Vent Control Patents (Class 210/120)
  • Patent number: 6117334
    Abstract: The present invention provides a reactor system for decontaminating a supply of contaminated liquid, comprising a pressurizable reaction vessel having an inlet for introducing a fluid, an outlet for expelling a fluid while retaining a pressure within said reaction vessel, a catalyst, and a granule support plate for retaining said catalyst within said reaction vessel, a pump in fluid connection with the inlet for introducing a fluid into said reaction vessel, and a supply of gas (or other fluid, such as peroxide) in fluid communication with said pump, whereby said pump is operated so that the supplied fluid and the contaminated liquid are intermixed and supplied under pressure to said inlet for introducing a fluid into the reaction vessel and whereby the pressurized gas and liquid mixture is maintained at a sufficient pressure within said reaction vessel to allow the creation of optimally sized bubbles while maintaining the fluid essentially gas free, thereby maximizing the efficacy of the reactor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventors: William S. Coury, Griscom Bettle, III
  • Patent number: 6103108
    Abstract: A water treatment apparatus provides treatment of water to remove, for example, hydrogen sulfide and iron, dissolved or dispersed in ground water. The system is provided with water from a conventional well and pump and includes a venturi-type aerating device which may be supplied air by a compressor. The air and water mixture are supplied to a first aerating tank through a spray nozzle which reduces the aerated water flow to a mist of fine droplets. A draw tube adjacent the bottom of the first tank provides the water to a treatment tank which is partially filled with a chemically active filtration media. The treatment tank is also equipped with a draw tube which draws off the treated water at the bottom of the tank and provides it to a third, deaerating tank wherein the air separates from the water and is purged to the atmosphere. Reduction of hydrogen sulfide content from 30 ppm to less than 5 ppm has been achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Larry D. Kohlenberg
  • Patent number: 6086753
    Abstract: Apparatus for removing gases from a container used to prepare concentrates of a powder in water are disclosed including a supply conduit for supplying water to the container, a removal conduit for removing the concentrate from the container, a pump including a negative pressure side, an evacuation conduit for connecting the negative pressure side of the pump with the container, an actuatable valve disposed in the evacuation conduit whereby upon actuation the actuatable valve connects the container with the negative pressure side of the pump, an indicator for indicating when the container includes a predetermined amount of the gases, and a control mechanism for actuating the valve in response to the indicator to eliminate the gases from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Gambro Med Tech AB
    Inventors: Bjorn Ericson, Ji Jun Fang, Sture Hobro, Erik Linderup
  • Patent number: 6086772
    Abstract: A method for preventing biofouling in a cooling water system wherein ozone of high density is intermittently injected into a circulating line of a cooling water system in which cooling water is made to circulate in a closed system which includes a cooling tower and a heat exchanger. There is further disclosed an apparatus for preventing biofouling in a cooling water system, comprising an ozone generator for producing ozone, an ozone reservoir for temporarily storing the produced ozone, and an ozone injector for injecting the stored ozone into a circulating line of a cooling water system. Biofouling can be economically and reliably prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Tanimura, Junji Hirotsuji, Shigeki Nakayama, Hisao Amitani, Hiroshi Yuge, Tateki Ozawa
  • Patent number: 6063295
    Abstract: Apparatus to increase the level of oxygen ingested by livestock by oxygenation of the livestock water supply includes an enclosed tank having a top and having an inlet for admitting water from a supply of water and an outlet for discharging water from the tank. The tank has a first inlet port for introduction of compressed air into the tank from an air compressor. The tank has a second inlet port for allowing introduction of hydrogen peroxide. A float is located in the tank to selectively control the introduction of compressed air into the tank by activation of the air compressor when the water level reaches a preselected high point as the water in the tank absorbs oxygen from the air pocket above the water level. The float also opens a valve in an overflow tube disposed within the tank and keeps the valve open until the float reaches a predetermined low point as water is forced out the overflow tube by compressed air entering the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventor: Russell L. Williams
  • Patent number: 6013189
    Abstract: A purifier for a batch of liquid in a reservoir has a vent space and a pumping system for the vent space above the surface of liquid in the reservoir. This allows a closure lid giving easy access to the reservoir, and the pumping system is arranged so that ozone is exhausted from the vent space and reduced before entering the atmosphere. This allows a user early access to the reservoir after completing a purification cycle and protects the user from exposure to ozone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Inventor: William Alan Burris
  • Patent number: 5968352
    Abstract: Intimate contact of water with a treatment gas is achieved by mixing the gas and water co-currently in a conduit containing static mixers, and directing the conduit into a gas contact apparatus that contains coaxial inner and outer tanks, the inner tank being open within, and shorter than, the outer tank, leaving a head space above the top of the inner tank. The conduit discharges the gas-water mixture at the base of the interior of the inner tank, permitting the water to flow upward through the annular space between the inner tank and the conduit, then over the weir formed by the open upper end of the inner tank and downward through the annular space between the inner and outer tanks. Gas is separated from the water at the head space, and treated degasified water leaves the apparatus at the base of the outer tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Novazone
    Inventor: Lee C. Ditzler
  • Patent number: 5919357
    Abstract: A filter cartridge assembly comprising: at least one filter cartridge; said filter cartridge including a housing having two ends, the housing containing a filter media; a first end cap disposed on one end of said housing, said first end cap including a fluid inlet port, a fluid outlet port, a first fluid distributor, and a vent including at least one hydrophobic membrane positioned in a channel formed in said first end cap that allows entrapped air to be removed from said cartridge; a second end cap disposed on a second end of said housing, said second end cap including a product collection plenum, and a second fluid distributor that separates said filter media from said product collection plenum; and a liquid transfer tube disposed within the housing and extending from said product collection plenum to said fluid outlet port, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick C. Wilkins, Arthur F. Williams, Li-Shiang Liang, Herbert Bendlin, Stephane Dupont, Achim Brust, Bikram Yonjan
  • Patent number: 5910244
    Abstract: A control valve for a fluid treatment system, such as a water softener or a water filter, includes a manifold which mounts a pair of open-ended, cylindrical valve bodies having ports in fluid communication with passages in the manifold. Interchangeable single and double poppet valve assemblies are received into the open ends of the valve body. The poppet valve assemblies have diaphragm valve actuators disposed between chambers that are in fluid communication with selective ones of an array of pilot valves that are also mounted on the manifold. The valve assemblies may be piloted to one position by a spring. A tank adapter connects the manifold to a treatment tank. The tank adapter can be connected to the manifold in two alternate alignments which connect passages in the manifold to the top and bottom of the treatment tank so that co-current or countercurrent flow of regenerative fluid and the fluid to be treated can be alternately selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Autotrol Corporation
    Inventors: Theodore C. Stamos, Stephen L. Galbraith, Thomas P. Honzelka
  • Patent number: 5904841
    Abstract: A centrifugal fluid cleaning system includes a centrifugal cleaner through which a proportion of a circulated fluid is diverted, and a drainage assistance arrangement which includes a venturi arrangement through which non-diverted fluid is passed, the venturi developing locally a significant pressure drop in a region into which opens an induction port connected to the cleaner holding sump so that the cleaned fluid is entrained into the non-diverted fluid and returned to the circulation. While the pressure difference between inlet and induction ports is sufficient to drive the centrifugal cleaner rotor, the absolute pressures of the supply to, and drain from, the cleaner do not depend on the ambient atmospheric pressure and the overall pressure drop of the venturi arrangement is small, permitting it to be included within a closed circulation system. A pressure regulator permits bypass of the venturi arrangement to regulate the flow of fluid therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: The Glacier Metal Company Limited
    Inventor: Steven C. Penny
  • Patent number: 5873995
    Abstract: An end-of-life indicator comprising a housing having a chamber therein and attachable to the water treatment device, a diaphragm disposed within the chamber, a rotatable cap having indicia disposed thereon adapted to cooperate with the housing, a spring device for rotating the cap with respect to the housing, an escapement device for regulating the rotational displacement of the cap and means for resetting the cap to a start position. The chamber is arranged for the ingress of water into the water treatment device to pressurize the chamber and the egress of water from the water treatment device to depressurize the chamber, the ingress and egress of water defining one fill cycle. The diaphragm is arranged to be moved by the pressurizing and depressurizing of the chamber. The escapement device are arranged to cooperate with the diaphragm and the spring device whereby predetermined incremental rotation of the cap is provided during each of the fill cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Alexander Huang, Richard Fayram, John Stiggelbout
  • Patent number: 5807480
    Abstract: A filtration device for filtering and cleaning water to be supplied to a water tank comprises a main body having an upper end opening selectively closed by a lid mounted thereon in an installed state, a filtering unit detachably disposed in the main body, an air exhaust element communicating with an inside and outside of the main body, a water inlet connected to the main body, a feed water pipe connected to the water inlet for supplying water into the main body, a drainage pump for draining clean water cleaned up by the filtering unit, a water outlet operatively connected to the filtering unit to supply the cleaned-up water to the water tank, and a flow rate control unit, which is detachably incorporated into the main body and is connected to an inner portion of the water inlet, for controlling a flow rate of raw water, which is introduced from the water inlet to the main body, in a manner that a water level of water contained in the main body alternately has a high-tide water level, at which the filtering un
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Jaleco Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Kanazawa
  • Patent number: 5807427
    Abstract: A gas/liquid separator for separating an inlet stream of a mixture of a gas and a liquid into a substantially liquid stream and a substantially gaseous stream, the separator having a controllable, variable liquid level, includes an elongate cylindrical body portion having first and second closed ends which define a separation chamber, tangentially oriented inlet and outlet nozzles positioned near the ends of the vessel, and an overflow-discharge nozzle extending from inside of the separation chamber and longitudinally exiting from the separator through the inlet end, proximate to the inlet nozzle. The separator further includes a vent subassembly positioned proximate to the overflow-discharge nozzle. The subassembly includes a nozzle in flow communication with the separation chamber, and a flow-stop device operable between an open condition and a closed condition. The flow-stop device is positioned on the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Sani-Matic, a Division of DEC International, Inc.
    Inventor: Elmer Scott Welch
  • Patent number: 5772868
    Abstract: To simplify the venting of a hydraulic circuit comprising a supply of hydraulic fluid, which is made available to a hydraulic consuming device via a pump, and a return filter comprising a filter housing and a filter element for filtering the hydraulic fluid returning from the consuming device in a return line, it is suggested that the return line comprise prior to entering the return filter a first pressure-maintaining valve which allows the return of the hydraulic fluid to the return filter only when a predetermined first pressure value is exceeded, that the return line be connected upstream in relation to the first pressure-maintaining valve to a venting device leading to the atmosphere and to a bypass line which contains a second pressure-maintaining valve and opens into the supply, wherein the second pressure-maintaining valve opens only when a predetermined second pressure value is exceeded and allows the return of the hydraulic fluid past the return filter to the hydraulic fluid supply, wherein the seco
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: ARGO GmbH fur Fluidtechnik
    Inventor: Hans Reinhardt
  • Patent number: 5725759
    Abstract: A system for removing iron from well water which, in addition to sources of air and water and an iron filter, has a reaction chamber wherein water containing dissolved iron is turbulently mixed with air and after oxidation of the water, excess air is removed through venting means located approximately midway between the ends of the reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Ecowater Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Schlafer, Lori Nyland, William Raatz
  • Patent number: 5676828
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying waste water to reduce nitrate content and biochemical oxygen demand is provided. The apparatus includes an ammonification and denitrification region having a substantially anaerobic environment, a nitrification region having a substantially aerobic environment, and an effluent drainage region. Effluent circulates through the ammonification and denitrification region and the nitrification region to convert organic nitrogen-containing compounds in waste water to nitrogen gas and carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Fluidyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Kallenbach, Justin M. Buchanan, Matthew H. Goodrich, Ronald V. Skinner, Greg R. Poncelet, Trina J. Kallenbach
  • Patent number: 5567313
    Abstract: A cylindrical condensate filter housing is disclosed for the containment of a condensate filter media. The housing includes a domed, removable top member for the filter housing, and the domed top includes mounting means within its domed section for (1) a balanced pressure thermostatic air vent, (2) a backwash water inlet, (3) a filtered condensate outlet, and (4) a safety valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventor: Juan G. Almeida
  • Patent number: 5560819
    Abstract: A treating system comprising a horizontal zigzag flow or vertical zigzag flow treating tank having a plurality of chambers constituted by horizontally or vertically dividing the inside of the tank by partitions and connected to one another in a horizontal or vertical zigzag fashion and having filter media installed in each chamber in a standing or lying position, or a treating system having independent chambers connected with one another where treating substances flow in an alternate fashion of downward and upward flows and is discharged from the last chamber and having filter media installed in each chamber in a standing position, said filter medium comprising a core element and a number of thin tapes of synthetic resin extending radially around the core element.The treating efficiency of the system may be increased by connecting an automatic gas-lift stirring device which performs stirring of the contents of the treating tank using methane gas generating in the treating tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignees: Mori-Gumi Co., Ltd., Akira Taguchi
    Inventor: Akira Taguchi
  • Patent number: 5549816
    Abstract: A re-usable piston filter including an elongated tubular barrel member with a closed lower end and an open upper end, an elongated tubular piston member having an open upward end and a fluid-permeable lower end, and filter means detachably secured to the lower end of the piston. Downward movement of the piston in the barrel forces liquid in the barrel through the filter and into the tubular piston. An air valve in the barrel can be opened to enable the piston to be withdrawn from the barrel. The filter at the lower end of the piston can be changed or removed as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Hach Company
    Inventors: Daniel L. Harp, Gary Johnson, Joe Myers
  • Patent number: 5545315
    Abstract: A water filtering and purifying apparatus made according to the present invention comprises a water filtering and purifying apparatus for filtering and purifying water as it is ejected from a container at low gauge pressures generated by manually squeezing the container. The water filtering apparatus includes a cover for attaching to the container wherein the cover has a pressure responsive venting system for allowing air into the container while substantially preventing air and water contained in the container from escaping. A water filtration and purifying system is contained within the container and the filtration and purifying system comprises a replaceable pleated filter connected to a purifying cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: WTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Lonneman
  • Patent number: 5527472
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing blood direct blood through the inlet of a separation device for removing undesired matter while directing the blood substantially free of undesired matter from the outlet of the separation device and into a collection container through the first port. The systems and methods expel residual air from the collection container through a second port different than the first port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Bellotti, Daniel M. Karlovsky, Samira E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5389243
    Abstract: A filter system includes a fluid-tight housing with filter elements supported in said housing and dividing the interior of the housing into first and second chambers. A pump pumps a liquid under pressure into said first chamber so that the liquid flows from the first chamber through the filter elements into said second chamber. An energy store is located in the housing which stores energy each time the pump is turned on and pressurizes the first chamber. When the pump is turned off and relieves the pressure in the first chamber, the potential energy stored in the energy store is applied as kinetic energy for moving the filter elements and increasing the pressure in the second chamber to cause liquid backflow through the filter elements which deans and rejuvenates the filter elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Inventor: Neil B. Kaplan
  • Patent number: 5376265
    Abstract: An gas/fluid contactor is provided for reacting water and other fluids with an ozone-containing gas. The contactor comprises an elongate tubular reaction chamber having a gas/fluid combining chamber adjacent the inlet to draw an ozone-containing gas into the device and to provide an initial mixing between the gas and the fluid. One or more mixing chambers are positioned within the reaction chamber, each being filled with a material that provides a matrix of solid elements with interstices of between 0.1 and 2.0 mm. in diameter between the solid elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Inventor: Louis Szabo
  • Patent number: 5372710
    Abstract: A system for producing reduced pressure on board of an aircraft cooperates with at least one vacuum toilet for flushing the toilet. A reduced pressure is generated by a pump for transporting of refuse including water waste into a collection tank without using any pressure difference between the pressure in the aircraft cabin and the pressure outside the cabin. The suction inlet of the pump is connected through a filter to the collection tank and the pressure side of the pump is connected to a nozzle in an ejector, the suction inlet of which is connected to the toilet. A funnel-shaped ejector discharge port is connected through a return conduit to the collection tank, preferably through a water separator. A closed water circulating circuit is formed by the pump, the tank, the filter, and the ejector so that refuse and waste water pass directly through the ejector into the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Deutsche Aerospace Airbus GmbH
    Inventor: Helge Frank
  • Patent number: 5264121
    Abstract: An apparatus for purifying fuel, comprising a closed container having a top, a bottom, an inlet for impure fuel and an outlet for purified fuel placed at a level over the inlet, both coupled near the top of the container, a heating bulb to heat the impure fuel and allow the settlement of impurities and a valve in the bottom to remove the impurities from the container; a partition wall coupled in the container above the inlet and under the outlet, and a hollow body dependently coupled to the partition wall, defining a surrounding chamber under the partition wall to receive the impure fuel to the bottom of the container, an inner chamber in the hollow body under the partition wall, for purifying fuel, and an upper chamber over the partition wall for purified fuel; and a passage in the partition wall communicating said inner and upper chambers, to allow passage of the purified fuel to the upper chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventor: Jorge Guzman-Sanchez
  • Patent number: 5217605
    Abstract: A system for filtering electric discharge machine dielectric fluid wherein the filtering apparatus is mounted on a moveable platform and attached to the electric discharge machine that needs it's dielectric fluid filtered of foreign matter. The filter system has a plurality of filter casings connected in parallel by each casings inlet and outlet fittings. Each filter casing consists of a tank having a removable lid and a replaceable filter element inside the tank. The fluid flows into the filter tank, through the filter element, into a perforated tube and out of the filter tank into the interconnecting piping system. The filter system is separate from the reserve dielectric fluid tank of the electric discharge machine and can be operated either with the reserve tank system or connected directly to the electric discharge machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Inventor: Gordon V. Kottke
  • Patent number: 5160444
    Abstract: A filtering apparatus and method for removing solid impurities contained within a fluid. A plurality of filters each define successive stages and are linked in series whereby the output from a first filter feeds the input of a second filter and so on. Successive stages remove impurities of progressively smaller particle size whereupon the last stage provides a fluid substantially clean of all impurities and polished for subsequent reuse. The specific environment associated with the instant apparatus and method involves cleaning cooking oil in deep fat fryers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Inventor: George E. McFarland
  • Patent number: 5114572
    Abstract: An assembly is provided of a filter bowl (10), a cartridge (12) and a head (11) in which the filter bowl (10) can be removed after it has descended from the filter head (11) through a distance corresponding to only a minor part of the length of the filter cartridge (12). The cartridge (12) is a push fit into a vertical port (52) in the filter head (11). Flange (18) of the cartridge (12) and a slotted buttress (44) of the bowl (12) establish a mechanical connection between the filter bowl (10) and the cartridge (12) so that the filter bowl (10) and the filter cartridge (12) are together mounted to and demountable from the filter head (11). The filter cartridge (12) having the support flange (18) that coacts with the buttress (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Process Scientific Innovations Limited
    Inventors: George S. Hunter, Michael J. Hawker
  • Patent number: 5032258
    Abstract: A nonreturn valve connected to a passage venting a gas-containing part of the filtrate collection chamber is located in a centrifuge drum base is operated as a siphon to increase the pressure differential, thus filtration rate, across the centrifuge filter or alternatively a system of rotatable siphon cups connected to the chamber are provided so that gas collecting in the collection chamber during filtration may be evacuated of the centrifuge. This device can also be used in the discontinuously operating filter centrifuge with a rotating siphon whose housing interior is at the pressure of the surroundings or is acted on with a gas pressure for additional acceleration of the filtration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Krauss-Maffei Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Gunther Hultsch
  • Patent number: 5028244
    Abstract: A tank venting control valve assembly is provided to regulate discharge of liquid fuel and fuel vapor from a fuel tank. The assembly closes automatically to prevent discharge of agitated liquid fuel from the tank or block overfilling of the tank. The assembly opens automatically after agitation of liquid fuel in the tank has subsided or refueling has been completed to cause the fuel level in the tank to fall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignee: Stant Inc.
    Inventor: Emil Szlaga
  • Patent number: 5019141
    Abstract: A vent line separator (30) having a housing (34) defining an interior chamber (44) having a flow diverter (132) positioned therein that separates liquid and gas and a by-pass valve assembly (106) that permits gas to be vented to the atmosphere under a predetermined minimum pressure, that prevents gas and liquid from being vented to the atmosphere when the liquid pressure in the interior chamber (44) is above a predetermined minimum pressure and below a predetermined maximum pressure, and allows venting of liquid fuel and gas to the atmosphere when liquid pressure in the interior chamber (44) is above a predetermined maximum pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin Corp.
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Granville, John Church, David H. Hodgkins
  • Patent number: 5013457
    Abstract: A liquid filtering and backwashing apparatus is disclosed comprising a pressurized filter tank having a first outlet valve and a filter cell disposed within the filter tank. The filter cell includes a conduit and an outer member with the outer member spaced apart relative to the conduit with a filtering medium positioned between the conduit and the outer member. A plurality of openings in the outer member enable fluid communication between the liquid to be filtered in the filter tank and the filtering medium. The conduit is provided with a plurality of slits to enable the pressure in the tank to force fluid communication between the filtering medium and interior of the conduit while retaining the filtering medium external the conduit. Means are provided to vary the size of the slits to adjust for differing pressures or filtering requirements. A backwash holding tank in fluid communication with the conduit collects the filtered liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: Uddo-Mims International
    Inventor: Ken Mims
  • Patent number: 4931183
    Abstract: In a process and apparatus for the biological purification of water by means of a closed percolating filter operated with pure oxygen and/or air, and an upward-flow filter disposed downstream of the percolating filter, with flotation filter material therein, saturation of the gas cushion predominantly containing oxygen in the percolating filter is controlled by selection of the operating pressure in such a fashion that the oxygen supply corresponds to the biochemical oxygen demand of the water on the one hand, while on the other hand a residual oxygen content dissolved in the water permits continuation with a biological fine purification operation in the upward-flow filter. The apparatus comprises a first chamber with the percolating filter, the water flowing downwardly therethrough, and a second chamber with filter material through which the water flows upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Inventors: Hans-Ulrich Klein, Klaus Kratzenstein
  • Patent number: 4917795
    Abstract: An improved automatic air pressure relief and check valve assembly which may be used in combination with a swimming pool filter tank or a swimming pool separation tank. The valve assembly includes a normally open lower valve which communicates with the inside of the tank and is responsive to the tank's being full of pressurized water for closing the lower valve. The valve assembly further includes a normally closed upper valve communicating with the lower valve and the outside of the tank, the upper valve being responsive to air being expelled from the tank through the open lower valve, when water is filling the tank, for opening the upper valve to permit the air being expelled to exit through the upper valve. Cooperating with the upper and lower valve of the improved valve assembly is means for precluding both the upper and the lower valves from being simultaneously maintained in their closed conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Anthony Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Chester A. Sable, Lawrence V. Maldarelli, Henry Church
  • Patent number: 4861466
    Abstract: A pressure filter assembly having a bleed valve assembly for releasing trapped gas from with the filter chamber in a controlled manner. The bleed valve assembly includes a stem secured to the filter assembly having a bore therethrough for communication with the filter chamber and a cap for controlling the release of trapped gas within the filter chamber. The cap has a plunger with a contact surface which mates with a portion of the inside surface of the stem bore and an extension which fits with a narrow portion of the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Nalge Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Leoncavallo, Gregory R. Phillips, Ravinder C. Mehra
  • Patent number: 4855041
    Abstract: A drain assembly for diesel engine fuel filters and the like consists of separate drain and vent valves mounted closely adjacent one another in the bottom wall of the collection bowl of the filter and intercoupled so that actuation of the drain valve also actuates the vent valve after the drain valve has been opened. The vent valve is a spring biased valve located higher than the drain valve and preferably is a tire core type valve. The drain valve may be a spring biased push type valve or a valve threadedly mounted in the bottom wall of the collection bowl for vertical movement to open a valve seat in the collection bowl and in either embodiment includes a shoulder interengageable with the vent valve for actuation of the latter. Both drain valves include a hose connector which rotates relative to the collection bowl or cartridge assembly to facilitate replacement of the latter, the threaded type drain valve including a snap-in type swivel for the hose connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: John F. Church, Steve A. Neff
  • Patent number: 4846965
    Abstract: An aerobic wastewater treatment system including an aeration tank, the interior of the aeration tank being divided into at least a first chamber and a last chamber, each of the chambers having a lower portion and an upper portion; structure for allowing influent wastewater to be treated and return sludge to enter the lower portion of the first chamber of the aeration tank; structure for allowing mixed liquor to flow sequentially through the lower portions of each of the chambers; an effluent outlet associated with the last chamber of the aeration tank for allowing mixed liquor to exit the aeration tank; agitator structure associated with each chamber of the aeration tank for enhancing oxygen transfer from the upper to the lower portions of each chamber; structure for introducing high-purity oxygen into the first chamber of the aeration tank and for maintaining the pressure in the upper portion of the first chamber of the aeration tank to at or below existing atmospheric pressure; structure for controlling gas
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Inventors: Ricky C. Clifft, Melrose T. Garrett
  • Patent number: 4789467
    Abstract: An automated disinfection system for a hemodialysis machine having a proportioning pump includes a manifold block having a check valve for connection to a container of disinfection solution. The manifold block has an outlet connected to the suction line of the pump and an inlet connected to a warm water source via a solenoid valve. A timing and control circuit controls the solenoid valve to produce a water rinse cycle when the solenoid valve is open and a disinfection cycle when the solenoid valve is closed. The check valve closes when positive pressure is present in the manifold block during a rinse cycle and opens to admit solution to the pump when negative pressure is present in the manifold block during a disinfection cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1988
    Assignee: Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. Lindsay, Robert C. Kusmierczyk, Norman F. Cameron
  • Patent number: 4778595
    Abstract: An automatic air pressure relief and check valve assembly which may be used in combination with a swimming pool filter or separation tank. The valve assembly includes a normally open lower valve which is responsive to the tank's being full of water for closing the lower valve, and a normally closed upper valve which is responsive to air being expelled from the tank through the normally open lower valve for opening the upper valve during times when water is filling the tank. The upper valve may be selectively opened when air is required to enter the tank so that water may be drained from the tank. Preferred embodiments of the upper and lower valves include valve seats having conical surfaces and respective valve members which cause an included O-ring to roll upon and wedge against its conical seat for reliably closing each valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Assignee: Anthony Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Chester A. Sable, Henry Church, Roy Graboff, Lawrence V. Maldarelli
  • Patent number: 4759474
    Abstract: An improved fluid dispensing system for use in dispensing beverages including unitary fluid filter cartridge adapted to be immersed in fluid to be dispensed, the fluid filter cartridge including a cannister having inlet and outlet openings in the lower end thereof, a filter septum in the filter cartridge connected to the outlet, adsorptive material disposed in the cartridge, a check valve controlled vent opening in the upper end of the cannister, and a riser stack connected to the check valve controlled vent opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Assignee: Everpure, Inc.
    Inventors: Perialwar Regunathan, John W. Tadlock, Gregory L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4683055
    Abstract: A diesel fuel filter, which is arranged in a conduit between a fuel tank and a fuel injection pump, comprises a housing accommodating a filter element and a cover non-releasably connected to the housing. A temperature-responsive switching device for switching fuel overflow quantities from the pump to the tank as well as a ventilation device are positioned in a chamber formed by a protruding formation of the cover and a flat plate connected to the housing. A plate shaped pressure control valve, which opens into a contaminated side of the filter element, connects that side to the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Franz-Ulrich Bosch, Willi Muller, Hans Schacht, Max Straubel
  • Patent number: 4602995
    Abstract: New and improved, liquid level adjusting and filtering device is provided, and is operable upon insertion into a container to automatically adjust the level of a liquid as contained in the container to a predetermined, precisely repeatable location, and to filter the thusly level-adjusted liquid. The device is particularly adapted for use in conjunction with test tube-like devices, in the nature of those marketed under the Trademark "Vacutainer" by the Becton-Dickinson Company of East Rutherford, NJ, containing whole blood samples which have been separated as by centrifugation into respective blood cell, buffy and blood serum layers; and is operable in that context to present blood serum samples to automated sample analysis systems at the same predetermined and precisely repeatable location relative to the aspirating probe means of such systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1986
    Assignee: Technicon Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Michael M. Cassaday, Rand Herron, Kenneth F. Uffenheimer, John L. Smith
  • Patent number: 4555323
    Abstract: A system to generate chlorine to disinfect a body of water. The system has a pump to move water through the system, a filter and an electrolytic cell able to generate chlorine by the electrolysis of sodium chloride and having an anode and a cathode mounted in a separate compartment. Chlorine is generated in the anode compartment and hydrogen in the cathode compartment. The compartments are in communication through an ion permeable membrane. There is a power source for the cell. The ion permeable membrane is formed as separate members, each covering an opening in a wall dividing the anode and cathode compartments. The anode and the cathode are located above the electrolyte. There is a mixing container divided into compartments, a first compartment to receive hydrogen and chlorine from the cell and provided with an outlet for water and the second compartment, in communication with the first and having an inlet for water, a float valve to control the inlet, the mixing container having a pressure relief outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1985
    Inventor: Richard B. Collier
  • Patent number: 4529512
    Abstract: A hydraulic system including a closed reservoir which is pressurized at a varying pressure that is responsive to a variable condition of the system. The system minimizes the air contained in the hydraulic fluid, causing air which has been released from the hydraulic fluid to collect in the reservoir which has provision for releasing it to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1985
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: William H. Williamson, Roger G. Slabaugh
  • Patent number: 4524795
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a waste water outlet for a sanitary plant, comprising a siphon forming a water seal to which is connected a waste pipe for connection with sewers and in which an automatic air valve device and a siphon are combined in one single apparatus so that their functions are complementary. A cylindrical body having a permanent water seal and into which extends an inlet pipe or equivalent connected to an apparatus such as a sink, a basin or waste outlet, is combined with an automatic air valve with peripheral air entry. Outside the inlet pipe extending into the water seal is an internal partition which separates the water seal and the automatic valve device situated at the upper part of the cylindrical body, thereby protecting the valve device against a raising or splashing of the liquid situated in the water seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1985
    Assignee: Kurt Sture Birger Ericson
    Inventors: Kurt S. B. Ericson, Gijsbrecht H. J. Van Olst
  • Patent number: 4454031
    Abstract: An oil reservoir for a hydraulic steering system is provided with a venting means comprising a sequence of passages from an inner protective pipe movably guided with concentric spacing on a bolt fixed to an oil reservoir housing. The concentric spacing is part of the venting passage wherein venting passes through a groove on the bolt into a venting cap. The venting cap is threadedly carried on a threaded section of the bolt through which the groove passes and effects a portion of the venting passage means. A nut carried by the venting cap effects threaded coaction and may itself have a venting groove. The protective pipe is biased into sealing engagement with the lid by a compression spring. A special construction permits ease of lid removal in conjunction with oil level indicator means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1984
    Assignee: Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen AG.
    Inventor: Rainer Schier
  • Patent number: 4454037
    Abstract: An insulating jacket for an in situs filter cartridge of the type normally employed in filtering oil circulating through a pressurized system of an internal combustion engine. The invention is characterized by an elongated open end cylindrical shell fabricated from an insulating material, such as cellular polystyrene, with the shell adapted to enclose the filter cartridge within an insulating sealed air space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1984
    Inventors: Ruth H. Conterio, Eugene E. Conterio
  • Patent number: 4448683
    Abstract: A system for optimizing operation of liquid filtration equipment having a first electric motor for periodically removing the layer of solid contaminants on the filter media through which the liquid passes, and a second electric motor which drives a centrifugal vacuum producer to remove air from an enclosed space beneath the filter media. The filtration system is of the type wherein contaminated liquid is supplied to a tank open to the atmosphere for passage through the media, whereon solid contaminants are collected, into the underlying, enclosed space. A drop in the level of liquid in the tank, e.g., in response to removal or reduction of the layer of contaminants, allowing excess air to enter the enclosed space below the media, causes a like drop in the position of a float which is connected by a linkage means to a throttling valve interposed between the enclosed space and the vacuum producer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Assignee: Filtertech Inc.
    Inventor: James F. Green
  • Patent number: 4446030
    Abstract: Liquid is circulated from bottom to top in a pressure tank by means of a gas pump including an upstanding pipe located within the tank and up through which gas is pumped at a pressure exceeding tank pressure to carry liquid which enters the pipe at the bottom up to the top of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1984
    Assignee: Industrial Filter & Pump Mfg. Co.
    Inventor: Henry Schmidt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4443334
    Abstract: An oil reclamation device includes a housing that has an interior divided into at least two areas by a somewhat upright, generally conical vaporization plate. The area which is above the plate is a vaporization chamber at or less than atmospheric pressure. The area which is below the plate is pressurized filter area, usually the pressure is supplied by the oil pump of an engine. The bottom of the vaporization plate has a plurality of dependent heat transfer fins for creating a turbulent and uniform heat transfer from the vaporization plate to the oil. The top of the plate contains a cup terminating holes for transferring oil from the area below the plate into the cup. A covering washer forces oil in the cup to form a thin film. The transferred oil overflows the cup and runs, under gravity, down an oil-confining, helical channel which conically spirals downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1984
    Assignee: Recon Ltd.
    Inventors: Lynn E. Shugarman, Alvin E. Shugarman, Michael G. Rothman