Filters Patents (Class 210/203)
  • Patent number: 7135106
    Abstract: There is disclosed a device adapted to provide water purified to human consumption level, and arranged for connection to a water supply. The device comprises a water purifier, a container for purified water and connections between the water purifier and the purified water container, The water purifier includes a filtering system that removes particles present in water to be purified as well as any undesirable adsorbable material, The filtering system is in fluid communication with the water supply on the one hand, and the container, on the other hand. The device also includes an ozone generator and a venturi for injecting ozone into filtered water downstream of the filtering system, but before introduction of the purified water into the container. A pump is arranged to draw water from the water supply, to feed same to the filtering system, and thereafter to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Aquagenex Inc.
    Inventors: Gilles Marquis, Maxime Beaulieu
  • Patent number: 7132047
    Abstract: The present invention provides a filter apparatus for use in removing impurities and acids contained in a fluid that includes a particulate filter and an acid-neutralizing filter. Preferably, the particulate filter and the acid-neutralizing filter are positioned within a housing. A conduit having a pressure reduction section is arranged to create a pressure differential across the acid-neutralizing filter such that a portion of the fluid to be filtered by the filter apparatus passes through the acid-neutralizing filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignees: Baldwin Filters, Inc., D-A Lubricant Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Beard, Allan Roush
  • Patent number: 7118677
    Abstract: In order to use so-called gray water for the flushing of toilets, for example in a conveyance such as a passenger aircraft, the gray water is passed through at least one filter, preferably through a coarse filter followed by a fine filter, into a treatment tank where it is anodically oxidized. The rinsing is performed by a pump that may be a rotary pressure pump or a piston cylinder pump. The pump passes the processed or oxidized water through an excess pressure valve and through at least one spray nozzle into a toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Claus Hoffjann, Hans-Juergen Heinrich
  • Patent number: 7115206
    Abstract: A method for in-line preparation of liquid for an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus that makes provision for placing a filter in correspondence with each of two successive filtration stations, for carrying out a liquid preparation cycle, for removing the filter, which operates in correspondence with a first filtration station, for placing in correspondence with the first filtration station the filter that operated in correspondence with the second filtration station, for placing a new filter in correspondence with a second filtration station and for launching a new sterile liquid preparation cycle. The invention also provides a device for implementing the described method and an apparatus for extracorporeal blood treatment, which incorporates this device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventors: Jacques Chevallet, Guy Mercier, Laurent Simard
  • Patent number: 6969461
    Abstract: The present invention provides a filter apparatus for use in removing impurities and acids contained in a fluid that includes a particulate filter and an acid-neutralizing filter. Preferably, the particulate filter and the acid-neutralizing filter are positioned within a housing. A conduit having a pressure reduction section is arranged to create a pressure differential across the acid-neutralizing filter such that a portion of the fluid to be filtered by the filter apparatus passes through the acid-neutralizing filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignees: Baldwin Filters, Inc., D-A Lubricant Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Beard, Allan Roush
  • Patent number: 6843908
    Abstract: A multistage immersion type membrane separator in which an air diffuser is disposed under a filtration part immersed in a treatment tank, characterized in that: the filtration part has plural plate-like membrane cartridges arranged in a vertically parallel multistage fashion at spaced intervals for forming a crossflow passage of a predetermined width; and that the air diffuser has a diffuser tube disposed sidewardly that is communicated at its basal end to an air supply source and has at its lower side part plural blowholes, a flushing pipe that is communicated at its basal end to the tip of the diffuser tube and has at its tip an opening serving as an outlet above the diffuser tube, and a flushing valve disposed in the flushing pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Yasunobu Okajima, Tatsuya Uejima, Masaaki Nagano, Kiyoshi Izumi, Yutaka Yamada, Taichi Uesaka
  • Patent number: 6838156
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for linking two adjacent plastic work pieces (2, 3). The inventive method is characterized in that the intended contact zone (K) of at least one of the two work pieces (2) with which the latter adjoins to the other work piece (3) is at least partially subjected to a high-energy radiation to such an extent that the glass transition temperature is reduced in a marginal zone (R). The two work pieces (2, 3) are brought in the desired position relative to each other. For establishing the connection of the two work pieces (2, 3) at least the marginal zone (R) modified by the previous radiation process is heated at least in its surface area to a temperature that is higher than the glass transition temperature of the marginal zone (R) modified by the radiation process but lower than the glass transition temperature of the zones of the work pieces (2, 3) that have not been modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Aclara Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Neyer, Matthias Jöhnck
  • Patent number: 6824695
    Abstract: A self-contained, portable water purification system, including (a) an ozone supply, (b) an ozone contact chamber mixing a contaminated or potentially contaminated water stream with ozone generated by such ozone supply, (c) an ozone destruction unit for destructing ozone contained in the water stream and converting said water stream into an oxygen-rich and ozone-depleted water stream, and (d) a downstream biologically active carbon filter, for receiving such oxygen-rich and ozone-depleted water stream and biologically destructing at least a portion of contaminants contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: Gerard F. Tempest, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6820627
    Abstract: A fuel injector cleaner injection device for use with an automobile having an engine having a fuel injection system, a fuel supply, and a fuel line extending between the fuel supply and fuel injection system, the device having a main housing defining an interior volume, and a reservoir. The main housing has a fuel in port which is connected to the fuel line toward to the fuel supply, a fuel out port which is connected to the fuel line toward the engine, and a cleaner in port in communication with the reservoir through an adjustment valve. During use of the automobile, fuel flows from the fuel supply through the fuel in port through the interior volume to the fuel out port into the engine. Fuel injector cleaner from the reservoir is introduced into the fuel flow through the cleaner in port, under the control of the adjustment value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventor: Nelson Cordova
  • Patent number: 6790352
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating water contaminated with metal sulfates and sulfuric acid such as acid mine drainage (AMD) which in part recycles high pH effluent from later steps in the process back to the earlier steps of the process. The recycled high pH effluent added with magnesium hydroxide to the entering AMD generates precipitates separable from the stream to leave sulfate ladened water. A tangential filtering process is used to separate the sulfate ladened water into one stream of pure water and a second stream containing sulfate. One portion of the second stream is treated with ammonia to yield a cake of ammonia sulfate and aqueous ammonia. Ca(OH)2 is added to another portion of the second stream to produce calcium sulfate cake and the high pH effluent that is recycled back to the first step in the cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventors: Stephen Ray Wurzburger, J. Michael Overton
  • Patent number: 6787043
    Abstract: A water purification system and method using an ionizer and an ozonation treatment for ionization, oxidation and/or decomposition of undegradeable contaminants is disclosed. A high electron-inducing voltage is first applied to the water in the ionizer so that undergradeable materials are ionized and/pr decomposed, then the water is mixed with ozone so the water is purified to be potable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Moon-Ki Cho
    Inventors: Moon-Ki Cho, Han-Young Kang
  • Patent number: 6776903
    Abstract: In this waste-water treatment system, solids suspended in waste water are attached to a radial ring-shaped thread structure 6 filled in an attachment filter tank 2. Then, particle sizes are increased and the attached solids are further made to be anaerobic, digested and reduced. Then, sludge generated from the suspended solids is sedimented, separated and removed in a sedimentation section 3 in the same attachment filter tank 2. In this waste-water treatment system, solids suspended in waste water can be filtered without consuming a large amount of electrical energy. Thus, energy can be saved and waste can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Yamasaki, Kazumi Chujo
  • Patent number: 6762057
    Abstract: A sample separation apparatus including a porous, or rough, capillary column. The porous capillary column includes a matrix which defines pores, and may be formed from a material such as porous silicon. Alternatively, the capillary column may have a rough surface of hemispherical grain silicon. The capillary column is defined in a surface of a substrate, such as silicon. The sample separation apparatus may include a stationary phase or a capture substrate disposed on the surfaces thereof. The sample separation apparatus may also include a detector positioned proximate the capillary column. A variation of the sample separation apparatus includes an electrode proximate each end of the capillary column. The sample separation apparatus may be employed to effect various types of chromatographic separation, electrophoretic separation, and analyte identification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry L. Gilton
  • Patent number: 6663769
    Abstract: A system for making use of rainwater falling on houses and buildings, which comprises a means for removing a predetermined quantity of initial precipitation from the rainwater collected form the roof surface of the building; and a purifier receiving the subsequent rainwater from which the initial precipitation has been removed. The purifier includes a filtering tank, a sterilization tank, and a supply tank connected to the sterilization tank. The filtering tank has a physical filter and a pH adjusting agent, the sterilization tank contains a primary reactive catalyst for producing active oxygen species, and the supply tank supplies aqueous hydrogen peroxide to the primary reactive catalyst. The system also has a storage tank that stores the purified rainwater supplied from the purifier. The storage tank contains a secondary reactive catalyst for decomposing and eliminating residual active oxygen species remaining in the purified rainwater supplied from the purifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Takachiho Corp.
    Inventor: Makoto Hosoya
  • Patent number: 6638422
    Abstract: A liquid filtering apparatus which incorporates a filter bed medium having a specific gravity lower than that of the process liquid being filtered. Process liquid is pumped through one or more filter chambers containing the filter bed medium. A discharge line at the top of the housing directs the filtered liquid either back into a process liquid tank or stream, or into a clean liquid storage tank. A small storage tank provides a volume of filtered liquid for use in backwashing the filter bed medium. The particle size and nature of the filter bed medium are determined by the identity and specific gravity of the process liquid to be filtered so that the filter bed is buoyant on the process liquid. As the process liquid is pumped into the filter chamber, the composite filter bed floats to the top of the chamber where it stops rising. The process liquid then passes through the filter bed and the particulates are strained from the liquid by surface filtration and depth filtration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Steven H. Schwartzkopf
  • Patent number: 6623642
    Abstract: Phosphate-contaminated water passes through a domestic sewage treatment system, in which oxidation of the ammonium progresses far enough to cause a lowering of the pH to 5 or less. The water is passed over sand grains coated with aluminum hydroxide (gibbsite). Enough Al3+ ions enter solution, at the low pH, to cause all the phosphate-P to precipitate as aluminum phosphate, and nothing else precipitates other than the aluminum phosphate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Centre for Research in Earth and Space Technology
    Inventor: William Dean Robertson
  • Patent number: 6620314
    Abstract: A unit 1 for producing pyrogen controlled water on a small to medium factory scale comprises a number of charged ultrafiltration units 10 arranged in parallel. Orifice plates 15 are used to restrict and control the flow of deionized water to each filter 10. The filter units 10 are mounted on a frame 2 with a wheeled chassis 3 which may be pushed or moved by a forklift truck to a site where pyrogen controlled water is required. The unit 1 has an inlet line 4 for connection to a supply of deionized water and an outlet line 6 for connection to a user of pyrogen controlled water. The unit 1 may be purged with nitrogen from a supply 18. Sampling ports 17 in a common supply inlet 4 and a common outlet 6 ensure that the filtration efficiency can be closely monitored. The flow of water is monitored by a flowmeter 19 and pressure sensors 16 upstream of each filter facilitate a high level of control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Warner-Lambert Company
    Inventors: William Tully, Evelyn Madigan
  • Publication number: 20030168407
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are taught for selectively oxidizing carbon monoxide in a source of gas containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen. A gas containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen is fed into a membrane reactor (10, 50, 60) capable of selectively absorbing the carbon monoxide. Preferably, the reactor comprises a substantially defect-free zeolite membrane (4) having at one metal that acts as an oxidation catalyst. The zeolite membrane (4) may be supported on a porous ceramic support (2, 52, 61) and the average pore diameter is preferably between about 0.3 nm and about 1.0 nm. Moreover, the substantially defect-free zeolite membrane (4) preferably has a thickness between about 0.1 micron and about 50.0 microns. The at least one metal is preferably capable of selectively oxidizing the carbon monoxide and is preferably platinum. Preferably, the temperature of reactor housing is maintained at about 200-300 degrees centigrade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Katsuki Kusakabe, Yasuhisa Hasegawa, Shigeharu Morooka, Yasunori Ando
  • Patent number: 6517733
    Abstract: A continuous flow slurry cleaning method, apparatus and system including a filter portion and a mud re-circulation manifold for receiving partially filtered slurry, containing the slurry and mixing the slurry with liquid ready for use and thereby enabling a continuous, re-circulating flow through the filter portion. The continuous flow slurry cleaning apparatus and system further include a tank for storing and delivering liquid ready to be used by a drilling machine. The continuous flow slurry cleaning method, apparatus and system further includes a mud circulation/agitation system for keeping solids in suspension and for mixing additives along with the liquid ready for use and thereby modifying the makeup of the liquid ready for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Robin W. Carlson
  • Patent number: 6517711
    Abstract: An improved waste treatment system and improved waste treatment system components are provided. In a preferred form, a waste stream is initially separated into primarily solid and primarily liquid components, and the liquids are then fed to a filter assembly. The filter assembly includes a pair of filter elements, and the flow is introduced into the filter assembly at a location between the filter elements. During a filtering operation, the liquid is pumped so that it is drawn through one of the filter elements. Periodically, the flow can be reversed, so that it is directed through the other filter element, at which time the first filter element can also be purged or back flushed. Advantageous waste treatment system arrangements are also provided for household, commercial, or transportation/marine use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Wastech International Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Rummler, Thomas R. Beal, Guy D. Marchesseault, Christine L. Robblee, Steven McHenry
  • Patent number: 6491814
    Abstract: A tablet filter which can be attached to a standard grid covering that is attached to a drain like the kind found in homes, restaurants, factories and markets. The tablet filter will be suspended below the standard grid covering to trap any debris which is not trapped by the standard grid covering and, in addition, can be impregnated with various scents or sanitizing agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: Leon I. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 6489132
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for qualitatively or quantitatively determining one or more analytes in matrices such as foods, biological fluids, etc. An embodiment for determination of a single analyte comprises a sample receiving vessel, a first membrane and a reagent-containing well. The prepared sample passes through the first membrane whereby extraneous matter is removed, and a filtrate enters the reagent-containing well to provide a filtrate-reagent admixture from which the analyte may be determined. An embodiment for determination for multiple analytes includes one or more additional membranes in series with the first membrane, each such additional membrane being operative to capture one or more analytes. Each of the additional analytes may then be eluted from the membrane upon which it has been captured, into a separate reagent-containing well to provide eluant-reagent admixture from which each desired analyte may be determined. Formulations for preparation additives are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Safety Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Virginia C. Gordon, John T. Sorensen, Soheila Mirhashemi, Michael Mittelstein, John F. Elias
  • Patent number: 6432303
    Abstract: A system and method removes contaminated sediments during dredging operations to minimize the dispersion of particulate matter that normally occurs during conventional mechanical or hydraulic dredging operations. The system uses a specially designed pressure controlled enclosure or enclosed excavator that houses a mechanical bucket. The enclosure is designed to capture suspended particles that are dispersed into the water column during the mechanical dredging process. The system also includes the use of a self-contained membrane filtration treatment vessel to remove fine particulate matter from dredge drainage waters collected in the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventors: Warren Howard Chesner, James Melrose
  • Patent number: 6423219
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the presence and growth of microorganisms and biofilms in water lines is provided. The systems include, for example, a valved, multi-port control manifold for accepting inlet water to be treated and a filter for (1) reducing particulate physical matter, (2) further reducing particulate matter while also reducing the content of absorbable organics, and (3) physically removing microorganisms. The system further includes a mixing reservoir or chamber with specialized means for injecting active agents such as biocides for additional control of planktonic and sessile microbes. An optional pressurized storage vessel for retaining and delivering filtered and treated water is also disclosed. The methods include, for example, the step of introducing an aqueous cleaner derived from natural citrus botanicals into a water system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: James W. Chandler
  • Patent number: 6419821
    Abstract: A low cost system for providing drinking water includes a feed water container with a simple ceramic filter covering an outlet of the feed water container. The preferred filter is generally cylindrically shaped with a bore extending partially therethrough, in a configuration commonly referred to as a “ceramic candle” filter in developing countries. Under force of gravity, feed water filters through the ceramic to a storage container below. The filtered water is irradiated with ultraviolet (UV) energy either as it flows or after collection in the storage container. In one embodiment, filtered water is temporarily collected in an intermediate holding tank, where it can be irradiated constantly on in batches and periodically released to the lower container. Filtration through ceramic provides clear water with a low UV extinction coefficient for more efficient UV disinfection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: WaterHealth International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashok J. Gadgil, Anushka Drescher
  • Publication number: 20020060177
    Abstract: A filter assembly for a household water treatment apparatus has a plurality of individual filter elements including two or more of a pre-filter, a main treatment filter and a polishing filter, each of the two or more filter elements is positioned in a different flow path of the apparatus when the filter assembly is mounted in the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventor: Wayne Conrad
  • Patent number: 6379543
    Abstract: Disclosed is a water treatment system (10) including: (a) a water permeable wall portion (12) defining a water treatment portion (18) of a waterway to be treated; and (b) a treating portion (20) retained in a desired position relative to the permeable wall portion (12) by retaining means (26) wherein water to be treated permeates through said wall portion (12), said retaining means (26) and said treating portion (20) for removing pollutants contained therein prior to discharge of water from the system (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Ecologic Holdings Pty Limited
    Inventor: Martin Bowman
  • Patent number: 6358407
    Abstract: A device and method for the filtration and purification of suspended solids from high turbidity wastewater or other fluids using a slow circulating fluid stream flow inside a vessel of fluid containing a mixture of coagulant and suspended solids. By determining and using a calculated velocity of the flow of the fluid in the vessel, suspended solids are caused to separate from the fluid in which they are suspended by natural actions of gravity and pressure differentials in the vessel ceasing the rise of the suspended solids. The suspended solids are filtered from the water or other fluid by a filter layer of the suspended solids themselves which form a filter element for the fluid at a determined level in the vessel wherein suspended solids are separated and drain back though a return orifice leaving cleansed fluid to rise through a secondary filtration system of buoyant balls floating at a higher lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventors: Taiouan Liao, Chunjiang Liao, Manhoi Lam
  • Patent number: 6346191
    Abstract: There is described a filter device for placement in a utility sink in an aircraft for filtering particulate material, and for dissolving and/or absorbing fatty compounds from the waste fluid, which device comprises a basin (1) having one or more bottom outlets (2) and a filter element (3) located at the bottom of the basin, which basin (1) has a shape adapted to the shape of the sink. The bottom outlet (2) in the basin (1) is made up of a plurality of through-going apertures. The filter element (3) consists preferably of a porous plastic material or wire netting web coated or impregnated with an enzyme- and/or soap-containing compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventor: Stephen V. A. Morris
  • Patent number: 6346197
    Abstract: A system and process for removing contaminants from water and wastewater, where the water or wastewater is transformed into purified water that can be discharged to the environment. Wastewater is transported through several stations for purification, including an electrochemical cell. The purification process begins by sending the wastewater to a classifier through an in-line basket strainer. The wastewater stream in the classifier is drawn through a solid-liquid hydrocyclone, which returns the solids to the classifier and sends the remaining liquid to feed tanks. Contaminants that float are removed from the wastewater by skimming from the surface of the feed tank. The wastewater underflow from the feed tanks is pumped directly to the electrochemical cell where it enters into the bottom of the cell, and exits from the top of the cell. The discharge, including coagulated solids, hydrogen gas, and oxygen gas, is mixed with a polymer as well as compressed air just prior to entering a static in-line mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: McKay Creek Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert J. Stephenson, Bruce D. Tennant, Donald Hartle
  • Patent number: 6344146
    Abstract: A portable, self-contained, fully integrated water purification device which includes a receptacle modified to accommodate a filtration assembly for purifying water, and to store water following purification. The receptacle provides separate openings for water intake, and water outflow. The filtration assembly includes a pump and a multistage filter cartridge. Pump action draws water into the water purification device and forces the water through the multistage filter and into the receptacle. Purified water may be stored in the receptacle until consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: John S. Moorehead, Thomas A. Pettenski, John F. Searle, Eric J. Larson
  • Patent number: 6342378
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the generation of methane by a two phase anaerobic phase system (APS) digestion of organic substrates. Also provided is a device for practicing the methods of the invention. The APS-digester system is a space-efficient, high-rate solids digestion system. The APS-digester system consists of one or more hydrolysis reactors and one biogasification reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Ruihong Zhang, Zhiqin Zhang
  • Publication number: 20020005385
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating wastewater or source water are disclosed. Water is directed through a filter assembly having a filter medium and is irradiated by a radiation assembly. In preferred embodiments, the filter medium may be microporous or finer; the radiation assembly may be arranged to irradiate water upstream of the filter medium of the filter assembly; and/or the radiation assembly may be arranged to irradiate water upstream of the filter medium of the filter assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventors: Donald B. Stevens, Anthony M. Wachinski, Thomas Wingfield
  • Patent number: 6306291
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring particulates in a liquid stream and the rate at which the particulates foul a filtering medium, generally a reverse osmosis membrane, to determine at what point in time the filtering medium should be cleaned or replaced. The apparatus includes a monitoring filter unit having a plurality of filter portions. The pressure drop across each filter portion, through which a sample of the feed stream is passed, is monitored. Fouling of a filter portion by accumulated particulate thereon causes an increase in the pressure drop across the filter unit. The increasing pressure drop is monitored as an indicator of the correlative or correspondent fouling of the main filtering medium to be protected. Different filter portions in the filter unit are successively used as each becomes fouled, allowing continuous monitoring for extended periods of time between filter media changes in monitoring filter unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Stanley R. Lueck
  • Patent number: 6299761
    Abstract: Ozone is generated and combined with water. The combined water and ozone are then mixed to provide a substantially homogeneous mixture which subsequently is transported along a confined flow path having a length sufficient to provide substantially complete decomposition of the ozone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Ozonaid International, Inc.
    Inventor: Desheng Wang
  • Patent number: 6245226
    Abstract: A pretreatment system and a pretreatment method for recycling exhaust water, for purifying exhaust water to a water quality acceptable to ordinary water-purification equipment, has advantages of small space occupation, low energy consumption, and lower cost. By providing a mixing piping with coarse interior, a series of closed micro continuous stirred tank reactors can be established inside the pipe to form plenty of turbulent regions for thoroughly mixing the chemical and the exhaust water. Flocculent gels that carry pollutants and particles of the exhaust water then can be removed by a filtering unit, for purifying the exhaust water. Also, by providing a modified silt density index, the pollution of a sample water can be clearly scaled and monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chen-Chang Chang, Shih-Cheng Lin, Hsing-Fen Tsai
  • Patent number: 6193895
    Abstract: A multipurpose vehicle coolant recycling device is described. The multipurpose vehicle coolant recycling device includes a pump for pumping coolant through said recycling device, a processing tank for receiving used coolant, a fresh coolant tank for receiving fresh coolant, a filter for removing particulates from coolant, a coolant outlet hose constructed for attachment to a cooling system of a motor vehicle, a coolant inlet hose constructed for attachment to a cooling system of a motor vehicle, and a plurality of control valves for directing flow of coolant through the recycling device. The plurality of control valves are adjustable between a first configuration, a second configuration, a third configuration, and a fourth configuration. The first configuration is constructed for directing coolant from the fresh coolant tank through the pump and through the coolant outlet hose, and directing coolant from a cooling system of a motor vehicle through the coolant inlet hose and into the processing tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Century Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: William S. Dea, Todd Moore
  • Patent number: 6171487
    Abstract: Dual-flow filter for the biological purification of effluents, particularly water, comprising at least two filtration cells, arranged in series, in fluid communication, with one another so that the effluent to be treated passes through them successively, these two cells being separated by an intermediate box provided with aeration means, wherein the first filtration cell is of the ascending flow type and the second filtration cell is of the descending flow type, and the aeration in the intermediate box takes place countercurrentwise with respect to the liquid flow moving through the box, with a movement of the flows guided with the aid of a siphon partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Degremont
    Inventors: Nicolas Rousseau, Jacques Moles, Jean-Louis Vital
  • Patent number: 6159426
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an assay apparatus for detecting a product in a sample. The assay apparatus comprises a fluid pathway with an input for the sample and an input for a reagent with a detectable moiety which transports the sample to a detecting means via a barrier arranged to prevent a product-reagent complex passage but allow passage to the reagent and the sample. The complex is formed through interaction of the reagent and any of the product in the sample. The apparatus also including supply means for supplying a substance adapted to breakdown the complex into a detectable moiety which can flow through the barrier to the detecting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Kalibrant Limited
    Inventors: Derek Adeyemi Palmer, Martin Thomas French
  • Patent number: 6126830
    Abstract: Medical waste water is treated by passing it through a bioremediation tank and, thereafter, treating the water with ozone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: Judith M. Marshall
  • Patent number: 6123838
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for purifying separator waste water from a dry cleaning process. The present invention utilizes 3 stages of purification. In Stage one, highly contaminated separator waste water is put into a solvent separator tank. Liquid solvent settles out of the separator waste water, sink to the bottom of the solvent separation tank where it accumulates below the separated water. In Stage 2 air bubbles are introduced through the separated water, stripping out much of the solvent which is dissolved in the separated water and reducing the dissolved solvent concentration. This air stripping process dramatically extends to useful life of the granulated carbon in the granulated eaton filter. Stage 3 takes the air stripped water and filters it through a granulated carbon filter, which results in the carbon purified water having a dissolved solvent of less than 0.7 parts per million. The carbon purified water can then be safely and economically disposed of without harming the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Evaporation Technology International, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Grossman
  • Patent number: 6096206
    Abstract: Manufacturing equipment for drinkable water containing high oxygen includes at least an original water storing and feeding device, a filter device, a softening device, a deodorising device, a film filter device, a collecting and reacting device, an ozone sterilizing device, a sophisticated filter device, a liquid oxygen supply device, and a dispensing device combined together for producing the best quality drinkable water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Wen-Tien Huang
  • Patent number: 6083386
    Abstract: A method for treating waste from animal husbandry sites. The process is a closed loop system with no need for an anerobic lagoon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: AgTech Environmental, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Don Lloyd
  • Patent number: 6039866
    Abstract: In a fluidized bed filtering apparatus, for preventing particles of filtering material from entering into a feed pipe to clog the feed pipe and lowering the frequency of washing operations, a filtering material layer made of granular filtering material is supported by a supporting layer disposed in a filtering chamber so as to provide a space in the lower portion of the filtering chamber and two lines of a first feed pipe the outlet of which opens in the filtering material layer and a second feed pipe the outlet of which opens within the space are provided for feeding corrupt water into the filtering chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Tanaka, Koichi Tsuzuki, Noriyo Nishijima, Fumitaka Handa, Shiro Nakadaira
  • Patent number: 6001246
    Abstract: A process wastewater treatment plant, and a process relating thereto, which converts process wastewater generated in battery manufacturing and the like into clean process water and sodium sulfate salt by treating the process wastewater to remove impurities and contaminants, including debris, oil/grease, heavy metal oxides, lead and other heavy metals, suspended solids, bacteria, organic compounds, and/or gases, from the wastewater to obtain a clean neutral sodium sulfate brine, subjecting the brine to heat to obtain distilled water and sodium sulfate salt, and purifying the distilled water by reverse osmosis for reuse as clear process water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Charles M. Suenkonis
  • Patent number: 5942107
    Abstract: There is disclosed a portable assembly for treating hazardous waste water having a plurality of paired filter units having filter mediums and operated at high filter rates to minimize solids build up wherein solids are caused to be smashed and broken by shear forces and wherein chemicals are sequentially added to facilitate solids reduction, to oxidize organic compounds and to precipitate dissolved solids and wherein the process stream is subjected to ultraviolet light to reduce organic loading and downstream ultra filtration units to further reduce solids followed by reverse osmosis and/or ionization treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Joseph B. Busch, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5888385
    Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment and recovery of spent vehicle coolant that involves the following steps:a) removing the spent coolant from the engine;b) treating the spent coolant with sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate to cause dissolved metals therein to form insoluble particles;c) treating the spent coolant of step b) with an aqueous basic coagulating agent such as a polyquaternary ammonium compound in its hydroxide form;d) filtering the spent coolant from step c) through a set of filters and then through a bed of carbon particles, to produce a relatively cleaner liquid; ande) adding to the relatively clear liquid a combination of corrosion inhibitors, buffering agents and alkali, whereby the treated coolant can be recycled to the vehicle for effective coolant performance therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Century Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Ische, Michael W. Johnson, William S. Dea, Thomas D. Chandler
  • Patent number: 5888382
    Abstract: A filtration tank and means for subsequent purification of filter bag purified waste water, especially grey water, which is introduced into the top of a filter tank and is evenly distributed by means of spray nozzles on the top layer of purification media, which are built up in layers in a tank around a built-in central pipe. The layers of purification media consist of varying types of material and grain size, density, weight, ect. The water passes through the varying layers of purification medium and is collected on the bottom of the central pipe, where a pump lifts the water through a U.V. treatment apparatus for sanitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Bakelittfabrikken A/S
    Inventors: Lars Ringdal, Lars Westlie, Jens Christian K.o slashed.ler
  • Patent number: 5879546
    Abstract: A water purification system has a series of sequential operating stations each adapted to remove successively finer suspended or dissolved matter from contaminated water. The sequential steps employed are a pH neutralization step, a particulate precipitation step, a pre-filtration step, a particulate coagulation step and a final filtration step. The particulate coagulation is achieved by means of a novel apparatus for the generation of an especially activated oxygen combined with electrically charged probes for agglomerating the particulate which is filtered in a subsequent station. The initially contaminated water passes through each step in the process and emerges as clean, reusable, water. By employing the process and the system of the invention, the process water is recycled, rather than wasted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: Robert M. Burford
  • Patent number: 5868924
    Abstract: A water purifier which produces ultrapure water from a variety of feed sources. The feed source water may be potable tap, distilled, deionized, or water treated by reverse osmosis. The water is passed through a first purification media (30) and then through a chamber (34) where it is exposed to ultraviolet light in the presence of titanium dioxide. The water is then passed through a second purification media (38) to a dispensing valve (40). Operating the dispensing valve (40) provides ultrapure water from the purifier having a specific resistance of at least 18.0 megohm-cm and a TOC count of less than one ppb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Barnstead/Thermolyne Corporation
    Inventors: Charles T. Nachtman, Chester E. Chomka, James R. Edwards