Abstract: A filtration system using lightweight fibrous media (LFM) that are pre-compressed either 1) manually; or 2) in-situ using hydraulic flow; and where the LFM are forced to separate and relax for cleaning either: 1) manually, 2) in-situ in their filter housing, or 3) in an auto-clean system using separate devices in order to enact a particularly aggressive cleaning process. A plurality of lightweight fibrous media balls are pre-compressed and used to form a single mass that can filter water as the media are compressed by pre-compression before installation, or by water flow pushing on a pre-compression plate during filtration thereby forming a single mass providing multitudes of tortuous paths through which water can flow and the media can capture small particulate matter.

Abstract: A water desalination and softening system that can be used in a home or commercial environment which recirculates water past a membrane filter element in a manner to self clean the membrane and to prevent a buildup of salts and minerals on the membrane surface. The system conserves water so as to result in near zero waste by recirculating water from a reservoir tank past the membrane. The system can operate in conjunction with a building's water supply and can operate without problems in either a zero or low effluent mode or when water usage is frequent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a water desalination system that can be used in a home or commercial entity which uses a reverse osmosis or nanofilter membrane element in a unique flow configuration which promotes self cleaning of a membrane element to prevent a buildup of salts and minerals on the membrane surface. The systems use the dynamics of water usage in a water service line, not connected to the membrane to flush a recirculation/reservoir tank that feeds the reverse osmosis or nanofilter membrane periodically. The systems also produce little or no waste effluent that must be dumped into a waste system, thereby wasting water and causing an environmental problem.

Abstract: An improved insect trap having a plurality of "moving" or sequentially-activated lights to attract insects, with particular emphasis on attracting and trapping parasitic insects, such as fleas, together with a card coated with a sticky substance to capture and retain the insects.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for separating and removing oil and particulate solids from a dispersion of oil and particulate solids in water or a water-based liquid. During separation, the dispersion is fed under pressure into the inlet end of a plurality of upright coalescer tubes made of a single-layer of flexible, water-permeable fabric and is prevented from exiting through the outlet end of the tubes. The water passes radially through the fabric walls into a stilling chamber surrounding the coalescer tubes and exits through a clean water outlet while the solid particulates are retained on the inner surface of the fabric. The oil particles coalesce on the inner surface of the tubes, forming a layer of oil which migrates through the fabric's pores due to the pressure differential between the inner and outer tube surfaces and forms an oil layer on the outer surface of the fabric.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating water/wastewater to remove grit, susped and colloidal solids of organic and inorganic nature, microorganisms and surfactants. Dense suspended solids (grit) are first removed by a centrifugation process. The influent water/wastewater is then passed through coagulation and flocculation chambers, an upflow clarifier and a high-rate settling chamber for final sedimentation. Next, the influent passes through a foam filter to remove colloidal particles. The water/wastewater under treatment is then pressurized and saturated with air and subsequently depressurized, causing the dissolved gas to bubble out of solution floating out suspended contaminants. At this point, ozone is introduced into the influent to create a thicker, more dense foam by oxidizing organic matter and for disinfection purposes. The foam floated to the surface of the influent is scraped off and furnishes the foam for the foam filter.