Including Multiple Operation Unit Patents (Class 210/260)
  • Patent number: 6767462
    Abstract: A wastewater purifying apparatus using a back overflowed sludge includes a water tank having an inflow port for accepting wastewater and an outlet for discharging purified water, and a first barrier for dividing the water tank into a steady-flow region and a turbulent-flow region according to flow type, the first barrier submerged in the wastewater when it is filled in the water tank to a predetermined water level to allow sludge in the turbulent-flow region to flow backward the steady-flow region without extra device of settling and return.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventor: Suk Gyun Park
  • Patent number: 6764600
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lagoon partitioned for hog waste treatment, and the method of waste treatment in said lagoon. More particularly, the present invention relates to a lagoon for hog waste, which is partitioned into zones separated by walls, comprising a first zone for storing and settling hog waste, a second zone for carrying out sequence batch reaction onto the supernatant from the first zone, a third zone for storing processed liquid materials from the second zone, and a fourth zone for fermenting the solid materials from the first and second zones, wherein a passageway with a pump is installed between the respective two zones for transference of solid and liquid waste materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Environmental Vision 21, Ltd.
    Inventors: Myung Chul Cha, Jihyun Choi
  • Patent number: 6761820
    Abstract: A paint overspray particulate filtration system includes a collection tank, a floatation consolidation tank, and a vacuum filter assembly having a filter medium that traverses a pair of vacuum chambers. A positive displacement vacuum producer for the first vacuum chamber discharges a first supply of pressurized air at a temperature preferably greater than about 170° F. and a pressure preferably greater than about 6 psig, while a centrifugal compressor discharges a second supply of pressurized air at a temperature of perhaps up to 110° F. and at a pressure of perhaps 4 psig. The first pressurized air supply is heat exchanged with the second pressurized air supply, whereupon the cooled first pressurized air supply is directed through a submerged diffuser nozzle to aerate the collection tank and/or the consolidation tank. The warmed second pressurized air supply is directed onto the paint sludge carried atop the filter medium to enhance sludge dewatering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Air and Liquid Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Miller
  • Patent number: 6758972
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treatment of wastewater. More particularly, the methods of the present invention are designed for the biological removal from wastewater of contamination in the form of insoluble suspended solids and soluble and insoluble organic and inorganic material, including nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients. A wastewater treatment process is described, which process is a hybrid continuous flow, cyclic operating, substantially constant level, activated sludge process with a symmetric functional cycle. In this functional cycle each compartment of a reactor is subsequently in a different functional phases, which functional phases are continuously separated: phase 1, phase 2, phase 3, phase 4, phase 1, phase 2, phase 3, phase 4, etc. . . . The symmetric functional cycle allows for symmetric (equal) influent distribution and therefore symmetric sludge and oxygen demand distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventors: Luc Vriens, Ron Gerards
  • Patent number: 6743362
    Abstract: A sewage treatment plant, on the liquid side, is operated so as to effect nitrification and denitrification within a single tank and simultaneously to remove water, without the need for separate clarification. An aerobic/anoxic zone is maintained in a single tank, wherein the SymBio process of U.S. Pat. No. 5,906,746 is maintained. This is combined with the advantages of an MBR process, by placing a series of membrane separators within the tank and continuously withdrawing nearly pure water. Supplemental process air provided in the MBR tank is controlled by the SymBio process to maintain simultaneous nitrification and denitrification in a single tank and thus reducing the additional process air requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Enviroquip Inc.
    Inventors: James Porteous, Hiren K. Trivedi, Dennis C. Livingston
  • Patent number: 6730266
    Abstract: A hemofiltration system for a mammal is provided with a hemofilter and an adsorbent device. The hemofilter removes ultrafiltrate from a blood stream extracted from the mammal to create a filtered blood stream and an ultrafiltrate stream. The adsorbent device has one or more adsorbent materials and is used to adsorb inflammatory mediators from the ultrafiltrate stream received from the hemofilter removing inflammatory mediators that cause inflammatory mediator related disease, sepsis, and SIRS/MODS/MOSF to create a post adsorption ultrafiltrate stream. The post adsorption ultrafiltrate stream is selectively combined with the filtered blood stream and together with the filtered blood stream is returned to the mammal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Immunocept, L.L.C.
    Inventors: James R. Matson, Patrice A. Lee
  • Patent number: 6730226
    Abstract: A method for purifying water including nitrification by aerobic bacteria and denitrification by anaerobic bacteria in an apparatus by providing an elongated, closed water channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Shunsuke Takada
  • Patent number: 6673250
    Abstract: A fluid treatment system is disclosed that includes a control unit that controls the overall operation of the fluid treatment system. A ballast circuit is coupled with an electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly. In the preferred fluid treatment system, the ballast circuit is inductively coupled with the electromagnetic radiation assembly. The inductively coupled ballast circuit inductively energizes an electromagnetic radiation emitting device that is located in the electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly in response to a predetermined electric signal from the control unit. In addition, the fluid treatment system includes a radio frequency identification system that is used to monitor various functional and operational aspects of the electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly and a filter assembly used in the fluid treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, David W. Baarman, Scott A. Mollema, Ronald C. Markham, Terry L. Lautzenheiser
  • Patent number: 6616835
    Abstract: A coolant recycling system for efficiently recycling contaminated machine tool coolant thereby extending the useful life of the coolant. The coolant recycling system includes a support frame, a first tank for receiving contaminated coolant, a second tank for receiving a volume of water and coolant concentrate, and a third tank for treating and cleaning the contaminated coolant. A skimmer apparatus is positioned within the third tank for removing the upper level of contaminants from the coolant for filtering separately from the significant volume of coolant within the third tank. An ozone applicator applies a specific volume of ozone to the coolant during the mixing of the coolant within the third tank which kills mold, yeast, fungus and bacteria while also changing the physical state of dissolved solids for increasing the ability to remove the contaminants from the coolant and micro air bubbles float contaminants to the surface to be skimmed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Jon A. Jensen
  • Patent number: 6605209
    Abstract: A self-sustaining non-biodegradable waste breakdown system has a preprocessing assembly, a heating assembly, a reaction assembly and a filtering assembly. The reaction assembly has a filtering layer to retain long chain molecules of the melted waste for continuous breakdown so as to change the long chain molecules into short chain molecules. The filtering-adjusting mechanism of the filtering assembly recycles the medium with a special concentration, viscosity and heat resistance in the reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Green Formosa Energy Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-En Lei, Fu-Jung Huang, Wen-Pin Wu, Shyh-Shin Chen, Joe Yueh Chou
  • 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: 6592751
    Abstract: A high-rate reactor system, (applying a high superficial velocity), capable of treating partially soluble, complex, high-strength wastewater. The reactor system is configured in multiple stages and has the ability to retain complex insoluble substrates in a wide range of particle sizes in spatially separate stages for sufficient residence time to enable complete degradation. A vertically oriented vessel has neighboring upper and lower chambers, each chamber having a gas retention space and a liquid retention space. A filter chamber has an inlet communicating with the liquid retention space of the lower chamber and an outlet communicating with the liquid retention space of the upper chamber. A gas conduit communicates the gas retention space of the lower chamber with the gas retention space of the upper chamber. A discharge device enables gas to be periodically discharged from the lower chamber to the upper chamber through the gas conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
    Inventor: Ajit Haridas
  • Patent number: 6576130
    Abstract: A wastewater absorption field reclamation and maintenance system, wherein effluent (wastewater) is oxygenated such that BOD is not reduced in the effluent, the oxygenated effluent being delivered to the absorption field. As the oxygenated effluent flows to the absorption field, the enhanced oxygen enables aerobic decomposition of organic matter which has reduced the infiltrative capacity of the absorption field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: North American Wetland Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott D. Wallace
  • Patent number: 6565750
    Abstract: The present invention provides a two stage process for treating wastewater that subjects the influent to anoxic and oxic filtering processes. The first stage performs anoxic nitrification i.e., the conversion of nitrate to nitrogen gas by bacteria operating in the absence of oxygen. Influent (effluent from the primary clarifiers) is fed into the bottom of the anoxic dentirification tank, preventing contact with the atmosphere and thus reducing the amount of unwanted dissolved oxygen. The influent passes upwards through a layer of sludge biomass before contacting bacteria coated media which performs the denitrification process. This arrangement permits the influent to contact the sludge and the biomass to circulate through the filter, enhancing deoxygenation and the performance of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: O'Brien & Gere Engineers, Inc.
    Inventor: Sami M. Nasr
  • Patent number: 6423268
    Abstract: A blood heating system for use in open heart surgery including an arterial/venous fluid circuit, a cardioplegia fluid circuit independent of the arterial/venous fluid circuit, a first heater in heat exchange relationship with the arterial/venous fluid circuit, a second heater in heat exchange relationship with the cardioplegia fluid circuit, a power supply connected to the first and second heaters so as to supply a desired electrical power, to the first and second heaters, and a controller electrically interconnected to the power supply and to the first and second heaters such that the first and second heaters cannot be activated simultaneously. A relay is electrically interconnected between the first and second heaters and the power supply so as to deactivate one of the heaters when the other of the heaters is activated. A timer is connected to the relay so as to alternately activate and deactivate the respective heaters after a desired period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventors: Luther M. King, Douglas E. Platt
  • Patent number: 6409880
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for removing fine impurities from a fibrous suspension. The process and apparatus each provide for conveying the fibrous suspension to at least one sorting device, separating the fibrous suspension using the at least one sorting device into an accepts portion and a rejects portion, finishing at least some of the accepts portion leaving the at least one sorting device using a finishing device, separating at least some portion of the rejects portion leaving the at least one sorting device using at least one last sorting device into an accepts portion and an rejects portion, separating at least some portion of the accepts portion leaving the at least one last sorting device into an accepts portion and a rejects portion using a flotation device, and finishing at least some portion of the accepts portion leaving the flotation device using the finishing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Kemper, Horst Wiese
  • Patent number: 6406619
    Abstract: The Three Stage Sewage Treatment Plant is an uniquely designed three stage sewage waste water cleaning device for use in homes and other buildings which are not attached to municipal sewer systems. It employs both aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms to break down sewage, in addition to gravity separation of solids from the effluent. The cleaning process is centered around a cylindrical aerobic tank which is divided into an inner and an outer chamber by a funnel shaped clarifier. In the outer chamber of the aerobic tank, air droplines aerate the sewage, promoting the aerobic microorganisms that break down the sewage, and create turbulence. In the inner chamber, the sewage is gravity separated, such that solid particles are extracted from a cleaned effluent. The device is comprised of a pre-treatment tank, which screens out solid particles and allows for the preliminary anaerobic cleaning process, and a post-treatment tank, where the effluent is chlorinated and stored, in addition to the aerobic tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventors: Hubbard H. Donald, George E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6386752
    Abstract: The present invention provides a concentration type aggregation reaction apparatus having a concentration screen, which enables an aggregation reaction to be conducted in sludge and the sludge to be concentrated by separation of a liquid by means of a single apparatus. The concentration screen is in a cylindrical form and includes slits having horizontal openings. A decelerating device is connected to an upper portion of a shaft for an agitator for agitation in the tank and brushes are connected to the decelerating device. The brushes are adapted to revolve along opposite surfaces (on a primary side and a secondary side) of the screen. By use of these brushes, aggregates adhered to the screen are continuously removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Hagino, Shyoiti Gohda, Hideyuki Yoshida, Kiyoshi Uchiumi
  • Patent number: 6358411
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment plant comprises a first containment vessel, a second containment vessel forming an aerobic treatment chamber, the second containment vessel having an inlet and an outlet, there being a compartment formed in the first containment vessel that effectively divides the first containment vessel into a pretreatment chamber and a holding chamber. An outlet from the pretreatment chamber is in open communication with an inlet to the second containment vessel, while an outlet for the aerobic treatment chamber is in open communication with the inlet to the holding chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: Jerry L. McKinney
  • 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: 6346197
    Abstract: A system and process for removing contaminants from water and wastewater, where the water or wastewater is transformed into purified water that can be discharged to the environment. Wastewater is transported through several stations for purification, including an electrochemical cell. The purification process begins by sending the wastewater to a classifier through an in-line basket strainer. The wastewater stream in the classifier is drawn through a solid-liquid hydrocyclone, which returns the solids to the classifier and sends the remaining liquid to feed tanks. Contaminants that float are removed from the wastewater by skimming from the surface of the feed tank. The wastewater underflow from the feed tanks is pumped directly to the electrochemical cell where it enters into the bottom of the cell, and exits from the top of the cell. The discharge, including coagulated solids, hydrogen gas, and oxygen gas, is mixed with a polymer as well as compressed air just prior to entering a static in-line mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: McKay Creek Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert J. Stephenson, Bruce D. Tennant, Donald Hartle
  • Publication number: 20020000416
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for reducing the moisture content bound by capillary action in fiber cells. To include fine material economically and easily in the process, coarse material is sandwiched on top of fine material and then pressed and dried. The material prepared by grinding and screening is transferred as coarse material to a first spreader hopper, and the screened fine material is transferred over a chute and conveyor belt to a second spreader hopper. The fine material is spread in a thin layer through a vertically adjustable gate from the second spreader hopper onto a spreading, loading and filtering belt, and the coarse material is withdrawn on a transfer conveyor belt running below the first spreader hopper and then is spread through a vertically adjustable gate onto the fine layer, to form a sandwich-like mat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventor: Friedrich B. Bielfeldt
  • Patent number: 6312595
    Abstract: A water filtering system includes a first filtering device connected between an inlet pipe and a fluid volume meter. A second filtering device is connected to the fluid volume meter and has a ceramic tube received therein. A third filtering device is connected to the second filtering device and has activated carbon particles received therein. The third filtering device is connected to a fourth filtering device which has a plurality of units received therein. Each unit has three partitions and two of which receive two magnetic members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Kuang-Hui Chien
  • Patent number: 6277239
    Abstract: Apparatus for removing fine impurities from a fibrous suspension comprises a dissolution device, a pre-purification device, a wet straining device, and at least one flotation device. The wet straining device comprises at least two sorting devices present in sequence, each sorting device having a wire for separating the fibrous suspension into an “accepts” portion and a “rejects” portion. The flotation device is adapted to purify the “accepts” portion of at least one sorting device, and further separates the fibrous suspension into an “accepts” portion and a “rejects” portion. The process for removing fine impurities from a fibrous suspension comprises the steps of subjecting the fibrous suspension to a dissolution process, subjecting the fibrous suspension to a pre-purification process, purifying the fibrous suspension in a wet straining process, and purifying “accepts” portions from the wet straining process by a flotation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Kemper, Horst Wiese
  • Patent number: 6264830
    Abstract: A water treatment method uses a removable, disposable cartridge having an internal mesh structure. A disposable heater heats water fed to the cartridge. Precipitated solids collect on the mesh surface provided temperature and residence time are appropriately maintained. The heat breaks down the bicarbonate hardness of the water thereby depositing carbonates on the mesh surface and heavy metals will be codeposited due to the resultant change in pH. The cartridge has a head-space for collecting entrained gases such as volatile organic compounds, chlorine and air. Water sterility is achieved by heating the water over an appropriate period of time. Turbidity is removed within the cartridge due to settling induced by the low fluid velocity controlled by a controller and by a filter provided at the outlet of the cartridge. The filter will become blocked when bicarbonate hardness is carried over forcing a user to replace a spent cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: George Plester, Willy Van Esch
  • Patent number: 6241945
    Abstract: A customized pump, filtration, oxygenation and/or debubbler apparatus includes a first pump module, a filtration module, an oxygenation module, a debubbler module and/or a second pump module. Each module is formed of stackable support members with filtration, oxygenation and/or degassing membranes interposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Life Science Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald R. Owen
  • 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: 6177005
    Abstract: Ultrapure water having a reduced amount of TOC and a low electrical conductivity is produced in correspondence with a variation in water quality of raw water. A first water tank has an anaerobic organic matter treatment chamber and an aerobic organic matter treatment chamber which are communicated with each other at their bottom portions. Activated carbon bags are arranged in upper portions of both the chambers, and Bincho charcoal is stowed in the lower portion of the chambers. With this arrangement, carbon compounds and organic nitrogen compounds in the water to be treated are biologically treated by microbes, thereby reducing the TOC. Furthermore, nitrate nitrogen generated through the organic nitrogen compound treatment process is denitrified by the anaerobic microbe, thereby reducing the electrical conductivity of the water to be treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Yamasaki, Toyoichi Nasu, Takahide Miyamoto, Seiji Okamoto, Kazuyuki Sakata, Masami Sera, Atsushi Yokotani
  • Patent number: 6149871
    Abstract: Apparatus for processing multiple units of a particulate matter-containing fluid in independent source containers. Each source container has a separate filter assembly associated therewith near the top of the container, and the filter assemblies are in fluid communication with a manifold. Fluid is moved upwardly through the filter assemblies, out of the source containers and into a manifold assembly. Movable platforms, including a slide-carrying platform, support and manipulate the components such that the particulate matter samples are transferred from the filters to the slides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: LaMina, Inc.
    Inventors: Amin A. Guirguis, Raouf A. Guirguis
  • Patent number: 6129841
    Abstract: A portable water treatment assembly and water treatment method are disclosed in which the water to be purified is placed in an upper container together with a suitable bactericide, and is held in that container until the bactericidal action is complete. At that time, an elongate dowel is manually manipulated to open a passage between the upper container and a lower container to drain the purified water through a sediment cartridge in the upper container to remove sediment from the water, and through a cartridge in the lower container containing a medium to remove the bactericide and/or other potentially distasteful ingredients from the water, and the purified water is collected in the lower container for subsequent dispensing and use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Eagle Spring Filtration, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen R. Dann
  • Patent number: 6103109
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system which comprises a tank having defined therein an aerobic treatment zone and a suspended micromedia zone. One embodiment further includes an anaerobic treatment zone. The suspended micromedia zone includes a separating media. Substantially continuous aeration is provided to energize the separating media and cause it to be stirred up into a water column within the tank. The air flow provides partial suspension of the separating media and imparts continual upward motion to the wastewater in such zone. A chimney is provided above a portion of the suspended micromedia zone and extends above the aerobic treatment zone. The mixed liquid and air rising due to the aerator air flow travels within the chimney into the aerobic treatment zone. Some separating media also travels within the chimney into the aerobic treatment zone. Aerobic bacteria is provided in the aerobic treatment zone external of the chimney.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventors: Dan G. Noyes, Louis H. Knieper, Gary A. Tipton
  • Patent number: 6083388
    Abstract: Water treatment plant having pretreatment means, such as in particular means of desanding, degreasing, physico-chemical pretreatment such as coagulation and flocculation and biological pretreatment, as well as means of separating the solid particles contained in the untreated water, characterized in that the solid/liquid separation means are contained within a construction of circular shape, and the untreated-water supply means as well as at least one of the pretreatment means are incorporated in a structure in the shape of an isosceles trapezoid whose projected apex lies on a diametral axis of the construction of circular shape containing the separation means, whose sides are formed by the two tangents to the circular construction leading from the said projected apex and whose base is tangent to the circular construction at the point of intersection of this construction with the diametral axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Degremont
    Inventor: Patrick Vion
  • Patent number: 6074557
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating contaminants from a fluid stream is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a vessel containing a gas blanket. The apparatus will have contained therein a water skimmer member adapted for allowing for retention of the fluid stream. The apparatus further includes a first gas flotation cell contained within the vessel and arranged in series with the water skimmer so as to receive the fluid stream. Also included is an oil bucket positioned within the vessel and adapted to receive a portion of the fluid stream from the water skimmer and the first gas flotation cell. In one embodiment, the first gas flotation cell comprises a first screen member having a porous structure, a plate baffle having a first passage therein, and an eductor device adapted for introducing a gas stream into the fluid stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Inventors: Robert G. Lyles, Sr., John A. Bibaeff
  • Patent number: 6071404
    Abstract: A water treating device includes an outer casing, a reverse osmosis tube, a side cap, and an outlet tube. The outer casing includes an outer tube having a first inlet for water and a first outlet, an inner tube mounted inside the outer tube and including a number of holes defined in a periphery of an end thereof, and a water-permeable layer mounted between the inner tube and the outer tube. The reverse osmosis tube is mounted in the inner tube and includes a second inlet for water from the holes of the inner tube and adjacent to the end of the outer tube. The reverse osmosis tube further includes a second outlet for pure water. The side cap is mounted to seal a first end of the outer casing and includes a first electric rod to interconnect the outer tube with a positive power connection and a second electric rod to interconnect the inner tube with a negative power connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Tommy Tsui
  • Patent number: 6056885
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for using ozone to disinfect, decontaminate and deodorize animal manure. The invention contemplates injecting ozone gas into manure, while the manure is rotated on an auger in a sealed chamber. As a result of the invention, the manure is disinfected, decontaminated, and deodorized, while nutrients in the manure and a neutral pH are maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Eric Wasinger
  • Patent number: 6024883
    Abstract: A disk for holding, centrifuging and microscopically viewing fluid samples is provided. The disk includes a plurality of reaction wells radiating outwardly and includes a barrier to restrain particles during centrifugation. This disk is used in the disclosed apparatus and method for blood typing and related procedures. The apparatus comprises sample loading, mixing, centrifuging, incubating, viewing and sterilizing stations. Additionally, a photomicrograph of the sample is taken, digitized, displayed, stored and printed along with corresponding test results and interpretation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: ImmuTech, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles R. Jewell
  • Patent number: 6019898
    Abstract: A weir assembly is mountable in a wastewater treatment tank to control liquid flow from a first liquid receptacle into a second liquid receptacle. The weir assembly includes a weir member having an upright wall section mountable between the first liquid receptacle and the second liquid receptacle, and a baffle member including a body inflatable with a gas. The wall section has an upper edge positionable with respect to an open surface of the wastewater in the first liquid receptacle to allow wastewater flow over the upper edge. The baffle member is responsive to inflation of the inflatable body such that the baffle member is movable with respect to the weir member between a first position below the upper edge to a second position adjacent the upper edge as the inflatable body is substantially inflated. When the baffle member is disposed in the first position, at least a substantial portion of the baffle member is disposed below the surface of the wastewater in the first liquid receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Lloyd W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5997738
    Abstract: A water saving device for a reverse osmosis water fountain machine is provided in which an aspirating pipe with a solenoid valve is coupled to an intake pipe line at the front end of the reverse osmosis cylinder. Before that joint, another solenoid valve is connected to the intake pipe line. The rear end of the aspirating pipe extends into a reservoir. A solenoid valve is connected to a drain pipe line of the reverse osmosis cylinder, and extends into an input pipe of a reservoir. All of the solenoid valves are controlled by a central processing unit to change the working state of the water purification system. One such operating state is the recycling of the waste water from the reverse osmosis cylinder, thereby reducing the amount of waste water produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Shang-Chun Lin
  • Patent number: 5993753
    Abstract: A dual chemical feeder device treats a fluid simultaneously with two different chemical compositions which may not be wholly compatible. In an exemplary embodiment for application in swimming pools, hot tubs, spas and the like, a chlorinator is combined with a sanitizing canister in a chlorinator/sanitizer to chemically treat the full flow of water through the apparatus with a chlorine-based chemical composition and another chemical composition. In alternate embodiments, the chlorinator/sanitizer is configured as a parallel treatment unit and as a series treatment unit. In the series treatment unit, the full flow through the chlorinator also flows through the sanitizing media in the santizing canister, so that all the water is both chlorinated and sanitized by the chlorinator/sanitizer. In the parallel treatment unit, the flow within the unit is divided into two streams which are separately treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: H-Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald R. Davidson
  • Patent number: 5988283
    Abstract: A Vertical Combined Production Facility, or gas-well production system, in which the separation of each phase (hydrocarbon gas, hydrocarbon liquids, and produced water), dehydration of natural gas, removal of minute traces of water from the hydrocarbon liquids, and polishing of produced water, are performed in a single pressure vessel. Additionally, the pressure vessel is installed in a vertical configuration such that the pressure vessel shell also serves as the structural support for a small deck and helideck. Additionally, the inlet heating of the well flow-stream is accomplished by a heat exchanger installed in the dehydration/regeneration heater (reboiler).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Union Pacific Resources Company
    Inventor: Don Mike Gann
  • Patent number: 5954955
    Abstract: An oil-water recovering and separating apparatus for separating a raw fluid consisting of a mixture of oil and water into an oil part and a water part on the basis of difference in specific gravity, comprising: intake means for taking in the recovered raw fluid; a separation tank for separating the taken-in raw fluid; a water-part reservoir tank continued to the separation tank; a drain tank continued to the water-part reservoir tank; an oil part recovery portion disposed in the separation tank, the oil part recovery portion having a recovery port disposed slightly above the fluid level of the raw fluid in the separation tank; and scrape-up means provided in a position facing the recovery port so as to move along the fluid level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: World Chemical Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoji Mori, Isao Mori, Masami Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 5851388
    Abstract: A water purifier includes a water storage tank and a plurality of filters which purify water delivered to the storage tank. A water sterilizer is provided for inhibiting the growth of bacteria in the purified water. The sterilizer comprises a cartridge in which an antibiotic substance, such as an iodine resin, is disposed. The sterilizer can be disposed within a filter, such as a final one of the filters, or it can be disposed in a water conduit of the filtering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang-Wook Suh
  • Patent number: 5843304
    Abstract: A materials treatment system which includes filtration and treatment of solid and liquid components of a material, such as a waste material. A filter or substrate assembly is provided which allows liquids to pass therethrough, while retaining solids. The solids are then incinerated utilizing microwave energy, and the liquids can be treated after passing through the filter element, for example, utilizing a treatment liquid such as an oxidant liquid. The filter assembly can also include an exhaust filter assembly which removes solids or particulate matter from exhaust gasses, with the retained solids/particulates incinerated utilizing microwave energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Wastech International, Inc.
    Inventors: Guy Marchesseault, John M. Rummler, Heinz Sauk-Schubert, Thomas Beal
  • Patent number: 5817231
    Abstract: A water purification apparatus for purifying input water and dispensing a user selected quantity of purified water into a portable container in response to deposit of a predetermined amount of money. The apparatus comprises a first purified water path and a second purified water path. The first purified water path includes a reverse osmosis filter and a storage tank. The second purified water path includes an ultraviolet sterilizing unit connected between the tank and a dispensing unit with one or more dispensing valves. A recirculation water path periodically recirculates tank water through the ultraviolet sterilizing apparatus to improve and maintain the purity thereof. Another water recirculation path may be provided to recirculate concentrate from the reverse osmosis filter to a filter inlet line where it is mixed with input water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: American Dryer Corporation
    Inventor: William J. Souza
  • Patent number: 5776332
    Abstract: By providing a fuel treating system with a strategically positioned sight-glass, it is possible to replace an fuel filter without either spilling large amounts of fuel all over or allowing for air bubbles, which can degrade the lubricating system's operation and cause siphoning. The sight-glass is positioned above the fuel inlet and outlet passages but below the filter. Thus, as soon as no fuel is seen in the sight-glass, a mechanic knows that the fuel filter has been substantially emptied of fuel yet the fuel inlet and outlet are still full.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Erwin E. Hurner
  • Patent number: 5676828
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying waste water to reduce nitrate content and biochemical oxygen demand is provided. The apparatus includes an ammonification and denitrification region having a substantially anaerobic environment, a nitrification region having a substantially aerobic environment, and an effluent drainage region. Effluent circulates through the ammonification and denitrification region and the nitrification region to convert organic nitrogen-containing compounds in waste water to nitrogen gas and carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Fluidyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Kallenbach, Justin M. Buchanan, Matthew H. Goodrich, Ronald V. Skinner, Greg R. Poncelet, Trina J. Kallenbach
  • Patent number: 5597482
    Abstract: Water purification apparatus provides an elongate ultraviolet lamp extending into a surrounding hollow tube capable of passing ultraviolet light. The lamp and tube are surrounded by a housing, with water inlet and outlet, which provides an annular flow path around the hollow tube through which water may pass for exposure to ultraviolet light. An ultraviolet reflective surface in the annular flow path reflects ultraviolet rays through the water. A unique seal is provided around an open end of the hollow tube to seal the lamp from water in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventor: Solly Melyon
  • Patent number: 5522987
    Abstract: An external filter device particularly for tanks and aquariums which includes a container that can be anchored outside the tank and is internally provided with an intake chamber (13) and with a discharge chamber (13) separated by a partition; the discharge chamber is divided into two regions by a filtration part. The device has a pumping means for the water to be filtered; this means is suitable to avoid outward seepage and/or loss of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventor: Valerio Bresolin
  • Patent number: 5480539
    Abstract: An arrangement for reducing the moisture content of sludge includes a spray dryer to which the sludge, a dispersion medium in the form of gas or vapor as well as hot gas can be supplied. The arrangement further includes a separating unit with solids discharge arranged following the spray dryer via a transfer line and a heater for raising the temperature level of the gas entering the separating unit, wherein the heater is arranged in a connecting line between the separating unit and the spray dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Langbein & Engelbracht GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Heiko Schneider
  • Patent number: 5466344
    Abstract: A pollution control apparatus (10) for controlling water-based liquid waste includes a vacuum distillation vessel (14) for separating water-based liquid waste into a distilled water component and a pumpable sludge component. A pH control system (12) allows the vacuum distillation vessel (14) to operate at maximum efficiency, and a purification system (22) allows the distilled water component to be purified to a level capable for reuse in chemistry, or else suitable for direct discharge into a municipal sewer. A microprocessor allows the apparatus (10) to operate automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Houston Fearless 76, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul A. Lindke