Float-supported Outlet Patents (Class 137/578)
  • Patent number: 11103813
    Abstract: A quick release pool skimmer basket apparatus includes an adjustable attachment apparatus, a basket having a sidewall, a filter element coupled to the sidewall to move between an open position and a closed position, and a handle extending upwardly from the basket. A trigger in the handle is operatively coupled to the filter element to hold the filter element in the closed position. Activation of the trigger releases the bottom from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Inventor: Thomas V. Lopez
  • Patent number: 11014024
    Abstract: A skimmer for removing water from a sediment basin to a water removal system may include a float portion, and a first pipe having a first end attached to said float portion and in communication with the water removal system. The first pipe has an orifice formed therein to admit water from below a surface of said sediment basin. A guard is attached to said float portion and said first pipe, said guard fixedly positioning said float portion so that said orifice is located below said surface. The guard has a continuous, vertically-extending side wall having a bottom edge defining a water flow path opening located below said orifice. A flow path into said orifice from the sediment basin extends only through said flow path opening, upwardly to said orifice, then downwardly though said orifice into said first pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: SW Feesaver, LLC
    Inventor: James McCutchen
  • Patent number: 10378228
    Abstract: A pool cleaner including a first filter assembly and a second filter assembly is provided in the present disclosure. The first filter assembly includes a first housing defining a first chamber, where the first housing is provided with a first water inlet and a first water outlet; and a first filter device disposed in the first chamber configured to perform a first filtration to water from the first water inlet. The second filter assembly includes a second housing defining a second chamber provided with a second water inlet, the second water inlet is connected with the first water outlet; and a second filter device disposed in the second chamber configured to perform a second filtration to the first filtered water. The first housing is detachably connected with the second housing. The pool cleaner in the present disclosure has a good filtering effect and is easy to disassemble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: BESTWAY INFLATABLES & MATERIAL CORP.
    Inventors: Shuiyong Huang, Wenhua Hu, Changde Wan
  • Patent number: 10165706
    Abstract: A liquid immersion bath includes: a liquid immersion bath main body in which liquid coolant and an electronic device to be immersed in the coolant are placed; a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet provided to the liquid immersion bath main body; a coolant discharge port which floats on a liquid surface of the liquid coolant in the liquid immersion bath main body; and a hose which couples the coolant outlet and the coolant discharge port and bends in accordance with a movement of the coolant discharge port due to variation in a height of the liquid surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Keita Hirai, Tsuyoshi So, Naofumi Kosugi
  • Patent number: 10101754
    Abstract: An application for a flow control system includes a pressure vessel, positioned within the interior of a container which is fluidly interfaced to a downstream drainage system. The pressure vessel has at least one opening through its lower surface, through which it is slideably engaged over the exterior of a closed conduit which is in fluid communication with an upstream reservoir. There is no need for a seal between the pressure vessel and the closed conduit such that the interior of the pressure vessel is in fluid communication with the interior of the container. Additional openings, from the interior of the pressure vessel may also be provided. A means to restrain the pressure vessel from significant lateral movement is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Inventors: Jonathan Moody, Raymond Bellas
  • Patent number: 9872447
    Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic watering device which is self-contained, free standing, portable and easy to install. The automatic water device has at least one reservoir, at least one float, at least one conduit, and at least one base spike and enables the automatic watering device to dispense liquid at a regulated and constant rate by the principle of capillary action or wicking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Inventor: Nam S. Phang
  • Patent number: 9623344
    Abstract: A tent or covering with a pyramid-shaped structure, with an inner dark-colored sheet and an outer transparent sheet, installed on a supporting base anchored to the ground or on floats on the surface of the sea, wherein in the apex of the pyramid there are included vaporizers with micronebulizers for nebulizing the water to be treated, a device for capturing humid air through a continuous or sectioned condensation column and for subsoil distillation and heat dissipation in the smaller, water-collecting tank and recirculation of the air devoid of humidity into the enclosure. In addition, it includes a computerized control system of the processes includes controls of the air and nebulized water flow rates and of the working regime of the facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: UNIVERSITAT POLITECNICA DE CATALUNYA
    Inventor: Angel Bosch I Bosch
  • Patent number: 9174150
    Abstract: A float device for use in drawing liquids such as fuel from a tank or other reservoir is disclosed. The device comprises a float arranged for rising and falling with the level of liquid in the tank and a liquid pick-up duct, which comprises a flexible tube having its free end coupled to the float. The float is arranged for vertical movement within a filter or other member, which encloses the float and the flexible tube. The filter or other member is elongate and tubular in construction and comprises an open lower end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Inventor: Michael John James
  • Patent number: 8911618
    Abstract: A floating oil collecting system which can collect floating oil containing a very small amount of water is provided. The system includes a liquid-level following type suction apparatus having an intake pipe in which one end is an inlet side end opening upwardly and the other end is connected with an inlet port of a pump, a float which causes the inlet side end to closely follow a liquid level within liquid in a storage tank, and an adjustment pipe which is loosely fitted to the inlet side end of the intake pipe so as to be movable up and down movement, in which an upper end opening edge is an inlet opening; a separation tank which receives an oil/water mixture from the storage tank to separate the mixture into oil and water; a pump for sucking up the oil/water mixture from the storage tank so as to be supplied to the separation tank; and a deaerator for removing air in the oil/water mixture sucked up from the storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Eishin Techno Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuo Kubo, Kazunori Abe
  • Patent number: 8826936
    Abstract: A float device for use in drawing liquids such as fuel from a tank or other reservoir is disclosed. The device comprises a float arranged for rising and falling with the level of liquid in the tank and a liquid pick-up duct, which comprises a flexible tube having its free end coupled to the float. The float is arranged for vertical movement within a filter or other member, which encloses the float and the flexible tube. The filter or other member is elongate and tubular in construction and comprises an open lower end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Fuel Active Limited
    Inventor: Michael John James
  • Patent number: 8707991
    Abstract: A float device for use in drawing liquids such as fuel from a tank or other reservoir is disclosed. The device comprises a float arranged for rising and falling with the level of liquid in the tank and a liquid pick-up duct, which comprises a flexible tube having its free end coupled to the float. The float is arranged for vertical movement within a filter or other member, which encloses the float and the flexible tube. The filter or other member is elongate and tubular in construction and comprises an open lower end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Fuel Active Limited
    Inventor: Michael John James
  • Patent number: 8622074
    Abstract: A venting system for a fuel tank may include a first vent valve having an inlet, an outlet through which fuel vapor may be vented from the fuel tank, and a valve. The first vent valve may be located within a first chamber of the fuel tank. A second vent valve may have an inlet, an outlet through which fuel vapor may be vented from the fuel tank, and a valve. The second vent valve may be located within a second chamber of the fuel tank that is separate from the first chamber during at least certain fuel levels within the fuel tank. The support may carry both the first and second vent valves within the fuel tank and be movably carried within the fuel tank to vary the height of the first and second valves within the fuel tank as the support moves relative to the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: TI Automotive Technology Center GmbH
    Inventors: Andrej Hochstein, Bernd M. Nickel, Martin Stickel
  • Patent number: 8591148
    Abstract: A flow control system includes a movable riser with multiple flow rate restrictors within a stationary riser that is interfaced to a drainage system. The movable riser is buoyed by float(s) attached to the movable riser. As the fluid level around the flow control system changes, the movable riser tracks the changes, thereby raising and lowering the flow rate restrictors. Since the flow rate restrictors have differing areas in the horizontal plane, an interstitial opening between the outer edge of each flow rate restrictor and the inner perimeter of the stationary riser differs. The flow rate is constant and proportional to the depth of the fluid over the interstitial opening with the least area. The flow rate remains constant until that flow rate restrictor creating the smallest interstitial opening lifts above the upper edge of the stationary riser at which time, the next flow rate restrictor determines the flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Thirsty Duck, LP
    Inventor: Jonathan D. Moody
  • Patent number: 8585321
    Abstract: An application for a flow control system includes a movable riser in fluid communication and slideably engaged with a stationary riser, the stationary riser being in fluid communication with a drainage system. The movable riser is made buoyant by one or more attached floats such that, when the liquid level around the flow control system increases to a pre-determined level, the movable riser lifts due to the buoyancy of the float(s), thereby maintaining the pre-determined displacement as the water level continues to rise, yielding either a constant flow rate or a variable, predictable flow rate through the drainage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Thirsty Duck, LP
    Inventor: Jonathan D. Moody
  • Patent number: 8443832
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a sequencer for controlling the distribution of fluid input into a tank to at least two outlets using a plurality of cells connected to actuate a respective floating outlet. Each of the cells has a relatively uniform construction comprising an enclosure and a float. Each enclosure has an inlet arranged at one end to allow fluid therein and offset openings at an opposite end. The enclosure also is configured to accept the float in an inner cavity and arranged so as to allow the fluid therein to cause said float to move within said enclosure. Each cell is further arranged in pairs of a lift cell and a trigger cell adapted to actuate a floating outlet. Each float has an inclined upper surface configured to transfer a ball through the offset openings as the fluid causes the float to rise and fall from each cycle of actuate a respective floating outlet. The sequencer being particularly adapted to a system and method for dosing a septic system having two or more disposal fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: James G Richard
  • Publication number: 20130092268
    Abstract: The current invention is directed to a water skimmer and method of using same in a water containment system where the water skimmer comprises a conduit and float material. The conduit has water apertures and air apertures. The conduit and the float material are adapted to maintain a approximately a 1.5 inch to 6 inch head of water above the water apertures while keeping the air apertures at or above the water level. The number and size of the water apertures in the conduit allow for a predetermined flow rate of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: Michael B. Westcott
  • Publication number: 20120067442
    Abstract: A float device for use in drawing liquids such as fuel from a tank or other reservoir is disclosed. The device comprises a float arranged for rising and falling with the level of liquid in the tank and a liquid pick-up duct, which comprises a flexible tube having its free end coupled to the float. The float is arranged for vertical movement within a filter or other member, which encloses the float and the flexible tube. The filter or other member is elongate and tubular in construction and comprises an open lower end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: Michael John James
  • Publication number: 20110290341
    Abstract: According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a container (10) for temporarily holding water on the roof of a building, including a bottom (11), a side wall (12) surrounding the bottom (11) and an overflow opening (14) for draining surplus water when the volume of water collected in the container (10) exceeds a buffer volume, characterised in that the container (10) includes a water-draining means configured to force water with a temporary storage volume which is lower than the buffer volume to flow according to a regulated leakage rate (13), and in that the dimensions of the bottom are smaller than the dimensions of a sloping roof on which the container (10) can be placed so that the water load is distributed evenly on the surface of the roof when a plurality of containers (10) of the same size cover the surface of the roof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Raphaël Lame, Tanegmart Redjala-Ounnas
  • Patent number: 8043026
    Abstract: An application for a flow control system includes a tapered plunger situated within an conduit. The conduit is open to a downstream drainage system. The tapered plunger is buoyant, assisted by one or more floats attached such that, when the water level around the flow control system increases to a pre-determined level above a top rim of the conduit, the tapered plunger lifts due to the buoyancy. In such, the flow rate is maintained substantially constant. At the emergency level, alternate drain systems provide increased drainage to reduce the potential of flooding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Early Riser, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jonathan D. Moody
  • Patent number: 7985035
    Abstract: An application for a flow control system includes a movable plunger held within a stationary riser, the stationary riser being in fluid communication with a drainage system. The movable plunger is buoyant, assisted by one or more attached floats such that, when the liquid level around the flow control system increases to a pre-determined level, the movable plunger lifts due to the buoyancy, thereby maintaining the pre-determined distance between the surface level and a bottom surface of the movable plunger, keeping the flow rate at an approximately constant level independent of the water level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Early Riser, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jonathan D. Moody
  • Patent number: 7971606
    Abstract: A fuel tank and a cap device for the fuel tank. The fuel tank is connected to a fuel cell and includes a tank body having a fuel opening and a pin hole for maintaining an inside pressure, a floater positioned on a surface of the fuel stored in the tank body, and an air pipe connected to the pin hole and an upper part of the floater. The cap device includes a cap body having an inside transfer path for connecting an inlet opening for introducing the fuel and an outside transfer pipe, a fixed outer cap including a connector for fixing a discharge opening into which the transfer pipe is inserted, and an elastic opening/closing section in which the cap body is elastically compressible by the connector, and wherein the inside transfer path opens during the compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eun Suk Cho, Jun Won Suh, Jong Ki Lee, Ri A Ju, Won Hyouk Jang, Dong Yun Lee, Sang Hyeon Choi, Jin Hong An
  • Patent number: 7828004
    Abstract: In a method for the storage of chemical products in a container (1), the product is stored in the pertinent device in the liquid state with a temperature above its melting temperature and remains there at a lower environmental temperature, in an at least partly rigidified state until it is removed from storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Uwe Rohde
  • Patent number: 7811450
    Abstract: A device for preventing sedimentation by regulating the flow of waste water through drain draining-wells, with or without a pump. The device has of a swirl chamber with connected outlet pipe and provided with an air injector. The swirl chamber which is tapered, generates a vortex flow in which the air added by the air injector gives the sludge particles a certain amount of buoyancy, making it easier for them to accompany the water flow without being precipitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Anders Persson
  • Patent number: 7762741
    Abstract: An application for a flow control system includes a movable riser in fluid communication and slideably engaged with a stationary riser, the stationary riser being in fluid communication with a drainage system. The movable riser is made buoyant by one or more attached floats such that, when the liquid level around the flow control system increases to a pre-determined level above a top rim of the movable riser, the movable riser lifts due to the buoyancy of the float(s), thereby maintaining the pre-determined displacement as the water level continues to rise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Inventor: Jonathan D. Moody
  • Patent number: 7520293
    Abstract: A fuel storage system for a transportation or recreational vehicle has a fuel tank that carries a vapor assembly that seeks out vapor pockets and controllably removes fuel vapor from the tank without releasing hydrocarbons to the surrounding environment. Preferably, a vent manifold attaches to a flange that sealably covers an access hole of the tank. At least one flexible tentacle extends from the manifold in the tank to a respective vapor vent valve that floats upon the surface of fuel at a vapor dome. When freely floating, the vent valve is open thus communicates the vapor dome through the tentacle and preferably with a filtering carbon canister. As fuel surface levels change or the vehicle tilts, changing the vapor dome size or location in the tank, the floating vapor vent valve is free to move generally with the vapor dome and as permitted by the flexibility of the trailing tentacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Steven R. Hilderley, James R. Osborne
  • Patent number: 7299822
    Abstract: Apparatus (10) is defined for regulating the level of liquid on a first side of a barrier (12) with respect to a moveable level of liquid on a second side of the barrier. The apparatus includes an inlet conduit (30) for positioning on the second side of the barrier and having an inlet (38) that is arranged for moving up and down with the liquid level, and an outlet conduit (16) for positioning on the first side of the barrier (12) and in liquid communication with the inlet conduit (30) across the barrier. The outlet conduit has an outlet (22) that can be located at a predetermined liquid level at the first side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Auto Flow Fate Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter Wall
  • Patent number: 7222638
    Abstract: A liquid gathering and transferring apparatus for gathering liquid from a liquid source containing a quantity of liquid having a liquid surface and containing debris and discharging the liquid into a liquid receiving location includes an intake chamber having a chamber discharge end in fluid communication with the liquid receiving location and a chamber structural end opposite the chamber discharge end and a chamber side wall extending between the chamber discharge end and the chamber structural end and a longitudinal series of liquid intake ports in the chamber side wall extending generally between the chamber discharge end and the chamber structural end, the intake ports being of generally increasing diameter along the chamber side wall toward the chamber structural end for minimizing liquid vortex formation at the intake ports; so that the intake chamber can be suspended below the liquid surface at a minimal depth where less debris is present and draw liquid with negligible vortex formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventors: Kau-Fui Vincent Wong, James R. McNew, Eudoro Lopez
  • Patent number: 6990998
    Abstract: A fuel tank assembly has a fuel tank with a fuel flow control device disposed at least partially in the fuel tank, and which communicates with a fuel filler pipe through which volatile fuel is added to the fuel tank. In one embodiment, the fuel flow control device includes a fill tube that controls the manner in which fuel enters the fuel tank, preferably to reduce generation of fuel vapor when fuel is added to the fuel tank. In one embodiment, the fill tube is a flexible tube and includes a float adjacent to an outlet end of the fill tube so that the outlet end of the tube is responsive to the level of liquid fuel in the fuel tank for at least some levels of fuel in the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Karim Amellal, Benedict R. Bonazza, George Earl Maroney, Steve L. Toth
  • Patent number: 6915818
    Abstract: A fluid pick up device for removing fluid from storage tanks includes an intake, a submerging member that maintains the intake submerged in the fluid, and a float that enables the intake to move in relationship to the level of fluid. The submerging member can include an extension communicating with the intake. The extension can be an adjustable arm connected to a delivery member by a swivel joint. A stopping member can control the arm's range of motion. The intake is angled downward, and the length of the arm is set to prevent the intake from passing into a contaminated volume of fluid near the tank bottom. The intake can also be movable. The adjustable arm can retract into the delivery member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Fuel Delivery Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Y Burris, Charles A. Perry, IV
  • Patent number: 6807952
    Abstract: A fuel tank assembly has a fuel tank with a fuel flow control device disposed at least partially in the fuel tank, and which communicates with a fuel filler pipe through which volatile fuel is added to the fuel tank. In one embodiment, the fuel flow control device includes a fill tube that controls the manner in which fuel enters the fuel tank, preferably to reduce generation of fuel vapor when fuel is added to the fuel tank. In one embodiment, the fill tube is a flexible tube and includes a float adjacent to an outlet end of the fill tube so that the outlet end of the tube is responsive to the level of liquid fuel in the fuel tank for at least some levels of fuel in the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Karim Amellal, Benedict R. Bonazza, George Earl Maroney, Steve L. Toth
  • Publication number: 20040173266
    Abstract: A fluid pick up device for removing fluid from storage tanks includes an intake, a submerging member that maintains the intake submerged in the fluid, and a float that enables the intake to move in relationship to the level of fluid. The submerging member can include an extension communicating with the intake. The extension can be an adjustable arm connected to a delivery member by a swivel joint. A stopping member can control the arm's range of motion. The intake is angled downward, and the length of the arm is set to prevent the intake from passing into a contaminated volume of fluid near the tank bottom. The intake can also be movable. The adjustable arm can retract into the delivery member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventors: Steven Y. Burris, Charles A. Perry
  • Patent number: 6640789
    Abstract: Fuel pumping apparatus having an impoundment container, disposed in a tank, in which impoundment container a pumping assembly is disposed that pumps fuel to the internal combustion engine. A jet pump is supplied with some of the fuel pumped by the pumping assembly and pumps fuel out of the tank into the impoundment container. Below the pumping assembly, near a bottom of the impoundment container, there is a suction chamber, from which the pumping assembly aspirates fuel. A connection of the suction chamber to the impoundment container is controlled by a float valve, disposed laterally next to the pumping assembly, and by means of this valve, when the impoundment container is full, the suction chamber communicates with the impoundment container; in this state, the pumping assembly aspirates fuel from the impoundment container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Gabauer, Dieter Schreckenberger, Tony Wheeler
  • Patent number: 6640828
    Abstract: The flushing apparatus comprises a reservoir for storing liquid, the reservoir having an outlet end movable between a raised position where liquid accumulates in the reservoir, and a down position where liquid stored in the reservoir is flushed out; a counterweight for producing an effect of urging the outlet end of reservoir toward the raised position; a reservoir ballast for cancelling the effect of the counterweight when the liquid stored therein reaches a predetermined amount; a channel for channelling a liquid into an inlet of the ballast when the outlet end of the reservoir is in the raised position; and a means for preventing an overflow of the outlet end of the reservoir. There is also provided a method for flushing liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Dautais
  • Patent number: 6474361
    Abstract: A floating weir assembly for controlling the discharge of fluid from a fluid reservoir. The weir assembly includes a buoyant body preferably comprising a sidewall surrounding a central bottom opening. A weir is provided on the inside surface of the sidewall, and a gauge is provided on the opposite side of the sidewall's inside surface. The sidewall may provide a ballast chamber for holding ballast, such as sand. By adjusting the amount of the ballast, the depth to which the body is submerged can be varied. By distributing the sand circumferentially, the body can be leveled in the fluid to ensure accuracy of the weir. Because the sidewall is partially submerged, undesirable surface matter, such as oil and debris, is prevented from entering the weir. While there are many applications for this floating weir assembly, a preferred application is in the field of sewage treatment systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Poppe Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Poppe
  • Publication number: 20020062871
    Abstract: A floating weir assembly for controlling the discharge of fluid from a fluid reservoir. The weir assembly includes a buoyant body preferably comprising a sidewall surrounding a central bottom opening. A weir is provided on the inside surface of the sidewall, and a gauge is provided on the opposite side of the sidewall's inside surface. The sidewall may provide a ballast chamber for holding ballast, such as sand. By adjusting the amount of the ballast, the depth to which the body is submerged can be varied. By distributing the sand circumferentially, the body can be leveled in the fluid to ensure accuracy of the weir. Because the sidewall is partially submerged, undesirable surface matter, such as oil and debris, is prevented from entering the weir. While there are many applications for this floating weir assembly, a preferred application is in the field of sewage treatment systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventor: Robert E. Poppe
  • Patent number: 6279609
    Abstract: A flow control means for stable, constant discharge flow from and to a body of liquid, having a float body (8) which floats on a body of liquid (9), with a main outlet pipe (5) having a mouth/upper end (4) above the upper surface (6) of the body of liquid (9), and into which there is passed, from the body of liquid, one or more feed outlet pipes/gates (2) which open into the main outlet pipe (5) at a desired distance below the upper surface (6) of the body of liquid (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Per Velve
    Inventor: Kaare Andersen
  • Patent number: 6238577
    Abstract: The present invention provides a barrier over which waste water must flow in order to reach the outlet of a wastewater treatment plant. The barrier provided by the weir allows wastewater to exit the plant, while keeping solids that are in suspension to remain. The weir has a scum baffle mounted on its front that acts as a shield against solids that are floating on the surface of the wastewater. The self-leveling ability of the weir is provided by the use of two floats and a coupling to the outlet pipe that has rotational freedom. The floats are mounted on either side of the weir in such a way so that they are partially submerged in the wastewater. The buoyant forces that result cause the weir to align itself parallel to the surface of the water at all times. One advantage of the present invention is that it is self-adjusting, thus eliminating the need for calibration or adjustments after installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Jet, Inc.
    Inventor: David S. MacLaren
  • Patent number: 6224753
    Abstract: A water catchment device floating at the surface (19) of a basin comprising: a floating support (1) having a support base (3); and a skimmer (4) retained on the base (3) and comprising a skimmer body (5) which can be vertically displaced above the base (3), the skimmer body (5) having a base (7) which has at least one auxiliary passage (11) designed to be closed off by the base (3) when the skimmer body (5) is resting thereon, and a floating dish (13) which sits at the top of the skimmer body (5) during abnormal operation due to excessive buoyancy caused by inadequate filling with water, in which case the skimmer body becomes buoyant and rises above the base releasing the auxiliary passage (11) by which the water enters the skimmer body, from where it is pumped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Sevylor International
    Inventor: Gérard Marbach
  • Patent number: 6216733
    Abstract: An apparatus for the distribution of water or other liquids, comprising a tank with at least one inlet and two or more outlets adapted to deliver equal amounts of liquid. A float body is adapted to float on a water reservoir in the tank and is provided with a distribution basin for receiving liquid from said inlet(s). The distribution basin has a number of outlet openings corresponding to said outlets and located at the same level in the distribution basin and being adapted to discharge liquid to a separate outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Cleanpipe AS
    Inventor: Sten Y. Sondov
  • Patent number: 6027641
    Abstract: A liquid surface skimmer consisting of an open topped cylindrical housing securable in a body of liquid and having a first inlet by way of a buoyant open ended sleeve movable in the housing, a transverse second inlet into the housing adjacent the bottom of the housing and an outlet opposite to and in line with the second inlet such that flow forced through the second inlet and into the outlet will draw liquid through the sleeve and thence through the outlet. The outlet has attached to it a debris trap extending to the housing preferably in the form of a net bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignees: Cornelia Johanna Spradbury, Anne Sutton
    Inventors: Henry Peter Spradbury, deceased, George Danks
  • Patent number: 5971036
    Abstract: A method of filling and emptying storage tanks containing aqueous dispersions, where the storage tank is emptied via a line whose opening is located in the lower section of the storage tank entails filling the storage tank with a line whose outlet follows the changes in the level of the liquid surface in the course of filling and removal procedures, the level of the outlet being adjusted such that the opening is located approximately at the height of the level of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gerd Rehmer, Walter Holtrup
  • Patent number: 5365830
    Abstract: The assembly of the invention includes a pressure vessel having a size to fit in a usual home refrigerator for the domestic fermenting of a fermentable liquid mixture under pressure and under chilled conditions, The pressure vessel defines a closed fermentation chamber for containing a bath having an amount of fermentable liquid mixture effective to provide a pressurized atmosphere above the surface of the bath within the closed fermentation chamber during the fermenting process, A pressure relief valve controls the pressure within the fermentation chamber at a level sufficient to maintain safety conditions during the fermentation process, Pressurized gaseous material is introduced into the pressure vessel to enhance the fermentation process within the chamber. A spigot is part of an output discharge mechanism including a float used to remove fermented beverage from adjacent the surface of the bath to draw beverage from the pressurized vessel while a pressurized atmosphere remains in the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Ian M. MacLennan
    Inventors: Ian M. MacLennan, Clifford B. Hewson, Marek Gnatowski, Andrew Koutsandreas
  • Patent number: 5290434
    Abstract: The invention presented relates to a septic system which doses effluent into a disposal field. More particularly, the invention includes a relatively water-tight walled structure capable of accumulating a volume of septic tank effluent; a disposal field dosing system having at least one outlet conduit having an outlet end and an inlet end; a stand pipe which extends from each of the outlet conduits towards the top of the structure; a float having a chamber having an opening on an upper surface thereof; at least one feed conduit having an inlet end located within the chamber and an outlet end in operative connection with the inlet end of the outlet conduit; and a jointed coupler which forms the operative connection between the feed conduit(s) and outlet conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Inventor: James G. Richard
  • Patent number: 5235901
    Abstract: The assembly of the invention includes a pressure vessel having a size to fit in a usual home refrigerator for the domestic fermenting of a fermentable liquid mixture under pressure and under chilled conditions. The pressure vessel defines a closed fermentation chamber for containing a bath having an amount of fermentable liquid mixture effective to provide a pressurized atmosphere above the surface of the bath within the closed fermentation chamber during the fermenting process. A pressure relief valve controls the pressure within the fermentation chamber at a level sufficient to maintain safety conditions during the fermentation process. Pressurized gaseous material is introduced into the pressure vessel upon completion of the fermentation process to maintain pressure in the bath within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Ian M. MacLennan
    Inventors: Ian M. MacLennan, Clifford B. Hewson, Marek Gnatowski, Andrew Koutsandreas
  • Patent number: 5218942
    Abstract: A modular fuel sender in a fuel tank of a motor vehicle includes a reservoir, a fuel pump in the reservoir, a low pressure conduit conducting hot return fuel back to the reservoir, a secondary pump in the reservoir for pumping new fuel from the tank into the reservoir, and a control which effects a recirculation mode of secondary pump operation when the new fuel level in the fuel tank is above a predetermined low level and a scavenge mode of secondary pump operation when the new fuel level in the reservoir is below the predetermined low level. In the recirculation mode, the secondary pump recirculates reservoir fuel to avoid overflowing hot fuel into the fuel tank. In the scavenge mode, the secondary pump continuously maintains a partial vacuum in a screen in the fuel tank regardless of the fuel level in the reservoir to maximize new fuel scavenged from the fuel tank before fuel starvation occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy F. Coha, Ulf Sawert, Neal M. Letendre, William S. Zimmerman, Gregory K. Rasmussen, Leon Pitek, Dan H. Emmert
  • Patent number: 5123444
    Abstract: Back flow blocker in sloping pipes, comprising a well vat (10) provided with an inlet (14) and an outlet (15) to be connected to the pipe. A tube (16) provided within the well vat and being connected at a first end to the inlet and opening at a second end in the well vat is arranged as a floating tube and is pivotally mounted in said first end to be pivoted in vertical direction from an essentially horizontal normal position when water is accumulated in the well vat maintaining said second end above the level of the water in the well vat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Inventors: Mats Persson, Kjell Warnquist
  • Patent number: 4911893
    Abstract: A floating recycle pan is provided to control the flow of the feed into and out of the downcomer even while the oil liquid level in the ebullated bed reactor is varied to provide continuous ebullation and enhance the efficiency and yield of the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffry A. Cox
  • Patent number: 4802592
    Abstract: The floating skimmer has a body fitted with a floating weir and with a suction outlet in its base for connection to a suction hose. A float is provided to keep the body afloat. The float is hinged to a wall of the body. A scuttle valve is provided in a wall of the body and is connected to the float. If the body should rise in the water, the float drops and opens the scuttle valve to admit water to the body and scuttle it so that it sinks to its former level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Assignee: Fahet NV
    Inventor: Allistair P. Wessels
  • Patent number: 4718447
    Abstract: An automatic system is disclosed for obtaining and maintaining a controlled volume of solution above a body of soluble solid in a container by the automatic addition of solvent. The apparatus includes a sensor for sensing the distance between the upper surface of the soluble solid in the container and a point on a float which floats in the solution produced by the action of the solvent on the soluble solid. Solvent is added when this distance reaches a predetermined value and solvent addition ceases when the distance increases to a second predetermined value. Most advantageously, the container will be the same one used to ship the soluble solid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Inventor: Ralph E. Marshall
  • Patent number: 4693821
    Abstract: An improved weir for removal of liquid from wastewater systems which is positively driven and which decants wastewater only over a leading edge of an elongated weir and removes the water through downcomers is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Assignee: Transfield, Inc.
    Inventors: Mervyn C. Goronszy, Raul Olavarria