Patents by Inventor Marcus Hoefken

Marcus Hoefken has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8434744
    Abstract: A stirring device for activated sludges contained in a basin includes a stirring body having a hyperboloidal wall with a lower circumferential surface, and a funnel-shaped recess underside the hyperboloidal wall; a shaft attached to the stirring body; an air supply line adapted to extend along a bottom of the basin and having a vertical section to supply air into the recess of the stirring body; a disk arranged underside the stirring body and spaced away from the lower circumferential surface to form an annular gap therewith; and shear ribs formed under the lower circumferential surface to extend along the lower circumferential surface and surround the annular gap. The vertical section of the air supply line extends coaxially through the disk in relation to the shaft so that when the stirring body is rotating, the shear ribs distribute air bubbles through the annular gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Invent Umwelt-und Verfahrenstechnik AG
    Inventor: Marcus Hoefken
  • Publication number: 20130093106
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for gassing liquids, in particular for aerating sewage and the like, comprising a lower housing element (1), which has a substantially round opening area and a gas inlet port (24), a disc-shaped upper housing element (10), corresponding to the opening area, for covering the opening area, the upper housing element (10) having an upper side (O) facing away from the lower housing element (1), and a number of gas through-openings (13) being provided in the vicinity of a peripheral edge of the upper housing element (10), passing through the upper side (O), and a perforated gassing membrane (19), covering over the upper side (O) of the upper housing element (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: INVENT UMWELT-UND VERFAHRENSTECHNIK AG
    Inventor: Marcus Hoefken
  • Patent number: 8408783
    Abstract: The invention relates to a horizontal agitator for producing a flow in a clearing basin, wherein a propeller (2) comprising a plurality of blades (4) is connected to a submersible motor (1) disposed axially thereto. In order to increase the efficiency of the horizontal agitator, according to the invention plate-shaped flow conducting elements (8) extending in at least one axial plane are provided downstream of the propeller (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Invent Umwelt-und Verfahrenstechnik AG
    Inventor: Marcus Hoefken
  • Publication number: 20130020728
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for aerating a suspension held in a treatment tank, in particular wastewater, activated sludge and the like, with a frame having longitudinal spars (1) and a compressed-air diffuser (3), the housing (G) of which has a multiplicity of first connecting pieces (4) for the connection of air diffuser lines (5) and a second connecting piece (6) for the connection of an air feed line, wherein the housing (G) is fastened to the frame such that first axes of the first connecting pieces (4) run approximately parallel to a plane containing the longitudinal spars (1). To simplify assembly, it is proposed that a second axis of the second connecting piece (6) forms an angle of 30 to 60° with the plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: INVENT UMWELT-UND VERFAHRENSTECHNIK AG
    Inventor: Marcus Hoefken
  • Publication number: 20120307587
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vertical agitator for wastewater and the like received in a sedimentation tank, wherein an agitator tool (5) is mounted on a drive shaft (4) extending vertically from a drive (1) mounted above a tank floor (2), wherein a free end (E2) of a shaft section (7) extending from the agitator tool (5) in the direction of the tank floor (2) is held in a safety bearing (14), wherein the safety bearing (14) is held in a retaining device (8) supported on the tank floor (2), wherein the retaining device (8) comprises a receiving section (9) for a receiving device (12) receiving the safety bearing (14). In order to simplify installation, the invention proposes that the receiving section (9) comprises a recess (11) opening in a substantially horizontal direction for laterally inserting the shaft section (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: INVENT UMWELT-UND VERFAHRENSTECHNIK AG
    Inventor: Marcus Hoefken
  • Publication number: 20120267305
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for biologically cleaning wastewater (A), comprising the following steps: providing a treatment basin (B) having a floor (1) and at least one wall (2) extending from the floor at a wall height (W), having an inlet opening (3) and having at least one outflow opening (9) in the range from 0 to a maximum of 0.5 times the wall height (W), feeding the wastewater (A) through the inlet opening (3) into the treatment basin (B), bringing the wastewater (A) into contact with microorganisms seeded in loose growth bodies (12) received in the treatment basin (B), and discharging the wastewater (A) at least partially cleaned by the action of the microorganisms from the treatment basin (B) through the outflow opening (9), wherein the growth bodies (12) are retained in the treatment basin (B).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: INVENT UMWELT-UND VERFAHRENSTECHNIK AG
    Inventor: Marcus Hoefken
  • Publication number: 20120255917
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cleaning wastewater, wherein at least one flow channel (S, S1, S2) having at least one horizontal agitator (5) disposed therein in the treatment basin (B), and wherein a cross-sectional surface (Q) of the flow channel (S, S1, S2) extending perpendicularly to the flow direction (SR) increases steadily upstream and downstream from the horizontal agitator (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: INVENT UMWELT-UND VERFAHRENSTECHNIK AG
    Inventors: Franz Durst, Marcus Hoefken
  • Patent number: 8210738
    Abstract: The invention relates to a horizontal agitator for producing a flow in a clearing basin, wherein a propeller (2) having a plurality of blades (4) is connected to a submersible motor (1) axially disposed thereto. In order to increase the efficiency of the horizontal agitator, according to the invention the propeller (2) and the submersible motor (1) are configured such that during operation of the submersible motor (1) a flow (P2) that is directed from the propeller (2) to the submersible motor (1) is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Invent Umwelt-und Verfahrenstechnik AG
    Inventor: Marcus Hoefken
  • Publication number: 20110114545
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning sewage, having a housing (1) of substantially rectangular outline which is formed in the manner of a transportable container, wherein a plurality of compartments (C1, C2, C3, C4) are provided one behind the other along a longitudinal direction of the outline, wherein a first compartment (C1) contains at least two treatment basins (B1, B2, B3, B4) and an adjoining, second compartment (C2) contains a tank (7) with a lamellar separator (8) and a clarifying basin (9) arranged one after the other downstream of it. In order to improve the cleaning efficiency, it is proposed according to the invention that the clarifying basin (9) be arranged between the lamellar separator (8) and the first compartment (C1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: INVENT UMWELT-UND VERFAHRENSTECHINK AG
    Inventors: Marcus Hoefken, Walter Steidl, Peter Huber
  • Patent number: 7871516
    Abstract: The invention relates to a decanter for separating a supernatant protruding from a sewage sludge in a sludge tank (1) having a withdrawal device (4) attached to a first end (E1) of a pivot-mounted discharge pipe (3), wherein for discharging the supernatant flowing through the discharge pipe (3) near a second end (E2) opposite of the withdrawal device (4) a flexible hose (14) is provided, which is connected to a connecting piece (13) that is firmly mounted to the base relative to the pivoting bearing. In order to improve the robustness of the decanter, the invention provides that the discharge pipe (3) is received at its second end (E2) pivoting around a pivoting axis (A) in a pivoting bearing (2) having two bearing blocks (17) supported on a base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Invent Umwelt-und Verfahrenstechnik AG
    Inventor: Marcus Hoefken
  • Publication number: 20110003646
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device for the immersed operation below a surface of a liquid (F), particularly for the immersed operation in a clearing basin, having a drive shaft (5) guided out of a housing, wherein the drive shaft (5) is guided through an axial face seal (12, 13) received in a sealing chamber (10) for sealing the housing against penetrating liquid. In order to improve the service life of the seal, the invention provides that a line (22) is connected to the sealing chamber (10) for receiving an oil supply and is guided to above the surface of the liquid (F).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: Invent Umwelt-Und Verfahrenstechnik AG
    Inventors: Marcus Hoefken, Thomas Hagspiel, Torsten Frey
  • Patent number: 7784769
    Abstract: The invention relates to an agitating device, in which a hyperboloid agitating body (6) is connected to a drive mechanism (2, 3) by means of a shaft (4). Several ribs (7) running from the circumferential boundary (Ur) in the direction of the shaft (4) are provided on the upper side (O) of the agitating body (6). According to the invention, the efficiency of the agitating device may be improved, whereby a height (h1) of the ribs (7) at least incrementally increases from the circumferential boundary (Ur) of the agitating body (6) in the direction of the shaft (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Invent Umwelt- und Verfahrenstechnik AG
    Inventor: Marcus Hoefken
  • Publication number: 20100201008
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stirring device for activated sludges comprising a stirring body (2) attached to a shaft (1) and having a hyperboloid wall (3), further comprising an air supply line (5, 8) for supplying air to a funnel-like recess (6) formed on a bottom of the stirring body (2). In order to improve the entry of air into the fluid medium surrounding the stirring body (2), the invention provides for an opening of the recess (6) formed on the bottom be covered with a covering element (7) such that an annular gap (10) having a predetermined width remains uncovered between an outer circumferential surface (9) of the stirring body (2) and the covering element (7) and for the air supply line (8) to be guided coaxially through the cover element (7) relative to the shaft (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: INVENT UMWELT-UND VERFAHRENSTECHNIK AG
    Inventor: Marcus Hoefken
  • Publication number: 20100196165
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stirring device for activated sludges comprising a hyperboloid stirring body (1) attached to a shaft (2), wherein a plurality of transport ribs (3) are provided on the top (O) of the stirring body (1) running toward the circumferential boundary (UM) thereof, wherein the transport ribs (3) have an oblique course, at least in sections, relative to a radial direction, and wherein the oblique position of the transport ribs (3) is selected such that, when the stirring body (1) rotates in a predetermined rotational direction (R), a flow (S) is generated that is directed outward away from the circumferential boundary (UM) of the stirring body (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: INVENT UMWELT-UND VERFAHRENSTECHNIK AG
    Inventor: Marcus Hoefken
  • Publication number: 20100182869
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stirring device for activated sludges comprising a hyperboloid stirring body (2) attached to a shaft (1), wherein a plurality of transport ribs (3) are provided on the top (O) of the stirring body (2) running toward the circumferential boundary (UM) thereof, wherein the transport ribs (3) have an oblique course, at least in sections, relative to a radial direction, and wherein an oblique position of the transport ribs (3) is selected such that, when the stirring body (2) rotates in a predetermined rotational direction (R), a flow is generated that is directed radially outward away from the circumferential boundary (UM) of the stirring body (2). In order to improve the efficiency of the stirring device, the invention proposes that at least one propeller (6) be attached to the shaft (1) that, when the stirring body (2) rotates in the rotational direction (R), generates a flow (A) directed toward the top (O) of the stirring body (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: INVENT UMWELT-UND VERFAHRENSTECHNIK AG
    Inventor: Marcus Hoefken
  • Patent number: 7744069
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for gassing liquids, particularly waste water, including a gas supply line (1) and at least one gassing element (2), which has a longitudinal axis (L) and can be attached to the gas supply line in a positive manner. In order to simplify the mounting of the gassing element (2), the invention provides that the gassing element (2) has at least one fixing plate (8), which laterally projects relative to the longitudinal axis (L) and which serves to establish a non-positive connection with the gas supply line (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Invent Umwelt-Und Verfahrenstechnik AG
    Inventor: Marcus Hoefken
  • Publication number: 20100133174
    Abstract: The invention relates to a horizontal agitator for producing a flow in a clearing basin, wherein a propeller (2) comprising a plurality of blades (4) is connected to a submersible motor (1) disposed axially thereto. In order to increase the efficiency of the horizontal agitator, according to the invention plate-shaped flow conducting elements (8) extending in at least one axial plane are provided downstream of the propeller (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: INVENT UMWELT-UND VERFAHRENSTECHNIK AG
    Inventor: Marcus Hoefken
  • Publication number: 20100096343
    Abstract: The invention relates to a horizontal agitator for producing a flow in a clearing basin, wherein a propeller (2) having a plurality of blades (4) is connected to a submersible motor (1) axially disposed thereto. In order to increase the efficiency of the horizontal agitator, according to the invention the propeller (2) and the submersible motor (1) are configured such that during operation of the submersible motor (1) a flow (P2) that is directed from the propeller (2) to the submersible motor (1) is produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: INVENT UMWELT-UND VERFAHRENSTECHNIK AG
    Inventor: Marcus Hoefken
  • Publication number: 20090236278
    Abstract: The invention relates to a decanter for separating a supernatant protruding from a sewage sludge in a sludge tank (1) having a withdrawal device (4) attached to a first end (E1) of a pivot-mounted discharge pipe (3), wherein for discharging the supernatant flowing through the discharge pipe (3) near a second end (E2) opposite of the withdrawal device (4) a flexible hose (14) is provided, which is connected to a connecting piece (13) that is firmly mounted to the base relative to the pivoting bearing. In order to improve the robustness of the decanter, the invention provides that the discharge pipe (3) is received at its second end (E2) pivoting around a pivoting axis (A) in a pivoting bearing (2) having two bearing blocks (17) supported on a base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2007
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: Invent Umwelt UND Verfahrenstechnik AG
    Inventor: Marcus Hoefken
  • Patent number: D665047
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Invent Umwelt-und Verfahrenstechnik AG
    Inventor: Marcus Höfken