Fixed Strainer Patents (Class 210/162)
  • Patent number: 7951291
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a screen lock-unlock system for automatically locking and unlocking a screen that is within a fluid channel wherein the screen is rotatable relative to the channel from closed to open. The system includes an actuator comprising a flapper and a trigger, wherein the flapper is rotatably connectable to the back of the screen. The flapper is operably connected to the trigger for moving the trigger. And, the system is further summarized, according to one aspect, as follows. It includes a lock bar wherein the lock bar is rotatably attachable to a screen support structure, the lock bar being rotatable by movement of the trigger. The lock bar intercepts the rearward arc path of a blockable part (such as a flange extending laterally from the screen). The flapper is located and oriented with respect to the closed screen for at least part of the flapper to be rotatable in response to pressure from impact fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: Khalil Ibrahim Nino
  • Patent number: 7950187
    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, in front 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: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: Anthony M Iannelli
  • Patent number: 7938957
    Abstract: An apparatus having flotation ballasts, a flotation platform and on the flotation platform, an intake equipment, such as a screen, check valve and/or pump intake and a coupling for a discharge pipe. In an embodiment of the present invention comprises, there are a plurality of substantially symmetrical flotation ballasts, each having a ballast chamber. The composition of the flotation ballast may be made of a material having a density appropriate for the fluid in which it is to be submerged. The method includes the steps of using an apparatus as herein described to ascend and descend intake equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Incon-trol Corp.
    Inventors: Mark Hayes Bolan, Kenneth Charles Phelps, Donnie Wayne Alexander, John Baxter Horton, Jr., Jeremy Scott Smith, Michael Larry Culbreath
  • Patent number: 7922916
    Abstract: A curb inlet filter is force fit into the throat of a curb inlet to filter debris and sediment from storm water entering an inlet. The device has a filter media affixed to the lower portion of a semi-rigid “C” shaped frame with upper retention flange. The shape and upper flange of the device combine to create a secure compression fit into the receiving inlet. The design includes an overflow feature above the extents of the filter media for heavy storm events. The “C” shape of the filter and placement within the throat of the curb inlet encourages sediment and debris to be captured within the device away from pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The device can easily be removed from the curb inlet while retaining the collected sediment and debris. The captured contaminants can be disposed of by emptying the contents in a designated area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Carey Witt
  • Patent number: 7919002
    Abstract: Most commercial & residential buildings have rainwater collection systems that consist of leaders and gutters that collect water coming off the roof. These leaders and gutters are connected to drain pipes that channel the water away from the structure, usually into a dry well or storm drain. A substantial add-on to the leader and gutter system is a debris trap with an overflow port. The debris trap/overflow port may be attached to the leader at waist height (for easy access) to collect leaves, tree droppings, windblown litter and other materials. This debris can be easily discarded by opening an access panel to empty a built-in strainer. When a dry well or storm drain becomes saturated, water will back up through the leader causing seepage and overflow into the building and create erosion that can damage the foundation. The function of the overflow port is to divert water from the drain pipe away from the foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventor: Jim Hurtado
  • Patent number: 7919003
    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: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Hydro Component Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas J. Reiss, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110047887
    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: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: Foamex Innovations Operating Company
    Inventor: Jose D. M. Contreras
  • Patent number: 7857966
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing pollution in wastewater that collects in a catch basin is disclosed. The apparatus includes a hood affixed to an interior wall of a catch basin over an outlet, and a skirted boom adjacent to at least a portion of said hood and fixed relative to the hood. The skirted boom includes an upper portion and a skirt extending down from the upper portion. The skirted boom is installed so that the upper portion of the skirted boom is adjacent to said hood at the static water level in the catch basin and the skirt extends downward, preferably below the bottom of the hood. A tether assembly for installing the apparatus and a method of using the same is further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventors: Lee A. Duran, Thomas J. Mullen, III
  • Patent number: 7850857
    Abstract: A collector for removing sediment from a waterway. The collector has a housing (24) with an opening (38) and an internal cavity (44) for receiving particles. Means for adjusting the type of sediment is provided. An inlet (120) communicates with the cavity for altering the amount of suction and controlling the water intake and the type of material removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventor: Randall L. Tucker
  • Patent number: 7846327
    Abstract: A storm water filter box has a floatable skimmer apparatus for preventing floatable debris from entering the filter box outlet. The filter box has an inlet and an outlet and an inlet filter located in the filter box housing. A portable skimmer is positioned in the box between the inlet and outlet and will rise and fall with the water level in the filter box to keep the top of the skimmer above the water level and force the storm water passing through the filter box under the floatable skimmer thereby blocking floatable debris from entering the filter box outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventors: Henry Happel, Dolores J. Happel, legal representative, Thomas H. Happel
  • Patent number: 7837868
    Abstract: A stormwater filtration system includes a stormwater containment structure including a bottom surface, an inlet that receives stormwater and an outlet through which filtered stormwater exits the stormwater containment structure. A flow structure is at the bottom surface. The flow structure includes a conveyance conduit running along the bottom surface of the stormwater containment structure and in fluid communication with the outlet of the stormwater containment structure. The conveyance conduit includes a port extending through a sidewall of the conveyance conduit. A saddle includes an upper component and a lower component connected to the upper component such that the upper and lower components straddle the conveyance conduit at the port. The upper component includes an opening in communication with the port and the lower component supports the conveyance conduit above the bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Contech Stormwater Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Jacob, Christopher S. Hersey, Casey T. Kenniston, Michael P. Stone
  • Publication number: 20100270219
    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: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Andrew P. Block
  • Patent number: 7820054
    Abstract: A method of removing solids from the slurry at a construction site located on or near a stream in order to improve the quality of water discharged into the stream by forming treatment zones for receiving slurry, said zones comprising walls of filter bags and floors of filter skirts, said bags and skirts comprising geotextile material and the bags being filled with a shredded rubber and woodchip combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Denny Hastings FLP 14
    Inventors: Denny Hastings, Kyle Seagroves, Stephen M. Sliger
  • Patent number: 7815811
    Abstract: A powered trash rake system for clearing debris from intake racks used for screening debris from water intakes and other similar structures. The trash rake system includes a telescoping boom mounted to a movable carriage support structure. Electric motors are provided to move the carriage support structure to desired positions along the intake rack to be cleaned and to operate the telescoping boom to move a trash rake structure under power vertically along the trash rack to remove debris therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Hydro Component Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas J. Reiss, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7799235
    Abstract: A system and related method for separating floating and nonfloating particulate and entrained, suspended, and/or dissolved contaminants from a fluid. The system includes a tank with a lower chamber spaced from an outlet or upper chamber by a confinement deck. The deck includes one or more sockets for receiving one or more filter units for fluid treatment. In addition, the lower chamber of the tank acts as a pretreatment sump to remove floating and nonfloating particulates, thereby reducing the load on the filter units. The filter units are configured for radial and/or upward flow of the fluid from the lower chamber. The filter units may include one or more filter media through which the fluid pass prior to exiting the tank. The filter units include a removable screening retainer for retaining the filter media and/or to screen relatively large contaminants. The filter unit may be removed for ease of tank maintenance and replacement of filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignees: Contech Stormwater Solutions, Inc., I.S.C. Environmental, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman L. Olson, Brian R. McLaughlin, Daniel P. Cobb, Vaikko P. Allen, II, Derek M. Berg
  • Publication number: 20100224570
    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: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: CH2M HILL, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Feher
  • Patent number: 7788867
    Abstract: A flooring system for intercepting debris including at least a plurality of floor tiles with a perforated top surface providing on a top of the plurality of tube frames for intercepting the debris. Each plurality of floor tiles may include a plurality of tube frames in side by side relationship to form a distributed suction area for fluid entrance into tile interiors and for debris interception and capture. The tile interiors of the flooring system may also provide a distributed flow path for fluid flow to a transition plenum. The flooring system may also include a transition plenum for directing a flow path of the fluid from the tiles to a sump, wherein the pumps take suction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Hibbert Oates, Alan Wayne Fanning, Brian Douglas Frew, Bruce Peter Matthew Kobel, Imad Ahmad Baghdadi
  • Publication number: 20100181237
    Abstract: A hood for mounting over an outlet in a wall of a catch basin is disclosed. The hood includes a hood wall that forms a prow in a horizontal plane. The prow extends along an axis of the hood thereby achieving optimal flow conditions in the catch basin. In some embodiments the hood wall is shaped to be at least partially sealably mounted to the interior wall of a catch basin have a circular cross section in a horizontal plane. This novel hood shape facilitates installation of the hood in the circular catch basin, while also reducing the flow of oil and other pollutants into the outlet pipe in the circular catch basin. In some embodiments a perforated screed is also disclosed that surrounds the hood to aid in the capture of floatable pollutants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Lee A. Duran, Thomas J. Mullen, III
  • Patent number: 7758747
    Abstract: A modular filter system for use within a pollution removal structure. The system includes a plurality of modular filters that can be nested together forming a common passageway that passes through all of the nested filters. With normal runoff, the water passes laterally through the filters and enters the common passageway to exit the structure. In the event of a high flow of runoff, an overflow pipe conveys water directly to a downstream storm drain by-passing the filter system. The overflow is created by either: a) allowing the water to rise above the upper surface of the upper modular filter and directly into the common passageway or b) by overflow pipes which connect to a downstream pollution removal structure; or a combination of paths a) and b). By using nested filters, the number of filters nested together can be customized in accordance with the depth of the particular storm drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventor: Graham Bryant
  • Publication number: 20100170837
    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: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: AMERICAN GUTTER FILTER, INC.
    Inventor: Ken Konkey
  • Patent number: 7740755
    Abstract: A foam insert for a rain gutter for a residential dwelling is provided. The foam insert prevents debris such as leaves, pine needles, gravel, and dirt from entering the rain gutter and permits water to pass through the foam and into the gutter. The foam insert has a channel in the outer side to receive the inwardly projecting lip of a gutter when the foam insert is placed into the gutter. As the foam inserts are installed in the gutter, the lip of the gutter is positioned within the channel. The foam is flexible, which permits the foam insert to be bent and maneuvered into position within the gutter. The foam inserts are formed with a pore size of 14 ppi or below. The foam inserts are inexpensive and may be quickly and easily installed or removed from the gutter by a single individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Owens Corning Intellectual Capital, LLC
    Inventors: Geoffrey Howard Wilson, Aaron Robert Rasor
  • Patent number: 7722763
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to purification and separation of a fluid flow stream, and more particularly, to a separation system including a device for dispersing the fluid flow and separating pollutants there from. The device includes a vertical screen and baffle wall positioned in a fluid flow stream between the inlet and outlet openings of a chamber. The chamber can include a sump for collecting and storing sediment that is separated from the fluid. The present invention also relates to a method of purifying and separating a fluid flow stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventors: Jeffrey Benty, Mike Kistner, Ken Kistner, Paul Rowe, Paul McCarthy
  • Publication number: 20100065508
    Abstract: An apparatus having flotation ballasts, a flotation platform and on the flotation platform, an intake equipment, such as a screen, check valve and/or pump intake and a coupling for a discharge pipe. In an embodiment of the present invention comprises, there are a plurality of substantially symmetrical flotation ballasts, each having a ballast chamber. The composition of the flotation ballast may be made of a material having a density appropriate for the fluid in which it is to be submerged. The method includes the steps of using an apparatus as herein described to ascend and descend intake equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Mark Hayes Bolan, Kenneth Charles Phelps, Donnie Wayne Alexander, John Baxter Horton, JR., Jeremy Scott Smith, Michael Larry Culbreath
  • Patent number: 7658841
    Abstract: An oil-water separator for use in a trench, which surrounds an oilfield. The separator is positioned in the ground such that an inlet conduit extends at about the same level as the bottom of the trench. The trench water is admitted into the housing, where it contacts a plurality of buoyant oil-absorbing members, causing the oil particles to adhere to the surface of the oil-absorbing members. An outlet conduit located downstream from the oil-absorbing members is connectable to a pump to cause the oil-free water to be pumped from the housing and diverted away from the trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Rene James Landry, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7638066
    Abstract: A stormwater filtration system includes a stormwater containment structure including a bottom surface, an inlet that receives stormwater and an outlet through which filtered stormwater exits the stormwater containment structure. A flow structure is at the bottom surface. The flow structure includes a conveyance conduit running along the bottom surface of the stormwater containment structure and in fluid communication with the outlet of the stormwater containment structure. The conveyance conduit includes a port extending through a sidewall of the conveyance conduit. A saddle includes an upper component and a lower component connected to the upper component such that the upper and lower components straddle the conveyance conduit at the port. The upper component includes an opening in communication with the port and the lower component supports the conveyance conduit above the bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Contech Stormwater Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Jacob, Christopher S. Hersey, Casey T. Kenniston, Michael P. Stone
  • Publication number: 20090301953
    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: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: TRASH GUARD, INC.
    Inventor: John M. Crumpler
  • Patent number: 7628911
    Abstract: A gutter member includes an inlet operatively coupled to a gutter trough. The inlet is configured to receive matter such as water and non-water matter from the gutter trough. The gutter member further includes an outlet operatively coupled to a top of a downspout. The outlet is configured to pass water to the downspout. The gutter member further includes a reservoir configured to collect non-water matter. The reservoir is located between the inlet and the outlet and is lower than the gutter trough relative to the earth. The reservoir includes an exit port door configured to move between a first position in which a substantial amount of the non-water matter is retained in the reservoir and a second position in which the non-water matter is released from the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas William Koenig, Michael Thomas Koenig
  • Patent number: 7625485
    Abstract: A stormwater treatment system including a substantially water impermeable treatment container for treating stormwater through a bioretention mechanism. The treatment container includes an overflow/bypass opening to receive stormwater that bypasses the treatment container filter media, or is only partially treated as a result of high stormwater flows in excess of the capacity of the container to treat the stormwater. The stormwater is directed into the container through an inlet, such as an inlet pipe, preferably connected to a roof drain system for processing and treating stormwater from the roof of a building. The overflow/bypass opening may be adjacent the top wall or bottom wall of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Americast, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Lee Siviter, Brian Richard Hofe, Edward Stuart Kay, Larry S. Coffman
  • Publication number: 20090283463
    Abstract: A strainer is developed for mounting in a fluid system or a pipeline to filter the foreign objects remained in the fluid, thereby preventing malfunctioned operation, default and occlusion of the fluid machinery and the pipeline due to floating and drifting solids, and which includes an inlet and an outlet formed in a straight line and an omega-type screen joined to a cylindrical main body having a closed lower portion, thereby minimizing a transformation of a flow channel while maximally providing a screening face, and allowing a user to easily disassemble and clean the screen. The strainer can raise operational efficiencies of the fluid machine and the pipeline and remarkably reduce operational expenses by minimizing energy loss in the fluid, and reduce maintenance cost and ensure durability of the fluid machine and the pipeline by ensuring convenience in cleaning and maintaining the screen of the strainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Jeong Yeol Kim
  • Publication number: 20090250405
    Abstract: A catch basin configured to filter water by way of a matrix filter and a filter pouch. If the matrix filter should become clogged, a bypass weir provides means of bypassing the matrix filter to prevent the catch basin from clogging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: Kristar Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Allard
  • Publication number: 20090218297
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a marine vessel water intake filtering system is described. The apparatus includes a filtering device adapted to couple to the marine vessel over a water intake port in the hull of the vessel. The filtering device lowers the flow velocity of the water on the incoming surface of the filter while maintaining a suitable flow to the intake port of the vessel. The filtering device prevents marine species of a certain size from becoming entrained in the water flow and entering the intake port, and provides for marine species that may be in the area of the intake do not become impinged on the filtering device as a result of intake water flow velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: NORTHERNSTAR NATURAL GAS INC.
    Inventors: David Lee Glessner, Michael Webster Sparks, Constantyn Engelbert Gieskes
  • Patent number: 7550077
    Abstract: The housing G of a downpipe filter A, which housing is to be mounted between downpipe ends 1, 2, has an exteriorly oriented outlet 6, an inner sieve device 32 and a collecting trough 27 communicating with the outlet 6, upper and lower housing parts 3, 4 each comprising a mounting socket S1, S2 for square downpipe ends 1, 2, and a housing intermediate section 5 at which the outlet 6 is provided and which housing intermediate section 5 is rotatable in relation to the housing parts 3, 4 about a housing axis X.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Graf Plastics GmbH
    Inventor: Otto Graf
  • Publication number: 20090152181
    Abstract: The present invention is for a self-cleaning filter basket for an overflow structure for a retention pond or storm water system. The filter basket is attached to the overflow structure over the outlet weir so that floating debris, such as trash, leaves, glass clippings, tree stems, and the like, is captured by the filter basket while sand, gravel and non-floating materials pass through the filter screen. The self-cleaning filter basket screens are cleaned by water, such as rain water, being directed through openings in the top of the filter basket to impinge against the angled screen sides in the filter basket to flush accumulated debris therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Henry Happel, Thomas H. Happel
  • Patent number: 7544288
    Abstract: A filter sphere for preventing debris from entering a downspout of a rain gutter. The filter sphere is a hollow, perforated sphere with a diameter slightly less than the width of a normal rain gutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Cook
  • Patent number: 7540953
    Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated belowground vault with filter catch basin, that allows the runoff water to enter into a belowground two-part vault passing through a commercially available replaceable filter before being transferred out to the sewer, Rood control system or out through a French drain consisting of a cavity below the device that is filled with drain gravel. A layer of filter cloth can optionally be placed over the drain gravel. This device will be manufactured in variety of sizes and shapes and made from several different materials. The device has the unique ability of being capable of filtering low flow water runoff while allowing high volume to pass through with the added benefit of not retaining water that can become a mosquito breeding ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventor: James Fitzgerald
  • Publication number: 20090134081
    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: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Henry Happel, Dolores J. Happel
  • Publication number: 20090114579
    Abstract: A protection device for a side entry pit, device having a frame to clamp to the exposed edge of the cover of the pit, and a screen of chains attached to the frame and extending beneath the opening of the pit to prevent trash from entering the pit. The protection device also includes a screen to prevent debris such as dirt and gravel entering the pit, the device including a wire mesh supporting a material such as filter foam to prevent the debris entering the pit, while permitting the passage of water therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: John Raymond Dyer
  • Publication number: 20090107053
    Abstract: A rain gutter screen assembly for use at the inside corner of a rain gutter. The assembly includes a screen having portions sized to overlie intersecting ends of the rain gutter sections, to allow water cascading down the roof corner to flow into the intersecting ends while blocking the entry of debris into the intersecting ends, and a central portion sized to extend outwardly beyond outboard edges of the intersecting ends in cantilever fashion; and a frame structure mounting outboard edges of the screen and defining a plate extending outwardly beyond the outboard edges of the intersecting ends in cantilever fashion in underlying relation to the central screen portion, whereby cascading water trajecting beyond the intersecting ends may pass through the central screen portion and onto the cantilever plate for redirection into the rain gutter sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Russell Guilford
  • Patent number: 7517450
    Abstract: A stormwater filtration system includes a stormwater containment structure including a concrete floor and a pre-assembled flow structure embedded in the concrete floor. The pre-assembled flow structure includes an inlet compartment housing, an outlet compartment housing and at least one filter conduit positioned between the inlet compartment housing and the outlet compartment housing and in flow communication with the interior of the outlet compartment housing. At least one bypass conduit extends from the inlet compartment housing to the outlet compartment housing for delivering water from the interior of the inlet compartment housing to the interior of the outlet compartment housing. A plurality of filter units are connected to the filter conduit so that stormwater filtered by the filter units passes into the filter conduit and then to the interior of the outlet compartment housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Contech Stormwater Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher S. Hersey, Gregory W. Byrne, Jr., Daniel W. Aberle
  • Publication number: 20090090067
    Abstract: A rain gutter cover comprising an elongate cover member adapted to be situated over an open trough of a rain gutter. The cover member has a first cover portion integrally extending into a second water directing portion following a rounded nose portion. An outer surface of the elongate cover member is adapted to substantially cause water passing thereover to adhere to its surface even under light rainfall conditions. The first portion includes multiple channels configured to converge water on the first portion and facilitate initial water adherence to the surface of the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Robert J. Demartini
  • Publication number: 20090078653
    Abstract: A gutter member includes an inlet operatively coupled to a gutter trough. The inlet is configured to receive matter such as water and non-water matter from the gutter trough. The gutter member further includes an outlet operatively coupled to a top of a downspout. The outlet is configured to pass water to the downspout. The gutter member further includes a reservoir configured to collect non-water matter. The reservoir is located between the inlet and the outlet and is lower than the gutter trough relative to the earth. The reservoir includes an exit port door configured to move between a first position in which a substantial amount of the non-water matter is retained in the reservoir and a second position in which the non-water matter is released from the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas William Koenig, Michael Thomas Koenig
  • Patent number: 7504024
    Abstract: An apparatus includes: a commercial kitchen sink having a drain; a trough below the sink for transporting effluent positioned such that there is an air gap between it and the drain; and a plurality of selectively positionable markers on the trough for indicating positions for strainers to collect solids in effluent discharging form the drain. A method of removing solids from an effluent flow from a kitchen sink having a drain hole is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Thermaco, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Batten, Bruce W. Kyles
  • Patent number: 7494585
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for maximizing the blockage of fluid borne solid materials from passage through a catch basin into the downstream parts of a fluid flow channel, with minimum impact on the volume and rate of fluid passing through the channel. The apparatus comprises at least one filter sheet secured within the catch basin at a location above and covering a large proportion of the floor of the catch basin, an overflow wall separating the filter area from an unfiltered overflow area, and a diverter for directing incoming trash away from the overflow area and to the filter side of the overflow wall. Although the apparatus covers a large area within the catch basin, the overflow wall, overflow area, and clearance between the filter sheet(s) and the floor provide sufficient space for fluid and excess trash to pass in the event the capacity of the apparatus for holding them is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventor: Khalil Ibrahim Nino
  • Patent number: 7491338
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method, using the apparatus, for blocking the passage of solid materials into or through a channel while permitting the passage of fluid; automatically releasing the blocked solid materials under predetermined conditions when priority is given to maximizing the passage of fluid; automatically re-closing after the accumulated solid materials have passed downstream, and resuming the blocking of solid materials; and, repeating the process upon recurrence of the predetermined conditions. Although the invention relates to street storm-water drainage channels, particularly inlets to catch basins, it can be applied to any fluid-flow channel where blocking the passage of solid materials is important but where there are conditions under which priority should be shifted from blocking the solid materials to releasing them downstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventor: Khalil Ibrahim Nino
  • Patent number: 7481920
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fine-screened grid having a screening grate. A slider is guided on the grid grate to remove debris therefrom. The slider is connected to a slider arm which, together with a guide lever, forms a knee lever. The configuration enables the slider to pass over large or heavy objects because it can be moved away from the screening grate as a result of the geometry and kinematics of the knee lever. The system can operate continuously without monitoring, because larger particles which cannot be carried by the slider and which collect at the beginning of the screening grate can be removed when convenient. Rinsing nozzles, which are disposed on the upper end of the screening grate, are provided in order to improve the transfer of retained particles from the slider to a capturing groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventor: Olaf Grimmel
  • Patent number: 7473373
    Abstract: A stormwater pollution management apparatus for a stormwater basin including a water intake assembly having a first end and a second end generally aligned along an axis and includes a hollow inverted T-shaped connector. A horizontal intake projects in a first direction from one side of the T-shaped connector toward the first end of the water intake assembly. The axially elongated intake defines a series of openings along the length and about the periphery thereof. An outlet projects in a second direction from a second side of the T-shaped connector toward the second end of the water intake assembly. A wrapper extends along and about the generally horizontal intake for creating an energy differential between the sediment water flowing into the water intake assembly and the water in the basin thereby affecting separation of particulate sediment from the water flowing into the water intake assembly. A hollow riser extends upwardly from the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventor: Perry W. Danler
  • Patent number: 7470361
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of installing an environmental control system so as to allow for separate sizing of treatment and bypass capacity while also offering the ability to make or change either treatment or bypass capacities at different times. This is accomplished by containing the treatment and bypass functions in separate chambers, using screen, baffle, or coalescing media pack to further refine effectiveness and capacity of each structure independently. The control structure and interceptor structure may be pre-engineered to a variety of sizes, capacities, or other specifications. This allows simple selection of a specific control structure and a specific interceptor structure from a variety of combinations, eliminating the need for custom engineering for each installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher N. Eberly
  • Patent number: 7468129
    Abstract: An oil-water separator for use in a trench, which surrounds an oilfield. The separator is positioned in the ground such that an inlet conduit extends at about the same level as the bottom of the trench. The trench water is admitted into the housing, where it contacts a plurality of buoyant oil-absorbing members, causing the oil particles to adhere to the surface of the oil-absorbing members. An outlet conduit located downstream from the oil-absorbing members is connectable to a pump to cause the oil-free water to be pumped from the housing and diverted away from the trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Inventor: Rene James Landry, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7465391
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating solid matter from a liquid stream, where the apparatus includes a generally cylindrical separation panel surrounding an interior space, which is oriented so as to have a substantially vertical longitudinal axis. The separation panel has a plurality of vertically and horizontally spaced openings which are adapted to remove solid material larger than a predetermined size from liquid passing through the separation panel. The apparatus also includes a chamber surrounding the separation panel and providing a chamber portion into which the liquid passes after passing through the separation panel. The apparatus may further include an inlet positioned below the separation panel, through which the liquid stream is delivered from a bottom opening of the separation panel to the interior space and which is arranged such that the liquid circulates about the axis so as to pass the separation panel, and an outlet extending from the chamber portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: CDS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Heist, Alex Davey, David Ziegler
  • Publication number: 20080302738
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a marine vessel water intake filtering system is described. The apparatus includes a filtering device adapted to couple to the marine vessel over a water intake port in the hull of the vessel. The filtering device lowers the flow velocity of the water on the incoming surface of the filter while maintaining a suitable flow to the intake port of the vessel. The filtering device prevents marine species of a certain size from becoming entrained in the water flow and entering the intake port, and provides for marine species that may be in the area of the intake do not become impinged on the filtering device as a result of intake water flow velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: David Lee Glessner, Michael Webster Sparks