Abstract: Fluid treatment arrangements and methods for operating fluid treatment arrangements may include fluid treatment assemblies and manifold assemblies that direct fluids to and/or from the fluid treatment assemblies.

Abstract: Apparatus for washing and dewatering pulp comprising rotatable press rolls including permeable outer surfaces and a casing comprising a vat in which the rolls are installed are disclosed. A feed for feeding the pulp through the gap between the vat and the outer surfaces of the press rolls is provided and the vat includes a vat segment providing at least one compartment between the vat segment and the casing, the at least one compartment extending along the longitudinal extension of one of the first and second rotatable press rolls and a pressure device to maintain the pressure in the at least one compartment corresponding to the pressure in the gap.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a filtration device that comprises a disc with a rim covering and stiffening a plurality of filtration sectors connected to taps provided on the outer wall of a rotary main shaft containing inner discharge channels and fit-inserted into said taps and into a crown comprising two parts concentric to the shaft, one which is secured to the shaft while the other is removable, characterised in that said rim is provided with openings each intended for receiving a removable connection flange bearing, on the one hand, a radial strut clamped between two adjacent sectors for the relative clamping thereof and interacting, on the other hand, with a spring quick fastener for locking the strut under tension between the sectors. The disclosure also relates to a method for assembling and maintaining said filtration device.

Abstract: A rotary filter is provided with greatly expanded filter media area within the flow stream of material to be filtered due to use of a series of cylindrical filter cartridges consisting of a core and cylindrical filter media that are attached to and within a rotary disc, thus providing much greater filter area within the size constraints of the rotary disc and the flow channel. This allows removal of contaminating material in the flow stream. The retaining methods used for these cartridges restrains their movement within the flow stream thus allowing backflushing by reversing flow direction and venting the backflush material. The attachment and construction further allows easy removal and replacement of filter media and cartridges.

Abstract: A drainless reverse osmosis (RO) water purification system provides relatively pure water for on-demand dispensing, while recycling brine to a domestic hot water system. The drainless purification system includes a pre-filter catalyst cartridge for removing chlorine-based contaminants from a tap water supply upstream from an RO membrane. The catalyst is regularly refreshed by a high through-flow of water to a conventional cold water dispense faucet, thereby significantly prolonging the service life of the RO membrane. The RO membrane is incorporated into a multi-cartridge unit adapted for facilitated slide-out removal and replacement as needed. A control valve recycles brine from the RO membrane to the hot water system during pure water production, and recirculates tap water through the RO membrane when a pure water reservoir is substantially filled. The multi-cartridge unit may further include an air filtration system for providing a flow of filtered air.

Abstract: A system and method for installing a large-sized filtering membrane module to a frame structure with easiness is disclosed, wherein the system comprises a frame structure to which the filtering membrane module is to be installed; and an installing apparatus for installing the filtering membrane module to the frame structure, wherein the installing apparatus comprises a horizontal rod parallel to an inserting direction of the filtering membrane module into the frame structure; and a moving unit movable toward the frame structure along the horizontal rod while supporting the filtering membrane module.

Abstract: A filtration sealing system is provided for sealing a filter element in a housing at a mating interface therebetween. The sealing system includes a keyed interface. A replacement filter element is provided for such filtration sealing system, with the replacement filter element including a keyed interface.

Abstract: A faucet mounted water filtration system includes a base defining an inlet and a plurality of outlets. The base at least partially defines a filter compartment configured to house a filter cartridge. A first valve assembly is positioned within the base and defines a first passage and a second passage. A valve stem is movably positioned within the first passage. With the valve stem in a first position, the first passage provides fluid communication between the inlet and a first outlet and with the valve stem in a second position the second passage provides fluid communication between the inlet and the filter compartment. A body is rotatably coupled to the base and includes a first cam configured to urge the valve stem from the first position to the second position as the body rotates with respect to the base.

Abstract: Personal filtration devices for removable mounting on water discharging spouts in the form of bottlenecks, taps, and the like, for dispensing drinking water for personal consumption. The personal filtration devices preferably include a manually operated open-closed slide valve for correspondingly enabling and disabling dispensing drinking water and hermetically sealing an activated carbon filter media in a sealed environment in its closed position for prolonging the carbon filter media's lifetime. The personal filtration devices are preferably capable of disassembly for rejuvenation purposes, and are removably sealingly slidingly inserted into a sleeve with a resiliently elastic tubular universal adapter for being sealingly slidingly stretched onto water discharging spouts as opposed to screw threaded thereon whereby the universal adapters are capable of being sealingly slidingly stretched onto water discharging spouts of different external diameters.

Abstract: Provided is a roller pump that can easily install/remove an elastic tube and appropriately control a discharge flow rate. The roller pump includes a pump slide that is connected to a pump block cover via two slider links and restricts an arrangement of the elastic tube by an inner peripheral surface; a pump block cover that operates an opened state and a closed state of the pump slide; a first slider link that has a substantially circular contact surface in contact with the second slider link, having one end rotatably connected to the pump slide using a support pin and the other end rotatably connected to the pump block cover using a support pin; and a second slider link that has a substantially circular contact surface in contact with the first slider link and is rotatably connected to a fixed part of a base using a support pin.

Abstract: Fluid filter elements and assemblies are used to separate contaminants from a fluid, such as oil or fuel, prior to reaching an engine. Fluid filter assemblies may comprise a housing, a filter element, and a filter head. The Filter element may be disposed within the filter housing and enclosed by the filter head. Fluid enters the housing and passes through the filter element. The fluid may then exit the assembly. A connector may be used to connect the filter element to the filter head to ensure proper installation and simplify removal of a fouled filter element. The connector permits removable coupling of the filter element to the filter head and resists unintentional disengagement to securely couple the filter element to the filter head.

Abstract: A molten plastic material filtration apparatus includes a shell, which has a cavity, and a feed channel, an outfeed channel and a cleaning channel respectively disposed in communication between the cavity and the space outside the shell, a filter mounted in the cavity of the shell and rotatable relative to the shell and having a filter chamber and a plurality of through holes cut through the periphery thereof in communication with the filter chamber, a guide member affixed to the shell and positioned in the filter chamber of the filter, the guide member having a feed-in guide passage, a cleaning guide passage and an outfeed guide passage corresponding to the feed channel, cleaning channel and outfeed channel of the shell, a scraper mounted in the cleaning channel of the shell, and a control valve mounted in the output end of the cleaning channel of the shell.

Abstract: A filter mount for engine includes: a base having a bottom surface; a filter adapter adapted to engage with the filter; a mount for the filter adapter, aligned perpendicular to the bottom surface of the base; and protrusions on the base to guide the movement of the mount so that the mount travels generally perpendicular to the bottom of the base.

Abstract: A filter element in a fuel filter has an annularly arranged filter medium that is sealed at the end faces by end plates wherein a venting unit for venting gases out of the filter element area is provided. The venting unit comprises a securing ring that clamps, in the mounting position, a filter body, wherein in the securing ring a through opening as well as additionally an expansion opening are provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a filter insert (1) that is provided as an exchangeable insert in a filter, in particular an oil filter, fuel filter or the like of an internal combustion engine. The filter comprises a filter housing (3) that can be separated along a separating plane (2) and the exchangeable filter insert (1) extending in an axial direction (18). Two housing parts (4, 5) of the filter housing (3) are sealed relative to one another along the separating plane (2) by means of a seal (6). The seal (6) is secured slidably and captively in the axial direction (18) on the filter insert (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge (1) for accommodating blood bags (35), which is provided for the separation of blood components for the application in a centrifuge. The cartridge (1) has a partition wall (3) which separates a blood bag section (5) positioned radially inside from a product section (7) positioned radially outside, and a cover (9) disposed in a mounting position above the blood bag section (5). The cover (9) is connected to the partition wall (3) pivotally in a first point (11) and detachably in a second point (13), so that the blood bag section (5) is freely accessible by means of laterally pivoting the cover (9) out of the way. The cartridge is applicable in the rotor of a centrifuge.

Abstract: Disclosed is a filter assembly including a filter cartridge including a housing, a filter provided inside the housing, and a cartridge connection portion provided at an upper portion of the housing, a head portion including a head connection portion to be coupled to the cartridge connection portion so that the filter cartridge can be attached and detached, a water inlet which introduces water to the filter cartridge, and a water outlet which discharges the water filtered by the filter cartridge, the head portion including a filter attaching and detaching lever which is movable between a first position, at which the head connection portion and the filter cartridge connection portion are coupled to each other, and a second position, at which the head connection portion and the filter cartridge connection portion are separated from each other, and can be supported by the head portion.

Abstract: Apparatus for extracting a material from a body of liquid and methods therefore are disclosed. A transport member comprises at least one continuous loop configured to pass through a continuous orbit. The material sufficiently adheres to at least a portion of the at least one continuous loop. A scraping member urges against at least a portion of the continuous loop for removing at least some of any of the material adhered to the continuous loop. Such an apparatus can be a harvester that includes a frame having a first end and a second end. A first conveyor drum can be supported by the frame adjacent the first end and can have an outer surface for engaging the transport member. A second conveyor drum can be supported adjacent the second end and can have an outer surface for engaging the transport member.

Abstract: This invention refers to a filtering system for water and other liquids, which includes different filtering stages in the same element, with its cleaning being done automatically by a new procedure. The filtering system is comprised of a cylindrical outer casing with the pipe of the water to be filtered penetrating tangentially through its base, using centrifugal force in the first filtering stage to separate the particles with greater density. Then the liquid takes a helicoidal path and passes through different filtering devices, such as mesh, rings, etc., with the filtered and, therefore, clean water finally being collected in an appropriately perforated central pipe that comes out of the filter through the centre of its lower base. The system is used for the cleaning of liquids, basically water, in agriculture for localised irrigation, in industry, environment, etc.

Abstract: A filter cartridge is provided. The filter cartridge includes a first end plate connected to a first end of a filter media, a second end plate connected to a second end of the filter media and a centering device. The centering device is located towards the second end of the filter media for aligning a pin of the first end plate into a hole of a filter housing. The centering device also includes first ribs at first opposing ends of the centering device and second ribs at second opposing ends of the centering device, the first and second ribs protruding inwardly toward the center of a centering device hole. The length of the first ribs towards the center of the centering device hole and the length of the second ribs towards the center of the centering device hole are designed to align with a cross-sectional shape of the standpipe hole.

Abstract: A vertical membrane module unit is allowed to be installed even at a place with a low ceiling. A housing containing a vertical membrane module unit is held by a housing holder. The housing holder holds the housing tiltably such that the housing can be positioned with the longitudinal direction of the membrane module unit being substantially vertical when treated water is extracted, and the housing can be positioned with the longitudinal direction of the membrane module unit being substantially horizontal when the membrane module unit is removed from the housing.

Abstract: A fluid filter, having a filter element (10) which can be inserted into a filter housing (2), characterized in that the filter element (10) has at least one assembly aid element (12) which is assigned a corresponding housing-side assembly aid element (11) in such a way that the housing-side assembly aid element (11) and the filter-side assembly aid element (12) engage into one another in the installed situation.

Abstract: A fluid (e.g. liquid) treatment cartridge assembly for holding solid (particulate) matter therein for contact with a fluid (e.g. a liquid medium). The cartridge comprises an outer cylindrical housing component, having a first cylindrical axis, and an inner tubular component disposed within the cylindrical housing component. The outer cylindrical housing component includes a plurality of wall panels which are interconnected by slider interlock means disposed and configured such that adjacent wall panels are slide interlocked thereby.

Abstract: A filter assembly (10) for fluids, comprising a generally cylindrical container (3), a cylindrical filter cartridge (4) housed inside said container (3) and a closing cover (1) with centering means (11) of the filter cartridge (4) on the bottom of the container. The centering of the cartridge (4) during its assembling is ensured by an annular centering member (9) disposed on the outer surface of the filter cartridge (4) and cooperating with engagement means (31) formed on the inner surface of the container (3). The seal between the container (3) and the cover (1) is formed by a member (13) overmoulded to the upper edge of the container (3).

Abstract: A fluid filtration device includes a tubular external shell assembled with first and second end plates. A cartridge plate is secured to the shell between the first and second end plates, such that the first end plate and the cartridge plate define a filtration chamber, and the second end plate and the cartridge plate define an outlet chamber. The cartridge plate includes a plurality of apertures configured to receive a plurality of filter elements assembled thereto. An inlet port intersects the filtration chamber, and an outlet port intersects the outlet chamber. The cartridge plate is secured to the shell by a laterally split, outwardly resilient retaining band received in interlocking engagement with a corresponding inner circumferential groove in the shell, the inner circumferential groove being positioned adjacent to the cartridge plate, such that the installed retaining band prevents longitudinal movement of the cartridge plate toward the second end plate.

Abstract: A dewatering structure is provided. The dewatering structure includes a receptacle body, a dewatering unit, and an operation unit. The receptacle body includes a receptacle tub and an assembling space. The dewatering unit is a hollow bucket which allows fluid flowing therethrough. The dewatering unit is assembled in the receptacle tub. The operation unit includes an operation member, a base, and a transmission mechanism. The operation member is pivotally connected to the base, and is adapted for swinging like a teeterboard at the pivotal position thereof as a pivotal axis. An elastic member is disposed between the operation member and the base, and provides an upward elastic force to the operation member. The transmission mechanism includes a gear assembly and a transmission shaft. The gear assembly includes an in-line gear disk and an irreversible driving gear disk. The in-line gear disk is pivotally coupled to the supporting bracket of the base.

Abstract: A supporting plate of a device is suggested. The device has at least one component and a housing for at least partly protecting the component. The supporting plate has at least one receiving element adapted for accepting the at least one component of the device in at least one of the following manners: in a form-closed manner, in a force-closed manner. The supporting plate is part of the housing.

Abstract: A two part drain assembly for a container assembly with a drain for flowing fluid from the interior of the container assembly to exterior of the container assembly. A back plate comprising a first sliding engagement means parallel a second sliding engagement means connected by a back plate body, wherein a drain attachment hole is disposed on the back plate body and a bottom plate is disposed perpendicular to the first sliding engagement means and the second sliding engagement means. A front cover comprising a plurality of flow holes for slidably engaging simultaneously the first sliding engagement means and the second sliding engagement means, wherein the front cover forms an enclosed hollow chamber when slidably engaged with the back plate thereby permitting fluid to flow from the interior of the container assembly into the hollow chamber while excluding particles from entering the enclosed hollow chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tank for water-bearing appliances, in particular domestic appliances such as beverage machines, in particular coffee machines, drinking water dispensers, cooking and baking appliances, steam appliances, in particular steam irons, steam cleaners, pressure washers, air purifiers and conditioners or the like, having a filter cartridge connection (8). Said tank is distinguished in that an appliance connection (3), which can be connected with a predominantly horizontal insertion movement, is connected to connection elements which are provided for a filter cartridge (2) which can be inserted into the inside of the tank (1). The present invention also relates to a filter for use with a water tank of this kind and an appliance in which a water tank of this kind can be employed.

Abstract: A filter cartridge 38 includes a first endcap 41 defining a first open aperture and having at least first and second protrusions extending from a wall along the aperture and into the first open aperture. The first protrusion is spaced from the second protrusion in both a vertical direction and a circumferential direction. The filter cartridge also includes filter media 44 and a second endcap 42. The filter cartridge is mountable in a filter bowl 36 having an inner liner assembly, and the bowl and the inner liner assembly is connectable to a filter head to form a filter system.

Abstract: Provided is a platelet-rich plasma separator which can carry out the separation of a platelet-rich plasma with a small number of gamma radiation sterilized instruments and a platelet-rich plasma separation method. The platelet-rich plasma separator comprises a first syringe and a second syringe. The first syringe comprises a first syringe cylinder provided with a first port on which a blood collection needle can be mounted, a first cap detachable from the first port, a first gasket for sealing the first syringe cylinder fluid-tightly, which first gasket is reciprocated within the first syringe cylinder, and a first plunger provided detachably on the first gasket.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water filter unit for a refrigerator and/or freezer, wherein the water filter unit includes at least one base body and at least one receptacle for a filter cartridge, which is movable relative to the base body.

Abstract: A primary and secondary filter are combined into a single housing, and two elements are combined into a single element. This combination is useable in any system that has a filter upstream of a pump and a filter downstream of a pump. The example described is a fuel system.

Abstract: The invention describes an apparatus for the filtration of liquids and an associated filter cartridge 100, the correct seating of which is ensured and can be established by the user. The apparatus is characterized in that the inlet funnel 10 has at least one first fixing means 30 below the receiving opening 13, and in that the filter cartridge 100 has at least one second fixing means 130 below and at a distance from the sealing rim 160, which second fixing means, when the filter cartridge 100 is being fitted into the receiving opening 13, interacts with the first fixing means 30.

Abstract: A filter closure system has a connecting end at an end face of a cylindrical filter housing and a connecting head matching the connecting end. The connecting end is insertable axially into the connecting head and connected positive-lockingly to the connecting head by an insertion-rotation movement. Connecting end and connecting head have a bayonet connection with receiving slots or receiving projections and matching insertion projections. The matching insertion projections engage the receiving slots or projections when the bayonet connection is closed. The receiving slots or projections and the insertion projections each are arranged substantially in a perpendicular plane relative to the insertion direction. The receiving slots or projections are elongate and circumferentially do not extend completely around but are segmented. The receiving slots or projections are sequentially arranged in the insertion direction and are substantially parallel to one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel filter (1) for a fuel supply system of an internal combustion engine, in particular in a motor vehicle, comprising a filter housing (2) and a filter element (3). The filter housing (2) has an untreated-side inlet (4), a treated-side outlet (5) and an untreated-side return line (6). The filter element (3) is arranged in the filter housing (2) and, therein, separates an untreated space (13), which communicates with the inlet (4) and with the return line (6), from a treated space which communicates with the outlet (5). Additionally provided is a closure element (20) which, in the operationally ready state of the fuel filter (1), closes off the return line (6).

Abstract: A waste liquid container that can be installed to a waste liquid discharging device main body. The waste liquid container includes an insertion hole into which a waste liquid discharging nozzle, which is included in the waste liquid discharging device main body, having a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion located on a front end side relative to the large diameter portion is inserted. When the waste liquid container is installed to the waste liquid discharging device main body, the insertion hole guides the small diameter portion by being brought into contact with an outer circumferential face of the small diameter portion in an inner face of the insertion hole and determines a position of the waste liquid container in a diameter direction of the large diameter portion with respect to the waste liquid discharging device main body by being fitted with the large diameter portion.

Abstract: A waste liquid collector is detachably mounted on a device including a discharge unit discharging a waste liquid and stores the waste liquid discharged from the discharge unit when the waste liquid collector is mounted on the device. The waste liquid collector includes: a waste liquid absorbing member which absorbs the waste liquid; and an opening through which the discharge unit is inserted or extracted mounting or detaching the waste liquid collector on or from the device in a state where the waste liquid absorbing member is received inside an inner space. The waste liquid absorbing member is provided with a contact portion which, when the discharge unit is inserted into the opening, comes in contact with the discharge unit so that the discharge unit is interposed therebetween in a direction perpendicular to insertion and extraction directions of the discharge unit.

Abstract: An anti-drainback valve contains a locking mechanism for securing the valve into to a filter assembly. The locking mechanism is made up of at least two keys that extend from the valve into beyond a cap of the filter assembly in order to secure the valve within the filter assembly. When multiple keys are employed, such keys may be equally spaced around the circumference of the cap. Manufacturing costs are kept minimal as minimal material is required and a two part mold may be employed during manufacturing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter device for filtering a liquid, in particular, a hydraulic oil, comprising a filter housing having a least one inlet for liquid to be filtered and at least one outlet for filtered liquid, a filter element positioned in the flow path of the liquid between the inlet and the outlet, and a sealing device having a sealing element and a first sealing surface, the sealing element in a sealing position being positioned in a sealing manner on the first sealing surface. In order to further develop the filter device in such a way that the sealing element also lies reliably on the first sealing surface under alternating pressure loads, it is proposed, in accordance with the invention, that the filter device comprise a locking device, and the sealing element be adapted to be locked in its sealing position at least in the axial direction relative to the first sealing surface by means of the locking device. A filter element for the filter device is also proposed.

Abstract: A filter system having individual compartments, a removable filter rack in each compartment, and an array of filter elements positioned in candle housing that are moveable into and out of the filter racks. Each compartment has an independent set of dirty oil inlets, clean oil outlets, overflow outlets, and air purge inlets, and is fluidly separated from adjacent compartments by the interior walls of the frame. Each rack may be disengaged from the various pipes and removed from the frame without disengaging the racks in adjoining compartments. As a result, the filter elements may be serviced without having to take the entire system off-line.

Abstract: A water purifying and enhancement system of a modular construction designed as a built-in appliance located under the countertop or as a free-standing (stand alone) unit. The water appliance has a water inlet for obtaining water from a supply source, scale reduction device, booster or re-pressurization pump, pre-filtration, U.V. sterilization, R.O. filtration, de-ionization (CDI or mechanical), mineral injection system (for adding desired minerals into the purified water), water diagnostic and monitoring cells, post filtration, proprietary water enhancement reactor consisting of specially engineered and blended ores of ceramic components, and/or an electrolytic ionization chamber, and/or a magnetic chamber, a water outlet for delivery of the highly purified enhanced water product, and a outlet to grey water drain for reject water.

Abstract: A filter assembly including first and second mating parts and a seal received in a groove of the first mating part. The seal includes a main body and a resiliently flexible, sloping skirt that extends from one side of the main body to a distal end spaced from the main body. The seal is sized so that the resiliently flexible skirt normally extends out of the groove of the first mating part when the skirt is not biased towards the main body. When the first mating part is slid against the second mating part, the second mating part causes the distal end of skirt of the seal to be biased into the groove and towards the main body of the seal.

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.

Abstract: Filter device (10) is provided with a head (20), a filter element (40), and a housing (30). The head (20) is provided with an inlet (24) which is attached to a hydraulic circuit (5), and into which flows the operating oil (L1) that is to be filtered. The filter element (40) filters the operating oil (L1) that is to be filtered. The housing (30) has an opening (30b) through which the filter element (40) passes, and which holds the filter element (40) inside it. The filter element (40) is provided with an element main body (48), and an element pressing part (47). The element pressing part (47) is provided to the element main body (48). The element pressing part (47) is provided with a contact part (53) that can be shifted toward or away from the inner surface (30a) of the housing (30). A groove (35) that holds the contact part (53) is provided to the housing (30). The contact part (53) can be shifted until it comes out of the groove (35).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for increasing the duration of uninterrupted filtering flow by using crossflow filtration and ultrasonic energy with in difficult to filter process liquids (e.g. of the kind having (1) a carrier liquid, (2) coalescing solids particles which tend to adhere and bridge filter element gaps sized substantially larger than such particles, and (3) larger impurity elements to be filtered out of such process liquid and sized larger than such filter element gaps).

Abstract: A filtration system, for example a fuel filtration system in an engine, that helps prevent engine operation when there is no filter cartridge installed or a non-recommended and/or inferior filter cartridge is installed. The filter cartridge includes first and second endplates, one of which includes a fluid flow passage therein through which fluid can flow. The flow passage connects the clean fluid from the filter to a clean fluid outlet.

Abstract: The disclosed modular filter may include a filter medium and an external frame structure. The filter medium may form a chamber having a front side, a back side, and a periphery. The filter medium may also have a plurality of fibers. The external frame structure has at least one aperture mounted on at least one of the front side and back side of the chamber in which the external frame structure has a thickness greater than the lengths of the plurality of fibers.

Abstract: A water filtration panel and a system containing the same are disclosed. The water filtration panel include a substantially rigid frame having a first face, a second face, and an inner dimension; a sheet of fabric material that permits water to flow therethrough, the fabric material being secured to the substantially rigid frame in a manner whereby substantially all water passing through the inner dimension of the frame passes through the fabric material; a sealing member connected to the first face of the substantially rigid frame; and an adjustable expansion member contacting the second face of the substantially rigid frame. Also disclosed is a retainer that is used to couple the fabric material to the substantially rigid frame.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a filter media support system with dual locking mechanisms. The support system comprises two or more interlocking rows of support blocks. One or more slides and one or more guides protrude from the side walls of the blocks. Each guide is conformed to receive one slide from a neighboring block forming a first locking joint. The side walls also comprise one or more posts and one or more sockets. Each post is conformed to fit within one socket of a neighboring block, forming a second locking joint. In one embodiment the method for assembling the support system comprises aligning a slide of a first support block with a guide of a second support block. The slide of the first support block is vertically moved into the guide of the second support block. Force is applied so that the posts snap-lock into the sockets.