Moving Filter Medium Patents (Class 210/297)
  • Patent number: 7014764
    Abstract: A device for receiving and separating chips and coolant collecting on machine tools, having a filter drum (12) that has an internal bearing ring (13) on each of its two ends, which each engage in an external bearing ring (16) so that they rotate together, spring elements (19), which run parallel to the axis of the filter drum (12), are provided which are supported on one side on the internal bearing ring (13) and on the other side on the external bearing ring (16), each of the external bearing rings (16) is seated in a bearing shell (23, 24), which is fixed to the housing, and is supported on it in the axial direction, and sealing elements (17) are provided between each of the internal bearing rings (13) and the external bearing rings (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Mayfran International B.V.
    Inventors: Leo J. P. Ackermanns, Rimmond H. B. Souren
  • Patent number: 7001507
    Abstract: A system to restrict and remove debris and pollutants from runoff water received from surrounding areas. A receptacle receives the runoff water, and a grate detains the heavier part of its solids burden. A first screen within the receptacle detains solids of lesser size. Water passed by the first screen encounters a tubular second screen in the receptacle which passes water that was additionally screened by it and sends it to a downstream system. A weir at a sensitive level in the receptacle can by-pass the second screen. The second screen is preferably rotatable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Carson Industries LLC
    Inventors: Michael M. Orozco, John K. Pickrell
  • Patent number: 6890443
    Abstract: A spin filter apparatus for cleaning an influent stream is provided and includes a housing having at least one inlet port for receiving the influent stream, at least one waste port for discharging waste and at least one output port for discharging a processed clean effluent stream. The apparatus also includes a discharge conduit coupled to the at least one outlet port for discharging the processed clean effluent stream; and a spin filter assembly disposed within the housing and including a filter screen set formed of at least two screen filters that are rotatable about the discharge conduit and freely movable in a vertical direction along the discharge conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Amphion International Limited
    Inventor: Billy J. Adams
  • Patent number: 6821419
    Abstract: A diffusion cell to facilitate the automatic or manual removal of test aliquots of liquid from a receptor chamber of the diffusion cell so as to determine percantaneous absorption through a membrane of a substance from a donor chamber into a receptor chamber of the diffusion cell. There is utilized a capillary port through which the test aliquot is to be removed. A refilling tube connects also with the receptor chamber to add receptor liquid into the receptor chamber as the test aliquot is being removed. A quick release clamping apparatus secures the donor housing which contains the donor chamber tightly to the main housing of the diffusion cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Hanson Research Corporation
    Inventors: Royal A. Hanson, Bruce E. Renslow, Steven W. Shaw, Jerome S. Elkins
  • Patent number: 6808626
    Abstract: A system for separating solids from a fluid stream. The system includes a first separator device mounted to a container. The container includes a settling compartment and baffle plate module, with the initial settling compartment receiving the fluid from the first separator device. The fluid stream proceeds through the baffle plate module. The solids within the fluid stream will descend to the bottom of the container. A spiral blade is positioned at the bottom of the container, with the spiral blade adapted to convey solids to a first pump member. The speed of rotation of the spiral blade may be varied. The first pump member discharges the slurry to a second separator device. The second separator device will discharge the separated fluid stream into the baffle plate module. In one embodiment, the first separator device is a linear shaker and the second separator device is a cyclone separator and linear shaker mounted in tandem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Del Corp.
    Inventor: Robert M. Kulbeth
  • Patent number: 6773585
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid separating device for separating fluids and solids from a composite liquid. Said separating device comprises a channel (12) which is arranged transversely upwards with a closed lower end and an outlet (19). Said channel is provided with an axial screw conveyor (14) which is arranged in the interior. A filter tank (22) communicating with said conveyor is located above the channel (12). An inlet (32) for the composite liquid to be separated is located at the upper edge approximately in the middle of the filter tank (22). A rotation filtering device (34, 70, 92) is arranged at the free end of the filter tank (22). Said device partially dips into the fluid contained in the filter tank (22). The invention provides a means for effectively separating a composite fluid into three different fractions, the clear liquid, a sludge fraction and a particle fraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Meri Entsorgungstenchnik fur die Papierindustrie GmbH
    Inventors: George Troubounis, Lucas Menke, Gisbert Wünsche
  • 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: 6669845
    Abstract: A cyclone separator includes a housing generally symmetric about its central longitudinal axis and an inlet for introduction of a fluid containing dispersed substances. An outlet for the cleaned fluid includes a tube through the bottom wall of the housing having an axis coaxial with the longitudinal axis. An outlet for the dispersed substances has the shape of an annular channel in the bottom wall disposed adjacent the tube and adjacent a rotation axis of the fluid whereat high-density substances settle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: Georg Klass
  • Patent number: 6616840
    Abstract: A device for separating one or more components from a fluid, such as gas, water, oil and so on, which device is provided with a closed drum-shaped first carrier which is rotatable driven on a shaft and has means for feeding respectively discharging the fluid, wherein a second carrier is arranged coaxially in the first carrier, on which second carrier are arranged a large number of flexible elements which extend radially from the second carrier as far as the first carrier, and the feed means are provided close to the one end of the second carrier and the discharge means close to the other end of the second carrier, so that when the fluid flows through the device a layered separation of the components results along a flexible element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Rowe Parsons International B.V.
    Inventor: Hendrik Arie Boele
  • Patent number: 6599434
    Abstract: A process and system for recovering fine coal having a size at or below 400 mesh. The process and system includes a series of cyclone separators, a vibrating screen, a centrifuge and a flow path to clean, recover and dewater fine coal having a nominal size of 3 mm down to 400 mesh or below. The process and system includes the use of commercially available components arranged in a novel manner to efficiently recover fine coal for use in various energy supplying systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Norman B. Mullins
  • Patent number: 6540914
    Abstract: A fluid filter which comprises a canister having an open end and a closed end, the canister sealing to an adapter body to prevent leakage between the canister and the adapter body, the adapter body having a plurality of fluid inlet ports extending through the adapter assembly body into the cavity formed by the canister and the adapter body assembly, a threaded fluid outlet port extending through the adapter body, a threaded ring adapter for adapting the outlet port to a variety of connection configurations, a multistage wire mesh filter element having a weave which is designed to prevent fluid contaminants from passing through the filter element while inhibiting the contaminant particles from becoming lodged in the filter mesh, the fluid inlet ports in the adapter body being formed at an angle to create a tornado type turbine fluid motion within the canister to suspend contaminants which are blocked from passage through the screen in the fluid and allow such contaminants to settle in the canister out of the f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Vortex International, LLC
    Inventor: Gerald F. Smith
  • Patent number: 6478955
    Abstract: Water to be treated is passed through a membrane (net), magnetic floc positioned in a portion below a level of the water to be treated is deposited to a surface of the membrane, and the surface of the membrane with the magnetic floc deposited is moved to an atmospheric portion above the level of the water to be treated. In the atmospheric portion, excess water from the magnetic floc flows downward due to gravity to concentrate the magnetic floc. A permanent magnet is located near a position to which the membrane surface with the magnetic floc deposited thereon moves. There are further provided between the magnet and the membrane surface a moving body (shell) formed by a non-magnetic material, a spatula for scraping the magnetic floc from the moving body, and a sludge vessel in which a released magnetic floc is recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihide Saho, Hisashi Isogami, Minoru Morita, Tadashi Sano
  • Patent number: 6428697
    Abstract: Methods comprise processing wastewater to produce useful products. Preferably wastewater is ash leachate from landfills which is processed using magnetohydrodynamic treatment followed by electrolytic cell treatment to produce sodium hypochlorite. Methods further comprise removal of hazardous substances from wastewater for subsequent storage and processing of wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: William W. Edgar
  • Patent number: 6398038
    Abstract: A vortex mechanical power filter includes a filter unit 12 arranged within a vortex tank 10 such that water to be filtered, e.g. flowing from a from a fish pond via gravity supply line 22, impinges upon a side of the filter unit at an angle to cause rotation thereof. The filter unit can also include a polyurethane ring float 121 so that the filter unit is self-adjusting within the vortex tank. Within the filter unit, a vortex disrupter 20 can be provided to aid in rotation thereof. As the system operates, a water jet assembly 18 sprays a plurality of water jets onto the filter screen to gently clean waste therefrom so that filtered water can be continuously provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Manuel J. Fontes
  • Patent number: 6332983
    Abstract: A chip treatment device 100 includes a box-shaped housing 110, and an upper surface panel 112 of the housing is connected to a sloped portion 114. The interiors of the housing 110 is divided into upper and lower areas by a partition panel 130, and to the areas are provided a first cutting fluid bath 150 and a second cutting fluid bath 160. Chains 240 stretched between driving sprockets 210 and chain guide units 230 are equipped with scraper units 250 moving in the direction of the arrow. The chips coming in from an entrance opening 180 is separated from cutting fluid while being conveyed on the separation panel 130. First and second filter units 170, 300 filter said cutting fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Bunri Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Tashiro, Makoto Tashiro
  • Patent number: 6244362
    Abstract: A weir box disposed upstream from conventional solids control equipment of a mud system of a drilling rig contains a drilling mud separation unit having a continuous-loop scalper screen that is driven in a continuous loop to separate, convey and discharge large amounts of gumbo, heavy clays and drill solids at the end of the separation unit. The flow divider box is a box-like housing with a diverter plate, weir baffle plates and a sliding gate that allows drilling fluid or drilling mud to be selectively directed to the mud separation unit to be separated prior to passing to the conventional downstream solids control equipment or allows the fluid to bypass the separation unit and flow directly to the conventional solids control equipment. The sliding gate is adjustable to selectively control or meter the flow rate and to create a hydrostatic head upstream from the conventional solids control equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: J. Terrell Williams
  • Patent number: 6231764
    Abstract: A system for pumping effluent out of a septic tank contains an electric pump unit disposed coaxially within a tube. A rotary self-cleaning strainer has a cylindrical filter screen that filters certain solid material from the effluent flow through the tube upstream of the pump inlet port. Effluent is conveyed out of the septic tank through a pipe connected to the pump outlet port. A portion of the pumped effluent is conveyed to one or more nozzles arranged to wash the filter screen. In certain embodiments, the cylindrical screen is stationary and the nozzles rotate, while in other embodiments, the nozzles are stationary and the screen rotates. Depending on particular embodiment, the nozzles may be either inside or outside the screen. Effluent flow through the screen is opposite the direction of spray from the nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Perfection Sprinkler Co.
    Inventor: Charles A. Wilkins
  • Patent number: 6159360
    Abstract: A solids dryer is post-connected to an invertible filter centrifuge, wherein a dehumidification and drying of the solids takes place in the invertible filter centrifuge by means of centrifugation, pressure gas compression and/or heat convection and in the solids dryer by means of heat contact and/or heat convection. The invertible filter centrifuge and the solids dryer are connected to one another to form a unit via a closure device. Sensors serve to measure the respectively prevailing degree of dehumidification and drying as well as to determine additional operating parameters. The sensors actuate a common control device which regulates the operating parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Heinkel Industriezentrifugen GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Hans Gerteis, Gerd Mayer
  • Patent number: 6110367
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for treatment of drilling mud and cuttings, comprising a screen, a centrifuge (10), a degassing system (6), a discharge system directing the drilling mud back to the active drilling mud system (13, 14), a transport system (17) transporting the cuttings. The screen is a rotating drum (3), and the drum is situated in a mainly enclosed housing (1) with the housing being connected to a vacuum suction system. The solid material discharge from the rotating drum (3) is connected to a downstream centrifuge (10), by a mainly enclosed pipe system (9). A weighing cell (16) for cuttings is connected to the centrifuge (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Mercur Subsea Products ASA
    Inventors: Ole Dagfinn Jensen, Oystein Kalvenes
  • Patent number: 6093315
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for filtering particulate materials from a fluid stream wherein a dirty fluid stream is passed through a moveable filter media and the cleaned fluid stream is recirculated in part to form filter media by-pass preventing liquid curtains along the side edges of said filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Advanced Filtration Concepts
    Inventor: Frank M. Croket
  • Patent number: 6066255
    Abstract: An apparatus for filtering machine coolant which includes a filtering belt conveyor having a series of bars on the outer surface of the filtering belt conveyor. The filtering belt conveyor is located inside of a tank along with a separate drag conveyor which removes fines that are sprayed off the filtering belt conveyor. There is a partition in the tank between the filtering belt conveyor and the separate drag conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: H. R. Black Co.
    Inventor: Raymond Anderson
  • Patent number: 6058899
    Abstract: A device for separating impurities from the lubricating oil of an internal combustion engine, in which the device (1) has at least one filter insert (2), a centrifuge (3) operable by the flow of lubricating oil, and at least one discharge channel (5) for cleaned oil, in which the filter insert (2) and the centrifuge operable by the flow of oil are in separate housings linked by at least one communicating oil channel (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Schetter
  • Patent number: 6042726
    Abstract: A filtration apparatus designed to remove solid contaminants from a liquid includes an endless filtration belt located in a liquid tank, so that liquid flows through minute openings in the belt into a liquid collection box located within the belt envelope. Edge areas of the belt are engaged with annular support walls carried by the tank side walls, such that a continuous seal is provided against migration of contaminants around the belt side edges. Contaminants collecting on the belt surface can be periodically removed by moving the belt across a spray system that dislodges the contaminants from the belt into the tank. A drag conveyor removes contaminants from the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: H.R. Black Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond Anderson
  • Patent number: 5972229
    Abstract: A method for filtering out particles from a fluid is disclosed, wherein unfiltered fluid is guided into a filter housing of a filter apparatus and filtered fluid is guided from the filter housing, and wherein a rotary filter element, which has a filter structure and is arranged in the filter housing and is rotatable about an axis thereof, is rotated at a speed which is sufficiently high that all particles passing in a fluid flow into the area of the rotary filter element are affected by its structure and are ejected therefrom, whereas the fluid passes the structure of the rotary filter element substantially freed from the particles and flows off from the filter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Nyfotek AS
    Inventor: Eric Gustaf Lundin
  • Patent number: 5961822
    Abstract: A pool cleaner floats on the surface of a pool. The cleaner includes a pump and filter, the filter being connected downstream of the pump. A vacuum head, connected by a hose to the pump, is moved around the pool, to direct water from the pool through the pump and filter. Due to the absence of any filter on the upstream side of the pump, the cleaner maintains its efficiency for a longer time than comparable cleaners of the prior art. The cleaner may also include a rotary strainer, placed upstream of the pump, for removing large pieces of debris. The strainer includes a slidable, transparent access cover which allows visual monitoring of the condition of the strainer, and permits easy access to the interior of the strainer, for removal of debris. In another embodiment, the cleaner includes a filter unit having a continuous sheet of filter material which advances automatically when the filter material previously exposed to the water has become clogged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: The Gadgeteers Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph F. Polimeni, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5958233
    Abstract: A new process and apparatus efficiently dewater aqueous solids residual after fermentation and distillation, such as corn stillage. The feed stream of aqueous solids slurry is fractionated into two or more substreams in such a way that one of the substreams contains predominately heavy particulate solids and has substantially improved free-draining characteristics. A second substream contains lighter particles, entrained fines of the heavy particles, and a major portion of the liquid from the feed stream. The free-draining substream is dewatered using a device such as a screen centrifuge or a screw press, both of which produce a cake of relatively high solids content. The remaining liquid from the feed stream is concentrated in an evaporator, before being mixed with the dewatered solids which may be dried to produce an animal feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Ralph H. Willgohs
  • Patent number: 5928508
    Abstract: A medium is separated into a solids-containing component and a liquid component. The latter flows through a filter. Clogging of the filter is avoided in that the latter is moved relative to the medium perpendicularly to the flow direction of the liquid through the filter element. At the same time, the medium is agitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Kleinschroth, Johann Lisson, Klaus Blinn, Josef Sowka
  • Patent number: 5858218
    Abstract: A coolant reclamation device for use in conjunction with a conveyor of a first width wherein the conveyor receives solid contaminants and coolant from a machine tool operation. The conveyor transports the solid contaminants and coolant to the coolant reclamation device. The coolant reclamation device includes an elongate body which defines a chamber and contains an elongate opening which provides direct access to the chamber. The device also includes an elongate screen located over the opening. The coolant reclamation device is positioned relative to the conveyor so that the solid contaminants and coolant discharged from the conveyor impinge the screen whereby the solid contaminants remain on the surface of the screen and the coolant passes through the screen into the chamber. The elongate body contains a return port through which the chamber is in fluid communication with the coolant reservoir via a conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Kennametal Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew T. Setlock, Richard B. Reffner
  • Patent number: 5833868
    Abstract: A portable water recycler for cleaning and recycling water used in a produce washing system or another similar system. The portable water recycler is most particularly advantageous in the recycling of water used in a potato washing system. The portable water recycler includes a conveyor filter which removes and conveys debris generally laterally while allowing water to pass generally vertically through a funnel and into a reclaiming tank. The reclaiming tank has a sloped floor and a bottom outlet. Dirty water is discharged from the bottom outlet and pumped through at least one centrifugal separator for further separation of particulate material from the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Recot, Inc.
    Inventor: Rick W. Bajema
  • Patent number: 5814230
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for separating coarse and ultrafine solids from a liquid stream to produce a substantially dry solids discharge and a clarified liquid. Apparatus is provided comprising a combination of a settling tank, a plurality of filter screens spaced along an endless link-chain conveyor, a screen vibrator and directed air streams. In operation, coarse solids settle preferentially to the tank bottom. Ultrafines solids remain in suspension. Relatively coarse filter screens are conveyed from a point outside the tank to traverse a prolonged path through the liquid. Ultrafine solids are captured on the screens, by filtering the liquid through an ever finer build-up of filter cake. The relatively large number of passes of the screens through the liquid provides effective filtering of suspended solids. Further, the screens dredge settled solids from the tank bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventors: H. Craig Willis, Bradley C. Willis, W. Brent Willis
  • Patent number: 5785849
    Abstract: A centrifugal oil filter in which a cylindrical housing 42 is rotatable by the reaction force from oil jets 56 leaving via nozzles 44, is increased by the provision of ribs 54 on the inner wall surface of the cylindrical housing 28. This enables the cylindrical vessel 42 to be provided with an internal coarse oil filter while allowing an increase in acceleration and rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventor: Robert S. Mules
  • Patent number: 5770092
    Abstract: The invention provides a multi-stage apparatus for continuous waste water filtration, comprising a first tank provided with a waste water inlet pipe to supply waste water containing suspended solids to the tank, means for adding a coagulant to the waste water and an outlet pipe, a second tank receiving the mixture of waste water and coagulant from the outlet pipe, the second tank being sufficiently large to allow larger suspended solids to settle and being provided with a lower, openable port for discharge of the settled solids and having an upper weir for discharge of partially-cleared water, a continuously-driven, non-taut perforated belt, having a surface positioned to receive, at a first location, a stream of the discharged, partially-cleared water, the belt perforations being sized to enable the passage of clear water therethrough while retaining fine and coagulated solids on the surface for subsequent discharge at a second location, and the belt being non-taut to form a trough for retaining a body of wa
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Solar Dynamics Ltd.
    Inventor: Eitan Sharir
  • Patent number: 5693217
    Abstract: A hydraulic fluid circuit having a primary stream filter and a centrifuge disposed on a bypass, in which a device for setting a minimum response pressure for operation of the centrifuge and for maintaining an overall maximum pressure in the fluid circuit is arranged between primary stream filter and the centrifuge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Erdmannsdoerfer, Martin Schetter, Martin Weindorf
  • Patent number: 5653944
    Abstract: This invention is related to a slurry filtration device and the wet lime-gypsum flue-gas desulfurization system comprising a slurry filtration device for the separation (concentration) of gypsum. The slurry filtration device comprises tank that has a slurry supply pipe at its upper part and a filtrate-drain hole at its bottom, a layer of filter sand lying on its bottom, a slurry accumulator arranged on the layer of filter sand, and a vibrator set in said slurry accumulator for vibrating the slurry. The present invention not only improves the solid-liquid separability remarkably but also saves cost and space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Taku Shimizu, Koichiro Iwashita, Yoshikazu Endo, Masakazu Onizuka, Toru Takashina
  • Patent number: 5601712
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for removing liquids from biological waste by the employment of centrifugal force to separate the liquid from the biological waste particulate and into a container separate from a biological waste container, permitting the dried biological waste and removed liquid to be separately and conveniently disposed of. Preferably, a rotatable drum can be rotatably supported within an outer liquid-tight drum, and a disposable porous container, such as a bag made of porous material, can be placed within the rotatable foraminous drum. Biological waste can be placed within the porous, disposable container within the rotatable drum, and the rotatable drum can be rotated at a rate of rotation sufficient to substantially transfer unabsorbed liquid from the biological waste through the disposable porous container and the openings in the foraminous inner drum to the outer liquid-tight collection drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Ecomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Mathew J. Adams, Kenneth R. Lamaster, David B. Mennel, Jeffrey C. Rapp, Lewis I. Schwartz, Norman L. Siegel, Joseph H. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5582727
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning, desanding, and desilting drilling mud which contains unwanted solids utilizes an enclosure divided into a plurality of compartments connected with a system of vibratory screen shaker separators, desanders, and desilters. Drilling mud is separated by a primary vibratory shaker into coarse solids which is discarded and screened liquid mud which enters a first compartment and is further separated by a desander cyclone into a lighter liquid mud faction and a heavier liquid mud faction. The lighter faction is sent back to the first compartment and recycles, the heavier faction is further separated by a second vibratory shaker and enters a second compartment, and the solids are discarded. The liquid mud from the second compartment is further separated by manifolded desilter cyclones into a heavier faction and a lighter faction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: Mike L. Foster
  • Patent number: 5578203
    Abstract: A system which clarifies a solids-burdened liquid stream from a user device such as a machine tool and returning it clarified to the user device. A tank receives the burdened liquid stream in a first of two regions from which a first centrifugal separator draws. It discharges its clarified stream through an inductor into the second of said regions, said regions being continuously connected. A second centrifugal separator draws from said second region and returns its clarified liquid to the user device. Both separators discharge their solids to collectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Claude Laval Corporation
    Inventors: Steven D. Ford, Eddie Fox, Lee Haslup, Phil Pelletier
  • Patent number: 5552044
    Abstract: Apparatus for separating waste liquid and solid material comprises an upwardly inclined passage containing an auger for conveying the solid waste material upwardly along the passage, with an inlet opening at a lower end of the passage for receiving a mixture of waste liquid and solid material into the auger, a drainage opening at the lower end of the cylindrical passage for draining liquid from the solid waste conveyed by the auger, and a compactor for receiving the solid material fed upwardly by the auger and compacting the solid waste material. An extruder receives and extrudes the compacted solid waste material from the compactor, and may be arranged to convert the compacted material into pellets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Inventor: Gunther Abel
  • Patent number: 5545560
    Abstract: The apparatus transforms animal waste produced during husbandry activities into useful materials such as organic-based manure and/or fertilizer to thereby mitigate the pollution problems associated with husbandry activities. A base part of the apparatus includes an endless conveyor having a filter in the form of an endless loop. A liquid-collection receptacle is interposed between the upper and lower runs of the filter so as to collect liquid filtrate from the waste material. A first hopper is located beneath one end of the endless loop so as to collect the solid content of the waste conveyed along the upper run of the filter. A second hopper is provided to accommodate material to be added to the solid content of the waste. The materials are fed from the respective hoppers into a mixing chamber whereupon they are mixed by a mixer. The base part of the apparatus is connected to a closed system of treatment tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Inventor: Dao-Pin Chang
  • Patent number: 5527458
    Abstract: The device for continuous filtration and drying of a solid suspension comprises a belt filter (1) and downstream a belt drier (2). By use of a porous conveyor belt (3) the filter cake generated in the belt filter (1) is conveyed further into the belt drier (2) in which there are provided heating devices for heating and drying the filter cake (7) which is on the conveyor belt (3). After leaving the belt filter (1), the filter cake (7) is present on the conveyor belt (3) in the form of a gas-permeable bed of solids in layer form having a maximum layer thickness of 50 mm, preferably a maximum of 20 mm. The heating devices in the belt drier (2) comprise, on the one hand, a hot gas chamber (8) disposed above the conveyor belt (3) to generate a hot gas which flows through the bed of solids downwardly from above and, on the other hand, one or more contact heating elements (10, 15, 18, 19, 20, 22) disposed above and/or below the conveyor belt (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dietrich Gehrmann, Norbert Schweigler
  • Patent number: 5466367
    Abstract: A waste water treatment system is illustrated which can be configured to be portable and which minimizes the addition of solids to be disposed of through the use of ozone for contaminant reduction to basic elements after the pH value of the waste water to be treated is properly adjusted. This ozone in one stage is combined with ultrasound to cause coagulation and precipitation. In another stage, ozone and ultraviolet light are used in a reduction process. Ion alignment using a magnetic field and an electrochemical flocculation process to which the waste water is subjected causes further coagulation and precipitation. As designed, the system can operate continuously with redundancy at appropriate points so that removal of solids from the filtration units can occur simultaneous with the overall decontamination process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Environmental Restoration Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Coate, John T. Towles
  • Patent number: 5423993
    Abstract: A system for recovering fiber from sludge by-products generated in a pulp and paper mill. Initially, heavy materials are separated from a sludge flow, with the flow thereafter separated into first and second components. High grade fiber is recovered from the first component by centrifugal cleaners and also by optional fine pressure screens. The second component is forwarded to a refiner which breaks-down the second component to form a low grade pulp. In addition, after removal of the high grade fiber, remnants from the first component flow are forwarded to an additional separator such as a liquid cyclone, which removes sand, grit and ash, and thereafter the remnants of the first component can be sent to the refiner for forming a low grade pulp. Thus, the sludge is essentially separated into four components including: (1) high grade pulp; (2) low grade pulp; (3) heavy materials; and (4) sand, grit and ash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignees: John A. Boney, David E. Kelley
    Inventor: John A. Boney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5376268
    Abstract: A rotary filtering apparatus basically comprises a tank having inner surfaces comprising an upper part which is cylindrical and a lower part which is conical, wherein a diameter thereof decreases toward the lower part of the tank. A sintered metallic filter is centrally disposed in the tank, and a filter rotating mechanism is provided for rotating the sintered metallic filter in one direction. A fluid supply unit supplies polluted water (W1) to the inside of the tank, and a nozzle unit supplies high-pressure water (H) to the tank. A fluid suction unit draws clean water (W2) out of the central portion of the sintered metallic filter. A storage tank is mounted to the lower part of the tank, for storing therein particles separated from the polluted water (W1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Nessy Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshio Ikeda
  • Patent number: 5364539
    Abstract: The device of the present invention removes suspended solids from a liquid medium, such as particles in an oil-based sludge. The device includes a filter chamber having an inlet for introducing liquid into the chamber, with the liquid containing suspended solids. The chamber also has an outlet for releasing filtered liquid which is substantially free from suspended solids. The liquid coming into the chamber is forced through a filter element to remove the suspended solids therefrom. The removed solids are compressed in the chamber by a reciprocating piston. When a sufficient quantity of suspended solids accumulate within the chamber, a discharge valve is opened and the compressed solids are discharged from the chamber. The device is operated automatically by a computer, which controls a series of operation cycles, including normal filtering operation, compression of solids, purging of solids, and cleansing of the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Vanmark Corporation
    Inventors: Leo L. Castagno, Christopher L. Hudson
  • Patent number: 5322623
    Abstract: The local reclamation system includes an accumulation tank for a soiled solution. A tank outlet valve selectively allows a flow of the solid soiled solution into the remainder of the system. A blend conduit leads from the outlet valve. An oxidizing supply selectively provides an oxidizing agent to said soiled solution downstream of the outlet valve in the blend conduit. A blend pump receives the soiled solution with oxidizing agent to promote the flow of the soiled solution through the system and a more uniformed disposal of the oxidizing agent throughout the solution. A six stage filter section selectively removes particulate matter. A biologic stage promotes a sterile reclaimed solution and a solution accumulator accumulates and stores the solution. Repeated injections of oxidizing agents occur before filter stage sections and pumps. The reclaimed solution can be reused or discharged without penalty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Inventors: Charles O. Benskin, Harley A. Weisse
  • Patent number: 5312544
    Abstract: A continuous, self-cleaning strainer and method of straining comprising a housing, a rotatably driven shaft mounted on the housing, a primary and a secondary drum concentrically mounted on the shaft and rotatable therewith, the drums having a number of perforations and strainer inserts mounted in each of the perforations, each drum being provided with a reduced pressure backwash zone outside the drum and connected to backwash outlet connected to atmospheric pressure whereby, when a strainer insert passes the reduced pressure zone, pressurized liquid inside the drum forces liquid backwardly through the insert to flush accumulated solids therefrom. Backwashing operation can be commenced by means of a valve disposed in the backwash outlet lines and actuated by a timer or by a pressure differential switch, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: S. P. Kinney Engineers, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig S. Kinney
  • Patent number: 5296139
    Abstract: A diffusion cell to facilitate the automated removal of test aliquots of liquid from a receptor chamber of the diffusion cell so as to determine percutaneous absorption through a membrane of a donor media from a donor chamber into the receptor chamber of the diffusion cell. There is utilized a sampling port through which the test aliquot is to be removed, the removal being achieved by means of a sample tube. Within the receptor chamber is located a stirring device in the form of a helical coil which is to be rotated to achieve stirring and homogeneous mixing of the liquid within the receptor chamber. Mounted within the coil is a filter screen to prevent particulate matter over a certain size from entering the sample tube and clogging such.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Hanson Research Corp.
    Inventors: William A. Hanson, Steven W. Shaw
  • Patent number: 5277208
    Abstract: A self-contained and integrated multi-process power spray washer apparatus to be used to clean articles placed therein, the washer apparatus including a central washing chamber which is large enough to enclose and rotate an article to be cleaned therein. A primary filter removes contaminants from a cleaning solution immediately after it has been used, and a solution reservoir receives and holds filtered cleaning solution from the primary filter. A fan forced electronic burner heats the cleaning solution contained in the reservoir, and provides a heat source for contaminant incineration. An oil skimmer removes oil and grease from an upper surface of the cleansing solution held in the reservoir, and a secondary centrifugal filter through which cleansing solution is pumped from the reservoir additionally filters the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: Pierre G. Mansur
  • Patent number: 5263590
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a very precise separation between materials of different specific gravities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventor: Paul A. Olivier
  • Patent number: 5262047
    Abstract: The local reclamation system includes an accumulation tank for a soiled solution. A tank outlet valve selectively allows a flow of the solid soiled solution into the remainder of the system. A blend conduit leads from the outlet valve. An oxidizing supply selectively provides an oxidizing agent to said soiled solution downstream of the outlet valve in the blend conduit. A blend pump receives the soiled solution with oxidizing agent to promote the flow of the soiled solution through the system and a more uniformed disposal of the oxidizing agent throughout the solution. A six stage filter section selectively removes particulate matter. A biologic stage promotes a sterile reclaimed solution and a solution accumulator accumulates and stores the solution. Repeated injections of oxidizing agents occur before filter stage sections and pumps. The reclaimed solution can be reused or discharged without penalty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Inventors: Charles O. Benskin, Harley A. Weisse