322
    Abstract: Various systems, apparatus, and methods used to remove solids from water are provided. A plate assembly for a plate settler assembly is provided which includes a plate body with a plate body thickness. The plate assembly also includes a first support plate attached to the plate body on a first axis extending between the first and second end of the plate body. The plate assembly may further include a second support plate attached to the plate body on a second axis extending between the first and second end. The plate assembly may also include a stiffener or a central stiffener attached to the plate body on a third axis. The plate assembly may still further include a flow control plate along the first end. The thickness of the support plates, stiffener, and flow control plate are greater than the plate body thickness. A corresponding method of manufacture is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Jim Myers & Sons, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy E. Krell, Kerry E. Dissinger
  • Hydrodynamic separator for stormwater treatment
    Patent number: 11261595
    Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus directed to an innovative approach for the treatment of stormwater utilizing hydrodynamic separator assembly designed to maximize flow movement for more efficient sediment removal and maximize clearance space within assembly to facilitate cleaning and increase storage capacity of trash, debris, and sediment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Bio Clean Environmental Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Zachariha J. Kent
  • Solids transfer pump with modular components
    Patent number: 11255083
    Abstract: An F.O.G. separation apparatus includes a tank for receiving a liquid effluent flow containing water, F.O.G., and gross solids. The tank has a chamber, an inlet in an inlet module, a downstream section and an outlet in an outlet module. The inlet module has a weir for the effluent downstream of a strainer to strain gross solids from the effluent. A pump upstream of the strainer pumps water and solids that do not pass through the strainer. The pump's rotatable vertical shaft has a motor at an upper and an impeller at the bottom. A pipe connected to the inlet module near the impeller conveys solids and water when the pump is activated and directs the solids and water to the outlet. F.O.G. and water entering the tank pass to the downstream section where the F.O.G. is removed from the water by a skimmer, and the residual water exist the tank through the outlet module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Thermaco, Incorporated
    Inventors: William C. Batten, Bruce Kyles
  • Nutrient removal filtration system and method
    Patent number: 11253798
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for providing nutrient removals in an up flow filtration storm water system for treating water to very high clean levels using filtration media. A filtration media can be supported by a screen above a floor in a vault allows for incoming storm water to pass into a void space above the floor into the screen and filtration media and then out an outlet to the vault. The filtration media can include recyclable and/or natural particles. Layers of river rocks can be placed on top of and below the filtration media. The captured debris can drop to the floor. The long lasting filtration media can be cleaned by being backwashed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Oldcastle Infrastructure, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Happel
  • Lamella for clarifier and lamellar module for clarifier
    Patent number: 11247146
    Abstract: A lamella for a clarifier formed by a rectangular or square plate, the upper edge and the lower edge of which run parallel to a transverse direction, the two remaining edges running parallel to a longitudinal direction, the plate being provided with longitudinal folds curved in the longitudinal direction and running from the upper edge to the lower thereof; the plate being curved longitudinally, so that the area closer to the lower edge of the plate is less inclined relative to the horizontal than the area closer to the upper edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Atca Asesoria Proyectos E Instalaciones, S.L.
    Inventor: Pedro Roberto Rodriguez Gomez
  • Multifunctional recovery apparatus of shore adhesion oils
    Patent number: 11248355
    Abstract: This application relates to a multifunctional recovery apparatus of shore adhesion oils. The multifunctional recovery apparatus of shore adhesion oils removing and recovering oil spilling and sticking at a shore is mounted on a four-wheel vehicle. A skimmer assembly separating oil sticking to the surface of rocks at a shore, and absorbing and recovering an oil spill at the shore is installed at the front of the four-wheel vehicle. The skimmer assembly includes a rotary skimmer having a rotary roller separating oil, and a vacuum suction skimmer suctioning oil floating on a water surface. The rotary skimmer and the vacuum suction skimmer may be selectively or simultaneously used, if necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology
    Inventors: Hyuek Jin Choi, Cheon Hong Min, Meang-Ik Cho, Jaewon Oh, Tae Kyeong Yeu, Seong-Soon Kim
  • Method for control of an inner tube of an inclined tubular oil and water separator
    Patent number: 11236600
    Abstract: Method for control of an inner tube of an inclined tubular separator, wherein the inner tube is provided with an outlet adapted the viscosity of oil introduced into the inner tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Seabed Separation AS
    Inventors: Jon Sigurd Berntsen, Asle Jostein Hovda
  • Removable grease trap with disposable liner
    Patent number: 11230477
    Abstract: A grease trap is provided. The grease trap comprises a container having an inlet opening and an outlet opening disposed in an upper portion thereof and a liner placed inside the container. The liner forms an enclosure and comprises a liner body having an inlet fitting and an outlet fitting mounted thereto. Each of the inlet fitting and the outlet fitting protrude the respective inlet opening and outlet opening and each of the inlet fitting and the outlet fitting are adapted for being connected to a plumbing system for receiving water containing FOG and for providing the water after separation of the FOG, respectively. An inlet baffle and an outlet baffle are disposed inside the liner body and mounted thereto. The inlet baffle and the outlet baffle each surround a respective inlet and outlet and extend downwardly therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Inventor: David Rockwell
  • Filter apparatus for oil-water separation
    Patent number: 11229858
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a filter apparatus for oil-water separation, and according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the filter apparatus for oil-water separation is mounted in a mixed fluid storage tank for storing a mixed fluid collected in seas or rivers in the event that an oil spill accident occurs, it is possible to drain off only water in the mixed fluid. In addition, it is possible to increase the storage efficiency of the mixed fluid storage tank by selectively draining and removing only water other than oil and impurities in the mixed fluid stored in the mixed fluid storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Myoung Woon Moon, Seong Jin Kim, Young A Lee, Young Cheol Park, Cho Hee Lee
  • System for collecting debris
    Patent number: 11230836
    Abstract: A system for collecting debris created for small-scale outflow pipes, including a collection net made of durable lightweight mesh material, for capturing debris and allowing for free flow of fluid. The collection net configured to be attached to an outflow pipe using a fixed collar and a movable collar. The system designed such that the fixed collar fits securely on outflow pipe, and the movable collar fits such that it may move towards the fixed collar longitudinally along the outflow pipe. A pressure sensor attached to the fixed collar triggers an electrical signal to alert users when a threshold capacity of the collection net is exceeded, by the pressure imparted by movable collar onto the pressure senor. An electrical signal triggers control unit to alert users when a predefined threshold is exceeded, by indicating via an indicator that capacity limits of collected debris have been exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Inventors: Kyle Allan Bandy, Alexa Riley Cunningham, Tina Marie Harris, Arizona Chenoa Henderson, Thomas Eugene Jenkins, Jr., James Virgil Shaner, Jennifer Christina Schwaiger Tropp, Emma Rose Bennett, Braelynn Marie Cameron, Makenzie Sue Gossett, Masonn James Hayslip, Lacy Rose Herdman, Lillian Mae Hopkins, Tyler Thomas Jenkins, Kylie Yu Jian Mader, Madison Leight North, Kacie Ann Sizer, Rhiannon Alyse Thomas, Alexandra Elaine Tighe
  • Sludge harvester improvements
    Patent number: 11229861
    Abstract: Apparatus for collecting solids settling at the bottom of a liquid reservoir, the apparatus including: a plurality of suction head assemblies, each suction head assembly including a hollow suction head configured to cause agitation of solids settling in or around the suction head and draw the solids entrained in a liquid flow into one or more outlets of the suction head; a manifold including a body having one or more inlets coupled to the one or more outlets of each suction head to permit the collected solids entrained in the liquid flow to pass into the manifold and one or more discharge ports configured to expel the collected solids entrained in the liquid flow from the manifold; and a pumping arrangement that draws in liquid and entrained solids from the suction head assemblies via the manifold and discharges the liquid and entrained solids via a discharge pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: AIRRAT PTY LTD
    Inventor: Ian Bradley Nielsen
  • System for treatment of water
    Patent number: 11214952
    Abstract: Surface water, such as stormwater, is contained in a pond, or other containment having primary semi-isolated treatment areas constructed, or designated therein, which are suitable for establishing ecological communities for treatment of water within the containment. Water for treatment is induced to flow through the semi-isolated areas and the ecological communities therein for treating the water, such as by bio-filtering, breakdown and bioremediation of water-soluble or hydrocarbon-based contaminants and inhibition of the proliferation of waterborne pathogens. The treated water is then discharged from the semi-isolated areas, such as for use downstream. Discharge of the treated water from the primary semi-isolated treatment areas, as well as the use of pump systems, induces the flow of water through the semi-isolated areas and ecological communities therein to effect the treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Inventors: Cory Albers, Bernard Amell
  • Floating liquid intake
    Patent number: 11207615
    Abstract: A floating liquid intake for a liquid suction removal system, the liquid intake comprising housing defining an internal cavity. The housing has a hollow and buoyant annular body, an upper cover and a lower cover. The internal cavity is formed between the upper and lower covers. A substantially annular inlet is formed in the annular body for ingress of liquid into the cavity. The annular body has a buoyancy sufficient for the liquid intake to float in a liquid with the annular inlet submerged below the surface of the liquid in which the liquid intake is floating. A pipe extends into the cavity and the pipe includes an inlet that in use is open below the surface of the liquid within the cavity. The pipe extends outside of the cavity for connection to a liquid suction removal system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Turret IP Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Robert Bruce Hair