One Unit Inside Another Patents (Class 210/256)
  • Patent number: 6890441
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating solids from a suspension includes a hollow cylindrical column having a central axis therethrough. The column has an interior with a cross-section, perpendicular to said axis, that is constant along said axis, and that extends from a first end to a second end of the column; one central tube axially disposed in said column and extending from said one end toward said opposite end, said central tube having an outer wall of constant diameter, said cylindrical column and said central tube defining an annular zone between them, extending axially from said first end of the column to at least near said second end of the column; at least one filter in said outer wall of the said central tube, forming the only direct communication between the said annular zone and the interior of the tube and at least one filter in the outer wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: NIRO Process Technology B.V.
    Inventors: Pieter Johannes Jansens, Johannes de Graauw
  • Patent number: 6878266
    Abstract: A filter for a spa or pool, having a filter body which receives a filter bag having a sheath encompassing the exterior of the filter body and a pocket extending inwardly from the front end of the sheath into the filter. Operation of the spa water circulation system draws spa water into the filter bag pocket while concurrently spa water is drawn transversely through the filter bag sheath and auxiliary spa water openings into the filter body. An O-ring encircles the upper portion of the filter bag to releasably retain such bag to the filter body during operation of the spa water circulation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: A. H. Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Gregg W. Leaverton
  • Patent number: 6849176
    Abstract: An oil/grease separator separates a lighter liquid from a mixture of the heavier liquid and a lighter liquid. A housing has an inner volume, an inlet to receive influent flow, an outlet to discharge the heavier liquid, which defines a static liquid level, and an outlet port above the static liquid level to discharge substantially all of the lighter liquid and portions of the heavier liquid. The lighter liquid floats on the heavier liquid, so that large volume flows into the inlet raises the liquid level in the housing, flowing the floating lighter liquid through the outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Thermaco, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Batten, Bruce Kyles, Charles Kemp
  • Patent number: 6841066
    Abstract: A filter and housing (10) for waste water treatment includes a housing (10) having a plurality of coaxially mounted vertically extending sections adaptable to receive a filter cartridge therein. An upper section (12) is provided with an outlet consisting of at least two coaxially aligned rings (22) of preselected diameters wherein the thickness of the rings and the spacing between the rings is sufficient to receive waste water treatment outlets of different diameters. The filter cartridge is comprised of a stacked arrangement of a plurality of disc-dam units (32) wherein each disc-dam unit (32) is provided with a serpentine configured first dam (46), the first dam extending upwardly from an upper surface of the disc-dam unit, the first dam having terminating ends spaced at outer terminating edges (34a, 34b) of the disc dam unit to define a cord segment therebetween. The terminating ends are connected by a second dam (46) having a height less than the first dam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventors: Harry L. Nurse, Jr., John Christensen
  • Patent number: 6837990
    Abstract: A new vacuum cyclone seafood collection retainer is disclosed. Two men easily assemble this new cyclone collection retainer, made in portable sections, and the sections can be rotated for best orientation of the hose connections. This vacuum cyclone facilitates the use of a large-scale vacuum system to offload shrimp from the holds and bins of shrimp boats and trawlers up onto the dock and into collection tubs for weighing and processing. This new vacuum cyclone system will offload shrimp and other small seafood much faster, cheaper, and with less damage to the shrimp than the conventional methods now employed. One large-scale vacuum supply pump can be connected through a common vacuum supply tank to multiple vacuum cyclone collection retainers providing multiple unloading dockside facilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Joseph Layne Orillion
  • Patent number: 6821415
    Abstract: A self-adjusting fluid surface skimmer and a wastewater treatment system incorporating the same are provided. In one embodiment, the skimmer includes an intake passage and an outlet passage. The intake passage comprises first and second passageways connected by a flexible coupling. A collar is positioned around the first passageway near an intake opening. At least one buoyant member is attached to the collar and facilitates self-adjustment of the skimmer. A gas inlet is disposed in the outlet passage and allows for the movement of gas through the outlet passage, which creates a suction effect in the intake passage. The wastewater treatment system comprises an aeration tank disposed in a settling tank such that a clearance is created between the two tanks. A skimmer according to the present invention is disposed within the clearance. The skimmer enables further removal of solids from treated fluid within the settling tank prior to leaving the treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventor: Matthew L. Sharb
  • Patent number: 6780331
    Abstract: Contaminated liquids are treated by ozonation in a pressurized environment. Ozone is injected into a contaminated liquid to form a gas/liquid mixture. The mixture is injected into a mixing chamber for providing turbulent gas/liquid contact. The mixture is flowed from the mixing chamber into a pressurized reaction vessel. In an alternative embodiment, contaminated liquid is treated in situ using pressurized injection wells for injecting ozone-containing liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Science Applications International Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas John Galatro, Steven Raymond Zimmers, Daniel Allen Delp, John Hale Templeton, Frank Salvatore Capitani
  • Patent number: 6780221
    Abstract: A removal system for removing a waste metal from a waste solution. The removal system comprises outer and inner containers, inlet, intermediate, and outlet conduits, and first and second reaction media. The inner container defines an upper wall portion and is located within the outer container. The inlet conduit allows fluid to flow to the inner chamber and extends through the upper wall portion of the inner container. The intermediate conduit allows fluid flow from the inner chamber to the outer chamber. The outlet conduit allows fluid flow out of the outer chamber. The first reaction media located in the inner container. The second reaction media located in the outer container. The waste solution is forced along a removal path through the inlet conduit, the first reaction media, the intermediate conduit, the second reaction media, and the outlet conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: Anthony N. Senff
  • Publication number: 20040159597
    Abstract: A portable purifying system for improved filtering and/or separating of cleaning solutions such as solvents, particularly those used in parts washers. The purifying system utilizes a removable reservoir to provide a smaller reservoir within a larger reservoir such as a parts washer. The portable purifying system provides an apparatus and method of use to perform the following steps: using re-circulating solvent from the larger reservoir, washing oily parts in such manner that oily residue from the washed parts is deposited in the smaller reservoir; separating cleaner portions of solvent from dirtier portions of solvent within the smaller reservoir using density differences to separate by gravity action cleaner portions from dirtier portions; moving the cleaner portions of solvent into the larger reservoir; and periodically emptying and cleaning the smaller reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: F. Donald Lee
  • Patent number: 6773606
    Abstract: A system for limiting the size of particulate matter entering a septic tank pump contains a strainer that has a straining screen through which the pump draws liquid from the septic tank. A nozzle receives some of the effluent being pumped by the pump and is aimed toward the screen for directing effluent toward the screen to dislodge particulate matter from an area of the screen while the pump draws liquid through the screen. The screen and nozzle are arranged for relative movement so that the area of the screen being acted on by the effluent from the nozzle changes as the pump operates. Various embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Perfection Sprinkler Co.
    Inventors: Charles A. Wilkins, James O. Stoneburner
  • Patent number: 6773593
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for treating wastewater having bio-solids therein. The system includes a tank, a wastewater inlet line, an effluent discharge outlet line, and an aeration source. The tank has an upper aeration chamber and a lower clarification chamber separated by a common inclined partition having an opening defined therein. The inclined partition opens into the lower clarification chamber near a bottom of the tank which allows fluid communication between the upper aeration chamber and the lower clarification chamber. The bottom of the tank has a bio-sludge outlet for removal of settled bio-solids. The wastewater inlet line opens into the aeration chamber and an intake end of the effluent discharge outlet line is positioned within the clarification chamber. The aeration source is positioned within the aeration chamber to supply air to the wastewater within the aeration chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Nils Young
  • Patent number: 6699445
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for, and method of, performing various liquid-liquid contacting operations such as solvent extraction, stripping, scrubbing, washing, re-extraction and reacting in a single, integrated column. The ability of the integrated column, which is based on the intermediate decanter, of the present invention, to perform the entire operation of solvent extraction plant in a single column has many technical, economical, ecological and operational safety advantages. Investment costs significantly decrease due to the decrease in the number of columns, decanters, and auxiliary equipment, spare parts, materials inventories and the requisite area for the plant relative to a standard prior art plant. Operating and maintenance costs also decrease due to less pumping between columns and less equipment in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Bateman Advanced Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Rafael Kleinberger
  • Patent number: 6699387
    Abstract: A waste water filter comprises a shield comprising a vertical peripheral wall defining a shield interior. The shield further includes an inlet for the entry of unfiltered wastewater into the shield interior. A shield filter element is disposed within the shield interior. An outlet in fluid communication with the second interior location for discharging filtered waste water is also included into the waste water filter. The shield filter element includes at least one filter surface having filter surface openings for the passage of relatively clear water while restricting the passage of solids larger than the openings. The shield filter element, when disposed within the shield, separates the shield interior into first and second interior locations. Unfiltered or partially filtered waste water in the first interior location is separated from filtered waste water in the second location by the shield filter element. The shield filter element is removable from the shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas P. Bovington
  • Publication number: 20040011715
    Abstract: A hybrid oil filter assembly includes a housing and a first (e.g., conventional) oil filter element disposed in proximity to a bottom portion of the housing. The first oil filter element contains an open inner volume. A second oil filter element having a generally circular cylindrical shape is disposed circumferentially about a length of the first oil filter element. The second oil filter element may be made of rolled paper and filters particles of a smaller size than the first oil filter element (e.g., down to about one microns, thereby providing micro-filtering of the engine oil).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: Norbert Assion
  • Patent number: 6666968
    Abstract: An oil filter assembly has an outer canister in which full flow and bypass flow filtration sections are operatively housed in a nested relationship. Oil forced into the canister has imparted thereto a vortex flow pattern which forces contaminant particles in the oil away from the full flow filter section before the oil passes therethrough. The bypass filtration section is disposed within the full flow filtration section and creates a second vortex flow pattern in the oil which induces a small portion thereof to flow through a bypass filter element while at the same time causing the entire balance of the oil to bypass this filter element and be discharged from the canister after having traversed the filtering portion of only the full flow filtration portion of the filter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Vortex International, LLC
    Inventors: Gerald F. Smith, Loran W. Sutton, Gary F. Krofchalk
  • Publication number: 20030229302
    Abstract: A blood processing system (2), includes a housing (4), to which a user control panel is mounted, having an access opening (47) therein. A cassette assembly (22), mounted to the housing for movement between a use position covering the access opening and a cassette-replacement position, includes a cassette holder and cassette (26) removably mounted to the holder. The cassette includes in part by tubing aligned with a through-hole (45) in the cassette. A door (34) is mounted to the housing for movement between a latched position, capturing the cassette between the panel and the door, and a released position. Independently-driven roller assemblies (46, 54, 72) pass part-way through the access opening to capture first tubing portions (44A, 52A, 68A) between the roller tracks (100, 102, 104) and the roller assemblies for peristaltic pumping of fluid. A number of movable pinch elements (48, 80, 90, 96) are extendable through the front panel to selectively pinch the tubing against the door and thus seal the tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Applicant: Mission Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Robinson, Thomas P. Sahines, Richard R. D'Elia, Robert K. Fernandez, Frank Hickman
  • Publication number: 20030226793
    Abstract: An environmentally friendly acid neutralizing filter cartridge is adapted to be mounted in a cartridge mounting body of an engine oil circuit for filtering particulates and neutralizing acid in oil. The filter cartridge comprises a support housing that comprises substantially no metal parts such that the filter cartridge can be readily incinerated. A full flow particulate filter and a bypass particulate filter are arranged in the support housing. A bed of acid neutralizing particles is contained in the support housing. The housing is configured such that a predetermined primary flow path is defined through the filter cartridge that passes through the full flow particulate filter and bypassing the bed of acid neutralizing particles; and a predetermined bypass path is defined through the filter cartridge that passes, in sequence, through the bed of acid neutralizing particles and the bypass particulate filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Applicant: Baldwin Filters, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Merritt, Gene W. Brown
  • Publication number: 20030226795
    Abstract: An environmentally friendly dual lube venturi filter cartridge which has no metallic components. A plastic centertube having a venturi section supports a bypass filter element on standoffs molded into the centertube. An outer concentric full flow filter element surrounds the bypass filter. The full flow filter is supported on a plastic centertube which creates a gap between it and the bypass filter. A first bypass filter endcap both seals the bypass filter and provides standoffs for allowing full flow oil around the bypass filter. The standoffs thus split the full flow which progresses through the primary filter in two paths, a primary path around the bypass filter and into the centertube, and a bypass path through the secondary filter and the venturi. Plastic upper and lower endcaps carry grooves for simple sealing gaskets, a radial seal gasket on the bottom which seals against both the endcap which carries it and a flange in the housing, and an axial seal gasket at the top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Applicant: Baldwin Filters, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Merritt, Gene W. Brown
  • Publication number: 20030209478
    Abstract: A filter and housing (10) for waste water treatment includes a housing (10) having a plurality of coaxially mounted vertically extending sections adaptable to receive a filter cartridge therein. An upper section (12) is provided with an outlet consisting of at least two coaxially aligned rings (22) of preselected diameters wherein the thickness of the rings and the spacing between the rings is sufficient to receive waste water treatment outlets of different diameters. The filter cartridge is comprised of a stacked arrangement of a plurality of disc-dam units (32) wherein each disc-dam unit (32) is provided with a serpentine configured first dam (46), the first dam extending upwardly from an upper surface of the disc-dam unit, the first dam having terminating ends spaced at outer terminating edges (34a, 34b) of the disc dam unit to define a cord segment therebetween. The terminating ends are connected by a second dam (46) having a height less than the first dam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Harry L. Nurse Jr, John Christensen
  • Patent number: 6610210
    Abstract: A disposable cartridge device is provided for use in a heated cartridge water treatment system in which particles, formed by the heat-induced reaction of bicarbonates in the water, can be efficiently collected in non-turbulent particle settling zones. The cartridge includes multiple containers which are assembled to fit into each other and which form channels for the flow of water within gaps between the walls of the containers. When the particle collecting section becomes full, the water flow automatically is blocked, or cut-off, which signals the need to replace the cartridge. The cartridge also can include a polishing filter and a heater mounted to a surface of the outer container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventor: George Plester
  • Publication number: 20030150788
    Abstract: A self-adjusting fluid surface skimmer and a wastewater treatment system incorporating the same are provided. In one embodiment, the skimmer includes an intake passage and an outlet passage. The intake passage comprises first and second passageways connected by a flexible coupling. A collar is positioned around the first passageway near an intake opening. At least one buoyant member is attached to the collar and facilitates self-adjustment of the skimmer. A gas inlet is disposed in the outlet passage and allows for the movement of gas through the outlet passage, which creates a suction effect in the intake passage. The wastewater treatment system comprises an aeration tank disposed in a settling tank such that a clearance is created between the two tanks. A skimmer according to the present invention is disposed within the clearance. The skimmer enables further removal of solids from treated fluid within the settling tank prior to leaving the treatment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Matthew L. Sharb
  • Patent number: 6605215
    Abstract: An oil filter including a housing, a first oil filter element, a second oil filter element disposed circumferentially about a length of the first oil filter capable of filtering particles of a smaller size than the first oil filter element. A first oil filter inlet is disposed at a bottom portion of the housing for providing oil to be filtered to an outside surface of the first oil filter element, and a second oil filter inlet is disposed at the bottom portion of the housing and surrounding the first oil inlet for providing oil to be filtered to a bottom surface of the second oil filter element. A fluid communication path extends from a top surface of the second oil filter element into the first oil filter element such that oil filtered through the second oil filter element is mixed with oil filtered by the first oil filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Norbert Assion
  • Patent number: 6602409
    Abstract: An apparatus for supplying deozonized ozone sterilized water includes a first UV lamp unit received in an ozone-containing gas generating member to irradiate oxygen-containing gas flowing through the gas generating member to produce ozone-containing gas. The ozone-containing gas is entrained in water flowing in a water supplying conduit for sterilizing the water. A cooling system can cool the gas generating member during the UV radiation for maintaining the ozone concentration entrained in the water. The ozone sterilized water in the conduit is deozonized by a second UV lamp unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph Kuo
  • Patent number: 6569338
    Abstract: A vessel (10) for placement on a land site for sanitary treatment of wastewater, in which an inlet communicates wastewater and suspended solids through a mixing chamber (30) to an aeration zone (34) that receives air from nozzles (37) for biological digestion of the suspended solids and conversion to activated sludge. The activated sludge communicates through an airlift (70) to the mixing chamber (30) for facilitating treatment. The air from the nozzles (37) creates an upflow of wastewater and activated sludge to secondary clarifiers (42) having sludge receiving plates (48) on which the sludge settles, accumulates, and falls from resulting in treated water in the secondary clarifier (42). The treated water discharges in a trough (62) from the vessel (12, 92). A method of sanitary treating of wastewater is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: Boris Ozyboyd
  • Patent number: 6558449
    Abstract: A removal system for removing a waste metal from a waste solution. The removal system comprises outer and inner containers and inlet, intermediate, and outlet conduits. The outer container defines an outer chamber, and the inner container defines an inner chamber. The inner container is located within the outer chamber. The inlet conduit allows fluid to flow from an exterior of the outer container to the inner chamber. The intermediate conduit allows fluid flow from the inner chamber to the outer chamber. The outlet conduit allows fluid flow from the outer chamber to the exterior of the outer chamber. A first reaction media located in the inner chamber, and a second reaction media located in the outer chamber. In use, the waste solution is forced along a removal path through the inlet conduit, the first reaction media, the intermediate conduit, the second reaction media, and the outlet conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Anthony N. Senff
  • Patent number: 6554996
    Abstract: An apparatus for converting a typical anaerobic septic tank system into an efficient aerobic treatment system for treatment of liquor containing biodegradable wastes. The apparatus includes a collapsible reactor module that can pass through a relatively small opening in a septic tank cover. The reactor module contains media through which liquor to be treated is recirculated and aerated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Bio-Microbics, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Rebori
  • Patent number: 6551508
    Abstract: The present invention is a waste water filter for use in a septic tank. The waste water filter includes a shield comprising a vertical peripheral wall substantially impervious to the passage of unfiltered waste water. The shield includes an opening for the entry of unfiltered waste water into the interior of the shield. A filter element is disposed substantially within the shield interior. The filter element includes a filter surface having filtering openings for restricting the passage of waste water solids of a size larger than the filtering openings, while allowing the passage relatively clear water. A reservoir within which filtered waste water may be temporarily maintained is disposed at least partially within the interior of the shield. The reservoir includes at least a first vertical peripheral wall defining a chamber. The filter element may be removed from the shield without the separation of the reservoir from the shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas P Bovington
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6416664
    Abstract: A waste water filter comprises a shield comprising a vertical peripheral wall defining a shield interior. The shield further includes an inlet for the entry of unfiltered wastewater into the shield interior. A shield filter element is disposed within the shield interior. The shield filter element includes at least one filter surface having filter surface openings for the passage of relatively clear water while restricting the passage of solids larger than the openings. The shield filter element, when disposed within the shield, separates the shield interior into first and second interior locations. Unfiltered or partially filtered waste water in the first interior location is separated from filtered waste water in the second location by the shield filter element. The shield filter element is removable from the shield. Unfiltered or partially filtered waste water entering the shield interior after shield filter element removal will enter the first and second interior locations within the shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas P Bovington
  • Patent number: 6387070
    Abstract: A system for recovering bone particles removed from a patient, comprising a sub-system for removing particles of bone; a sub-system for irrigating the operative site to yield a slurry comprising the bone particles; a sub-system for removing the slurry from the operative site; and a sub-system for recovering the bone particles from the slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Marino, Nicolei R. King
  • Patent number: 6365045
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in a sewage treatment plant comprises a settlement tank, an inlet channel for delivering an input sewage flow to the settlement tank, and a screen arrangement having a continuous belt screen for capturing screenings contained within the sewage flow to enable their subsequent removal therefrom. The screen arrangement is arranged within the settlement tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Jones & Attwood Limited
    Inventor: John Cedric Bache
  • Patent number: 6364120
    Abstract: A fryer system has a tub and a filter screen assembly located in the tub to filter cooking fluid. A filter pan or crumb catcher having a perforated surface is positioned above the tub to receive cooking fluid from a cooking vat of the fryer system. A pan is positioned between the filter pan or crumb catcher and the tub to receive cooking fluid and direct it to the tub, with the pan extending beyond outer edges of the filter screen assembly to substantially prevent the flow of cooking fluid from the filter pan or crumb catcher directly onto the filter screen assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Ultrafryer Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Rosendo A. Sanchez, Albert C. McNamara, Jack E. Garner, Allen F. Clark
  • 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: 6348151
    Abstract: A device for sterilizing and filtering water which flows through a sanitary device consists of a treatment cavity (19) located inside of housing (2,3,4) through which water can flow. The treatment cavity is subdivided into a multitude of partial cavities (51a, 51b) by a suitably formed filter device (50). The flowing water and filter device (50) are irradiated by an ultraviolet lamp (12) and the filter device is made of a single sintered body which transmits UV radiation thereby allowing the water to be filtered to remove microorganisms and then to be killed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Hansa Metallwerke AG
    Inventor: Horst Kunkel
  • 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: 6338797
    Abstract: A two-piece filtering device for wastewater filtering systems is disclosed wherein the two-piece system is inserted into a tubular casing. The two-piece filtering system is comprised of an outer sleeve filter and an inner primary filter, the primary filter extending downwardly through an opening in the bottom portion of the sleeve filter and also having an opening formed in its end. After insertion into the tubular casing, the two-piece filtering system of the present invention forces effluent or other fluid to be treated upward through the interior of the primary filter, through slots formed in and subsequently through the sidewall of the sleeve filter. Thus, only treated effluent flows outward through the tubular casing outlet opening. The slots may be formed in both the sidewall of the primary filter and the sleeve filter. A seal may be provided between sidewall lower portion of the primary filter and may extend to the internal sidewall of the tubular casing to prevent untreated effluent therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventors: Harry L. Nurse, Jr., Theophilis B. Terry, III
  • Patent number: 6331249
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating a secondary treated wastewater effluent. The apparatus comprises an anoxic first zone for accepting the secondary effluent wherein the first zone includes heterotrophic bacteria, a carbon source, and an outlet structure including a limestone aggregate. The apparatus further comprises a second zone including an entrance structure that is in fluid communication with the outlet structure and an exit structure in fluid communication with the second zone. The exit structure includes a cationic exchange medium wherein the exit structure discharges the effluent to a disposal mechanism such as a subsurface disposal field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Knight Treatment Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Nelson, James E. Knight, Mark C. Noga
  • Patent number: 6328884
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for degerminating and filtering water passing through a sanitary appliance. The device includes a housing through which water can flow, and a filtering device located inside of the housing. The filtering device has a backup cage and a filter cloth bag connected thereto, and essentially surrounds the entire luminous element of a UV lamp. Both the backup cage and the filter cloth bag are made from a plastic material which allows the radiation emitted by the UV lamp to pass through it or which conducts the radiation in the manner of a light conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Hansa Metallwerke AG
    Inventor: Horst Kunkel
  • Patent number: 6315899
    Abstract: Apparatus for separating a lighter liquid and a heavier liquid may comprise a settling tank sized to receive a mixture of the lighter liquid and the heavier liquid. The settling tank permits the formation of a first upper liquid fraction and a first lower liquid fraction. A weir positioned adjacent the settling tank allows the first upper liquid fraction to flow over the weir. A trough positioned adjacent the weir receives the first upper liquid fraction and effects a secondary separation of the lighter and heavier liquids by allowing the first upper liquid fraction to form a second upper liquid fraction and a second lower liquid fraction. A first drain having an elevated inlet end is positioned in the trough so that the first drain removes the second upper liquid fraction from said trough. A second drain positioned in the trough has an inlet end that is positioned below the inlet end of the first drain so that the second drain removes the second lower liquid fraction from said trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Cyprus Amax Minerals Company
    Inventor: Ramon A. Hernandez
  • Patent number: 6312592
    Abstract: Clarifier for liquids laden with suspended matter, comprising: an outer, first, cylindrical tank (4), a central, second, cylindrical tank (1) for collecting the filtered liquid, roughly coaxial with the first; an intermediate tank (2), formed between the outer tank (4) and the central tank (1) and roughly coaxial therewith; structure (19) for the feed of pressurized backwash liquid to the filter medium (14); a hood (26) for recovering the washing liquid after it has passed through the filter medium (14); a rotary bridge (8) which can rotate above the collection of cylindrical tanks (1, 2, 4), a compartment for introducing the liquid that is to be clarified, this compartment being positioned between the intermediate tank (2) and the central tank (1) and feeding the outer tank (4) centrally with liquid laden with suspended matter, the said compartment being itself fed with liquid that is to be clarified from the outside via a number of inlets (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Roumen Kaltchev
  • Patent number: 6306299
    Abstract: A filter and housing for waste water treatment includes a housing having a plurality of coaxially mounted vertically extending sections adaptable to receive a filter cartridge therein. An upper section is provided with an outlet consisting of at least two coaxially aligned rings of preselected diameters wherein the thickness of the rings and the spacing between the rings is sufficient to receive waste water treatment outlets of different diameters. The filter cartridge is comprised of a stacked arrangement of a plurality of disc-dam units wherein each disc-dam unit is provided with a serpentine configured first dam, the first dam extending upwardly from an upper surface of the disc-dam unit, the first dam having terminating ends spaced at outer terminating edges of the disc dam unit to define a cord segment therebetween. The terminating ends are connected by a second dam having a height less than the first dam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventors: Harry L. Nurse, Jr., John Christensen
  • Patent number: 6264832
    Abstract: An apparatus (18) for receiving rain water from a water collecting means (20) and treating this water according to a treatment cycle. The apparatus has a stop tank (24) to hold incoming water while a treatment cycle is being executed in a main tank (32), so there is no mixing of the treated water with water to be treated. The main tank has various reservoirs (42, 52, 62), valves (30, 40, 50) and buoyant elements (68, 70), and the water flow is strictly controlled by gravity and the buoyancy of the water. Treating solutions such as a mineral solution and a chloride solution are added in predetermined quantities to the water during the treatment cycle, and the treated water is stored into a storage tank (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Fazlollah Panahi
  • Patent number: 6261452
    Abstract: A laminar flow collar for use with an effluent pump in a septic system. The laminar flow collar is a cylinder having a closed bottom and an open top portion. The laminar flow collar includes a plurality of holes drilled about the periphery of the cylinder at a certain distance from the bottom. The laminar flow collar sits on the bottom of the tank and the plurality of holes are positioned at a certain height from the bottom of the septic tank and below the surface of the effluent so as not to draw in “scum” floating on the top of the septic tank. The plurality of holes are engineered to match the pump flow so that flow into the collar is laminar, thereby avoiding turbulence in the tank which would otherwise stir up the sludge at the bottom of the tank. The effluent pump is inserted into a second cylinder which is placed within the laminar flow collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: American Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert B. Mayer
  • Patent number: 6231762
    Abstract: A wastewater filtration system with a housing provided by a cylindrical conduit forming a filter chamber and having an inlet end and an outlet. A shutoff valve assembly is connected to an inlet end of the housing, and includes a closure element movable between an open position and a closed position. The closure element is biased to the closed position in the absence of a filter in the chamber and positioned near the inlet such that the shutoff valve opens when a filter is installed. The closure element may be hinged to the housing, and may be counterweighted or spring biased to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Bowco Industries Inc.
    Inventor: J. Griffith Marshall, III
  • Patent number: 6228258
    Abstract: The Sewage Treatment System with Chlorinator (“STSC”) processes sewage for buildings not connected to a municipal sewer system. It employs a two stage process for cleaning sewage in a single, light-weight, easy-to-install unit. Sewage is initially cleaned in the aerobic tank, which is divided into an inner chamber and an outer chamber by a funnel-shaped clarifier hanging down in the aerobic tank, with the opening in the bottom of the clarifier held above the bottom of the aerobic tank. Air droplines hang down in the outer chamber of the aerobic tank, so that sewage in the outer chamber is aerated, stimulating aerobic microorganisms which digest the sewage. The sewage in the outer chamber then moves into the inner chamber inside the clarifier where gravity separates solids from the effluent. This cleaned effluent is then drained to the post-treatment tank for the second cleaning stage, where it is chlorinated and stored for discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventors: Hubbard H. Donald, George E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6217761
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system having a treatment chamber and a clarifier chamber, the treatment chamber having a floor, the clarifier chamber separated from the treatment chamber by a common partition, the clarifier chamber having a top portion and a bottom portion, the clarifier chamber having an opening into the treatment chamber near the bottom of the clarifier, where the common partition is inclined near the area of the clarifier opening, and clarifier chamber being designed so that when wastewater is positioned therein, some solids suspended in the wastewater in the clarifier chamber settle out and exit the clarifier opening, a current in the wastewater in the treatment chamber, where the current passes across the floor of said treatment chamber near the opening of the clarifier, the current being sufficient to substantially prevent a build up of solids on the treatment chamber floor beneath the clarifier opening where the current does not keep all solids within said treatment chamber suspended within th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Delta Environmental Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael David Catanzaro, Murphy Martin Arcemont, III, Raleigh Lee Cox, Christopher Edward Cox, Travis Lee LeJeune
  • Patent number: 6214220
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing oil or gas from a wastewater flow stream includes a vessel having a vessel wall surrounding an interior. A flow inlet is provided for transmitting wastewater to be treated to the vessel interior. The vessel provides a primary oil outlet and a secondary oil outlet. An oil bucket receives floating oil for transfer to the primary oil outlet. A transversely positioned matrix of media extends across the cross section of the vessel interior to separate the vessel interior into first and second sections. The hydrocyclone separator carries a plurality of de-oiler hydrocyclone liners. The separator is positioned at least partially within and communicates with the vessel interior. The hydrocyclone separator is positioned upstream of the secondary oil outlet and downstream of the matrix of coalescing media. Oil separated by the hydrocyclone liners flows to the secondary oil outlet. Water separated by the hydrocyclone liners flows to the water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Engineering Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Uncas B. Favret, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6214222
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process and apparatus for treatment of liquid. Liquid is introduced into a reaction vessel (10) and rises inside a first chamber (12) of the reaction vessel (10). The liquid is led out of the first chamber (12) downwardly along an outer surface (40) of the first chamber (12) in a thin film into a second chamber (14). In a third chamber (16) energy for raising the internal energy of the liquid is supplied to the liquid by means of an energy supply device (30). The treated liquid is withdrawn from the reaction vessel (10). The energy supply device includes an ultrasound-emitting transducer in which a piezoceramic disc (82) is supported via an elastic seal (84) between a pot-shaped housing member (78) and a sleeve (80).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Ulrich Gerber
  • Patent number: 6210566
    Abstract: Nestable canisters for use in a dispersal valve that normally holds only a single canister with the nestable canisters suitable for replacing single canisters to enable a fluid mixing stream to be bifurcated and simultaneously but separately treat the water with different materials. The fluid mixing stream which normally flows through the set of ports that are used for dispensing only one solid chemical into the liquid stream flowing through the dispersal valve is bifurcated to provide for both dispersant type bacteria killing as well as in situ bacteria killing. In addition the nestable canisters are provided with an improved bactericide and algaecide for killing algae in the water and absorbing acids that might be generated by use of chlorine in the dispersal valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Joseph A. King
  • Patent number: 6200472
    Abstract: The Three Stage Sewage Treatment System (“TSSTS”) processes sewage for buildings not connected to a municipal sewer system. It employs a three stage process for cleaning sewage in a single, light-weight, easy-to-install unit. Sewage is initially cleaned anaerobically in the pre-treatment tank as gravity acts to separate solids from the effluent. Sewage then flows into the aerobic tank for further cleaning by aerobic microorganisms and continued gravity separation of solid contaminants from the effluent. The aerobic tank is divided into an inner chamber and an outer chamber by a funnel-shaped clarifier. In the TSSTS, the clarifier is a separate piece with a lip around the top of the funnel-shaped main body. The lip of the clarifier rests atop the sidewalls of the aerobic tank, and the clarifier hangs down in the aerobic tank, with an opening in the bottom of the clarifier held above the bottom of the aerobic tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventors: Hubbard H. Donald, George E. Johnson