Of Additional Fluid Patents (Class 210/139)
  • Publication number: 20100326114
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a refrigerator body having at least one storage chamber, a door to open and close the storage chamber, a water dispenser provided in the door, and a water purification unit to purify water to be supplied to the water dispenser. The water purification unit includes a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port, a transparent tube provided in the housing, a germicidal lamp provided in the transparent tube to emit ultraviolet rays, and a flow channel defining member provided between the housing and the transparent tube. The flow channel defining member includes a plurality of partitions perpendicular to an outer circumference of the transparent tube. Each of the partitions has at least one communication hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jee Yong Kim, Sang Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 7833411
    Abstract: The present invention provides a ballast water treatment system including a reaction tank in which raw water and ozone are imported and made to react each other for a predetermined period of time to kill microorganisms existing in raw water, an ozone decomposer in which water containing residual ozone discharged from the reaction tank is imported and the residual ozone is decomposed, and a circulation pump installed between the reaction tank and ozone decomposer, forming a circulation system which removes the residual ozone by means of circulating the water containing the residual ozone between the reaction tank and ozone decomposer. Accordingly, this system dispenses with a deaeration tank which would require a wide space for installation, small cost and is able to be applied to existing ships easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuji Ueki, Masahiro Saito, Noboru Takemura, Yukirou Kadomoto, Takeo Nojiri, Izumi Onishi, Masahiro Kuwajima, Masabumi Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20100258485
    Abstract: A solution containing a target compound is passed through a trap column (14) to capture the target compound in the column (14). Thereafter, wash water is introduced in the trap column (14). Then, the setting of a six-port valve (7) is changed and an on/off valve (6) is opened to introduce nitrogen gas through a supply-side passage (8) in the trap column (14). In this stage, the nitrogen gas is warmed by means of a heat-exchange block (10), and the trap column (14) is warmed via a column rack (15). Any water remaining in the trap column (14) is initially thrust upwards by the nitrogen gas, to be extruded from an exit edge (14b) and discharged through a discharge-side passage (20). Furthermore, any water adhering to adsorbent or the inner wall surface of the trap column (14) is quickly vaporized and carried away by the nitrogen gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yutaka Kono, Masayuki Nishimura, Bob Boughtflower, Przemyslaw Stasica
  • Publication number: 20100155339
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for a solar and/or AC current powered water disinfection system that is sized for portable use and is specifically tailored for use in under-developed areas of the world or in areas where natural disasters have occurred. Embodiments herein disclosed provide for a system that utilizes an ultraviolet light that is operatively coupled to a pump, inverter, battery, and a charge converter that is adapted for use with a solar panel or AC current. The system is placed into a storage container, or the like, and the water in the storage container is pumped through the ultraviolet light, which kills most waterborne, water-washed, and water-based diseases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Andrew W. Gunter
  • Patent number: 7713226
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in a dialysis system are disclosed including an apparatus for delivering saline during dialysis treatment, an apparatus for delivering saline to a patient after dialysis treatment has ended, and an apparatus for alerting a patient that dialysis treatment is about to end. In the apparatus for delivering saline during dialysis treatment, a controller is configured to automatically deliver saline in response to a request. In the apparatus for delivering saline to a patient after dialysis treatment has ended, a controller is configured to automatically deliver saline after dialysis treatment has concluded, but before the patient is disconnected in response to a request. In the apparatus for alerting a patient that dialysis treatment is about to end, a controller is configured to monitor a dialysis treatment and activate an alarm when treatment is about to end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Renal Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen R. Ash, David J. Carr
  • Publication number: 20090321368
    Abstract: A control system comprising a timer based controller and a valve wherein the timer-based controller has a fixed period and the timer based controller regularly cycles the valve between a first condition and a second condition with the first portion of the cycle directing a first flow of water through a dispensable material and the remaining portion of the cycle directing a lesser flow of water through the dispensable material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Joseph A. King, Jeffrey D. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090211957
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for denitrifying a solution that includes a denitrification tank configured to receive a portion of the solution for a period of time. Controlling an amount, duration and frequency of introduction of polyethylene glycol into the solution promotes indigenous heterotrophic bacteria depleting dissolved oxygen in the solution and obtaining oxygen from nitrate in the solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Murphy J. Cormier, Ronald J. Suchecki, JR., Robert K. Pertuit, Donald L. Brown, Troy L. Cormier
  • Publication number: 20090101575
    Abstract: A rapid one-pass liquid filtration system efficiently concentrates biological particles that are suspended in liquid from a dilute feed suspension. A sample concentrate or retentate suspension is retained while eliminating the separated fluid in a separate flow stream. Suspended biological particles include such materials as proteins/toxins, viruses, DNA, and/or bacteria in the size range of approximately 0.001 micron to 20 microns diameter. Concentration of these particles is advantageous for detection of target particles in a dilute suspension, because concentrating them into a small volume makes them easier to detect. Additional concentration stages may be added in “cascade” fashion, in order to concentrate particles below the size cut of each preceding stage remaining in the separated fluid in a concentrated sample suspension. This process can also be used to create a “band-pass” concentration for concentration of a particular target size particle within a narrow range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: David S. Alburty, Andrew E. Page, Zachary A. Packingham, Daniel B. Marske
  • Publication number: 20090050549
    Abstract: Apparatuses for removal of volatile organic compounds in a soil formation include a microporous diffuser for injecting air and gaseous ozone as bubbles into water in the soil formation. The gaseous ozone is present at concentrations to effect removal of volatile organic compounds by the gaseous ozone reacting with the volatile organic compound(s). Injection of air and gaseous ozone is controlled by a timer to allow separation of bubbles by size. In various embodiments, a plurality of microporous diffusers may be controlled by a single timer or each of the plurality of microporous diffusers may be controlled by one of a plurality of timers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: William B. Kerfoot
  • Publication number: 20090032447
    Abstract: The present invention provides a ballast water treatment system including a reaction tank in which raw water and ozone are imported and made to react each other for a predetermined period of time to kill microorganisms existing in raw water, an ozone decomposer in which water containing residual ozone discharged from the reaction tank is imported and the residual ozone is decomposed, and a circulation pump installed between the reaction tank and ozone decomposer, forming a circulation system which removes the residual ozone by means of circulating the water containing the residual ozone between the reaction tank and ozone decomposer. Accordingly, this system dispenses with a deaeration tank which would require a wide space for installation, small cost and is able to be applied to existing ships easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Shuji Ueki, Masahiro Saito
  • Publication number: 20090008330
    Abstract: A method and system for performing maintenance on a membrane having semi-permeable properties and is used in a pressure retarded osmosis PRO, the membrane having a high pressure first side and second side of lower pressure. A time controllable first valve or pump (31; 41; 51; 61; 71; 81; 91) is connected between an input (12) to the low pressure side of the membrane (13?) and an input (11) to the high pressure side of the membrane (13?), said first valve or pump operable to selectively deliver a plug (21) of a second type of water (FW) to the first side of the membrane to lower concentration of dissolved substance (s) in water of a first type (SW) thereat, thereby creating a PRO pressure backwash function with the water of the second type (FW) from the first to the second side of the membrane pressurized on said first side by high pressure supply of water of the first type (SW) upstream of said plug (21) of water of the second type (SW).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: STATKRAFT DEVELOPMENT AS
    Inventors: Thor Thorsen, Torleif Holt
  • Publication number: 20080290039
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a water characteristic of a body of water by controlling the cyclic release of a water characteristic material into the body of water with or without the system being responsive to a level of the water characteristic in the body of water with the system capable of being controlled from a display or from a wireless control module or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Joseph A. King, Jeffrey D. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20080283455
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for denitrification of treated wastewater from an aerobic wastewater treatment system in which oxygen levels in the aeration chamber of an aerobic digestion vessel are cycled between an anoxic environment, i.e., when the treated wastewater in the aeration vessel contains from just above 0 to just less than 1 ppm dissolved oxygen to an aerobic environment wherein the treated wastewater in the aeration vessel has a dissolved oxygen content of about 1 ppm or higher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Jerry L. McKinney
  • Publication number: 20080272037
    Abstract: Several products and processes for preventing the occurrence of rust stains resulting from irrigation systems using water having iron ions, such as well water, and for cleaning off rust stains resulting from the use of said irrigation systems are disclosed. An apparatus for dispensing a rust inhibiting product intermittently is also disclosed. In one embodiment, ammonium sulfate is mixed with well water and then this mixture is mixed with incoming well water being sprayed on the surfaces. In another embodiment, ammonium bisulfate is used for the removal of rust stains. Then ammonium sulfate is mixed with the incoming well water being sprayed in the next cycle, to prevent rust formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Paul Wegner, Frank J. Benasutti
  • Patent number: 7413649
    Abstract: A fluid treatment system that includes at least one treatment module (“pod”) with rigid and impermeable inner and outer surfaces, and an annular center passage which is designed to provide an alternative flow path during the pod backwashing process. At least one chemical treatment media disposed in the interior portion of the pod. A riser extends upwardly through the pod so that the outer surface of the riser and the inner surface of the pod define the annular passage. At least one valve assembly controls the movement of a fluid within the annular passage. The pod is serviced by directing the fluid into the riser and then directing the fluid through the pod, a portion of the fluid flowing through the annular passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Gene Bittner
  • Patent number: 7390419
    Abstract: A waste water recovery system to filter and recirculate waste water to a wash system including a fluid recovery line, a fluid supply line and a fluid backwash line comprising a filter assembly including a water filtering section to receive waste water from the wash system and to recirculate filtered water to the wash system and a filter backwash section to selectively clean the water filtering section when a system condition exists, and a fluid control including a plurality of valve assemblies operatively coupled between the wash system, the water filtering section and the filter backwash section to selectively control the circulation of water through the water filtering section to recirculate the recovery water to the wash system and to periodically clean the water filtering section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Con-Serv Manufacturing
    Inventor: James C. Keller
  • Patent number: 7314546
    Abstract: A system for the chemical treatment of wastewater may be discharged in a night spray system, an on demand system or a dosing system. Tank 12 receives wastewater, and a discharge pump 16 pumps wastewater from the tank in the night spray system. A sensor 24 deactivates the discharge pump when the wastewater level reaches a predetermined low level, and in some applications activates the discharge pump when the wastewater level reaches a predetermined high level. A liquid disinfectant pump 38 pumps liquid disinfectant to the tank, and a controller 30 activates a liquid disinfectant pump for a selected time interval as a function of the discharge system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Jerry L. McKinney 2002 Trust
    Inventor: Jerry L. McKinney
  • Patent number: 7175054
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing sanitized water in a cabinet and spigot type bottled water dispenser features an ozone generating system to generate ozone for sanitizing the water. Ozone is generated and collected within an ozone generator housing. A blower transmits air to the ozone generator housing. The air carries the ozone that is generated through a flow line to an air diffuser that is positioned upstream of the spigot (or spigots) used to dispense water. In one embodiment, a valve that is activated on the spigot to dispense water also activates the blower and ozone generator. In other embodiments, a flow sensor activates the ozone generator and blower. Various spigot and flow sensor arrangements are disclosed as a part of the overall apparatus and method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: S.I.P. Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Davis, James J. Shelton
  • Patent number: 7144509
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating contaminants in water under anaerobic conditions is disclosed. The method includes adding to contaminated water a composition including an aqueous mixture of at least one carbohydrate and at least one alcohol and/or bacteriastat. The apparatus includes a source of growing nitrifying bacteria effective for treating contaminants under aerobic conditions, a source of growing bacteria effective for denitrification under anaerobic conditions, and a controller for introducing the growing bacteria in a predetermined amount over a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Environmental Operating Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven H. Boyd, Abdul R. M. Azad
  • Patent number: 7048861
    Abstract: A method of aerating a well having a well pump positioned therein is disclosed which includes the steps of positioning an air diffuser within the well above the level of the well pump, determining the recovery period for the well, and supplying air to the diffuser to aerate the well water, for the well recovery period, upon activation of the well pump to remove or otherwise release contaminants from the well water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: AMTROL Inc.
    Inventor: David Beretta, III
  • Patent number: 6936170
    Abstract: A biofilter system of the present invention utilizes an Alternating-Aerobic-Anoxic (AAA) process in a single reactor to provide efficient and cheap removal of carbonaceous materials, nitrogenous materials, and/or mixtures thereof from aqueous waste. The biofilter system of the present invention is particularly suitable for treating aqueous waste from aquaculture, industrial processes and animal husbandry. The biofilter system includes: a main biofilter chamber containing therein aerobic and anaerobic bacteria without physical separation; an inlet port and an outlet port connected to the main biofilter chamber; and a means for oxygenating the aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in the main biofilter chamber, including means for timing the oxygenation of the aerobic and anaerobic bacteria to provide alternating periods of high-oxygen conditions and anoxic conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
    Inventors: Wen K. Shieh, Leon Weiss, Shu K. Tai
  • Patent number: 6780319
    Abstract: Method of purifying wastewater charged with organic matter which comprises a step of biologically treating the water, during which the organic matter contained in the water is degraded by micro-organisms thereby producing sludge, and a water-sludge separation step, the sludge coming from the separation step being recycled in the biological treatment step, this method being characterized in that it further comprises a step of degrading the sludge, coming either from the biological treatment step or from the separation step, during which the sludge is brought into contact with an ozonated gas under conditions making it possible to obtain a floc consisting of granules whose mean size is greater than 200 microns, the volatile matter content is between 50 and 65%, the thickening factor of this granular sludge, after 30 minutes of settling, always being greater than 4, the conditions for obtaining the said granular sludge consisting in: treating between 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Ondeo Degremont
    Inventors: Eric Thieblin, Anne Mechineau, Roger Pujol
  • Patent number: 6770206
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing formation of a solid or semi-solid surface layer in liquid waste contained in a wet-well includes an air pump adapted to pump air into the wet-well and an air pump controller configured to activate and deactivate the air pump at selected times. Also included are a plurality of air injectors disposed in the wet-well and operatively coupled to the air pump. The air injectors inject the air into the liquid waste causing a stream of air bubbles to rise in the liquid waste. The air pump controller activates the air pump for a predetermined period of time so that the stream of air bubbles produced within the liquid waste causes turbulence within the liquid waste so as to disrupt and break up solids or semi-solids on a surface of the liquid waste to prevent the formation of the solid or semi-solid surface layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Gasvoda & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael S. Gasvoda
  • Patent number: 6767464
    Abstract: Systems for treating water containing unwanted contaminants. More particularly, the present invention relates to waste water treatment systems including biological media used to aerobically or anaerobically treat solid and liquid waste in water for large and small-scale waste water systems in a way that minimizes the size of the system required to output high-quality, environmentally suitable water that is depleted of ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and other contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Environmental Operating Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven H. Boyd, Abdul R. M. Azad
  • Patent number: 6740231
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for monitoring and/or controlling treatment of aqueous systems including water cooling systems are provided. The present invention includes a self-contained treatment unit for controllably bleeding water from an aqueous system and delivering treatment agents, such as inhibitor agents and/or anti-biofouling agents, to treat conditions, such as scale, corrosion, biofouling or the like within the aqueous system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventors: Scott D. Bauman, David L. Adams, James W. Beard, Monte Krier
  • Publication number: 20030213734
    Abstract: A biofilter system of the present invention utilizes an Alternating-Aerobic-Anoxic (AAA) process in a single reactor to provide efficient and cheap removal of carbonaceous materials, nitrogenous materials, and/or mixtures thereof from aqueous waste. The biofilter system of the present invention is particularly suitable for treating aqueous waste from aquaculture, industrial processes and animal husbandry. The biofilter system includes: a main biofilter chamber containing therein aerobic and anaerobic bacteria without physical separation; an inlet port and an outlet port connected to the main biofilter chamber; and a means for oxygenating the aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in the main biofilter chamber, including means for timing the oxygenation of the aerobic and anaerobic bacteria to provide alternating periods of high-oxygen conditions and anoxic conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Wen K. Shieh, Leon Weiss, Shu K. Tai
  • Patent number: 6630067
    Abstract: A biofilter system of the present invention utilizes an Alternating-Aerobic-Anoxic (AAA) process in a single reactor to provide efficient and cheap removal of carbonaceous materials, nitrogenous materials, and/or mixtures thereof from aqueous waste. The biofilter system of the present invention is particularly suitable for treating aqueous waste from aquaculture, industrial processes and animal husbandry. The biofilter system includes: a main biofilter chamber containing therein aerobic and anaerobic bacteria without physical separation; an inlet port and an outlet port connected to the main biofilter chamber; and a means for oxygenating the aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in the main biofilter chamber, including means for timing the oxygenation of the aerobic and anaerobic bacteria to provide alternating periods of high-oxygen conditions and anoxic conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
    Inventors: Wen K. Shieh, Leon Weiss, Shu K. Tai
  • Patent number: 6620315
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a method and apparatus for controlling and optimizing the feed of two or more oxidizers to an aqueous stream, thereby providing a synergistic effect. The system combines the use of amperometric or ORP based sensor technology with amperometric sensor technology employing a gas permeable membrane, thereby providing definitive control of each oxidizer feed stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventor: Roy Martin
  • Publication number: 20030155311
    Abstract: A liquid chlorine supply canister is connected by a chlorine supply tube and venturi chamber to a recirculating pipe that discharges into a storage-mixing tank into which sewage effluent is received from a source. The chlorine solution supply tube within the canister is provided with a filter/orifice assembly having an orifice dimension that is designed for the size of the wastewater treatment system. A pump within the storage-mixing tank causes circulation of sewage effluent through the venturi chamber and develops a suction in the chlorine solution supply tube which draws chlorine through the filter and orifice assembly, through the supply tubing and into the flowing sewage effluent stream to the storage-mixing tank as well as to a spray field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Mark N. Chaffin
  • Publication number: 20030136716
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved, fully automated system for on-site growth and conditioning of microorganisms for use in water body restoration. The system includes a reservoir for the microorganisms and the nutrients, a bioreactor system, a water conditioning system, and an electrical control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Applicant: AQUARESEARCH CANADA LTD./ AQUARECHERCHE CANADA LTEE
    Inventors: Scott Moffitt, Karl F. Ehrlich, Bruce Arrington
  • Patent number: 6596159
    Abstract: A regeneration valve 131 is adapted for automatic activation of ion exchange resin in a water softener. The regeneration valve includes a switching valve 1, a control valve 32, a water injection valve 54, a cam mechanism (FIG. 13) and a timer mechanism which are compactly integrated in a single valve assembly. The timer mechanism includes a timer motor 80 provided with a switching gear adapted to be switched between 50 Hz and 60 Hz (FIGS. 16, 17). The ion exchange resin layer within the resin reservoir 2 can be uniformly activated so that the regeneration process can be achieved at a high efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Maruyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Maruyama, Yoshisada Furukawa
  • Patent number: 6576130
    Abstract: A wastewater absorption field reclamation and maintenance system, wherein effluent (wastewater) is oxygenated such that BOD is not reduced in the effluent, the oxygenated effluent being delivered to the absorption field. As the oxygenated effluent flows to the absorption field, the enhanced oxygen enables aerobic decomposition of organic matter which has reduced the infiltrative capacity of the absorption field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: North American Wetland Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott D. Wallace
  • Patent number: 6524471
    Abstract: A filter unit in a fluid circuit associated with a machine tool that uses machining fluid is maintained by counting the number of times the machine tool is operated and automatically servicing the filter unit, as by backflushing, after the machine tool has been used a preset number of times. A filter unit control unit counts the number of uses of the machine tool and moves valve units in the filter unit from an operational configuration to a backwash configuration and controls the timing and operation of the filter unit maintenance cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: James Youngers
  • Patent number: 6402954
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing the filtration of process fluid. The system provides establishing a peak flow rate of permeate through a filter and then engaging a filtering cycle in which process fluid is passed through the filter until such time as the flow rate of permeate through the filter reaches a predetermined level which is set as a function of the initial permeate flow rate. At that point in time, a cleaning cycle is entered, during which cleaning fluid is passed through the filter for such a period of time as is necessary to allow the permeate flow rate with the cleaning solution to stabilize. At that point in time, the processing of process fluid is recommenced and the process continues on a repetitive basis between the processing of process fluid and the cleaning of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Patrick J. O'Keefe, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6379540
    Abstract: A contaminant flushing machine for removing contaminants from a container, such as an engine transmission or transmission cooler which includes hoses for coupling to the transmission cooler and a pump for circulating fluid through the hoses and the transmission cooler and a fluid filter having a reduced tendency towards causing vaporization of the fluid. Also included in the contaminant flushing machine is an automatic aeration system for injecting air into the circulating fluid at predetermined intervals. Additionally, a reverse flow piping circuit is included to permit automatic and electric manipulation of the flow direction of fluid through said transmission cooler while at the same time not altering the direction of flow of fluid through the filter and the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Dan Reicks
  • Patent number: 6332978
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for reducing the nitrate concentration in wastewater within a wastewater treatment apparatus configured to define an aeration zone and a quiescent zone. The method comprises the step of ceasing airflow into the aeration zone for a predetermined time period or until the dissolved oxygen level within the wastewater has reached a predetermined threshold. The method may also comprise the step of mixing the wastewater in the aeration zone to prevent suspended particles within the wastewater in the aeration zone from settling and to avoid substantially disturbing the quiescence of the quiescent zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Delta Environmental Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael David Catanzaro, Christopher Edward Cox, Raleigh Lee Cox
  • Patent number: 6126819
    Abstract: In an apparatus for the treatment of liquids including foreign substances, particularly municipal and commercial waste waters, comprising a membrane separating structure having membrane elements, an inlet for receiving the liquid to be separated and passing it past the membrane elements whereby a permeant portion of the liquid permeates through the membranes and a retent portion becomes enriched with the foreign substances, and outlets for discharging the permeant portion and the retent portion, the membrane elements are arranged so as to form together flow channels extending longitudinally through the apparatus and adapted to guide the liquid straight through the flow channels along the membrane elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Rochem RO-Wasserbehandlung GmbH
    Inventors: Wilhelm Heine, Robert Rautenbach, Klaus Vossenkaul
  • Patent number: 6086754
    Abstract: For processing raw water into drinking water, a dispensing apparatus is provided with a filter member disposed in a water tank through which the raw water is made to flow. The filter member captures microorganisms contained in the raw water. A heating arrangement is thermally connected to the filter member and heats the filter member to kill the microorganisms that is captured by the filter member. It is preferable that the dispensing apparatus further provided with a adsorber member for adsorbing unfavorable substances contained in the raw water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Sanden Corporation
    Inventor: Kazushige Watanabe
  • 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: 6054044
    Abstract: An system for treating livestock wastewater to provide treated water suitable for exposure to livestock and crop irrigation. The system provides an anoxic culture, an anaerobic culture, and an aerobic culture, to which wastewater is exposed sequentially. Also provided is return of water from the aerobic culture to the anoxic culture for further treatment. The aerobic culture may be provided such that conditions cycle from aerobic to anoxic. Clarified, treated water results, wherein the resulting water is suitable for exposure to livestock, such as for flushing livestock waste. The resulting water is also suitable for crop irrigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Hoffland Environmental, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert O. Hoffland, Jim Austin
  • Patent number: 5985155
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically adjusting electrolytic production or feeding of a sanitizer such as halogen for treating a water body such as a swimming pool or spa. A microprocessor is responsive to sensors monitoring pH and temperature of the water body to predict demand for sanitizer which varies dependent on pH and temperature and direct a controller which automatically modifies the ON time during an ON/OFF cycle for the sanitizer production system in response to changing demand resulting from changing measurements in temperature and/or pH of the swimming pool water. The controller also modifies an ON/OFF cycle for a circulating pump when demand predicted by the microprocessor exceeds the capability of the sanitizer producer or feeder under an existing ON/OFF pump cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Autopilot Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Maitland
  • Patent number: 5961845
    Abstract: A dispenser system for treating water containing systems in place with a dry chemical substance. The dispenser has a water soluble pouch housing a dry form of a chemical material to be used in treating the system. The pouch is positioned in a make down unit so that the chemical is dissolved to form a liquid concentrate which is then introduced into a water containing system. A controller is attached to the make down unit to regulate the flow of water into the apparatus and the flow of liquid concentrate out of the apparatus and into the water containing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Diversey Lever, Inc.
    Inventors: James Victor List, Lyle Hermen Steimel, Scott Winthrop Veil, Ed Bowden, Holger Frank Schwab, James Charles Bricker
  • Patent number: 5944649
    Abstract: Method and device (21) for the supply of control liquid to a rotor of a centrifugal separator, which device (21) includes a cylinder (25), in which a movable wall element (26) is arranged, which axially delimits a storing chamber (29) in the cylinder (25). In the storing chamber (29) a predetermined volume of control liquid is stored. Control liquid is pressed out of the storing chamber (29) into the rotor during axial displacement of the wall element (26). Furthermore, the invention includes a centrifugal separator, which is provided with such a device (21). A portion of the control liquid in the storing chamber (29) is pressed upon displacement of the wall element (26) a first distance out through a first outlet passage (33) in the device with a high flow. The first outlet passage (33) is then closed when the wall element (26) has been displaced this distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Alfa Laval AB
    Inventor: Per Gunnar Karlsson
  • Patent number: 5914047
    Abstract: A biohazardous liquid medical waste collection and treatment system provides on-site collection and treatment of surgical fluids. The system is mobile, and includes an upper unit and one or more lower units that are detachable from the upper unit. The upper unit includes a liquid disinfectant reservoir, liquid pump valves, and an electronic control unit which controls the operation of the pump valves. A disposable suction canister is mounted to the upper unit and collects liquid medical waste aspirated from a patient. A disposable tube set, including a motionless mixer, is connected to the disposable suction canister and the liquid disinfectant reservoir. Electronically controlled pumps (preferably peristaltic pumps) pump liquid waste from the suction canister along with the metered amount of liquid disinfectant from the liquid disinfectant reservoir through the motionless mixer and into a temporary storage receptacle on the lower unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Grifco, LLC
    Inventor: Gerald R. Griffiths
  • Patent number: 5866002
    Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for activation of a digesting agent for an organic material, the apparatus including a tank, a device for activating the digesting agent in the tank, and a device for enabling the activated digesting agent to contact the organic material. The activating device is preferably a heating element. The enabling device is preferably an exit pipe. The invention has particular application in the preventative maintenance of a grease trap drainage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Ivan William Yates
    Inventors: Ivan William Yates, Dermot Joseph McElroy
  • Patent number: 5792343
    Abstract: A brine supply system including a first brine tank to store diluted brine of a predetermined concentration to be supplied into an electrolytic brine treatment device and a second brine tank to store an amount of saturated brine at a predetermined concentration. When the level of diluted brine becomes a lower limit level, the first brine tank is supplied with fresh water from an external supply source of water until the level of diluted brine becomes an upper limit level and is intermittently supplied with a predetermined amount of the saturated brine from the second brine tank. Based on a previously memorized supply time of the fresh water, a supply frequency and a supply interval of the saturated brine for the memorized supply time are calculated to maintain the diluted brine at the predetermined concentration even when the first brine tank is being supplied with the fresh water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Fujita, Koji Tsuchikawa, Yoshinori Kamitani
  • Patent number: 5788836
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a sewage treatment system and method for treating sewage by microbes. The system includes and the method uses a settling tank with residual activated sludge and mixed liquor and an activated biofilm filter. Incoming sewage into the settling tank forms a settling tank liquor mixed liquor. Increments of the settling tank liquor mixed liquor are treated in the activated biofilm filter and returned to the settling tank where the treated mixed liquor improves the quality of the settling tank liquor mixed liquor in the settling tank. The process of treating and returning incremental quantities of the settling tank liquor mixed liquor continues over a Predetermined period of time after which the sewage is fully treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Harold E. Davis
  • Patent number: 5759387
    Abstract: A grey water recovery system comprises a filter tank having a filter medium therein. Grey water is delivered to the filter tank by a delivery conduit and filtered grey water is collected in a sump which surrounds the filter tank. A pump removes the filtrate to a distribution system for irrigation and similar use. The recovery system includes a backwash system. The backwash system has a flow responsive poppet valve which permits clean backwashing water and pressurized air to flow upwardly through the filter medium while closing the normal filtrate flow path to the sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Essef Corporation
    Inventor: Robert D. Wilkes
  • Patent number: 5690818
    Abstract: In a waste water treatment system having a container and waste water disposed therein, an apparatus for treating a sludge blanket comprising at least one spray assembly, the spray assembly fluidly connected to a source of fluid, the spray assembly having a spray head positioned above the waste water, the spray head being adapted to spray fluid such that when fluid is sprayed from the spray head, the sprayed fluid will suppress a sludge blanket on the waste water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Monroe Wayne Guy
  • Patent number: 5614086
    Abstract: A bubble aeration system and method for removing radon and other contaminants from domestic or commercial water supplies in a single tank having a baffle arrangement or channels creating a sinuous water path for a more effective separation of radon from the water supply and incorporating a storage chamber for cleaned water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventors: David D. Hill, Timothy Kane