Additional Fluid Inlet Control Patents (Class 210/127)
  • Patent number: 11351935
    Abstract: A wastewater management system 10 includes a black water tank 12 for holding black wastewater and a grey water tank 14 for holding grey wastewater. The system 10 may additionally include a filter 62 for filtering suspended solids from the grey water; a first conduit 64 between the grey water tank 14 and the filter 62; a second conduit 66 between the filter 62 and a toilet 22, and a third conduit 68 between the filter 68 and the black water tank 12, the third conduit 68 associated with a valve 26; and a fourth conduit 69 between the filter 62 and the grey water tank 14, the fourth conduit 69 associated with the valve 26. The system 10 further includes a control sub-system 38 in communication with the valves 26 for controlling valves 26 to deliver filtered grey water to the toilet 22 for flush and to periodically clean the filter 62 of captured solids and deliver the captured solids to the black water tank 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Thetford BV
    Inventors: Jacco Van Beek, Joop Van Leeuwen, Tijs Slezak, Wilco Wessels, Ruud Van Den Heijkant, Ronald Van Der Hoeven, Mark Mulders
  • Patent number: 9517949
    Abstract: A water treatment apparatus and a water treatment method using the same are provided. The water treatment apparatus includes a cohesive agent input device configured to input a cohesive agent to raw water, a membrane filtering device, a raw water pump configured to transfer raw water including the cohesive agent therein to the membrane filtering device, a water supply flow path connecting a discharge side of the raw water pump to the inlet of the membrane filtering device, a circulation flow path connecting the raw water discharge opening of the membrane filtering device to the water supply flow path and a circulation pump provided in the circulation flow path to transfer discharged raw water to the water supply flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Rayoung Park, Yongjoo Yi, Woong Choi
  • Patent number: 9078419
    Abstract: The embodiment of a protein skimmer apparatus comprising a float (18) controlled suction inlet valve (16), comprised of tubing, such as clear vinyl tubing, preferably horizontally mounted, centrally and predominantly severed or “cut” laterally in an upwardly direction, maintaining an elastically deformable segment acting as a pivoting axis, pivoting upwardly, on one end in communication with first tubing connector (30), in communication with first tubing (19), in communication with second tubing connector (31), in communication with a second tubing (20), in communication with third tubing connector (32), in communication with suction inlet opening of water pump elbow (17). On a second end slip fittedly connected, thereto one end of valve actuator (15). Float (18) having vertical holes therein and receiving valve actuator (15) slip fittedly projected through float (18). Suction inlet valve (16) is responsive to movement by float (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Inventor: James Allan Vassallo
  • Publication number: 20140346099
    Abstract: Rainwater run-off from a roof or other structure may be collected via a system of gutters and downspouts for delivery via gravity to a collection pipe, then via gravity to a connective pipe, and then via gravity to a filter system where the collected rainwater may be filtered and then delivered via gravity to one or more storage tanks When needed, the filtered rainwater may be pumped from the storage tank(s) via a distribution system to an irrigation system or other destination. The distribution system may include a hydropneumatic water tank and a centrifugal filter. If the storage tank(s) is/are empty, then an empty indicator may cause water from a water supply source to be used to irrigate instead of the filtered harvested rainwater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: LEON COUNTY, FLORIDA
    Inventors: Thomas Paul Brantley, Joseph Colson Harvey
  • Publication number: 20140209521
    Abstract: A system for treating fluid in a pool, spa, or other main fluid reservoir includes a side-filter tank located next to the main fluid reservoir. An ozone generator pumps a mixture of ozone and air into a lift tube containing fluid from the main fluid reservoir. The fluid flows through the lift tube due to the effect of ozonated air bubbles released by a diffuser at the bottom of the lift tube. Fluid is piped from the main fluid reservoir to the side-filter tank and lift tube and back into the main fluid reservoir. The fluid is caused to pass through the side-filter tank and back into the main reservoir as a result of the flow of ozonated air in the lift tube without the use of any fluid pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventor: Charles E.C. Harris
  • Patent number: 8377291
    Abstract: A water recycling system that can be used for reclaiming and recycling water, waste water, or grey water, for providing landscape irrigation, or for recycling uses such as for sanitary facilities, as well as for pre-heating clean water to save energy. A water recycling system may include a sealable tank, an influx pipe, a self-clearing filter disposed within the tank, a pump, and an effluent pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Eckman Environmental Corporation
    Inventor: Noadiah S. Eckman
  • Patent number: 8308937
    Abstract: A grey water diversion system is provided. An interceptor includes an inlet, a filter, an outlet, and an orifice. The filter is located along a bottom of a water flow path from the inlet to the outlet and delivers water to the orifice as filtered water. A gas pump, connected to a filter stem, delivers gas to the filter via the stem when the system detects the presence of the water. The gas rises through the filter to raise debris from the filter to the water flow path. A water overflow delivers the debris to the outlet. A suction manifold, including a sensor, receives the filtered water from the orifice. The sensor detects the presence of the filtered water. A water pump receives the filtered water from the manifold, activates when the sensor detects the presence of the filtered water, and delivers the filtered water into a water usage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Waste Water Systems
    Inventor: Samandar Milani
  • Patent number: 8038874
    Abstract: A treatment system comprising a holding tank for a source liquid, a pump having a pump inlet for the intake of source liquid and a pump discharge, at least one conduit connected to the pump discharge and a liquid dispenser connected to the one conduit, the dispenser comprising a container for treating liquid, a feed conduit, a dosing chamber for receiving treating liquid via the feed conduit, a vent for breaking an airlock in the dosing chamber, a first valve connected to the dosing chamber for controlling flow of treating liquid through the first valve, a second valve connected to the first valve, the second valve being operative in response to pressure resulting from the pumping of source liquid through the at least one conduit to close the second valve and open the first valve, stopping of the pump resulting in opening of the second valve and introduction of the treating liquid from the dosing chamber and into the source liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: Jerry L. McKinney
  • Publication number: 20110168608
    Abstract: A water treatment apparatus having a vessel defining a chamber adapted to contain a water treatment chemical over which a dosing liquid can flow from an inlet to form a dosing reservoir at the bottom of the vessel. A supply of dosing liquid is connected to the inlet. The interior of the vessel communicates with a conduit along which an entraining pressurized flow of water can be fed for treatment and via an opening in the conduit that is connected to a bottom outlet of the vessel. A venturi is located in the conduit adjacent the opening so that the velocity of the pressurized water is increased as it passes over the opening and entrains a dosing stream from the dosing reservoir into the pressurized flow. The venturi also applies suction to the interior of the vessel, which draws dosing liquid into the vessel from the supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: GAFFEY TECHNICAL SERVICES LIMITED
    Inventor: Philip Gaffey
  • Publication number: 20110139691
    Abstract: A pressurized wastewater effluent chlorination system including a treatment tank defining a contact chamber and an aeration chamber. The treatment tank receives wastewater effluent. The system includes a pressure vessel within a liquid chlorine storage container positioned in or near the treatment tank. Preferably, the pressure vessel is a floating vessel having a check valve at its bottom, enabling the vessel to fill with a predetermined amount or measured charge of chlorine depending on the position of a float on the vessel. In response to a timer control or float switch, a valve operates to communicate air pressure from a compressor to the vessel to displace the measured charge of liquid chlorine into the wastewater effluent in the contact chamber. Effluent flow and air discharge into the contact chamber enhances mixing of the chlorine and the effluent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: MARK N. CHAFFIN
  • Patent number: 7927481
    Abstract: System for the recovery of washing liquids used in showers, wash basins, and/or baths, including a first decantation tank provided with at least one inlet connected to a downflow point of washing water, a second collection tank, an overflow partition wall adapted to separate the two tanks, a sewer drainage at the bottom of the decantation tank, adapted to be closed by a plug that can be raised by a float in the collection tank according to the liquid level therein, a drawing pump in the collection tank, controllable by a relay, or electrical float, indicating the liquid requirements of a fixture, a pipe connecting the pump of the collection tank with the fixture, the relay, or electric float, electrically connected with the pump and a valve of the fixture and controlled by a float in the collection tank for closing the electrical power supply to the pump and opening the electrical power supply of a valve for liquid flow to the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Settimo Martinello
  • Patent number: 7879230
    Abstract: A vacuum-actuated liquid chlorine dispenser for use in an aerobic treatment system. Effluent is diverted from a discharge pipe in an aerobic treatment system into an inlet of a venturi chamber. The resulting pressure differential resulting from effluent flowing through the venturi chamber is communicated to a dosage container, which results in disinfectant flow from a reservoir into the dosage container until the volume of disinfectant contained by the dosage container causes a pressure control device, such as a float valve, to inhibit further pressure communication. Thereafter, the accumulated disinfectant within the dosage container egresses through a disinfectant outlet that may include a flow regulation device such as a drip emitter or check valve. The present invention allows for more regular dosing of known and accurate disinfectant amounts following each pumping cycle of the aerobic treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Cecil Yandell
  • Patent number: 7875170
    Abstract: A treatment system comprising a holding tank for a source liquid, a pump having a pump inlet for the intake of source liquid and a pump discharge, at least one conduit connected to the pump discharge and a liquid dispenser connected to the one conduit, the dispenser comprising a container for treating liquid, a feed conduit, a dosing chamber for receiving treating liquid via the feed conduit, a vent for breaking an airlock in the dosing chamber, a first valve connected to the dosing chamber for controlling flow of treating liquid through the first valve, a second valve connected to the first valve, the second valve being operative in response to pressure resulting from the pumping of source liquid through the at least one conduit to close the second valve and open the first valve, stopping of the pump resulting in opening of the second valve and introduction of the treating liquid from the dosing chamber and into the source liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Jerry L. McKinney
  • Patent number: 7837867
    Abstract: A system for introducing a liquid disinfectant into treated wastewater comprising a source of liquid disinfectant, a sensor to detect flow or level of treated wastewater from a wastewater treatment system, a selectively operable valve to allow the liquid disinfectant to flow via gravity into the treated wastewater and a controller operatively connected to the sensor to open the valve in response to sensed, increased flow or level of the treated wastewater in a receiver for the wastewater above a sensed, predetermined point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: Jerry L. McKinney
  • Publication number: 20100230333
    Abstract: The amount of sealant needed as an odor barrier in a wastewater cartridge is reduced. The cartridge inlet compartment (78) has a ceiling (90) of given area. The ceiling is spaced from the cartridge upper wall (60) and from the wastewater-receiving opening (64) therein. A throat (88), which communicates the inlet compartment with the wastewater-receiving opening, has an area which is less than the area of the ceiling, so that the amount of the sealant acting as the barrier, as contained within the throat, is less than any further amount of the sealant (under the ceiling) which floats on the wastewater in the inlet compartment. Also, should sealant not be present within the throat to act as an odor barrier, only a small area of wastewater present within the throat would be exposed to the air external to the cartridge and, thus, present a lesser opportunity of odor to emanate to the outside environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: Falcon Waterfree Technologies
    Inventor: Robert Avetisian
  • Publication number: 20100224556
    Abstract: A jet aeration apparatus for aerating a membrane bioreactor has a jet aerator and an air supply pipe. The jet aerator is disposed in the membrane bioreactor and includes a water inlet, a pump disposed below a liquid surface of the membrane bioreactor, an air inlet pipe whose air inlet is disposed above the liquid surface of the membrane bioreactor, and a jet pipe having a jet nozzle. The air supply pipe includes a connector; and the connector of the air supply pipe is connected to the jet nozzle of the jet pipe of the jet aerator. A method of using the jet aeration apparatus is also provided. The jet aeration apparatus is easy to install, quiet in operation, and features a high degree of integration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Zhimin LIAO, Jianzhong XIONG, Shengyun YANG, Jialin ZHOU, Xingfu JIANG, Lingyun HE, Qihu HE, Dejin JU, Aiguo WAN, Zhihua YUAN, Jiejun CAO, Kun TAO
  • Publication number: 20100089838
    Abstract: Floor drain with water trap including an upper screen (19) or lip and a lower screen or threshold (32) extending to a higher level (29) than the lower edge of the upper screen, and that the water first flow below the upper screen and thereafter over the lower screen. The inlet part before the upper screen has a small cross-section or volume in relation to the water volume between the upper and the lower screen securing an efficient flushing away of light pollutions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Gert Wilhelm Söderström
  • Publication number: 20100089808
    Abstract: A digester for degradation of human waste comprising a main tank having biochemical treatment compartment and chemical treatment compartment connected by connecting pipe as a passage for bio-chemically treated waste to chemical treatment compartment; the biochemical treatment compartment has at least one loosely fitted partitioned wall and at least one inlet to receive waste, at least one gas outlet and at least one waste drain pipe to remove sludge; the chemical treatment compartment has discharge means to discharge treated waste and excess of liquid, and float ball assembly to release chemical for chemical treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Krishnamurthy Sekhar, Dev Vrat Kamboj, Lokendra Singh, Vichitra Kumar Gangwar, Arvind Tomar, Ramesh Chand Meena
  • Patent number: 7632399
    Abstract: A fluid treatment system, includes a pressurizable tank, a compressed air source, and a float disposed inside the tank, the float rising or falling in response to a level of fluid in the tank; and a float-actuated switch assembly connected to the float. The float-actuated switch assembly starts introduction of compressed air into the tank from the compressed air source. A purge valve may be provided to allow fluid to flow out of the tank during the introduction of compressed air into the tank. The float-actuated switch assembly may include a magnetic switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventors: Carl F. Geppert, Theodore R. Geppert, Robert A. Rhoades
  • Publication number: 20090134077
    Abstract: A treatment system comprising a holding tank for a source liquid, a pump having a pump inlet for the intake of source liquid and a pump discharge, at least one conduit connected to the pump discharge and a liquid dispenser connected to the one conduit, the dispenser comprising a container for treating liquid, a feed conduit, a dosing chamber for receiving treating liquid via the feed conduit, a vent for breaking an airlock in the dosing chamber, a first valve connected to the dosing chamber for controlling flow of treating liquid through the first valve, a second valve connected to the first valve, the second valve being operative in response to pressure resulting from the pumping of source liquid through the at least one conduit to close the second valve and open the first valve, stopping of the pump resulting in opening of the second valve and introduction of the treating liquid from the dosing chamber and into the source liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Jerry L. McKinney
  • Patent number: 7083717
    Abstract: A chlorinator connected to a water system includes a hopper for holding chemical tablets on a perforated bed and an underlying basin. A spray head is supported by the perforated bed and sprays water onto the tablets and parallel to the perforated bed. The basin receives the water through the perforated bed. Rinse nozzles in the basin are connected to the re-circulation system, and a float valve controls the flow of water to the rinse nozzles. A discharge pump draws water from the basin and discharges it to the water system at a rate faster than water is added to the basin by the spray head, but at the same rate as the overall incoming water makeup water is added to the basin through the rinse nozzles and the float valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: BioLab, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Hustelll, Jason M. Crain, Stephen D. Clark, Acevedo H. Cuahutemoc
  • Patent number: 6994782
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing phosphorus from a wastewater effluent stream from a hog waste lagoon. The wastewater effluent is introduced to the bottom of an inverted cone-shaped continuous crystallizer including a fluidized bed of struvite therein. An effective amount of ammonia is introduced to the wastewater effluent at the bottom of the crystallizer to elevate the pH of wastewater effluent a predetermined amount. An effective amount of magnesium is also introduced to the wastewater effluent at the bottom of the crystallizer. The composition adjusted wastewater effluent is then continuously passed upwardly through the fluidized bed of struvite to reduce the total phosphorus content of the wastewater effluent a predetermined amount of up to about 80% or more. The treated wastewater effluent stream is removed from the top of the crystallizer, and struvite crystals that grow large enough to sink from the bottom of the crystallizer are periodically removed from a collection chamber therebeneath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventors: Keith E. Bowers, Philip W. Westerman
  • Patent number: 6979399
    Abstract: A paint spray booth sludge recovery system, apparatus and method is provided for water washed paint spray booths. The spray booths are used with a tank or pit which can accommodate flotation for removal of spent paint. Preferably, the tank has a drop box section, a chemical treatment section, a weir box section and a booth recirculation pump section. A series of weirs are used to separate the spent paint and send a concentration thereof from the weir box to a separator or centrifuge. The water level in the system is controlled by sensing the weir box water level to keep the water crests over the weirs at the desired levels. Scavenging and agitation are provided in the tank to keep it entirely clean for prolonged periods without any accumulation, even during downtime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventor: Steve E. Telchuk
  • Patent number: 6682654
    Abstract: A paint spray booth sludge recovery system, apparatus and method is provided for water washed paint spray booths. The spray booths are used with a tank or pit which can accommodate flotation for removal of spent paint. Preferably, the tank has a drop box section, a chemical treatment section, a weir box section and a booth recirculation pump section. A series of weirs are used to separate the spent paint and send a concentration thereof from the weir box to a separator or centrifuge. The water level in the system is controlled by sensing the weir box water level to keep the water crests over the weirs at the desired levels. Scavenging and agitation are provided in the tank to keep it entirely clean for prolonged periods without any accumulation, even during downtime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: Steve E. Telchuk
  • Patent number: 6551504
    Abstract: A valve in a fluid treatment system adapted for controlling the flow of fluid between a source and a treatment media disposed in a treatment chamber. The valve includes a housing having a fluid passageway between an inlet and an outlet; a containment chamber; and a sealing member reciprocal between a first position in which the sealing member is retained in the containment chamber out of the flow of fluid in the passageway and a second position that seals the outlet. The containment chamber also includes a drain opening, which can be a venturi, for emptying the containment chamber of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: USF Consumer & Commercial Watergroup, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Orr Reed
  • Patent number: 6264832
    Abstract: An apparatus (18) for receiving rain water from a water collecting means (20) and treating this water according to a treatment cycle. The apparatus has a stop tank (24) to hold incoming water while a treatment cycle is being executed in a main tank (32), so there is no mixing of the treated water with water to be treated. The main tank has various reservoirs (42, 52, 62), valves (30, 40, 50) and buoyant elements (68, 70), and the water flow is strictly controlled by gravity and the buoyancy of the water. Treating solutions such as a mineral solution and a chloride solution are added in predetermined quantities to the water during the treatment cycle, and the treated water is stored into a storage tank (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Fazlollah Panahi
  • Patent number: 6129836
    Abstract: A two-chamber fluid control valve for a water softener system is provided. The valve includes a primary chamber having a primary inlet for passage of a primary fluid into the primary chamber and a primary outlet for passage of fluid out of the primary chamber, and a primary valve member disposed for closing the primary outlet. The valve also includes a secondary chamber having a secondary inlet and a secondary outlet fluidly communicating with, and for passing the secondary fluid into, the primary chamber, and a secondary valve member disposed for closing the secondary outlet to prevent the passage of air out of the secondary chamber and into the primary chamber, whereby primary and secondary fluids can be combined in the primary chamber prior to flowing out of the primary outlet of the primary chamber. The valve allows a homogeneous brine/secondary chemical solution to be formed therein and fed to a water softener tank to regenerate and treat the tank and the ion exchange medium therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: RSWC, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Grayson
  • Patent number: 6126336
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Photomeca/Egg
    Inventor: Mario Ferrante
  • 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: 5498348
    Abstract: A mobile floating surface skimmer is adapted to float in a body of liquid having debris and/or contaminants at the surface. The skimmer comprises a vessel having an inlet through which liquid from the surface of the body of liquid can flow into the vessel together with the debris and/or contaminants. An outlet is adapted to be connected to a pump for removing liquid, together with the debris and/or contaminants from the vessel. Further included is a valve for controlling a flow of liquid into the vessel in response to the level of liquid in the vessel so as to maintain the inlet near the surface of the body of liquid, wherein the valve is provided with a delayed response so as to cause the skimmer to oscillate vertically in the body of liquid so the debris is prevented from becoming lodged at the inlet. Further, the invention includes a method of skimming debris from the surface of a liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Inventors: Max R. Plink, Robbert W. Plink, Dennis Plink
  • Patent number: 5374352
    Abstract: A universal recycled wash water plant having a collector tank through which collected wash water and rinse water is channeled to a grease/oil/water separation tank which separates oil and grease from the water and which holds the oil-separated water in a pump compartment. The water in the pump compartment is pumped to two sand filter tanks which removes suspended trace oil and other suspended solids from the water received from the pump compartment. The water upon passing through the sand filter tanks is channeled to a balancing tank and pumped by means of a recirculating pump to a separator which removes solid particles up to six microns in size from the water received from the balancing tank. From the separator the water is channeled in desired proportions to a carbon filter and to a wash water tank. The carbon filter removes any remaining soap elements from the water before the clarified water is channeled into a rinse water tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Inventor: Harley J. Pattee
  • Patent number: 5292431
    Abstract: A pressurized percolating filter, of the type used for the regeneration of water in aquariums, comprising, a closed receptacle (1), having: a prefiltering chamber (2), defined by a perforated bottom (3) equipped with a uniform plurality of perforations (3c), an intermediate chamber (4), a percolation chamber (5), and a collection chamber (7) for the regenerated water-communicating with an aquarium tub (8) by means of a feed pipe (9). A mixture of air and water to be regenerated is fed from a single leader pipe (10) to the prefiltering chamber (2). The prefiltering chamber (2) comprises in the perforated bottom (3) a small tub (3a): equipped at its bottom with a smaller number of calibrated perforations (3b) than those (3c) in the perforated bottom (3), and equipped with a float valve (12) controlling an inflow perforation (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Inventor: Silvestro Romagnoli
  • Patent number: 5271829
    Abstract: A dispenser for introducing treatment material into an interceptor or grease trap for the purpose of digesting the grease or other hazardous materials which is separated from waste water which flows through the grease trap. The dispenser includes a housing having a compartment for holding a quantity of grease digesting material and a dispensing opening at the lower end of the compartment. A restricter is located at the dispensing opening for enabling the digesting material to pass from the dispensing opening to the grease and other materials to be treated in the chamber of the grease trap at a constant restrictive rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Inventor: Richard J. Heppenstall
  • Patent number: 5147556
    Abstract: A thickener for liquids or pulps includes a tank in which flocculation takes place. A feedwell for feed liquid is disposed within the tank and has a restricted bottom opening in fluid communication with the tank. The bottom opening has an effective cross-sectional flow area substantially less than the mean cross-sectional area of the feedwell to restrict the flow of liquid between the tank and the feedwell through the bottom opening and thereby promote homogeneous mixing of the feed liquid within the feedwell. A conduit supplies feed liquid to the feedwell. An aperture is formed in the feedwell or the conduit above the bottom opening and below the upper marginal edge of the feedwell to permit the recirculation of dilute liquid directly from the tank through the aperture and into the feed liquid when the surface level in the tank is higher than the surface level in the feedwell to provide for autogenous dilution of the feed liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Supaflo Pty. Limited
    Inventor: David Taylor
  • Patent number: 5068030
    Abstract: A water filtering, sterilizing and heating apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes filter tank provided with activated carbon therein, to filter bacteria, miscellaneous impurities and odor in water. The output of the filter is coupled to a microwave oscillator to vibrate and churn the water coming from the filter tank. The water from the microwave oscillator is coupled to an ultraviolet light sterilizing tank having an ultraviolet lamp disposed vertically in the center thereof. A storage tank is provided to receive and store the water coming from the ultraviolet light sterilzing tank. The fluid level in the storage tank is maintained by automatically controlling the passage of water thereto by means of an electromagnetic valve actuated by a micro switch responsive to displacement of a float. The temperature of the stored water being kept at a preset temperature by means of a heater and a temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: Oxford Science Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Min Chen
  • Patent number: 5047149
    Abstract: An apparatus for the clarification of liquids, such as notably water, fruit juices, musts such as grape musts, including an enclosure in which is brought the liquid to be clarified after a pretreatment operation, such as screening, as well as a flotation equipment, fed by a transfer pump with liquid pressurized and relieved of the pressure prior to its introducting in the flotation equipment, from which the clarified liquid is introduced in a filtration system. The apparatus includes the features that the flotation equipment is placed above the assembly used for the pretreatment of the liquid so as to obtain a sufficient load for bringing about a hydraulic balance of the various constituents of the apparatus, in order that it can operate with a small load available upstream and allow a possible recycling, by simple gravity, of the floating particles collected at the surface of the flotation equipment to any point of the pretreatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Degremont
    Inventor: Patrick Vion
  • Patent number: 5019250
    Abstract: An automated chemical dispenser for the dispensation of a chemical into a liquid whereby premature contact of the chemical with the liquid's condensate is to be avoided. The device is, for example, especially well suited for the dispensation of sodium dichlor granules into swimming pool water as it is not susceptible to malfunction due to encrustment. A ganged valve arrangement is actuated from above to prevent any deposition of chemical on the actuation mechanism and thereby allows the chemical to freely drop into water filling a mixing basin situated directly therebelow. The actuation of critical valves at the proper moment and in a preselected sequence is governed by a controller that is preferably prompted by a sensor probe disposed within the dispenser that is capable of accurately monitoring the chemical's concentration within the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Inventor: Walter C. Lorenzen
  • Patent number: 5015392
    Abstract: A thickener for liquids or pulps comprising a tank in which flocculation takes place and dilute liquid is displaced toward the top of the tank, a feedwell having a bottom opening in fluid communication with said tank, conduit means to supply feed liquid to said feedwell, and apertures in said feedwell or said conduit disposed above said bottom opening and positioned to permit the flow of said dilute liquid directly from the tank into the feed liquid for dilution thereof.The thickener preferably comprises a weir plate assembly connected with a side wall of the feedwell adjacent a side opening therein. The weir plate is preferably moveable by means of a float assembly between an open position permitting said dilute liquid to flow from the tank to the feedwell, and a closed position substantially closing the side opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Supaflo Pty. Limited
    Inventor: David Taylor
  • Patent number: 4857183
    Abstract: An apparatus for purifying and neutralizing residues from furnaces burning liquid or gaseous fuels comprising a settling tank having an inlet for the liquid containing the residues, at least one oil absorption body in the settling tank, and a clean water tank separated from the settling tank by at least one filter. The pH in the clean water tank is raised, and a filtration unit contains activated carbon between the clean water tank and outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Inventor: Rolf Bommer
  • Patent number: 4775466
    Abstract: A control for draining water accumulated in a fuel tank, without loss of fuel or ingestion of water into an associate fuel system, is responsive to a flotation device weighted to float at the water-fuel interface. The flotation device is connected by a lever to turn a rotor in a pressurized chamber thereby selectively connecting pressure or exhaust to respective actuation control ports for a drain valve and fuel valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1988
    Assignee: Muesco, Inc.
    Inventors: Santiago Abad, John B. Mallay
  • Patent number: 4622134
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating sewage is disclosed wherein incoming sewage is in turn put into a balancing tank, an aeration tank and a precipitation tank, settled sludge in the precipitation tank being returned to the aeration tank, which aerates the sewage in adjusted relation with its flow rate, but permits intermittent aeration in the absence of sewage flowing into the aeration tank and prolonged aeration after termination of sewage flow into the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1986
    Inventor: Hidenori Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 4492631
    Abstract: A centrifugal separator for separating contaminants from contaminated oil has an outer casing and a rotor within that casing mounted for rotation about a vertical axis. Oil under pressure enters the rotor at one end and at the other end exits through jets into a chamber within the casing which is normally filled with air. As the jets of oil impinge upon the inner wall of the casing, a small amount of air becomes entrained in the oil and as the oil flows to a sump, the air is gradually removed from the interior of the casing. In order to prevent a build-up of oil within the casing, which could interfere with rotation of the rotor, air under pressure is supplied to the interior of the casing by means of a float-operated valve member so that while the valve member is normally closed, any increase in the oil level will cause the float to rise with that oil level and thereby open the valve to allow additional air to enter into the interior of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1985
    Assignee: AE PLC
    Inventor: H. Woods Martin
  • 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: 4445238
    Abstract: Swimming pool water level control apparatus includes a remote indicator for sensing the water level in a swimming pool and for turning on and off a water flow control valve to provide water for the swimming pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1984
    Inventor: Monroe R. Maxhimer
  • Patent number: 4351720
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating water or other liquid comprises outwardly extending front side walls defining an entrance for water to be treated, intermediate inwardly extending side walls, central parallel side walls and outwardly extending rear walls defining an exit for treated water or other liquid. A stepped bottom is integral with and between the side walls. A housing, slidable on the top edges of the side walls, is provided for holding a chemical solution to be dispensed into the water to be treated. A float housing integral with one of the intermediate side walls contains a float which is raised or lowered according to the volume of water flowing between the side walls. A valve on the housing is interconnected with the float whereby the solution within the housing is dispensed into the water or liquid to be treated in proportion to the volume of water flowing between the side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1982
    Inventor: Clyde E. Bailes
  • Patent number: 4348280
    Abstract: An improved proportioning dialysis machine is disclosed herein. The machine includes an improved degassing system, dialysis solution flow rate and pressure control system, and sterilization system.The degassing system includes a degassing chamber, a first pump for applying a negative pressure to said chamber and a second pump for drawing degassed water from the chamber. The dialysis solution flow rate and pressure control system includes a restriction upstream of a dialyzer, a restriction placed downstream of the dialyzer, and a pump positioned downstream of the downstream restriction. The two restrictions can be adjusted in relation to the pump so as to control the flow rate and pressure within the dialyzer. The sterilization system includes a heater and controls and a valve for recirculating heated water through the proportioning machine so as to sterilize the interior thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1982
    Assignee: Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. George, William J. Schnell
  • Patent number: 4336134
    Abstract: A float-actuated, level control valve especially suited for controlling liquid flow into and out of brine tanks of water softening systems. A magnet-operated ball check inside a flow chamber selectively closes ports of the chamber to interrupt liquid flow. Movement of the magnet and operation of the ball check is controlled by a pair of floats so that the valve is opened and closed in response to changes of liquid level. The relative position of the floats can be adjusted to vary the amount of liquid drawn out of the tank, while maintaining a constant maximum level when the tank is filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1982
    Assignee: Kinetico, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Prior
  • Patent number: 4176061
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for treatment of fluid such as water with ozone. The apparatus comprises an ozonator for providing a gas containing ozone and an aspirator which mixes the gas with water to provide an ozone and water mixture having microbubbles of gas therein. The mixture is then circulated through an elongated treatment conduit having a length of between about 20 and about 40 feet and a diameter less than about 1 inch to allow the gaseous ozone to dissolve in the water. Throughout the length of the conduit the ozone oxidizes impurities in the water and provides water having a relatively high purity. In the method of the present invention a liquid such as water is mixed with ozone and the mixture is then circulated through an elongated treatment conduit to allow for dissolution of the ozone into the water and to provide purified water. The ozonator used to provide ozone is capable of providing a gas having at least about 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1979
    Inventor: Karel Stopka
  • Patent number: 4145288
    Abstract: A filter apparatus wherein filter media is submerged in liquid being filtered and suction is employed under the media to increase the flow through it. The filter media in elongated strip form is supported on an incline for movement in one direction by an endless pervious conveyor. A receiving tank for dirty liquid is above the conveyor and media with a lower tank for clean liquid below the conveyor with the sides and ends of the lower tank being constantly sealed in order to maintain reduced pressure therein to enhance flow through the media. Filtered liquid is supplied at the sides of the conveyor and at an end wall of the receiving tank to prevent any migration of dirty liquid into the lower tank at the periphery of the lower tank. Advancement of the filter media is controlled automatically in response to variations in the pressure differential on opposite sides of the media which varies in proportion to the dirt load of the media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1979
    Assignee: J. R. Schneider Company
    Inventor: William D. Crowe
  • Patent number: 4134834
    Abstract: A miniaturized proportioning system for continuously mixing and preparing dialysate in accurate proportions, as may be prescribed by a physician, for simultaneous clinical treatment of a plurality of patients, e.g., ten, or in another form for treating a single patient almost anywhere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1979
    Assignee: Artificial and Transplant Organs, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Brous