With Movable Support Patents (Class 210/241)
  • Patent number: 8893895
    Abstract: The fluidized bed processor of the present invention includes an internal filter assembly with a rack and a cartridge-type filter supported at the lower end by a bracket. The rack includes an elongated rod extending through the filter. An end cap is provided on the lower end of the rod for normal sealing engagement with the filter bracket. During normal operation of the processor, the upper and lower ends of the filter are sealed. During or after cleaning of the filter, the rack is lowered, and a spring separates the filter and support bracket from the end cap so as to create a gap for drainage of cleaning fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Freund-Vector Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Clark, James G. Spencer, James G. Frizzell
  • Publication number: 20140326652
    Abstract: A pool cleaning robot for cleaning a surface of a swimming pool, said robot comprising: a main housing; main wheels being configured for propelling the robot; an auxiliary brushwheel disposed between said main wheels and configured for being rotated by the robot about an axis of rotation; and at least one inlet being formed in a bottom panel of the housing between said main wheels and being configured for intake of water and debris, wherein said main wheels are configured for being rotated by the robot at a first angular velocity, and said auxiliary brushwheel is configured for being rotated by the robot at a second angular velocity which is greater than the first angular velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: MAYTRONICS LTD.
    Inventor: Efraim Garti
  • Patent number: 8858794
    Abstract: A waste/sediment collecting container has a front vertical wall, a back vertical wall, two side vertical walls, and a sloped bottom surface. Along the lowest portion of the sloped floor surface lays a debris grate which allows water and pieces of sediment to pass through (but prevents larger pieces of waste from passing). The collection container includes a sump directly beneath the debris grate for collecting heavy sediment which passes through the grate. Sloped walls along the sides of the sump lead to U-traps on both sides of the container that allow liquid to pass through but prevent any solid waste from leaving the sump. Solid waste may be removed from the sump by removing the threaded service cap from the drain hole. Located beyond the traps are filter chambers having drain holes for inserting sediment filters which liquid passes through and exits the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Wayne Lappeman
  • Publication number: 20140291254
    Abstract: A trash removal system is configured to enable a diver to remove debris from water. The trash removal system comprises a line mechanically coupled to a boat and extending downward in the water. Hooks are mechanically coupled to the line and configured to receive the debris from the diver. Shelf nets are mechanically coupled to the line and configured to receive debris from the diver. The diver can affix debris to the hooks or insert debris into the shelf nets that can be drawn to the boat with a crank removing the debris from the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: Irene G. FRAME
  • Publication number: 20140262735
    Abstract: A water treatment system including a filter, an aerator, a hydrogen absorption manifold, a first treatment container, a second treatment container, a boiler, a superheater, a fractional distillation separator and a condenser. The filter is adapted for removing chloride ions and transmutated chlorine ions; while the hydrogen absorptive manifold is designed for absorbing hydrogen ions and reducing the pH of the water. The boiler and superheater may be utilized to convert the water to a superheated steam, while the fractional distillation separator is adapted for condensing and separating elements, including radioactive elements, from the superheated steam. A method for treating contaminated water using the water treatment system is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Wasserwerk, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne R. Hawks
  • Publication number: 20140262993
    Abstract: A sewer cleaning vehicle is disclosed. In one aspect, the sewer cleaning vehicle has a refuse storage tank having a first end with an opening. The sewer cleaning vehicle may also have a recycled water storage tank and a packaged liquid reclamation system for cleaning and transferring water from the refuse tank to the recycled water storage tank. In one embodiment, a hinged cover having a first side and a second side is pivotally mounted to the storage tank. The hinged cover can be movable between a first position in which the hinged cover covers the storage tank opening and a second position in which the storage tank opening is uncovered by the hinged cover. A transfer pump and a separator are supported by the hinged cover and are in fluid communication with the refuse tank through a port in the hinged cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Federal Signal
    Inventor: Bernie Jon Bossom
  • Patent number: 8828222
    Abstract: A wearable or portable intermittently operable hydration system includes a purification module that contains one or more solid state light emitting devices that are positioned in the path of hydrating fluid, or water, flow through the hydration system to a mouthpiece. The light emitting devices illuminate a photocatalytic material disposed within the flow path in order to react and create fluid-purifying hydroxyls. The lights are instant on devices with essentially no ramp-up required, and a sensor or the opening of a push-pull valve controls the turning on of the lights. The fluid flow path may run from a bladder in a backpack worn by the user, a sports bottle worn by or carried by the user or may be through a water filtration system that a user operates via a pump. The power for the purification module may come from batteries, solar cells, fuel cells, or power converted from pumping, winding, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Hydro-Photon, Inc.
    Inventor: Miles Maiden
  • Patent number: 8821725
    Abstract: A slurry handling and disposal system is provided for waste slurry and particulates. The system includes a waste bin provided with support structures for retaining a flexible removable filter element with a filter element supported above a floor of the waste bin. The particulate matter component of a volume of the waste slurry and particulates deposited in the filter element is retained in said filter element while the liquid component of the waste slurry and particulates are collected in a base portion of the waste bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Owen Charles Weston
  • Patent number: 8821726
    Abstract: A submerged membrane separator 31 includes: a casing 33 opened at the top; a plurality of flat membrane cartridges 34 arrayed at intervals in the casing 33; and an air diffuser 36 provided below the membrane cartridges 34. The membrane cartridges 34 are movably held in the up-down direction in the casing 33 while having a space ? in the up-down direction. Lifting suppressing members 63a and 63b for restricting a lifting amount of the membrane cartridges 34 during filtration operation to be smaller than the space ? in the up-down direction are provided in the casing 33.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshio Matsuzaki, Tatsuya Uejima, Tomohiko Sasaki, Kimihiro Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20140238923
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a work implement and an operating fluid tank. The operating fluid tank has a tank body and a strainer. The tank body is for collecting operating fluid for driving the work implement. The strainer is installed inside the tank body and includes a cylindrical filter and a cover member. The cylindrical filter is disposed with an axis extending in a vertical direction. The cover member includes an upper plate part and a cylindrical part. The upper plate part of the cover member covers an upper surface of the filter. The cylindrical part of the cover member extends downward from an outer edge part of the upper plate part and covers an upper side surface part of the filter with a gap between the side surface of the filter and the cylindrical part, while allowing a lower side surface part of the filter to be exposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventor: Hisashi Miyasaka
  • Patent number: 8808537
    Abstract: A portable self-contained water treatment system. A raw water tank is provided which can be filled by a pump or by manually pouring dirty water into it. The raw water tank can also act as a chemical pre-treatment tank such that one or more pre-treatment chemicals can be added to the water contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Eddie Carl Livingston
  • Patent number: 8790517
    Abstract: A mobile station and methods are disclosed for diagnosing and modeling site specific effluent treatment facility requirements to arrive at a treatment regimen and/or proposed commercial plant model idealized for the particular water/site requirements. The station includes a mobile platform having power intake, effluent intake and fluid outflow facilities and first and second suites of selectably actuatable effluent pre-treatment apparatus. An effluent polishing treatment array is housed at the station and includes at least one of nanofiltration, reverse osmosis and ion-exchange stages. A suite of selectively actuatable post-treatment apparatus is housed at the station. Controls are connected at the station for process control, monitoring and data accumulation. A plurality of improved water treatment technologies is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwater Resource, LLC
    Inventors: Reginald A. Wiemers, Robert Kohlheb, Bardia B. Khalili, Gyorgy Lipovszki, Peter H. Zahn
  • Patent number: 8784660
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a wastewater treatment system may reduce contaminants in water. A system may include one or more bioreactors which include a substrate that supports a biofilm. The bacteria used to form the biofilm may be selected to maximize the reduction of contaminants in water. Various components of the wastewater treatment system may be optimized to improve the efficiency and energy consumption of the wastewater system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Sam Houston State University
    Inventors: Phillip Grisham, Michael D. Rainone
  • Patent number: 8771509
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a purifying device for sludge under water and a method for operating the same. The device includes a main fixing frame having an accommodating portion assess to the outside, a hollow liquid container in the accommodating portion, wherein the liquid container is provided with a liquid-flow hole and at least a backwash hole, multiple filters on the liquid container, and a pump connected to the liquid-flow hole at the liquid container through a liquid pipeline. The method includes steps: moving the liquid container having the filters to an area having a liquid to be filtered; leading the liquid to flow into the liquid container through the filters filtering out solid particles contained in the liquid; and leading a fluid to flow into the liquid container such that the filters can be backwashed accompanying with an external cleaning device if the filters are clogged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research
    Inventors: Chun-Ping Huang, Jamie Liao
  • Publication number: 20140175008
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure also involved a method of processing waste, such as drill cuttings, involving the operations of receiving a waste material comprising a liquid material and a solid material, the waste material received directly from a source wherein the waste material is warm. The source may be a drilling operation and the waste material may be drill cuttings from the drilling operation. The method further involving pumping the warm waste material to a separation mechanism, such as a dryer, that separates a portion of the solid material (e.g., cuttings) from a portion of the liquid material (e.g., drilling fluid). The method may further involve mixing the separated solid material with a bioremediation agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Joseph Mathis
  • Patent number: 8747566
    Abstract: A method for collecting effluent from an engine comprising: providing a portable trailer having a plurality of sides in a retracted and non-operational configuration forming an internal compartment and at least one droplet separator panel; and moving at least two of said sides from said retracted and non-operational configuration to an open position and an operational configuration wherein said two sides create a path for channeling an effluent/air mixture containing engine wash water from said engine to said at least one droplet separator panel; and separating said engine wash water from said air with said at least one droplet separator panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: EcoServices, LLC
    Inventors: Robert M. Rice, David G. Diamos, William J. Welch
  • Patent number: 8734644
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for decontaminating water, having an iodine release section in which iodine, often from a charged nylon iodophor, is released into the water, followed by an iodine recapture section in which a nylon polymer removes iodine from the water by forming an iodophor with it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Puritek, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Walter Krumm, John Henry Abel, Gary Ellsworth McQuay
  • Patent number: 8715498
    Abstract: A polymer-free method and self-draining self-cleaning apparatus for treatment of water with high total dissolved solids including optional pretreatment, precipitation/flocculation, and separation. The pH is raised by addition of caustic soda and/or soda ash. In a vertical clarifier silo, the feed is gently mixed to cause dissolved solids to precipitate and agglomerate to form suspended flocculates. The clarifier includes an internal mixer surrounded by a cylindrical tube diffuser. Rotation of the mixer provides gentle dual circulation patterns within the clarifier that allow for flocculates of a predetermined size to settle from suspension. The clarifier may also include one or more vertical recirculation lines to recirculate some of the heavier flocculates at the bottom of the vessel into the mixer chamber to enhance precipitation via the seeding effect. The suspended flocculates are stripped from the feed water in a centrifugal separator. The clarifier silo may be trailer mounted for rapid deployment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Tervita Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph M. Bly, Jr., Melvin O. Stacy, Enrique M. Proaño
  • Patent number: 8715503
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a wastewater treatment system may reduce contaminants in water. A system may include one or more bioreactors which include a substrate that supports a biofilm. The bacteria used to form the biofilm may be selected to maximize the reduction of contaminants in water. Various components of the wastewater treatment system may be optimized to improve the efficiency and energy consumption of the wastewater system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Sam Houston State University
    Inventors: R. Gavin Jones, Kenneth Wilson, Sabin Holland, Michael D. Rainone
  • Publication number: 20140116967
    Abstract: A mobile flocculation and water treatment system includes at least one tank, preferably a series of adjoining tanks separated by weirs, and an adjacent pump house mounted on a mobile platform. At least one pump is mounted in the pump house. Fluid conduits run from the pumps to the tank. An overflow is mounted between the downstream tank and the pump house whereby fluid overflow from the tanks is directed into the pump house. The pump house provides a substantially water-tight reservoir zone to provide secondary containment. Water to be treated enters the upstream end of the tanks and is discharged from the downstream end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Wild North Vac & Steam Ltd.
    Inventors: Chad Clark Smith, Douglas Moore
  • Publication number: 20140116965
    Abstract: A separator and method for separating a heterogeneous supply into a liquid and a solid material. The separator includes a casing in which the supply can collect, and which has an inlet for receiving the supply and an outlet for conveying the supply. The separator also includes a screen which rotates relative to the casing. The screen has perforated sections having a plurality of perforations which permit passage of the liquid. The screen allows for the accumulation of the supply within it, which rises to a level corresponding to a supply height. As this supply height, a screening pressure acts against the perforated sections so as to compact the solid material against the perforations while the liquid passes therethrough. A suction unit sucks the compacted solid material from the perforations, and is disposed higher than the supply height. A supply level regulator regulates the level of the supply within the screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: MACHINERIE AGRICOLE BOIS-FRANCS INC.
    Inventor: Camille COTE
  • Patent number: 8709244
    Abstract: A mobile system for generating and dispensing a chemical includes a portable platform comprising a source of a gaseous chemical, the gaseous chemical forming a solution in water, and a fluid coupling through which the gaseous chemical is delivered to a body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivey Burns, Greg Waldron, David A. Killian
  • Patent number: 8679335
    Abstract: The vacuum system (100) is mounted on a vehicle (102). It includes a dewatered solid matter compartment (142), a liquid matter compartment (144), a main flexible hose (130), and an immersible suction head (120) connected to a distal end of the main flexible hose (130). The suction head (120) includes a static dewatering screen filter (150) and a screen-washing arrangement (170) cooperating with the suction head (120). The screen-washing arrangement (170) is in fluid communication with the liquid matter compartment (144) through a high-pressure liquid circuit. The screen-washing arrangement (170) using the liquid matter from the liquid matter compartment (142) as a washing fluid. A method of separating solids and liquid fractions is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Saniprotex Inc.
    Inventor: Denis Dufort
  • Publication number: 20140076789
    Abstract: A pool cleaning apparatus that may include a filter; a entrapment cell; a first impeller; a first pump motor arranged to rotate the first impeller; a driving unit arranged to move the pool cleaning robot; a structural element; and an external housing that comprises a first inlet and a first outlet; wherein the filter and the structural element define a first space that has a spiral portion; wherein the first impeller is arranged to rotate along a first rotational direction; wherein rotation of the first impeller along a first rotational direction causes fluid be drawn through the first inlet and to follow a spiral path within the first space during which a first portion of the fluid is filtered by the filter to provide filtered fluid that exits through the first outlet of the housing; and a second portion of the fluid follows the spiral path until entering the entrapment cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: Idan Shlomi-Shlomi, Igor Grubman
  • Publication number: 20140076791
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cleaning an immersed surface comprising a hollow body and members for driving the body over the immersed surface; a filtration chamber which is provided in the hollow body and which has: a liquid inlet; a liquid outlet; a hydraulic circuit for the flow of liquid between the inlet and the outlet through a filtering device (11), wherein the filtering device (11) comprises a filtering casing (49, 55) which is removably mounted in the filtration chamber and which can be inserted into/removed from the filtration chamber in one piece, and the filtering casing (49, 55) has at least a lower end which opens at the base of the hollow body and which constitutes a liquid inlet into the hollow body of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: ZODIAC POOL CARE EUROPE
    Inventors: Philippe Pichon, Emmanuel Mastio
  • Patent number: 8673143
    Abstract: A portable system for extracting iodine from brine on-site is disclosed. The portable system includes a mobile platform containing a treatment unit for oxidizing iodine ions into elemental iodine, an adsorption unit capable of binding iodine, and may also have an electrolytic cell and/or a gas-liquid separator. The treatment unit and the adsorption unit may be located in the same or different portable operating devices. When transported to a field site containing natural gas wells, the natural gas wells provide a fluid stream containing natural gas and brine. The separators can separate the natural gas from the brine, and the brine is then run through the treatment unit and the adsorption unit to bind iodine present in the brine. The brine is then returned to the natural gas well. Upon saturation, the portable operating device is transported to a second location, where iodine is extracted from the adsorption unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Charles A. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20140054237
    Abstract: An oil skimmer and vacuum recovery apparatus providing a method for removing the contaminating oil floating on the surface of a water body is disclosed. The apparatus may be mounted on an oil recovery vessel and includes a vacuum head mounted to a vacuum system. The vacuum head is configured at a desired proximity above a horizontally disposed separation plate that is adjustably positionable to be placed between the water surface and a contaminating layer of floating oil. The vacuum system includes a vacuum pump and motor and an associated vacuum tank configured to a fluids collection chamber that is in communication with a fluids vacuum line attached to the vacuum head. A vacuum force is directed by the vacuum head to the layer of floating oil above the separation plate whereby and the oil layer is skimmed from over the separation plate and drawn through the vacuum head the fluids vacuum line to the fluids collection chamber where it is collected for disposal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventor: Michael H. James
  • Patent number: 8636903
    Abstract: A hydraulic filter includes a canister extending along the longitudinal axis. A closed end cap is at one end of the canister for closing one end thereof. A removable filter element is contained within the canister and a modular one-piece input end cap is at an end of the canister. The one-piece input end cap includes a hydraulic input chamber and a hydraulic output chamber which can be positioned in any one of three mutually perpendicular directions. The one-piece input end cap also allows for sensors to be positioned in any one of three mutually perpendicular directions. In addition, the one-piece input end cap can be utilized in base-ported or top-ported configurations while also allowing for side-to-side or side-to-end configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Schroeder Industries LLC
    Inventors: Steven R. Evanovich, Alexander D Kiderman, Michael J Schmitt, Justin Dow
  • Patent number: 8623206
    Abstract: A system, that may be portable, for purifying liquid flowing gravitationally from a source/reservoir into a purified liquid receptacle is described. The system includes a housing with a generally horizontal filtering space. More than one liquid inlet disposed at a top portion of the filter is provided as well as one or more liquid outlets disposed at a bottom portion. The liquid flows in a generally lateral direction through the liquid treatment medium. Two or more first walls extending upwardly into the filtering space from a bottom wall thereof and ending with an apex are provided inside the device. One or more second walls downwardly extending into the filtering space from a top wall thereof are also provided. Each of the walls defines a closed path. The first and second walls jointly cause the liquid to flow in a curvilinear flow path from the inlet to the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Strauss Water Ltd
    Inventors: Haim Wilder, Abraham J. Domb
  • Patent number: 8624207
    Abstract: The present invention is disclosed an array-type-transducer-based high-power ultrasound delivery system which includes a support bracket, an array-type ultrasound transducer, and a plurality of containers. The support bracket includes a plurality of grooves, and the array-type ultrasound transducer includes a clamp and N ultrasound transducers. The clamp includes a plurality of wedges configured for engaging in the grooves of the support bracket and thereby connecting the array-type ultrasound transducer to the support bracket. The containers are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix so that the ultrasound transducers of the array-type ultrasound transducer can dip into and leave the ultrasound-conducting medium in the containers vertically. The disclosed system features high operation speed and low labor requirement. Moreover, the depth by which and the time for which the ultrasound transducers dip into the ultrasound-conducting medium in the containers can be controlled and quantified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Mackay Memorial Hospital
    Inventors: Cheng-Huang Su, Hung-I Yeh
  • Patent number: 8623221
    Abstract: A sand separator for capturing sand and rock debris from recovered natural gas fracturing fluid includes a cylindrical, high-pressure-rated vessel disposed vertically and immediately downstream of the gas wellhead. High pressure fracturing fluid enters the top of the separator into an inner flue extending coaxially downward to terminate a spaced distance above the bottom of the vessel. Transverse baffles spaced apart along the length of the flue extend through the flue to the inner walls of the vessel to keep the flue centered within the separator. As the fluid enters the separator, openings through the flue near the vessel inlet permit lighter weight and gaseous constituents to escape the fluid and bypass the flue, thereby reducing the velocity of the fluid remaining inside the flue. As the remaining fluid falls to the bottom of the vessel, it further slows as it reverses direction to rise between the flue and the vessel walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventors: Keith L. Boyd, Scotty L. Whitsett, Kevin J. Kinder
  • Patent number: 8617388
    Abstract: A sewage reuse system distributes a plurality of reuse water supply sections, each including a water introducing opening formed in a sewer trunk line; a treated sewage tank for storing reuse water; and a water level sensor for measuring a water level of the treated sewage tank, in a demand area of reuse water along the sewer trunk line. The system includes a movable sewage treatment section which moves to any of the plurality of water introducing openings; performs the sewage treatment to generate reuse water; and supplies the generated reuse water to the treated sewage tank, a communication section which transmits the water level data measured by the water level sensor, and a central control section which controls a water storing quantity of the treated sewage tank on the basis of the demand information of reuse water and the water level data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyokazu Takemura, Makoto Onishi, Shinichi Yoshikawa, Masami Ito, Shinjiro Ueda
  • Patent number: 8591735
    Abstract: A fast acting water purification system containing a source of silver ions which is suitable for use in personal or household water containers, where the non-potable water may contain halides or other materials that limit the solubility of silver in the non-potable water, with the purification agent including a source of silver ions and a compound containing a hydantoin ring increase the presence of silver ions in the non-potable water to a level sufficient to quickly kill harmful microorganisms in the non-potable water without the need to add additional biocides to the non-potable water or pretreat the non-potable water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph A. King
  • Patent number: 8590424
    Abstract: An automatic transmission has a transmission casing accommodating a transmission mechanism and a filter case attached to the transmission casing and having an oil filter. The transmission casing has a concave portion with which at least an oil inlet or an oil outlet communicates and an overhanging portion positioned close to the concave portion and extending along a surface of the transmission casing with a clearance provided between the surface and the overhanging portion. The filter case has a case body inserted into the concave portion, a seal member sealing a boundary between an outer circumferential surface of the case body and an inside surface of the concave portion, a first brim portion protruding from the outer circumferential surface and fixed to the surface of the transmission casing, and a second brim portion protruding from the outer circumferential surface and inserted into the clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Akio Nonomura, Takuya Ooishi, Kenji Kojima
  • Patent number: 8585895
    Abstract: A transportable water treatment system includes: a lower cage housing a water purifying apparatus, a middle cage housing a first water storage tank, and an upper cage housing a second water storage tank. The transportable water treatment system has a footprint approximate to the area of the lower cage. A chlorinator may be used in the water purifying apparatus that includes a bowl having an inlet at the bottom and an outlet on its side. A channel is around the inlet forcing fluid to flow to the top of the channel and over its edges. A flow diverter is positioned above the inlet adapted to transfer the flow of fluid to a substantially horizontal direction. A platform is positioned within the channel being adapted to position a single chlorine tablet within the channel. The lid is adapted for holding a plurality of chlorine tablets above the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Water Missions International
    Inventors: George C. Greene, III, Bruce M. Okkema
  • Patent number: 8562826
    Abstract: The plunger used as the upper enclosure in a preparative chromatography column is suspended by one or more rods that are supported by a frame through coupling connections on the frame that can fix the position of the rod(s) relative to the frame, while the position of the rod(s) is controlled by a motorized drive system that is suspended above the column. The drive system is mounted either to the column lid or to a functional plate positioned a short distance above the column lid. These constructions allow the plunger to be raised and lowered so that the column and its parts can be exchanged, all without the need for a hoist or crane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Bailey, Philippe Vernot, Sebastien Lefebvre
  • Publication number: 20130240432
    Abstract: The present invention comprises an efficient filtration process of water from a tank, where the filtration is performed over a small volume of water and not on the totality of the water from the tank; the process comprises the following steps: (a) emitting ultrasonic waves in the tank; (b) adding a flocculant agent to the water; (c) covering the tank bottom with a suctioning device which suctions a water flow with flocculated particles, discharging to a collecting effluent line; (d) filtering the effluent flow of the suctioning device from said collecting effluent line; and (e) returning the filtered flow to the tank. The present invention additionally comprises a suctioning device used in said efficient filtration process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: CRYSTAL LAGOONS (CURACAO) B.V.
    Inventor: Fernando FISCHMANN T.
  • Publication number: 20130233784
    Abstract: A leaf skimming apparatus includes an elongate pole having first and second ends and defining a tubular configuration. A handle is positioned adjacent the pole first end. A scoop assembly is coupled to the housing second end, the scoop assembly having lower and upper scoop portions pivotally movable between open and closed configurations. A manually operable trigger is attached to the housing adjacent to the handle, the trigger being operatively connected to the scoop assembly and configured to selectively move the lower and upper scoop portions between the open and closed configurations. A linkage is situated in the housing that is operatively connected to the trigger and to the scoop assembly and configured to move the lower and upper scoop portions between the open and closed configurations upon respective operations of the trigger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: J. Alan Jones
  • Patent number: 8529770
    Abstract: A portable UV-C purification system is provided that includes a current reduction technique for an electric pump to reduce power demands on an associated generator to thereby produce a light weight and efficient system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Water of Life, LLC.
    Inventor: Stephen A. Yencho
  • Patent number: 8528665
    Abstract: A mobile drilling waste management system including a trailer having at least one centrifuge and a solids catch tank receiving solids separated from drilling fluid by one or more of the centrifuges. And a method of reclaiming drilling fluid including pumping drilling fluid contaminated with solids onto a trailer, separating the contaminant solids from the drilling fluid with at least one centrifuge located on the trailer, directing the contaminant solids to a solids catch tank located on the trailer, and pumping the drilling fluid off of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Dennis Jackson, Fredrick Gillis, Jason White
  • Patent number: 8506798
    Abstract: Installation for treating a biological liquid, including a circulation pump (5), a filter element (9), a container for collecting treated liquid, a first circuit section connecting a source of said biological liquid to an inlet orifice of said filter element (9), including a circuit element adapted to cooperate with said circulation pump (5); a second circuit section, connecting an outlet orifice of said filter element (9) to said treated liquid collecting container; characterized in that said treated liquid collecting container, said first circuit section and said second circuit section are disposable and said installation further includes a first cart (1) carrying said pump (5) and a second cart (2) including a housing (14) for said collecting container, separable from the first cart (1) and adapted to be at least partly nested in said first cart (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Beulay, Virginie Buisson, Sebastien Cirou, Cecile Delbos, Marc Hlavacek, Frans Mels, Rene Reinbigler, Jean-Louis Weissenbach
  • Patent number: 8506805
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignees: Kolon Industries, Inc., Kolon Construction Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Moon Sun Kang, Moo-Seok Lee
  • Publication number: 20130200007
    Abstract: A liquid recovery system and methods of recycling water from liquid-solid mixture such as slurry produced by pavement grinding machines, drilling fluid containing cuttings, and septage. The system includes a storage tank or a settling tank, a centrifuge in flow communication with the storage tank or settling tank, such as a hydraulic centrifuge, a solids storage component, and a cleaned liquid storage tank in flow communication with the centrifuge. The system may also include a porous conveyor belt for removal of large solids from the mixture prior to centrifugation and may also include one or more blowers directed at the porous conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: O3 INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventor: O3 Industries, LLC
  • Patent number: 8500995
    Abstract: A method is for the treatment of ballast water, in which the ballast water is carried into a ballast tank via a down pipe and in which an underpressure created at the upper portion of the down pipe induces the formation of gas bubbles in the ballast water. Before flowing into the down pipe, the ballast water is carried via a throttling device into a closed container at the upper portion of the down pipe, the closed container having a flow area larger than the flow area of the down pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Knutsen Ballastvann AS
    Inventor: Per Lothe
  • Patent number: 8496815
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the recovery of iodine are described. In particular, recovery systems and methods produce an iodine complex from an aqueous brine containing iodide. A head tank for maintains a supply of the brine, a pH controller acidifies brine received from the head tank and an oxidizer converts iodide in the acidified brine to elemental iodine. At least one activated carbon contactor module is removably inserted into a stream of the oxidized brine provided by the oxidizer and binds the molecular iodine to form the iodine complex. A container may enclose the head tank, the pH controller and the oxidizer in order to facilitate transportation of the system and performance of the methods and processes in proximity to a brine source. The brine may be employed or associated with oilfield operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Iofina Natural Gas, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Brix, James Reynolds
  • Patent number: 8486275
    Abstract: An automated water treatment system and methods for treating raw water to produce potable water are disclosed. The system is a self-contained portable water treatment system having several selectable treatment subsystems and a controller which automatically selects and controls the mode of operation from a transient, normal or backwashing mode, automatically controls the flow of water through a treatment path based upon the selected mode of operation and the measured water quality characteristics of the water at selected locations, automatically determines, based upon the selected mode of operation and the water quality parameter measurements, which of the plurality of the selectable subsystems is needed to produce potable water at the output; and automatically direct the flow of water through a treatment path through the system to bypass the water treatment subsystems and elements that are not needed to produce potable water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Omni Water Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne Allan Wolf
  • Patent number: 8486265
    Abstract: A stackable modular ultra pure water machine has at least one water tank module, at least one terminal processing module, at least one purification module, at least one water outlet module and a control module that connected together in a stack. The control module has an LED display and a faceplate. Therefore, it is convenient to add or remove modules with different functions to form a customizable ultra pure water machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Ying-Chen Lin
  • Patent number: 8460543
    Abstract: A portable water purifier for purifying a liquid to a safe form acceptable for drinking may be provided. The portable water purifier may include a container configured to hold the liquid, a filtering mechanism connected to the container configured to filter out dirt or sediment floc from the liquid, and a transport mechanism in communication with the filtering mechanism configured to transport the liquid into the filtering mechanism. The portable water purifier may also include a mixer inside the container configured to disperse a chemical disinfectant or a flocculating agent tablet within a liquid, for instance water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: George Page, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8454827
    Abstract: A filter for edible oil and fat designed to increase the useful life of oil and fat used for frying foodstuff and to improve the quality thereof, having reduced shape and dimensions, thus allowing to be immersed in the oil to be filtered, thus eliminating the time spent for removing and conveying the hot oil compared to the traditional filtering methods and making the process safer; the shorter time reducing the loss of heat, thus keeping the oil hot and the viscosity low and thus facilitating the passage thereof through filtering element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Fernando Luis Pereira Cazzoli
  • Patent number: RE44920
    Abstract: A system for collecting, treating and disposing of waste fluid includes a station that features transfer, flushing and mixing pumps as well as a bowl that holds the waste fluid. The waste fluid is collected in a container mounted on a cart. The cart container connects to the station so that the waste fluid is transferred from the cart to the station bowl by the transfer pump. The flushing pump has an inlet that communicates with a source of water and a disinfectant dispenser. The flushing pump is used to flush both the cart container and the station bowl, the latter of which communicates with a drain system. The flushing pump also delivers disinfectant to the waste fluid in the station bowl. The inlet and outlet of the mixing pump communicate with the bowl so that it mixes the bowl contents. Buffer is provided to the circulating waste fluid until the pH level drops to a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Dornoch Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Dunn, Lawrence E. Guerra