Abstract: In a device for shutting off the flow of a fluid through a duct, preferably in a system for filtering drinking water, means for shutting off the duct comprise at least one obturator (14,22,35,43) disposed over a corresponding orifice (11) of the duct and means (15,23,36) for restraining the obturator (14,22,35,43) in a position such that the corresponding orifice (11) is not shut off, the restraining means being exposed to the flow of fluid through the duct and being able to undergo a change of state consequent upon the period of exposure to the flow in order to release the obturator (14,22,35) so that it shuts off the duct after a predetermined flow of fluid has taken place through the duct.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus including a fluid monitoring head and a replaceable filter cartridge removably fastened to the head. The fluid monitoring head includes a shut off mechanism for interrupting fluid flow through the cartridge when a predetermined quantity of fluid has been treated by the filter. The filter cartridge is releasably coupled to the shutoff mechanism when the filter is installed. The shut off mechanism includes a valve element carried by a shaft that forms part of a driven member forming part of the monitoring head. A biasing element exerts a force on the valve element carrying shaft tending to move the valve to a flow blocking position. The shaft engages a keeper or hold off element threadly retained in the filter cartridge. As the driven member rotates, the keeper element is gradually unthreaded until it separates from the filter cartridge, allowing the force of the biasing element to move the valve member into a flow interrupting position.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an oil treatment apparatus and method for treatment of oil which transports oil to be treated from a source through a first conduit to a treatment station. The treatment station includes a filter system capable of extracting particulate material from the oil and removing the particulate material from the filter system as it is removed from the oil. The treated oil may then be transported for reuse, preferably in a continuous cycle with the source of the oil. A prefiltering system may be used to further enhance maintaining the quality of the oil and/or in efficiently treating the oil while accommodating throughput requirements. The prefiltering system may include a comminuter to reduce the size of larger particles in the oil, a coarse filtering system to remove larger particle, a system to introduce a treatment material to the oil or other systems to facilitate processing.

Abstract: A water purification system for purifying water flowing through a water flow path. The system includes a water purification device having an inlet and an outlet in the water flow path and at least one interior volume communicating with the inlet and outlet. A purification medium is disposed within the interior volume of the water purification device. A flow control system is provided controlling a volume of purified water dispensed from the outlet. The flow control system includes an input device configured to allow a user to input a desired volume of purified water to be dispensed from the outlet and a sensing device coupled with the electronic input device and operative to determine the volume of purified water being dispensed from the outlet. A flow regulation device is coupled with the flow control system and operative to stop the discharge of purified water at the outlet upon reaching the desired volume of purified water.

Abstract: An apparatus and corresponding method for purifying water is described. The apparatus includes a supporting housing, a source of power, a filter device containing at least one interchangeable filter unit having one or more filter elements, a mechanism for driving water through the filter device and a timing mechanism for monitoring elapsed time of operation and a mechanism for monitoring cumulative volume of water having flowed through the filter device which are each coupled to a filter memory. The mechanism for driving water through the filter device includes a cylinder holder on which an interchangeable gas pressure cylinder can be mounted, a gas release mechanism housed in the cylinder holder, a flow regulator and conduits connecting the other components together.

Abstract: A filter use device is adapted for use with various types of containers, such as, liquid containers for water coolers in which the device includes a cap to be threaded onto an open end of the container, a filter cartridge in the cap which retains a conventional filter and a resilient pawl which is engageable with a disk having an indicator aligned with a slot in the cap and engageable with ratchet teeth to incrementally advance the indicator each time that the cap is threaded onto the end of the container; and when the indicator reaches the end of the slot is shifted to prevent any further advancement of the disk or passage of water through the filter or device and thereby signify the end of the life of the filter and the need for replacement of the filter.

Abstract: A faucet mounted water filter is described, comprising a base having a water inlet upstanding from a first end of the base and attachable to a water faucet, a first water outlet downwardly directed from the first end of the base for discharging unfiltered water, a second water outlet downwardly directed from a second end of the base for discharging filtered water and a filter cartridge seat disposed on the second end of the base, a replaceable filter cartridge comprising a unitary subassembly including a closed outer cylindrical shell having top and side walls defining a chamber therein, a filter element disposed with the filter chamber and a filter cartridge base, a latch device for demountably securing the filter cartridge in the housing cartridge seat, a diverter valve for selectively permitting the flow of water through the housing first water outlet and the filter cartridge, and an end-of-use indicator for determining the status of the filter element during use.

Abstract: A method of purifying impure water to provide drinking water using an apparatus, the method comprising the steps of providing a microfiltration unit, a reverse osmosis unit and a CIP (clean-in-place) tank containing retentate interconnected to permit backflushing the microfiltration filter with retentate and continued or uninterrupted operation of the reverse osmosis unit by directing retentate thereto.

Abstract: A filter includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet. A filter core including a filter media is movably disposed within the housing with the inlet and the outlet in fluid communication with opposite sides of the core and a pressure responsive surface in fluid communication with said inlet. The filter also includes a valve supported on the filter core and moveable into a sealing position to prevent fluid from passing to the outlet when said core moves within said housing response to fluid pressure acting against said pressure responsive surface.

Abstract: The water treatment apparatus utilizes membrane separation technology to separate clean product water from a contaminated water source. Chemical pretreatment of the raw feed water, chemical cleaning of the membrane separator(s), and chemical treatment of the final recovered product water required by conventional membrane separation apparatus are eliminated in the water treatment apparatus. The water treatment apparatus may treat raw feed ground water and surface water sources as well as waste water sources including those exhibiting oily wastes, high metal levels, organic wastes from sources such as textile processing, sewage waste streams, food processing, and others. The water treatment apparatus also reduces the problems associated with recirculation of the waste stream, reduces water wastage, and provides advantages in power and horsepower requirements.

Abstract: Electrical apparatus such as a timer for use in a water filter is formed integrally with a sealed housing. The housing has a resilient, depressible surface from which a projection extends. At least an end surface of the projection is electrically conductive. A pair of spaced-apart electrical contacts are located close to the end surface of the projection. Resilient deflection of the depressible surface causes the projection to come into contact with the electrical contacts, thereby making an electrical connection between them.

Abstract: A filter cartridge is capable of at least one-way communication with the base of a filtration system so as to confirm that the filter cartridge is properly configured for installation and use in the filtration system. Transmission and receipt of a filter presence confirmation signal can enhance the effectiveness of the filtration system, e.g., by disabling one or more operational characteristics of the system in the absence of a confirmation signal, and/or by automatically resetting one or more counters of a capacity indicator of the system upon receipt of the confirmation signal. The filter cartridge is particularly well-adapted for use in a filtration system having a flow meter which monitors the flow of liquid through the system.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a dry cleaning system and method, in which dry cleaning machinery is used in conjunction with a specific solvent which is derived from an organic/inorganic hybrid (organo silicone). In this class of organo silicones is a group known as cyclic siloxanes. The cyclic siloxanes present the basis for material composition of the solvent chemistry which allows this dry cleaning system to be highly effective. The cyclic-siloxane-based solvent allows the system to result in an environmentally friendly process which is, also, more effective in cleaning fabrics and the like than any known prior system. The siloxane composition is employed in a dry cleaning machine to carry out the method of the invention.

Abstract: A filter use device is adapted for use with various types of containers, such as, liquid containers for water coolers in which the device includes a cap to be threaded onto an open end of the container, a filter cartridge in the cap which retains a conventional filter and a resilient pawl which is engageable with a disk having an indicator aligned with a slot in the cap and engageable with ratchet teeth to incrementally advance the indicator each time that the cap is threaded onto the end of the container; and when the indicator reaches the end of the slot is shifted to prevent any further advancement of the disk or passage of water through the filter or device and thereby signify the end of the life of the filter and the need for replacement of the filter. The number of rachet teeth may be varied in accordance with the number of containers with which the filter is to be used.

Abstract: A faucet mounted water filtration device (100) includes an end of life indicator assembly (130) having a flow totalization mechanism (600), a reset mechanism (602) and a flow restriction mechanism (604) coaxially aligned with an indicator assembly (130). A torsion spring (634) and compression spring (644) cooperate for automatic disengagement and resetting of the flow totalization mechanism and the flow restriction mechanism. A planetary gear reduction system 606 provides a 3,000,000:1 gear reduction in the flow totalization mechanism.

Abstract: A faucet mounted water filter is described, comprising a base having a water inlet upstanding from a first end of the base and attachable to a water faucet, a first water outlet downwardly directed from the first end of the base for discharging unfiltered water, a second water outlet downwardly directed from a second end of the base for discharging filtered water and a filter cartridge seat disposed on the second end of the base, a replaceable filter cartridge comprising a unitary subassembly including a closed outer cylindrical shell having top and side walls defining a chamber therein, a filter element disposed with the filter chamber and a filter cartridge base, latch means for demountably securing the filter cartridge in the housing cartridge seat, a diverter valve for selectively permitting the flow of water through the housing first water outlet and the filter cartridge, and an end-of-use indicator for determining the status of the filter element during use.

Abstract: A liquid cleaning system, which includes a barrier type filter having a back-flush arrangement for recovering filter contaminants from the back-flushed liquid which is available only at a low, not necessarily consistent, rate, includes a fluid-powered centrifugal cleaner which, in addition to the normal shaft-mounted rotor through which liquid is passed to separate contaminants centrifugally due to rotor speed, includes fluid drive means in the form of fluid reaction drive nozzles supplied with pumped liquid from the system as a drive fluid to rotate the rotor at a speed above the minimum to effect centrifugal separation of the contaminants from the back-flushed liquid in the rotor and accumulation of the outlet of the rotor. The spent drive fluid mixes with the cleaned back-flushed liquid in a discharge region and both may be re-used in the system.

Abstract: A water tapping fixture with an outlet opening which is connected to a supply connection through a pipe having at least one valve, wherein an ultraviolet light radiating device is arranged in the pipe connected to the water tapping fixture. The ultraviolet light radiating device is arranged closely adjacent the outlet opening of the fixture. The outlet opening may be arranged in a head which is movable relative to a base part and the ultraviolet light radiating device is arranged in the head. Such a head may be, for example, a shower head which is connected through a hose to a wall fixture. The head may be connected through a flexible line to the base part and a feed line for the ultraviolet light radiating device is attached to the flexible line.

Abstract: A monitoring device for an impurity filtration system of drinking water comprising a microprocessor that controls the overall operations of the monitoring system, a LCD indicating circuit that relates information to maintenance personnel, a detecting component that analyses related data for determining the condition and extents of clogging of the impurity filter devices, a warning component that produces verbal or musical sound for warning consumers about the clogged condition of the water impurity filter devices, and a power switching component that cuts off electricity supply to the water pump of the purification system. In operation, the impurity filter devices will be clogged by impurities after being used for a period of time.

Abstract: A monitoring device for a drinking water purification system comprising a microprocessor that controls the overall operations of the monitoring system, a LCD indicating circuit that relates information to maintenance personnel, a detecting means that analyses related data for determining the condition and extents of clogging of the filtration elements, a warning means that produces verbal or musical sound for warning consumers about the clogged condition of the water filtration elements, and a power switching means that cuts off electricity supply to the water pump of the purification system. In operation, the filtration elements will be clogged by impurities after being used for a period of time. If the filtration elements are clogged, the monitoring device will make a sound to warn of such condition of the filtration elements and will eventually cut off the power supply to the pump for stopping water delivery if the clogged filtration elements are not replaced after a certain period of time.

Abstract: A monitoring device for a reverse osmosis purification system of drinking water comprising a microprocessor that controls the overall operations of the monitoring system, a LCD indicating circuit that relates information to maintenance personnel, a detecting means that analyses related data for determining the condition and extents of clogging of the reverse osmosis filtration elements, a warning means that produces verbal or musical sound for warning consumers about the clogged condition of the reverse osmosis filtration elements, and a power switching means that cuts off electricity supply to the water pump of the purification system. In operation, the reverse osmosis filtration elements will be clogged by impurities after being used for a period of time.

Abstract: A monitoring device for a activated carbon filtration system of drinking water includes a microprocessor that controls the overall operations of the monitoring system, a LCD indicating circuit that relates information to maintenance personnel, a detecting component that analyses related data for determining the condition and extents of clogging of an activated carbon filter, a warning component that produces verbal or musical sound for warning consumers about the clogged condition of the water activated carbon filter, and a power switching component that cuts off the water supply of the system If the activated carbon filter is clogged, the monitoring device will make a sound to warn of such condition of the activated carbon filter and will eventually cut off the power supply to the pump for stopping water delivery if the clogged activated carbon filter is not replaced after a certain period of time.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis water purification system which has a tank coupled to an osmotic membrane so that the water within the tank flushes the osmotic membrane. The tank has an opening that is in fluid communication with a source of feed water and an osmotic membrane. The tank may also have a lower level switch and an upper level switch that are coupled to a pump that pumps water through the membrane. When the tank water falls to the level of the lower switch, the pump is activated and purified water is pump into the tank. When the tank water reaches the level of the upper switch the pump is deactivated. The opening is located at an elevation above the membrane, so that when the water level within the tank reaches the height of the opening, the feed water pump turns off and the tank water provides a hydrostatic pressure that drives the water back through the membrane to flush the same. The upper switch is located above the opening so that a sufficient amount of water flows back through the membrane.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use as an in-line fluid flow monitor through filter media of a variety typically employed in domestic applications upstream of a kitchen faucet as well as unusually low pressure water supplies. Apparatus includes an outer housing with an input port leading to a rotatable turbine within the housing. The turbine, rotatable about a longitudinal axis, is coupled to an offset gear which, in turn, is coupled to a reduction gear train which includes first and second gear arrays mounted for rotation about a first and second axis located parallel with and spaced from the longitudinal axis. Fluid communication is provided from the turbine chamber through the gear train to an output port. The gear train ends in an output which is engaged in driving relationship with an oppositely disposed rotatable valve member having resilient pawl legs extending therefrom. The pawls are configured to engage the output to provide rotatable ratcheting movement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing free and emulsified water as well as solid contaminants from an oil/water mixture produced in lubricating the bearings of a steam turbine employs a singular, closed housing having a lowermost, filter-free gravity chamber, an uppermost filter element chamber, and a filter-free water collection chamber between the gravity chamber and the filter element chamber. The oil/water mixture introduced into the housing has its free water component removed in the gravity chamber and has its emulsified water and solid contaminant components removed by coalescence in the filter element chamber. Free water, emulsified water and solid contaminants are collected, monitored and selectively drained from the water collection chamber and gravity chamber.

Abstract: A shower water filter assembly which includes an elongated housing containing a cartridge of filter media, and which is connected to the water outlet in a shower. In order to permit the elongated housing to have sufficient length to efficiently perform a filtering function, a flexible hose is coupled to the bottom of the housing and extends through a tubular wand to the shower head. The wand and shower head are supported, for example, on the side of the cylindrical housing so as to provide sufficient elevation for the shower head for normal shower use. Alternatively, the wand and shower head may be removed from the supporting bracket and used manually for the shower.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a water treatment unit and in particular, those having a treatment cartridge, that indicates the end of life of the unit. The apparatus comprises a housing with at least one opening for the passage of liquid to a chamber, formed by the interior of the housing and the water treatment unit. The chamber includes a support member mounted to the housing. A float is rotationally mounted on the support member. The support member limits float movement to a predetermined distance upon each rotation of the float, resulting from each cycle (use) of the water treatment unit. Once the float has made a specific number of rotations and has travelled the complete distance of the support member (as water fills and drains from the chamber), the float rests in a position where it is visible through an opening in the housing, indicative of the end of life of the water treatment unit.

Abstract: A water treatment device including an arrangement having mechanisms for mechanically totaling the volume of water filtered and for indicating when the replaceable filter cartridge has reached the end of its useful life. End-of-life indication is provided by a valve mechanism for stopping flow after a predetermined volume has been filtered. The arrangement includes a novel mechanism for resetting the flow totalization mechanism. The preferred water treatment device is faucet mounted and also includes a novel flow bypass design.

Abstract: A water filter cartridge including an outer shell, an inlet opening proximate a first end, an outlet opening and a cam extending axially from the first end. Cam is constructed and arranged so as to reset a mechanical flow totalization mechanism in a water treatment device. A channel and notch in the first end of the cartridge provide fluid communication to a chamber of a water treatment device.

Abstract: A filter having improved means of positive shutoff employs a rigid tubular fuel pervious core surrounded by flexible filter media that intercepts and resists the passage of particulate matter and water. A tubular retention sleeve is positioned within and in closed communication with the tubular core at one end thereof, the retention sleeve having an integral ball retention portion of reduced internal diameter. An end cap is secured to the other end of the tubular core member and has an annular sealing surface surrounding a flow passageway opening therethrough. A ball is normally positioned within the retention sleeve and in the engagement with the circumferential ball retention seat. When the flexible filter media has absorbed a sufficient quantity of water the pressure differential across the ball forces it to pass through the retention seat and to lodge against the sealing surface of the end cap, thereby closing further flow through the filter.

Abstract: A liquid fuel filter system for use in fuel dispensing stations including a ball valve assembly and replaceable strainer cartridge permitting strainer cartridge replacement even if the associated fuel pump is activated. The ball valve assembly seals the inlet port of the filter housing thereby disabling the flow of fuel through the housing when the strainer cartridge or filter housing cap are removed. A check valve prevents fuel from flowing back thorough the filter system outlet port into the filter housing. A pressure valve disposed in the check valve prevents possible harmful pressure build up.

Abstract: A lid assembly for a portable water treatment device of the type including a vessel with an opened upper end and a replaceable filter cartridge adapted to be contained therein. A lid assembly is adapted to be attached to the opened upper end of the vessel above the replaceable filter cartridge and operable to monitor the number of times the water treatment device is used. The lid assembly includes a housing having a central aperture therethrough communicating with the filter cartridge. A gate member is reciprocally movable between a position closing the aperture in the housing and a position opening the aperture in the housing. In the opened position, water to be treated may be poured into the filter cartridge through the aperture. Indicator means are provided and are movable incrementally in response to movement of the gate member. The indicator means move one increment during a cyclic movement of the gate member from the closed position to the opened position and back to the closed position.

Abstract: A separator for regenerating used emulsions from cooling lubricants or cleaning solutions, for example, includes a discharge pipe for discharging the regenerated emulsion. The time between two sediment clearance processes is increased without adversely affecting the quality of the regenerated emulsion from the separator by including a fine filter arranged in the discharge pipe to retain residual solids. A measuring device for measuring the pressure difference between the inlet port and the outlet port of the fine filter generates a signal whenever a predetermined pressure difference is exceeded. The fineness filter and the predetermined pressure difference correspond to a predetermined emulsion quality.

Abstract: A filter arrangement (26) for a fuel system (10) having a cartridge (92) located in a bore (48) of a housing (42) for sequentially interruption flow communication from the bore (48) to a regulator (14) through an outlet port (44) and to the bore (48) through an inlet port (46) from a source (16) of fuel prior to the removal of the cartridge (94) from a housing (42). The housing (42) has a vent port (52) and a drain port (54) which are opened to allow fuel in the bore (48) to flow to a storage container (56) once the outlet (44) and inlet (46) ports are closed so that fuel is not lost from the fuel system (10) on the removal of the cartridge (94) from the bore (48).

Abstract: A gray-water reclamation and reuse system for collecting, filtering and storing waste water (i.e., gray-water) for reuse where potable quality water is not required comprises a sump for collecting the waste water; a filter connected for filtering the waste water collected in the sump; a tank for holding the filtered filtered waste water; and plumbing and electrically-operated valves for providing waste water to said sump from one or more waste water sources, including shower stalls, bathtubs, sinks and/or clothes washers, the valves being operable by electric controls for diverting the waste water from the sources between the sump and a conventional waste water drain pipe to a sewer, septic tank or the like. A first pump is included for pumping waster water from the sump into and through the filter and into the holding tank and a second pump is included for pumping filtered waste water from the holding tank to one or more recycling uses such as toilet tanks, hose bibs, and/or lawn sprinklers.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use as an in-line fluid flow monitor through filter media of a variety typically employed in households upstream of a kitchen faucet. The apparatus includes a housing with an input port leading to a housing cap within which a turbine chamber retains a rotating turbine. The rotating turbine is coupled to a reduction gear train positioned within a gear housing, in turn, retained within the body of the housing in a reduction gear chamber. Fluid communication is provided from the turbine chamber to the gear reduction chamber. The gear reduction chamber ends in an eccentric output which drives the pawl of a pawl and ratchet assembly forming a part of a rotatable valve. This rotatable valve rotates in increments as a camming stem affixed thereto moves along a camming surface until encountering a slot component.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use as an in-line fluid flow monitor through filter media of a variety typically employed in households upstream of a kitchen faucet. The apparatus includes a housing with an input port leading to a housing cap within which a turbine chamber retains a rotating turbine. The rotating turbine is coupled to a reduction gear train positioned with a gear housing, in turn, retained within the body of the housing in a reduction gear chamber. Fluid communication is provided from the turbine chamber to the gear reduction chamber. The gear reduction chamber ends in an eccentric output which drives the pawl of a pawl and ratchet assembly forming part of a rotatable valve. This rotatable valve rotates in increments as a camming stem affixed thereto moves along a camming surface until encountering a slot component.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus for use in a post-mix beverage dispenser enables purification of water, removal of water hardness and sterilization of water which is normally accomplished by a precipitation/floculation process used in a bottling plant. This apparatus can treat the water for beverage dispensing purposes and will not require high capital expenditures. The apparatus includes a removable, disposable cartridge having a reactor or first section filled with sand, carbon granules or other heat-conducting material for removing the bicarbonate content and other impurities from the water and a filter or second section having a filter and activated carbon screen for removing solids, traces of chlorine and dissolved organic material from the water. The apparatus also includes heat exchanger coils and a heating element for raising the temperature of the water as well as a holding tank having a gas trap for collecting and removing carbon dioxide and chlorine gas.

Abstract: The invention is related to water vending systems for the automatic dispensing of purified water from a machine which is preferably activated by coin or other form of payment. Reverse osmosis filtration of local water together with other water treatment operations is used to improve the quality of the vended water. Stagnation of stored permeate is automatically prevented to assure the freshness of dispensed water. The system is designed to reduce the frequency of servicing and the life of components without decreasing the quality of the vended water. In one embodiment the vending system comprises control means for automatically dumping the filtered water stored in a tank in the system if there has not been at least a predetermined number of vends of water within a predetermined period of time. After the storage tank has been dumped the drain is automatically closed and fresh filtered water is produced to refill the storage tank.

Abstract: A replaceable filter cartridge is mounted in a housing body having an inlet and an outlet permanently attached to a line carrying the liquid to be filtered. The filter cartridge contains activated charcoal. An outlet in the filter cartridge can be closed by a buoyant poppet valve which is normally held out of engagement with its valve seat by a trigger wire. An impeller is rotated by the flow of the liquid through the cartridge and the impeller drives a toothed disc which abrades the trigger wire. The abrading eventually cuts through the wire and releases the poppet which then seats against the valve seat of the outlet and renders the cartridge inoperative. The amount of abrading of the trigger wire is proportional to the flow of liquid through the cartridge and the trigger wire is sized to fail after a quantity of liquid has passed through the filter sufficient to exhaust the filtering capabilities of the cartridge. The spent cartridge must be replaced with a new filter cartridge.

Abstract: A fluid metering device (10) is provided for automatically restricting (i.e., shutting off or reducing) fluid flow to a filter (16). The metering device (10) has a vane (32) which turns as fluid flows and thereby drives a gear (92). Once the vane (32) has rotated a selected number of times, as a result of the fluid flow, the rotation of the gear will break a frangible link (82), causing the fluid flow to stop or reduce by closing a valve (60). The customer will know to replace the filter (16) when the fluid no longer flows or is substantially reduced, and the customer will also have to replace the frangible link (82) to enable the fluid to flow at full volume again.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus including a fluid monitoring head and a replaceable filter cartridge removably fastened to said head. The cartridge includes a shut off mechanism for interrupting fluid flow through the cartridge when a predetermined quantity of fluid has been treated by the filter. The fluid monitoring head is releasably coupled to the shutoff mechanism when the filter is installed. The shutoff mechanism includes a valve element threadedly carried by a shaft that forms part of a driven member, operatively connected to a drive member forming part of the monitoring head. As the driven member rotates, the valve element is gradually unthreaded until it separates and is driven to a flow interrupting position by a biasing spring. The coupling between the drive and driven members includes apertures on one of the members which are engaged by resilient tongues formed on the other member.

Abstract: A water treatment or processor device for household use or commercial use (for example, in a restaurant) is provided with fail-safe features in accordance with this invention to shut the treatment device "off" when an element thereof has become ineffective, such as the saturation of an adsorption element or the clogging of a filter element. Once the device is turned "off", it cannot be restarted until the depleted element has been replaced.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fuel filter dehydrator apparatus for a fuel system which coalesces and retains residual water within the fuel filter. The device comprises a plurality of fuel filter dehydrator elements and a container for housing the filter elements. The container defines a fuel inlet and a fuel outlet for directing fuel through the filter dehydrator elements. Each of the filter dehydrator elements comprises a rigid, porous tube having a water retaining cellulose fiber sheet and water coalescing fiberglass layer wrapped therearound. The fiberglass coalesces water droplets in the fuel passing through the element and then releases the coalesced water to the cellulose fiber sheet. As the cellulose sheet becomes water saturated, its fluid permeability sharply decreases, automatically shutting off fuel flow therethrough. Residence of water in the fiberglass layer substantially adds to the water retaining capacity of each fuel filter dehydrator element.

Abstract: A semi-automatic quantitative filtration assembly is disclosed having a measuring means to measure and present a known quantity of fluid for filtering and a fluid holding means adjacent to a filter medium. The fluid holding means is adapted to receive and hold excess fluid during filtering and to prevent intermixing with a known quantity of fluid to be presented to filtering. The filtering apparatus is designed to filter a quantitative amount of fluid and receive fluid in the fluid holding tank which is excess sample fluid or fluid unwanted as a result of error or operational failure and which drains to a common vacuum/waste means for filtered fluid. A variety of features are also provided to insure proper operation and minimize operator error.

Abstract: A fuel contamination monitor for separating particulate and liquid contaminants from a liquid fuel is disclosed. The fuel contamination monitor has an inner and outer fluid pervious wall forming a cavity therebetween. A tubular filtering element consisting of a plurality of fluid filtering media layers is mounted in the cavity. The plurality of fluid filtering media layers includes an outer layer of particulate matter separating filter media and a layer of superabsorbing media adjacent to the outer layer. The superabsorbing media is backed by a layer of paper media and an inner layer of screen material. The interior of the inner fluid pervious wall communicates with a liquid fuel outlet port. A shut-off valve is provided which interrupts the flow of liquid fuel through the fuel contamination monitor in the event that the media becomes contaminated before effective contaminant separation.

Abstract: A first continuously operating extruder for an extrudable material is fed with filtered such material from a second extruder through a filter and a storage tank having means for applying pressure to the material in the tank. During replacement of a filter, the second extruder is stopped, and the flow of material out of the continuously operating extruder is maintained constant by blocking the passageway between the second extruder and the tank and by applying suitable pressure to the material in the tank until the filter is removed and replaced by a new filter. The blocking device may be separate from a holder for a pair of filters, both the blocking device and the holder being movable by a fluid operable piston and cylinder. Alternatively, a separate blocking device may be omitted, and the filter holder may carry a single filter and have an impermeable portion which provides the blocking function.

Abstract: A fuel purifier for separating and removing polluting water from hydrocarbon fuels, comprising a decantation vessel having at its upper end a normally open inlet and an outlet opening and at its bottom end a second normally closed outlet opening, a source of light and a photocell arranged in opposite positions in a tubular central wall portion of the decantation vessel, and a float vertically movably mounted within the decantation vessel to normally close the path of light from the source of light to the photocell, but adapted to move under the action of the water accumulating at the bottom of the decantation vessel to an upper position in which the photocell receives light from the source of light to open the second outlet opening to drain the water.

Abstract: A lever actuated valve stem for control of liquid flow through a filtering device. The device is connectable to a source of impure liquids and includes a filter disposed between the inlet and the outlet of the device for the removal of the impurities. The valve stem is operable to direct fluid flow through the filter or to bypass the filter. The valve includes a lever slidably connected to a valve stem by means of a pin fixably attached to the lever and extending through a slot of the stem. The slot is arranged relative to the longitudinal axis of the stem to lock the pin and lever in either the filtering position or the bypass position.

Abstract: An automatic engine shut down device is operable in a system of the type including a pump having a suction inlet and a pressure discharge for discharging a liquid at a operational pressure, an engine for driving the pump, the engine being operable by an engine operating fluid, the engine including a control member for controlling the supply of engine operating fluid to the engine, the control member being movable between a first open position allowing operation of the engine and a second closed position shutting down operation of the engine. The automatic shut down device is operable, upon the removal or substantial reduction of suction at the inlet of the pump, to automatically terminate operation of the engine and thereby of the pump.