Fixed Strainer Patents (Class 210/162)
  • Patent number: 8677694
    Abstract: A system for separating water from debris. A gutter cover is secured to a gutter and extends to engage the top of the roof adjacent the gutter along a contact line. The gutter cover may have a perforate surface comprising closely spaced and normally water impervious holes through the gutter cover such that water does not flow through the holes unless the water is forced through the holes or attracted through the holes. The line of contact forms an imperfect junction between the edge of the gutter cover and the roof so that water flows through the contact line and beneath the gutter cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventors: Stephen R. Ash, Marianne Y. Ash
  • Publication number: 20140054245
    Abstract: A downspout filter device having an external conduit with an inlet end configured for detachable coupling with a downspout and receipt of drain water, and an outlet for dispersal of the drain water. A filter element is positioned within the external conduit, thereby defining a channel for fluid communication of the drainwater from the inlet of external conduit, through the channel and to the outlet end of the external conduit. The filter element has a filtering material adapted to remove debris from the drain water and a receptacle for the receipt of debris.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Loesche
  • Patent number: 8656947
    Abstract: A self-evacuating vertical downspout adapter includes an elongated adapter body defining open top and bottom ends, and an enlarged-volume debris trap with a debris outlet between the top and bottom ends. A drainage grate is located inside the adapter body and defines a drain-through floor of the debris trap angled downwardly towards the debris outlet. A hinged outlet door is attached to the adapter body adjacent the debris outlet, and is urged in a normally closed position to prevent substantial escape of rainwater through the debris outlet. The outlet door is adapted for being pivoted on-demand to a temporarily open position by debris captured on the drainage grate and gravity-fed towards the debris outlet for automatic evacuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Lewis Barton
  • Patent number: 8646218
    Abstract: A gutter cover for a roof gutter, fashioned to extend longitudinally in overlying relation to a length of the gutter. The gutter cover comprises: (i) a top portion extending forwardly from a rear edge of the gutter cover; (ii) a front wall extending downwardly from the top portion; (iii) a ledge extending generally horizontally in front of the front wall; (iv) a first longitudinally extending ridge formed in the top portion, (v) a first bank of apertures behind the first longitudinally extending ridge, and (vi) a second bank of apertures in front of the first longitudinally extending ridge; wherein the average size of the apertures in the first bank is larger than the average size of the apertures in the second bank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Anthony M. Iannelli
  • Patent number: 8641892
    Abstract: Debris adhering to the outer surface of a barrel-type fish screen is cleared by air bursts from a series of perforated air pipes positioned inside the outer foraminous shell of the screen, the perforations being holes with axes at an acute angle to the screen radius for efficient use of the air. Separately, the conical water collection manifold mounted inside the shell is open at its narrow end, with a valve mounted to that open end to control the opening. The opening prevents reduced water inflow at that end of the manifold, and the valve adjusts the access of the surrounding water to the opening, thereby allowing the manifold to be tuned to more closely approach a uniform distribution of axial water flow along the length of the collection manifold for different ambient conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventors: John L. Winther, Blake Andrew Toland
  • Patent number: 8584403
    Abstract: A fluid flow channel may include a scavenger system, which may expel solids from the channel. The channel may be supported by structure and include a floor surface, a transition surface, and a ramp surface. The scavenger system may include an actuator that may be pivotally mounted to the structure. The actuator may be attached to a face plate framework which may include a box structure for increased strength. The actuator may propel the face plate framework across the floor surface, transition surface and ramp surface of the channel. The face plate framework may be adapted for rolling reciprocating contact with the channel surface. The channel floor may afford a park position for the scavenger system and the ramp surface may be angled to reduce jamming of the scavenger system. The channel may also include a wear plate to reduce wear between the scavenger system and the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Calvin A. Frelier
  • Publication number: 20130284650
    Abstract: A filtration element adapted to be mounted to a rain gutter; the filtration element comprising a plurality of threads or water receiving membrane defining a substantially planar first surface having downward or upward extending planes or channels or inseams defining segments or areas that distend beneath or extend above the first surface, such segments or areas positioned perpendicular and/or not completely parallel to the longitudinal (lengthwise) edge of the filtration element. The filtration element may serve singularly as a gutter guard or as a component of an assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: EDWARD A. HIGGINBOTHAM
  • Patent number: 8501016
    Abstract: A storm water pretreatment chamber is provided. The storm water pretreatment chamber includes; one or more filter sidewalls; one or more optional water-impermeable sidewalls; one or more optional chamber grates; and one or more catch rails. Methods of treating storm water are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Anoka Conservation District
    Inventors: Christopher Allen Lord, Shawn Patrick Tracy, Nathan Scott Zwonitzer
  • Patent number: 8496810
    Abstract: A device for being received within a downspout of a rain gutter assembly is provided. The device is configured for being received in a downspout of the type having an inlet at a top portion thereof and an outlet at a bottom portion thereof. The device includes a housing defining a longitudinally extending passageway for allowing flow of uncollected water therethrough, at least one laterally extending collection aperture defined in the housing for allowing flow of collected water therethrough, a collection chamber in communication with the at least one drain for collecting water, and a drain outlet in communication with the chamber for allowing flow of collected water therethrough. A storage tank such as a flexible bladder may also be provided. The storage tank may be in communication with a siphon pump assembly. The storage tank may also be provided with a camouflaging pattern and ultraviolet and rot resistant materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Rainflex, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Bradley Forrest
  • Patent number: 8491797
    Abstract: Devices, apparatus, systems and methods for preventing backflow current problems which often have caused debris and litter to pass out of screen type baskets used in storm water treatment systems. A half size or full size pivoting panel at the input end of a basket screen system placed in a storm water treatment chamber can downwardly divert incoming storm water so as to prevent back flow currents from being formed. The pivoting panel can work well during high flow conditions. A half size or full size pylon located in the input end of the basket screen can split and divert incoming storm water to also prevent back flow currents from also being formed. The pylon can work well during low flow conditions. Also, both the half pivoting panel and the half pylon can both be used at the input end of the screen basket. Still furthermore a gap in the floor before the input end of the screen basket can allow for sediment coming to pass down and collect beneath the screen basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Tom Happel
  • Patent number: 8486273
    Abstract: A device for removing silt from flowing water by temporarily slowing the water enough to permit silt to settle naturally to the bottom is disclosed. The water may be slowed by a combination of increased depth and obstructions in the form of rough rocks and chain link fencing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: John Berger
  • Patent number: 8475654
    Abstract: Included in this disclosure is a downspout drain filter for rain gutter downspouts. The downspout drain filer comprises elongated housing having an axis, a top portion, and a bottom portion. A transition portion connects the top portion to the bottom portion. The top portion includes an intake opening, a top portion perimeter, a debris opening, a filter attachment location, and a downspout attachment location. The downspout attachment location includes a flexible collar that defines a downspout attachment location perimeter that is less than the top portion perimeter. The bottom portion includes a flexible collapsible body that extends from the transition portion. A connection end is positioned opposite the transition portion as a part of the bottom portion. A filter is positioned in the top portion to direct debris out the debris opening and to permit liquid to pass to the bottom portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffrey E. Smith
  • Patent number: 8475655
    Abstract: The curb inlet filter includes a filter bag having an opening at an upper end leading into an interior of the filter bag and a support bar coupled to one side of the upper end of the filter bag. The support bar is configured to rest outside of the basin against curb face sides bounding the opening in the street level curb face. A support frame is coupled to a second side of the upper end of the filter bag and is configured to engage with the support bar to suspend the support frame substantially at grade within an interior of the basis and define a rigid opening into the filter bag. The remainder of the filter bag hangs below grade within the curb side drain basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Metrochem, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Sasaki, Roni Sasaki
  • Patent number: 8438788
    Abstract: A rainwater collection apparatus is formed with an outer sleeve member that is adapted to connect with upper and lower downspout portions, and with an internal colander that is operable to collect and filter the rainwater flowing through the upper downspout portion. The colander has an upper flanged edge that removes water flowing along the inside surface of the downspout, a filter area including a plurality of apertures for the passage of rainwater into a catch basin, and a support flange that rests on a base ledge formed on the outer sleeve to define the catch basin. A discharge spout drains the collected rainwater from the catch basin to a remote storage container. An internal opening in the colander allows the passage of debris and the overflow of rainwater from the catch basin through apertures in the colander for discharge through the lower downspout portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Euramax International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Bell, John J. McNichol, Joseph K. Wolf, J. Michael Connelly
  • Patent number: 8404110
    Abstract: An apparatus for diverting rainwater includes a body having a top portion, a bottom portion, and a central portion. A diverter is disposed within the central portion, and has a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion of the diverter, together with one or more walls of the body, defines a containment configured to capture rainwater that enters through the top portion. An opening in at least one of the walls of the body is configured to divert rainwater from the containment. The body also includes a bypass flow area extending through the central portion adjacent to, and separate from, the containment, where the bypass flow area has a cross-sectional area that is substantially equal to or greater than a cross sectional area of the top and bottom portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Fiskars Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew P. Block
  • Patent number: 8397435
    Abstract: A top portion (12) of the gutter section (10) is formed with a pair of longitudinally extending, relatively spaced apart ridges (20) and with a plurality of openings (22) disposed on, infront of, in between and behind the ridges (20) for draining rainwater into the gutter (10). A front wall (13) extends downwardly from the top portion (12) and a ledge (14) extends generally horizontally form a lower portion 13B of the front wall (13). The distance D between an upper edge (17) of the front wall (13) and the horizontal ledge (14) is relatively short to improve the versatility and appearance of the cover section 10. The aluminum alloy from which the cover section (10) is formed is relatively thin and the openings (22) in the on the cover section top portion (12) are large enough to facilitate drainage, yet small enough to keep debris from accumulating on the cover section (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: Anthony M. Iannelli
  • Patent number: 8388835
    Abstract: A storm drain inlet filter for preventing passage of particulate and solids in storm water entering a storm drainage system through an entry aperture. The device features a filter element held in place by a ring compressed against the sidewalls forming the entry aperture. Filter fabric may be included between two sidewalls of the inlet filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Dieter Haschke
  • Publication number: 20130043172
    Abstract: A screen intake apparatus has a concrete platform resting on a water source floor. A screen intake anchors on the platform and forms a half cylinder thereon. A barrier at one end of the platform in divides the flow of water. The screen intake has a half-cylindrical body and half-cylindrical screens. Transition walls in the screen intake divide the body's hollow and the screens' interiors, and at least one flow modifier communicates the interior with the hollow. These flow modifiers also form a half cylinder with the platform. A manifold in the screens receives a supply of air to clear debris. Forming a half-cylinder, the screen intake on the platform can have a much lower profile for the water source than the normal cylindrical screens, which require half of its diameter in clearance above and below.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: Johnson Screens, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnson Screens, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8347424
    Abstract: A floor drain includes a head having a top surface, a leveling member, and a frame having a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the frame is positioned adjacent the top surface of the head. The leveling member is positioned between the head and the bottom surface of the frame and is displaceable relative to the head in a first direction. A method of leveling a floor drain with a floor surface is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas R. Wroblewski, Carl R. Nicolia, Jonathan Steffan, Mark Marini
  • Patent number: 8341891
    Abstract: A filter for use with a rain gutter will prevent solid debris, such as leaves, from entering the gutter, but will not unduly restrict passage of rain water into and through the gutter. The filter comprises a liquid permeable strip that can be formed of a material, such as reticulated polyurethane foam. This strip is supported at the top of the gutter by a support member, which can be a thermoformed member, affixed to the underside of the strip. Legs, which can fold transversely to the strip will support the strip above the bottom of the gutter. When the legs are in a flat configuration, multiple filter members can be stacked for storage and shipping. Installation is essentially toolless and the filters can be cut to length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventors: Mark Pavlansky, Keith Pavlansky, Stephen Larson Harper
  • Patent number: 8343357
    Abstract: A device and method for filtering storm water entering a street curb inlet drain using a series of expandable brackets to deploy and seal a filter medium completely inside a street curb inlet drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Horner Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Stuart Richard Horner
  • Publication number: 20120298568
    Abstract: Debris adhering to the outer surface of a barrel-type fish screen is cleared by air bursts from a series of perforated air pipes positioned inside the outer foraminous shell of the screen, the perforations being holes with axes at an acute angle to the screen radius for efficient use of the air. Separately, the conical water collection manifold mounted inside the shell is open at its narrow end, with a valve mounted to that open end to control the opening. The opening prevents reduced water inflow at that end of the manifold, and the valve adjusts the access of the surrounding water to the opening, thereby allowing the manifold to be tuned to more closely approach a uniform distribution of axial water flow along the length of the collection manifold for different ambient conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: John L. Winther, Blake A. Toland
  • Patent number: 8303688
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a filter apparatus comprising a fluid inlet for a fluid to be filtered in the apparatus; a first fluid outlet for fluid that has been filtered; and one or more barrier filters arranged between the fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet for filtering material from the fluid. In use, the fluid to be filtered is directed from the fluid inlet so as to promote a continuous erosion of material built up on the barrier filter(s). Also disclosed is a method of filtering particles from a particle laden fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization
    Inventor: Sunil Dutt Sharma
  • Patent number: 8287728
    Abstract: An elevated swale comprising a porous and water-permeable interior zone, a permeable and compressible exterior shell, and vertically oriented cylindrical inserts. The exterior shell surrounds the interior zone, and the cylindrical inserts are placed within cylindrical cavities that are cut vertically into the interior zone. In an alternate embodiment, the present invention is an elevated swale comprising stacked layers of polymer matting and vertically oriented cylindrical inserts. The cylindrical inserts are placed within cylindrical cavities that are cut vertically into the stacked layers of polymer matting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Fountainhead L.L.C.
    Inventors: Bruce G. Kania, Frank M. Stewart, David Brian Kroll
  • Patent number: 8282836
    Abstract: Water intake structures for power plants and other industrial facilities may include an inflow channel, a deep well, an outflow channel, and an intake channel These structures may include a fish screen, such as a wedge-wire screen or the like, positioned between the deep well and the intake channel to separate fish, fish larvae and fish eggs from water supplied to the intake channel from the deep well. These structures may further include one or more circulating or sweep flow pumps positioned proximate an outlet of the outflow channel. The sweep flow pumps may be used to maintain a sweep flow through the deep well of the intake structure to help sweep fish, fish larvae and fish eggs away from the fish screen and into the outflow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: C-Water Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Feher
  • Patent number: 8277645
    Abstract: A screen system having first and second side members, each having a locking gear reversibly movable from a locked position to an unlocked position. A screen is coupled to the side members. The screen has openings and is rotatable from a closed position to an open position. The screen is engagable with the locking gears to preventing the screen from rotating from the closed position to the open position. A trigger plate is movably coupled to the screen, rotates from a first position to a second position and is engagable with the locking gears to prevent the locking gears from moving from the locked position to the unlocked position. The trigger plate disengages with the locking gears when water flows against it, allowing the locking gears to move from the locked position to the unlocked position and the screen to rotate from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventors: Ernest Jarvis, Jr., Rafael Padilla
  • Publication number: 20120228202
    Abstract: An aquatic organism removal system includes a screen system and a return system. The screen system is adapted to separate aquatic organisms from cooling water entering a cooling water intake of a power producing facility and includes a screen intake and a screen exit downstream of the screen intake. The return system is connected to the screen exit and is adapted to receive the aquatic organisms and transfer the aquatic organisms safely to a source waterbody. When the cooling water and aquatic organisms enter the screen intake, the cooling water flows through the screen system and into the cooling water intake of a power producing facility and the aquatic organisms flow out the screen exit and into the return system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventor: David Edward Bailey
  • Patent number: 8231780
    Abstract: The present invention is a storm water filter system for filtering floatable debris and non-floating pollutants from storm, water passing through a storm water drain system vault. The storm water filtering system has a vault having chamber having a floating skimmer panel between the inlet thereto and the outlet therefrom. The skimmer panel has a filter passageway therethrough for filtering the storm water while the floatable skimmer panel captures floatable debris and trash from the storm water. Storm water entering the vault inlet passes through a filter element in the skimmer panel and out the vault outlet and also can pass under the floating skimmer panel when the floatable skimmer panel is floated to a raised position to thereby prevent storm water from accumulating on the inlet side of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas H. Happel
  • Patent number: 8220206
    Abstract: A rain gutter filter apparatus and method utilize a filter element of a reticulated foam material adapted for insertion into a gutter having an open top defining a top width of the gutter. The filter element has a flat top surface with a width substantially matching the top width of the gutter, a bottom surface having a width less than the top width of the filter element, and front and rear surfaces extending upward from the bottom surface of the filter element to thereby form a front and a rear open passage for water on front and rear sides of the bottom surface of the filter element when the filter element is installed into the gutter. The reticulated foam material of the filter element has a composition that is flame resistant, germicidal, mold resistant, and resistant to degradation by exposure to ultraviolet rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: American Gutter Filter, Inc.
    Inventor: Ken Konkey
  • Publication number: 20120125828
    Abstract: A screen intake apparatus has a concrete platform resting on a water source floor. A screen intake anchors on the platform and forms a half cylinder thereon. A barrier at one end of the platform in divides the flow of water. The screen intake has a half-cylindrical body and half-cylindrical screens. Transition walls in the screen intake divide the body's hollow and the screens' interiors, and at least one flow modifier communicates the interior with the hollow. These flow modifiers also form a half cylinder with the platform. A manifold in the screens receives a supply of air to clear debris. Forming a half-cylinder, the screen intake on the platform can have a much lower profile for the water source than the normal cylindrical screens, which require half of its diameter in clearance above and below.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Johnson Screens, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Watson
  • Patent number: 8166712
    Abstract: A gutter insert formed of a flexible open cell porous foam has five or more sides and forms an inverted “V” or check-mark shape. Four gutter inserts may be cut from one column of foam material, thereby reducing foam waste. The four gutter inserts may be shipped nested together in columnar form, and separated at the jobsite just before installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: FXI, Inc.
    Inventor: Jose D. M. Contreras
  • Patent number: 8099909
    Abstract: An eavestrough protector or filter comprises an elongated and conformable container dimensioned to fit at least partially within an eavestrough. The container is water-permeable to permit water to flow through said container. A low-density fill material, e.g. an expanded polymer, is disposed within the container. The fill material has a density less than that of water to thereby float the protector when the container is filled with said fill material, thus providing a conformable floating eavestrough protector that is permeable to water. The protector may be inserted into an eavestrough or gutter to shield the eavestrough or gutter from becoming clogged with leaves, twigs or other debris. The foam protector is permeable to rainwater and floats on the water flowing through the eavestrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Phil Bottriell
  • Patent number: 8097151
    Abstract: The device disclosed is an improved water harvesting device providing the capability of diverting debris away from a water entry area and reducing potential for clogging of the water entry area. The water harvesting device comprises a tank portion for containment of water and a water entry portion for receiving water, particularly rainwater from a building water collection system such as an eaves and downspout configuration. Debris typically accompanying rainwater as it exits from the downspout of the building collection system is diverted away from the water entry area allowing for better water collection efficiency, preventing backing of water and reducing operator maintenance of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Green Ripple Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Scott William Allan
  • Patent number: 8083937
    Abstract: The present invention is a storm water filter system for filtering floatable debris and non-floating pollutants from storm water passing through a storm water drain system vault. The storm water filtering system has a vault having chamber having a wall between the inlet thereto and the outlet therefrom. The wall has a filter passageway therethrough for filtering the storm water and a floatable baffle panel covering a second passageway therethrough for capturing floatable debris and trash from the storm water. Storm water entering the vault inlet passes through a filter element and out the outlet and also can pass under the floating baffle panel when the floatable baffle panel is floated to a raised position to thereby prevent storm water from accumulating on the inlet side of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas H. Happel
  • Patent number: 8075765
    Abstract: Non-limiting embodiments disclosed herein include components of a rain water collection system and methods of fabricating the components. The disclosed components include a down spout interface bladder and a rain water holding device. Also disclosed are a method of fabricating a down spout interface bladder and a method of fabricating a rain water holding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Seattle Tarp Company
    Inventor: Deano Perlatti
  • Patent number: 8075787
    Abstract: A protective sleeve for use with metal intake racks used for screening debris from water intakes and other similar structures. The proactive sleeve may be made from a plastic material, such as HDPE, using an extrusion process. The sleeve is designed to snap into place over the metal blades of a bar rack, and to provide a positive and secure fit when in place. The protective sleeve thus provides the benefits of non-metallic intake racks to existing and future metal rack systems, without requiring replacement of existing metal racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Hydro Component Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas J. Reiss, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8052774
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for concentrating gold contained in a leach residue obtained in a copper hydrometallurgical process for recovering copper from a copper sulfide mineral to efficiently separate and recover gold from the leach residue: a gold-bearing copper sulfide mineral is subjected to pressure leaching with sulfuric acid at a temperature higher than 102° C. and 112° C. or lower to obtain a leach residue, and the leach residue is subjected to flotation to separate it into a float fraction and a sink fraction; the float fraction obtained by flotation is desulfurized to obtain a desulfurized product; the desulfurized product is subjected to oxidative roasting to obtain an oxidatively-roasted product; the oxidatively-roasted product is dissolved in a sulfuric acid solution to obtain a copper solution, and a gold-bearing residue is separated and recovered from the copper solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noriyuki Nagase, Satoshi Asano, Masatoshi Takano, Kenji Takeda, Shinichi Heguri, Atsushi Idegami
  • Patent number: 8042304
    Abstract: A gutter insert formed of a flexible open cell porous foam has five or more sides and forms an inverted “V” or check-mark shape. Four gutter inserts may be cut from one column of foam material, thereby reducing foam waste. The four gutter inserts may be shipped nested together in columnar form, and separated at the jobsite just before installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: FXI, Inc.
    Inventor: Jose D. M. Contreras
  • Patent number: 8038879
    Abstract: A fluid strainer device is disclosed. The device includes a housing which defines an open chamber, the chamber having both at least one fluid input port and at least one fluid outlet port. A plurality of spaced strainer baskets are disposed within the chamber. Each basket has a pair of spaced perforated side panels, a perforated rear panel, a perforated top panel and an open front portion in fluid communication with the chamber fluid input port. Finally, each strainer basket is aligned within the chamber for fluid flow from the chamber input port into the basket's open front portion and out through the perforations thereof to filter debris from the fluid while preventing substantial fluid pressure drop between the input and outlet ports substantially independent of debris buildup within the basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: Wayne Kraft
  • Patent number: 8038889
    Abstract: A screen cleaning apparatus for use, for example, in connection with a discharge conduit of a sewage pumping station, may include a housing, a screen, a rake and a float. The housing may operate to contain a fluid (and/or define a container for the other components) and include a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The screen may be positioned in the housing and define one or more apertures. The rake may also be positioned in the housing and have one or more protrusions, with each protrusion extending into a respective aperture in the screen. The float may apply a force to the rake so that the rake moves relative to the screen and in dependence upon variations of a volume of fluid received in the housing. Accordingly, the rake may rise and fall will the fluid level to remove debris from the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Samatrix Limited
    Inventor: Samuel Munn
  • Patent number: 8033058
    Abstract: An apparatus for diverting rainwater includes a body having a top portion, a bottom portion, and a central portion. A diverter is disposed within the central portion, and has a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion of the diverter, together with one or more walls of the body, defines a containment configured to capture rainwater that enters through the top portion. An opening in at least one of the walls of the body is configured to divert rainwater from the containment. The body also includes a bypass flow area extending through the central portion adjacent to, and separate from, the containment, where the bypass flow area has a cross-sectional area that is substantially equal to or greater than a cross sectional area of the top and bottom portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Fiskars Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew P. Block
  • Patent number: 8034234
    Abstract: The present invention is a storm water filter system for filtering floatable debris and non-floating pollutants from storm water passing through a storm water drain system. The storm water filtering system has a floatable skimmer therein for capturing floatable debris and trash from the storm water and a separate filtration system to filter non-floatable pollutants from water passing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas H. Happel
  • Patent number: 8034236
    Abstract: A floatable skimmer apparatus is movably attached in a storm water filter box with a pair of tracks attached in the housing chamber of the filter box. A floatable skimmer has a skimmer panel having floatation members attached to the inlet side of the storm water filter box for raising and lowering the skimmer panel responsive to the rise and fall of storm water in the housing chamber. Storm water is forced under the bottom of the floatable skimmer panel while blocking floatable debris from entering the housing chamber outlet. A floatable hydrocarbon absorbing boom is attached to the skimmer panel and floated independent thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas H. Happel
  • Patent number: 8029666
    Abstract: A wastewater screening device includes a perforate screening member through which wastewater flows, including a plurality of laterally spaced apart screening rods interconnected by cross members, such that solids in the wastewater are captured by the screening member. A plurality of wiping elements are positioned between the screening rods and shift longitudinally to clear screenings from the screening member. Each of the wiping elements has at least one end projection disposed laterally between opposite sides of the screening member, and a tapered wiping surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: Jörg-Michael Steinhardt
  • Patent number: 8029665
    Abstract: A screening device for wastewater includes a perforate screening member through which wastewater in an associated channel flows from a bottom side thereof to a top side thereof. An overfall wall is positioned in the wastewater channel. A clearing member is shiftable relative to the screening member for cleaning screenings therefrom, and is positioned upstream of the overfall wall. A waterwheel is positioned in the wastewater channel at a location downstream of the overfall wall, and is operably connected with the clearing member for mechanically shifting the same to remove the screenings from the screening member without using external power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: Jörg-Michael Steinhardt
  • Patent number: 8021543
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system for treating excess wastewater from a sewer system includes a container having first and second portions adapted to receive excess wastewater from the sewer system, and a generally horizontally oriented screen arrangement disposed in the second portion of the container. The system further includes a treating agent dispenser for introducing a treating agent into the wastewater, and an effluent passage in fluid communication with the second portion of the container. During a sufficient rain event, the wastewater flows from the sewer system into the container, through the screen arrangement, and then into the effluent passage, such that the wastewater flows generally in a first direction through the first portion of the container, then generally in a second direction different than the first direction through the second portion of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventor: Saad A. Ghalib
  • Patent number: 8021544
    Abstract: A screening device for wastewater overflow weirs and the like includes a perforate screening member through which wastewater flows from a bottom to top sides thereof, with a frame and a plurality of screening rods arranged in a laterally spaced apart, mutually parallel relationship. The opposite ends of the screening rods are fixedly connected with the frame to capture solids in the wastewater. The screening rods are each configured with narrow portions at the opposite ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventor: Jörg-Michael Steinhardt
  • Patent number: 8017004
    Abstract: A filter system for a storm drain having a bottom, side walls, and an outlet formed in the side wall. The filter system includes a main section having an array of openings formed therein for permitting water to flow through the filter. The main section is configured to be mounted adjacent the side wall and aligned with the outlet. In some cases, the bottom of the storm drain includes a depression for feeding water to the outlet. The filter system includes a flexible mesh that extends from the bottom of the main section into the depression for filtering water flowing in the depression. In addition, the filter system includes a mounting structure that enables the main section to be slidably mounted into an operative position and also enables the main section to be removed by slidably moving it from the operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Trash Guard, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Crumpler
  • Patent number: 7981283
    Abstract: A nutrient separating filter basket apparatus for a storm water drain system has an adjustable filter basket installed in a storm water drain pipe system to receive storm water runoff therethrough. The filter basket collects organic materials, such as grass clippings, leaves and tree stems therein and is adjustable for different ground water levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventors: Henry Happel, Dolores J. Happel, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7972503
    Abstract: A support plate is used in a cog rake bar screen of a wastewater treatment facility and the cog rake bar screen includes an adjustable pin rack system coupled to a frame. The support plate includes a plate having a centerline extending between opposite side walls of the plate. The plate includes a fastener hole for receiving a fastener to couple the plate to the pin rack system and the frame. A set screw is connected to the plate for adjusting position of the plate relative to the frame and thereby adjusting position of the pin rack system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: WSG & Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Wilcher, Jeffrey R. Blondin