Abstract: The Three Stage Sewage Treatment Plant is an uniquely designed three stage sewage waste water cleaning device for use in homes and other buildings which are not attached to municipal sewer systems. It employs both aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms to break down sewage, in addition to gravity separation of solids from the effluent. The cleaning process is centered around a cylindrical aerobic tank which is divided into an inner and an outer chamber by a funnel shaped clarifier. In the outer chamber of the aerobic tank, air droplines aerate the sewage, promoting the aerobic microorganisms that break down the sewage, and create turbulence. In the inner chamber, the sewage is gravity separated, such that solid particles are extracted from a cleaned effluent. The device is comprised of a pre-treatment tank, which screens out solid particles and allows for the preliminary anaerobic cleaning process, and a post-treatment tank, where the effluent is chlorinated and stored, in addition to the aerobic tank.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for delivering activated microorganisms to an environment to be treated. The apparatus has a bioreactor containing microorganisms, a supply of organic and inorganic nutrients and a controller. The controller maintains the conditions of the bioreactor so as to maintain the microorganisms in the exponential phase of growth. The controller also doses a portion of the fluid in the bioreactor to the environment to be treated. The invention also provides a method for the biological treatment of wastes and an organic and inorganic composition used to feed the microorganisms in the bioreactor.

Abstract: A chlorinator for aerobic waste treatment systems that is in functional attachment with a waste stream and that includes a plurality of chlorine tablets therein. The chlorinator includes a cylinder portion that has a plurality of openings therethrough providing fluid communication between the waste stream and the plurality of chlorine tablets so that the waste stream comes into contact with all surfaces of at least one of the chlorine tablets. The chlorinator includes a cylinder portion adapted to hold the chlorine tablets therein, the cylinder portion having a plurality of openings providing fluid communication between the waste stream and chlorine tablets and a cylinder floor. The cylinder floor includes a floor aperture. In one embodiment there is a support disk hinged and oriented over the floor aperture so as to cover the floor aperture and a device to sense the presence of chlorine tablets within the cylinder portion.

Abstract: Equipment to achieve retardation of inflow into circular or polygonal sedimentation tanks, final sedimentation tanks, and thickeners in sewage treatment plants is provided through the use of circular or polygonal self-supporting structures one or more arranged around the central inlet pipe and reaching into the liquid depths. Other improvements regard to preferable modes of the retardation center well and floats as well as to their arrangement to each other as well as to their location in the tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for interception solid matter from fluid flowing through a drain or pipe including a drain or pipe coupling to receive and direct fluid flow netting to intercept solid matter while permitting fluid to pass through, and a netting release that interacts with the netting and the coupling to automatically release the netting when a predetermined amount of solid matter has been intercepted.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing portions of gradients relate to a float with an upper concave surface for collecting the gradient portion

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.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment tank with influent gates (24) and pre-react zone with an outwardly flared lower portion. Influent passes over influent gates (24), which introduce turbulence, causing aeration, and reducing flow velocity. As influent flows out of the influent gate housing (20), flow velocity is further reduced by contact with the surface of the wastewater in the basin and influent flow is directed laterally by an influent gate bottom (30). A pre-react zone director (34) spaced apart from the bottom (42) of the basin encloses the influent gate housing (20) and utilizes an outwardly flared lower portion, or flap (38), to further reduce flow velocity and enhance laminar flow. This results in minimal disturbance of settled sludge blanket, allowing it to act as a natural biological filter, which in turn results in a superior supernatant.

Abstract: A method and equipment are disclosed for tertiary sewage treatment by naturally-occurring microorganisms after the sewage has passed from a septic tank or other primary treatment device. Tertiary treatment occurs within enclosed, controlled conditions in a recirculation tank housing a recirculating spray system and a filter bed. The recirculation process is controlled by a timer and a timer float responding to the wastewater level in the recirculation tank. A mixing zone is provided in a bottom portion of the recirculation tank.

Abstract: A circulation and filtration system is provided for use with water gardens having a water container adapted to hold water at a preferred fill height. The system includes a reservoir, an intake line, a pump, and a return line. The reservoir is located near the water container and is capable of holding a reserve of water. In one embodiment, the reservoir includes an upright basket filter located therein. The intake line includes a first end opening positionable within the water container near the preferred fill height and a second end opening connected to the basket filter. During use, water flows into the basket filter through the intake line via gravity. The pump is located either within the reservoir or externally from the reservoir though connected to the reservoir through additional piping. The return line includes a first end connected to the pump and a second end positionable at a desired location in the water garden.

Abstract: Described is an aerator (10) that includes a venturi chamber (18), a pump for drawing liquid into the venturi chamber from a liquid inlet, an air inlet connected to the venturi chamber for aerating the liquid drawn through the venturi chamber, and an outlet for discharging the aerated liquid. A float chamber (26) is provided for supporting the aerator in a liquid medium, e.g. a fishing lake. Preferably, the liquid inlet and the outlet are on substantially parallel axes, wherein the liquid inlet is turnable between two positions: one position where the liquid inlet takes in liquid in an opposite direction to the outlet flow and the other position where the liquid is drawn in and discharged in the same direction. A control means responsive to sensors for determining biological oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand is also provided for controlling the speed of the pump.

Abstract: A separator for separating material from a fluid which includes an inlet, a separating chamber in fluid communication with the inlet, a holding chamber, a deflector for deflecting material entrained in or moving with fluid entering the separating chamber from the inlet towards the holding chamber, and an outlet for permitting flow of fluid from which the material has been removed from the separating chamber.

Abstract: The invention is a perpetual skimming device for insertion into a reservoir containing liquid at the liquid level which allows the top liquid layer to enter an outer cylinder of the device through longitudinal slots, raising a floating inner cylindrical portion, which in turn, shuts off the liquid entry once enough liquid has entered the device to raise the float to cut off the liquid intrusion. The liquid is then removed by a centrally affixed pickup tube having fluid entry ports at the bottom of the tube, located near the base of the outer cylinder. As the liquid is removed, the inner cylindrical float lowers and allows more liquid into the invention, for a perpetual cyclic skimming operation.

Abstract: An oil separating buoyant surface vessel for separating oil from surface water level from a large body of oil-contaminated water and for economically reclaiming this oil The vessel comprises a pair of lateral buoyancy members and a liquid flow-through separator rigid open frame integral to the buoyancy member and destined to be maintained in partly submerged condition in water. The separator frame comprises a first chamber having a front surface water intake port, and a pair of first channel members extending to a rear surface water outlet port; a second chamber located rearwardly of the first chamber; a third submerged chamber located beneath the first and second chambers and having a second channel member, extending to a front submerged water outlet port, a third arcuate channel member, an intermediate section of the third channel member extending spacedly over water line, and a fourth upright channel member, opening at its top end mouth into the second chamber over water line.

Abstract: This clarification plant consists of a circulating reactor in a housing which has a treatment area and a sedimentation area and which is characterized by at least one gas-input element and at least one treatment element which interlock with each other; in the gas input element, the water to be purified is highly enriched with oxygen and subsequently undergoes strong turbulence in the treatment element. The gas input elements and the treatment elements are modularly constructed out of disk-shaped components so that the clarification plant can be scaled as desired. The main purification is done by means of biological reduction processes in micro-organisms which are specifically introduced or cultivated.

Abstract: A filtration device for a waste water treatment tank is provided with a level alert device positioned within the filter to provide a warning or alarm when the filter becomes plugged. The level alarm device is positioned so that as the waste water level gets beyond a certain preselected limit an alarm will actuate a micro-switch which is in actuating relation with an alarm device outside the waste water treatment tank.

Abstract: An etching device for preparing flexible blocks which can be used for printing in flexography, typography or dry offset generally includes an etching tank containing a bath (22) and brushes (3), a stirring and heating device, and an overfill system (20) for discharging the solution from the etching tank through an outlet duct (21) to a separation device. The separation device includes a reception vat (14) having an upper part which is equipped with a device (10) for separating the water and the polymer, and at least one filtering membrane (7).

Abstract: A partition includes a float on its upper edge and a partition which divides the inside of a container into two compartments. The perimeter of the partition contacts the walls and bottom of the container using a U-frame that is provided with three flexible bands. In one of the compartments, anchored on a support, are filters arranged together with the supports. An external pump transfers liquid from the bottom of one compartment to the bottom of the other compartment and channels the liquid between the flexible bands and below the partition in a uniform and calibrated manner over its entire length. At the same time, liquid passes from this second compartment to the first one above the float. The float meters and calibrates the liquid flow over its entire length, thereby generating a surface stream which discharges into the filters.

Abstract: Ferrofluid coated particles resulting from a ferrofluid materials separation process are washed with a solvent which is the same material as the liquid carrier employed in the ferrofluid. The result is a "dirty" solvent which is a very weak ferrofluid. The dirty solvent is then filtered or centrifuged to remove dust particles and other impurities and then the solvent is recovered by distillation in a distillation unit. The solvent can then be reused in the materials reclamation process. The residue in the distillation unit is surfactant-coated particles of ferrofluid. This residue is mixed with either clean or unprocessed solvent in the right proportion and the slurry is passed through an attritor to convert it to a high grade ferrofluid. The ferrofluid can also be reused in the materials separation process.

Abstract: A method and system for treating stormwater runoff containing impurities includes collecting the runoff in a basin and allowing the runoff to settle in the basin for a predetermined time before allowing the filtration step to be initiated. The time delay is controlled by a controller sensitive to rain fall, turbidity, or other variables selected by the user. During the filtration step a separator member is positioned floatingly between a filter element and impurities floating on the surface of the unfiltered water.

Abstract: A self-adjusting extraction nozzle for extracting a surface disposed over a base fluid includes a suction tube having at least one slot extending therethrough. A nozzle channel extends outwardly from the at least one slot. The nozzle channel is slidably coupled to the exterior of the suction tube and to a float to support the nozzle channel at a level of the surface fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a desktop drinking water machine and includes a reverse osmosis mechanism consisting of a reverse osmosis filter and a pair of active carbon filters. The reverse osmosis mechanism is linked to a pump through an inlet pipe, a pure water pipe connected to a reservoir and an outlet pipe connected to the original reservoir where both pipes link the original reservoir to the pump. A water level sensor in the reservoir is linked with the pump through a processor to control a water pumping operation. When the water level rises above the water level sensor, the pump is initiated and delivers water from the reservoir into the reverse osmosis mechanism. Pure water then flows into the storage tank and waste water flows to the reservoir. When the volume of the water in the reservoir is approximately one-third of the volume of the original water maintained in the reservoir, the pump is deactivated.

Abstract: A diverter screen for efficiently handling solid and floatable objects in combined sewer overflows and storm water runoff systems is disclosed. The screen is formed of a mechanical bar screen, one or more regulator or overflow chambers, and a deflector plate for diverting the solids and floatables into the outgoing sewage interceptor channel. The bar screen sits on a shelf in a concrete channel, and is sized to capture solids and floatables that must be prevented from entering the rivers, lakes or oceans The bar screen uses a downward rake motion to push solids and some floatables into the outgoing interceptor, while other floatables are allowed to drain out as the regulator channel drains.

Abstract: A water purifier generally associated with a beverage dispenser is disclosed. The water purifier includes a first conduit having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, a second conduit having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, a cistern disposed between the first and second conduits, and a water purifying device disposed in the flow path of either the first conduit or the second conduit. The first end of the first conduit is arranged to conduct water to be purified into the first conduit, and the second end of the second conduit is arranged to conduct the purified water from the second conduit to a location outside of the water purifier. The flow of the water from the second conduit to the first conduit is completely prevented and interrupted whenever the water attempts to flow from the second end of the second conduit to the first end of the first conduit through the arrangement of the second end of the first conduit and the cistern.

Abstract: A filter cartridge end-of-life mechanism and a filter cartridge assembly for a water treatment device. The end-of-life mechanism comprises a float which is moved along an escapement path each time the device is filled. A counting mechanism connected to the float provides a continuous visual indication of the amount of useful life remaining in the filter cartridge. The cartridge assembly includes a tray detachably connected to a filter cartridge. The tray is positioned beneath the outlet end of the cartridge to remove water treatment particles from the treated water.

Abstract: The screening apparatus of the invention has a main cylindrical chamber linking a waste water inlet pipe to a refuse pipe and to an overflow outlet pipe. The waste water inlet pipe conveys water from a city sewer duct or the like, and this water is destined to be conveyed to a water treatment plant through the refuse pipe. However, during important storm water flow rate conditions in the waste water inlet pipe, the water level in the main chamber will rise since the refuse pipe will overflow due to a too large quantity of water. The screening apparatus includes a coaxial, cylindrical rotor defining a vertical through channel, and an annular grate being located intermediate the top and bottom of the main chamber and extending from the bottom edge of the rotor radially outwardly to the peripheral wall of the main chamber, where the annular grate is fixedly anchored. The rotor carries brooms adjacent the grate underface.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a water treatment unit 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 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 dialysis system and method for removing toxic matter from the large intestine comprises an input tube, an output tube concentric with the input tube, both of which tubes are to be inserted in the large intestine an input pressure pump connected to deliver filtrate solution from an input container to the input tube, and an output suction pump connected to the output tube to remove filtrate solution. Pressure gauges control the input and output pumps so that an input pressure level of 75 mm Hg is not exceeded, and so that the output suction pump is disabled unless the input pressure level exceeds 45 mm Hg. A filtrate solution composition comprising a vasodilator of niacin, a high molecular weight protein in the form of casein, a mineral constituents and other components is also provided.

Abstract: A separator (10) for separating a heavier liquid from a lighter liquid is disclosed which is intended to operate between a fuel tank (12) and a fuel pump connected to the fuel outlet (24) of the separator (10). The separator includes a float (30) which is light enough to float on the heavier liquid and which is heavy enough to sink in the lighter liquid. The float controls opening and closing of a valve (44, 46) through which heavier liquid is disclosed from the separator. As heavier liquid accumulates, the float lifts to open the valve (44, 46). A plate (34) subjected to a force caused by fuel flowing into the separator through the inlet (16) prevents the float opening the valve whilst the separator is in sub-atmospheric pressure. The plate can be replaced by a diaphragm which is subject on one side to atmospheric pressure and on the other side to the pressure in the separator.

Abstract: A dialysis system and method for removing toxic matter from the large intestine comprises an input tube, an output tube concentric with the input tube, both of which tubes are to be inserted in the large intestine an input pressure pump connected to deliver filtrate solution from an input container to the input tube, and an output suction pump connected to the output tube to remove filtrate solution. Pressure gauges control the input and output pumps so that an input pressure level of 75 mm Hg is not exceeded, and so that the output suction pump is disabled unless the input pressure level exceeds 45 mm Hg. A filtrate solution composition comprising a vasodilator of niacin, a high molecular weight protein in the form of casein, a mineral constituents and other components is also provided.

Abstract: A sewage effluent disposal system for receiving sewage from a home or business location, treating the sewage in a primary treatment plant and facilitating the flow of treated effluent by gravity from the treatment plant into a holding tank having a secondary treatment system. The finally-treated effluent is pumped from the holding tank by means of a float-controlled pump apparatus, wherein the float is set to allow the submersible pump to operate when the effluent in the holding tank has reached a preselected high level and the pump motor is cut off when the effluent level is lowered to a preselected low level. A timer is provided in the effluent pump circuit to facilitate pumping at selected time intervals from the holding tank through a dual filter unit and from the dual filter unit into a drip field manifold and drip lines buried in the ground. The effluent flow is returned through a return manifold to the filter system when it is desired to flush the drip lines.

Abstract: A filter unit for use in a septic tank system includes a housing having an upper section and a lower section wherein the upper section has a cross-sectional area greater than the lower section. The lower section receives a plurality of disc-dam units to form a filter unit therein wherein each disc-dam unit is provided with an outer periphery partitioned by an upwardly directed dam to define a fluid inlet on one side of the dam and a fluid outlet on the opposite side of the dam. The distance between an upper surface of the dam and a lower surface of a disc-dam unit forming slots of preselected height to provide defined slots for the flow of waste water thereacross from the inlet side to the outlet side of the disc-dam units. The lower section is also provided with a vertical chamber therein in flow communication with the fluid outlet of the disc-dam units and the upper section of the housing.

Abstract: A self-cleaning fluid filtration system is presented and which includes a tank having a bottom wall and a side wall together forming a fluid chamber. An inlet is located in the bottom wall for receiving fluid to be filtered. A tube extends from the inlet upwardly into the chamber for directing fluid upwardly through the tube. The tube has perforations therein for directing fluid to flow outwardly therefrom. A platform is carried by the tube intermediate its ends and extends radially outward therefrom toward the side wall of the tank. A perforated rigid basket in the chamber surrounds the tube and has an open lower end mounted to the upper surface of the platform and a closed upper end located above the upper end of the tube. A collapsible fluid-permeable filter bag is located in the chamber intermediate the tube and the basket.

Abstract: A separator float has a generally cylindrical body and a water swellable band having a selected outer diameter fitted circumferentially around a portion of the generally cylindrical body. The water swellable band is made of a water swellable material so that upon being exposed to water the water swellable band swells to a greater outside diameter. The separator float is preferably used in a blood collection tube and has a specific gravity between specific gravities of a light phase and a heavy phase of the blood. After the blood has been collected and centrifuged the separator float moves to a position between the light phase and the heavy phase and the water swellable band is exposed to water in the blood causing the band to swell and create a seal. Thereafter, the serum or plasma as well as white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes and platelets can be removed from the blood collection tube.

Abstract: A floating inlet assembly for use with a mixing apparatus in a digester. The floating inlet assembly comprising a floating inlet housing which is vertically reciprocable with respect either to a fixed inlet tube or to a guide tube structure.

Abstract: A float (26) resides at an interface (21) between a first liquid (20) floating on another liquid (22). A pneumatic pressure sensor (32) senses back-pressure at the float (26) via a conduit (30) and a bubbler hole, or pressure sensing point (28) and relays the information to a recorder (37). Also, a combination detection and recovery device employs the above detection device coupled with a floating liquid skimming device. The recovery unit (90) of the skimming device has a bubbler hole (168) connected to pressure sensor (32) via conduit (30). The pressure sensor (32) is then connected to a pump (88) via another conduit (38). When the pressure at the bubbler hole (168) reaches a predetermined value corresponding to a given fluid thickness, the sensor (32) activates the pump (88) which moves the floating liquid (20) from the recovery unit (90) to a fluid receptacle (102).

Abstract: A filter for an aquarium apparatus includes a filter tank casing, a filter unit accommodated in the filter tank casing for filtering water from a tank and returning filtered water thereto, a water pool section for collecting water from the tank and supplying water overflowing therefrom directly to a filter material of the filter unit. The filter unit physically and biologically filters water from the tank and returns filtered water thereto.

Abstract: A filter for removal of biochemical oxygen demand and suspended solids utilizing multi-layer filtration media. The filter media includes plastic particles, sand, and garnet and is operated under an automatic control condition. Fine filtering is accomplished by a sludge cake which develops at the upstream face of the filter media. For cleaning the filtration media, deposited sludge is removed from the filter bed by backwashing in a short time period at a high strength backwash flow rate.

Abstract: An improved water quality monitor is provided for use in a water purification system of the type having a reverse osmosis unit for producing relatively pure water from a tap water supply. The reverse osmosis unit supplies produced purified water to a reservoir for storage until dispensing, as by opening a faucet valve. An inlet shut-off valve closes to prevent tap water inflow to the reverse osmosis unit when the reservoir reaches a substantially filled condition. The water quality monitor includes electrodes in contact with the tap water and the produced purified water to obtain comparative conductivity readings which represent the performance level of the reverse osmosis unit in removing impurities from the tap water inflow.

Abstract: The apparatus for regulating liquid specimen temperature is used to maintain the liquid temperature of a sample constant in order to maintain a specific reaction state of the sample in an apparatus for analyzing samples, such as a blood analyzing apparatus. In this apparatus, a main body is included which is made of ceramics comprised mainly of silicon carbide high in thermal efficiency and excellent in chemical resistance. A liquid inlet is disposed at one end of a passage passing through the main body, which is used for heating. Preferably, the liquid inlet is opened toward the passage inner wall, and a liquid separating member for moving the liquid as it flows into the passage is disposed in the passage. When the liquid separating member is installed in the passage, the incoming liquid, not controlled in temperature, and the liquid leaving the passage already controlled in temperature may be separated, so that liquid control precision may be enhanced.

Abstract: A floating inlet assembly for use with a mixing apparatus in a digester. The floating inlet assembly comprising a floating inlet housing which is vertically reciprocable with respect either to a fixed inlet tube or to a guide tube structure.

Abstract: System for the biological purification of wastewater influent to facilitate the aerobic, anoxic, anacrobic treatment phases of the activated sludge extended aeration technology having an inlet to continuously accommodate influent flows and requiring no outlet and accomplishing all of the functions of flow equalization, high efficiency mixing, biological oxidation, nitrification, denitrification, clarification (secondary sedimentation) and aerobic sludge digestion in a single basin without a quiet or calmed zone adjacent the outlet created by a floating partition, sludge collection trough, sludge recirculation duct, or sweeping devices. The system incorporates an omni-directional partition assembly adjacent the inlet and an aerator assembly having flexible conduit air supplies attached to bottom aerators.

Abstract: A filter for removal of biochemical oxygen demand and suspended solids utilizing multi-layer filtration media. The filter media includes plastic particles, sand, and garnet and is operated under an automatic control condition. Fine filtering is accomplished by a sludge cake which develops at the upstream face of the filter media. For cleaning the filtration media, deposited sludge is removed from the filter bed by backwashing in a short time period at a high strength backwash flow rate.

Abstract: The new floating sludge evacuating unit for circular tanks having a drain, and a scraper blade movable in relation thereto is characterized in that the scraper blade is lifted repeatedly in order to evacuate the tank surface by sections, advanced to a position remote from the drain where it is stopped and lowered, while the drain follows the scraper blade and pushes the floating sludge together, and that prior to the lowering motion causing the floating sludge to be evacuated a push-down unit causes the intake edge of the drain to be pre-lowered to a position which takes the level in the tank into account. Then, the lowering path for floating sludge evacuation will always be correct, and evacuation of water will be avoided. A scraper blade interacting with several stationary drains is operating according to the same principle. It is lowered behind every drain and pushes the floating sludge toward the next drain.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aeration system for use in a liquid filled basin such as a wastewater treatment process and is particularly effective in a fill and draw system which requires a cyclic operation and includes air diffusion, liquid separation and decanting. The aeration system comprises an aerator which is supported by an air-filled bladder which, when inflated, raises the aerator to a position above the basin floor but when deflated allows the aerator to settle and rest on the bottom of the basin floor during the air/off settling phase and the weight of the aerator pulls the bladder and its hose supply line beneath the liquid surface of the basin thus clearing the top liquid surface. The system may take the form of a train which is affixed traversely across the basin consisting of multiple bladders and aerators which, due to the normal eddies and turbulence created by the aeration process, wander in a random pattern thus providing additional mixing other than aeration.

Abstract: In a separator for separating a mixture of fluids of different densities into a high density fraction and a low density fraction, the mixture is introduced into a tank which is divided into a plurality of separation chambers and a collection chamber. As the mixture flows through the chambers it is separated into high and low density fractions with progressively more distinct differentials of density. The rate of fluid flow through the separator is controlled in part by the size of the separation chambers and by an automatic electro-mechanical control system. The control system includes several floats suspended within the fluids, wherein the level of at least one float is indicative of the level of high density fraction in the separator, and the level of at least one other float is indicative of the level of the low density fraction in the separator.

Abstract: An oil recovery and storage ship having a general tank configuration of a conventional crude oil carrier is modified by providing inlet doors along opposite sides of the ship and a deployable floating boom arrangement for maximizing the floating oil gathering swath. The side inlet doors open into sluice or sea-calming compartments which have adjustable weir doors opening into primary separation tanks on port and starboard sides. Adjustable weir doors open from the primary separation tanks into a secondary separation tank. A selected number of cargo tanks are interconnected by conduits which permit the flow of liquid from one tank to the next in a series or cascade manner to decant oil from oily water and to discharge substantially oil-free water overboard from the last tank in the cascade. The ship may be used as a conventional liquids carrier when not required for oil spill recovery operations.

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.

Abstract: A recovery system for precious metal particles in wash solutions includes a pair of filter elements and a pump mounted within a closed tank. The first filter is of relatively large pore size, and traps layer particles. The prefiltered liquid is collected within the tank. A pump is mounted within the tank, and drives the collected liquid and remaining particles through the second filter, which is of a small pore size chosen to trap the remaining particles. After passage through the second filter the wash water may be discarded.