Spaced Filters Patents (Class 210/314)
  • Patent number: 5968356
    Abstract: The invention resides in apparatus and methods for isolating and collecting cells from donor tissue for later use in medical procedures. The apparatus includes a sealed enclosure, at least one screening material inside the enclosure, an inlet port configured to conduct a fluid through the screening material, and an outlet port for receiving the fluid from the screening material and conducting the fluid out of the enclosure. A material to be screened is placed inside or conducted into the enclosure. Screened material is entrained in the fluid. The fluid carries bits of the material through the screening material and out of the enclosure for later separation from the fluid. Preferred embodiments include a series of screening materials of decreasing pore size, usually in the range from ten to one thousand micrometers in diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: PacFab, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugenio Morsiani, Jacek Rozga, Achilles A. Demetriou
  • Patent number: 5944991
    Abstract: A pipeline strainer having a body defining a rectilinear flow passage between an inlet and an outlet and a cylindrical cavity centrally located therebetween. A removable cover of cup-like configuration is secured in a sealed relation to the body subtending the body cavity in which a dual layered strainer assembly is supported in the flow passage in a sealed relation between an interior surface of the cover and an interior surface of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Shellenbarger, Charles J. Glover
  • Patent number: 5888385
    Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment and recovery of spent vehicle coolant that involves the following steps:a) removing the spent coolant from the engine;b) treating the spent coolant with sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate to cause dissolved metals therein to form insoluble particles;c) treating the spent coolant of step b) with an aqueous basic coagulating agent such as a polyquaternary ammonium compound in its hydroxide form;d) filtering the spent coolant from step c) through a set of filters and then through a bed of carbon particles, to produce a relatively cleaner liquid; ande) adding to the relatively clear liquid a combination of corrosion inhibitors, buffering agents and alkali, whereby the treated coolant can be recycled to the vehicle for effective coolant performance therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Century Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Ische, Michael W. Johnson, William S. Dea, Thomas D. Chandler
  • Patent number: 5885447
    Abstract: A filter arrangement for filtering fluid comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a first cylindrical construction, a second cylindrical construction, and a bypass arrangement. The first construction includes filter media mounted within the housing. The first construction defines a first open filter interior. The first open filter interior includes a first dimension being a largest dimension across a cross-section of the first open filter interior. The second construction includes a filtration construction mounted within the housing. The second construction defines a second open filter interior. The second open filter interior includes a second dimension being a largest dimension across a cross-section of the second open filter interior. The second dimension is at least as large as the first dimension. The bypass arrangement has an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Theisen, Kathryn A. Legault
  • Patent number: 5840180
    Abstract: The segregating unit of the invention is installed in a sewer pipe section having an upstream end and a downstream end, and a peripheral wall including a floor and a ceiling. The segregating unit comprises a bar screen having two straight panels composed of horizontally disposed, vertically stacked, spaced-apart bars. The two panels span the whole width and height of the pipe in a downstream convergent fashion, thus forming a V at their adjacent edges which open adjacent the pipe floor portion into an elongated, rigid, cylindrical sleeve member radially smaller than the pipe and upwardly inclined, extending through the pipe ceiling. The sleeve member comprises an output mouth located outside the pipe section, which opens into a storage box cart. An endless screw is coaxially installed inside the sleeve member and is driven into rotation by a motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: John Meunier Inc.
    Inventor: Gilles Filion
  • Patent number: 5762790
    Abstract: A filtering system for filtering effluent in a septic system comprising a filter housing with sides, a top and an open bottom, a filter element holder secured within the filter housing, wherein the filter element holder contains a top and a side portion, a discharge opening in the filter housing located generally above the filter element holder for discharging filtered effluent from the filter housing, a plurality of filter elements, each secured to the filter element holder, each with a top, bottom and side, wherein the bottom of each filter element is closed to prevent flow of the effluent through the bottom of the filter element, wherein each filter element contains filtering slots for filtering solids contained in the effluent and a separation element for separating one filter element from other filter elements, which element does not significantly impede the flow of effluent through the filtering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Zoeller Co.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Zoeller
  • Patent number: 5755958
    Abstract: A device for removing material screened or filtered out of a liquid flowing in a channel (3), especially in waste water treatment plants, is described. The device comprises an unpowered cylindrical grating surface (8) being immersed partly in the liquid and being formed by a plurality of substantially semicircular grating bars (10) located with distance to each other. The device further comprises a removing beam (12) rotatably driven about the axis (2) of the grating surface (8) and having removing elements (15) extending between the grating bars (10) from the inside of the cylinder to the outside. A conveying device (17) for the material is provided which is positioned with respect to the grating surface (8) and leads to a point outside the liquid in the channel (3), the device having a tube-like housing (22) with an opening (23) for the entry of the material and a driven screw (20) inside the housing (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: Hans Georg Huber
  • Patent number: 5744048
    Abstract: A removable storm drain filter to be used in combination with an absorbent media, and a catch basin having grated inlet and standpipe outlet to remove pollutants carried in surface drainage. The storm drain filter is designed to fit within a catch basin, below the grated inlet, and upon the upward terminus of a vertical stand pipe. A filtration vessel (50) is provided to contain absorbent media and to provide a primary flow path through the absorbent media and a secondary flow path (bypass) for high flows. The filter includes a cover plate (70), structurally supported by and above the filtration vessel, to prevent deposition of sediment upon the absorbent media and to prevent direct striking of the absorbent media by influent storm water. The storm drain filter further includes a floatables screen (60) to prevent clogging of the absorbent media by floating debris such as leaves, pine needles, and cigarette butts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Storm Water Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher C. Stetler
  • Patent number: 5665231
    Abstract: A filter of the type having first annular filter media comprising a generally columnar stack of annular filter media lamina for providing filtration for one circuit, a harness for retaining the filter media lamina in stacked columnar alignment comprising a generally circular end piece having a diameter somewhat greater than the diameter of the filter media lamina engaging one end lamina, an annular portion engaging the opposite end lamina, a plurality of elongated strips integral with and extending from the periphery of the annular portion with the end piece receiving and retaining the free ends of the elongated strips. There is a second filter media providing filtration for another circuit. The two filter media are housed adjacent to one another in a hollow cylindrical shell closed at one end. An annular retainer is integral with the shell near the other shell end for engaging the second media and retaining both media axially within the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Brian James Langsdorf, Ralph Allen Knopp, Gerard Walter Bilski
  • Patent number: 5641070
    Abstract: A shale shaker has been developed which, in one aspect, has one or more upper screens and one or more lower screens with an upper screen at a discharge end of the shale shaker and a lower screen disposed to receive material discharged from a discharge end of one of the upper screens. In one aspect a portion of a lower screen underlies the discharge end of the upper screen. In another aspect a solid flowback pan prevents material falling through the upper screen(s) from falling onto the lower screen(s); and, in another aspect, the pan prevents material on a top of the lower screen(s) from falling into a bottom sump of the shale shaker which receives material which has fallen through the screen(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Environmental Procedures, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Seyffert
  • Patent number: 5635057
    Abstract: The device of the present invention is an end of the line sewage filter which comprises a metal framing that supports stainless steel walls, ceiling and floor and is built on and attached to a concrete platform. There is an oil filter mat which is placed on the floor of the structure to absorb some of the oil present in the sewage water. Holes in the floor of the device which align with holes in the concrete platform allow only the water and no trash or debris to exit the filter unit. Additionally, the filter unit is fitted with a door for easy access to the inside of the unit for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventor: Micah M. Revels
  • Patent number: 5584990
    Abstract: The method of cleaning porous ceramic filters with a backwashing apparatus comprising an accelerating circulation path and a unit for mixing accelerated water with high-pressure air can be implemented with compact equipment to achieve efficient cleaning. The pool water purifying apparatus and system that adopt this method of cleaning porous ceramic filters comprise a filtering system that uses the ceramic filters, a disinfecting unit and an adsorbing unit and, optionally, an ultrafiltration unit as an additional filtering unit, and are capable of removing not only bacteria but also viruses so that the water purified by this apparatus and system may be as clean as potable water. Such an extremely high efficiency of water purification achieved by the apparatus and system can be maintained over a prolonged period since both the filtering and adsorption means can be cleaned by backwashing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: Akitoshi Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 5585009
    Abstract: A filter assembly in housing 11 into which a thixotropic fluid is injected for filtration comprises filter layer 14c that is positioned along the central axis and which has the finest mesh, said filter layer 14c being surrounded successively in order by middle filter layer 14b having the next finest mesh and outer filter layer 14a of a coarse mesh. The thixotropic fluid injected into the housing passes through layers 14a, 14b and 14c in that order, whereby the fluid flows out of the housing through one stage of filtration steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shingo Fujikata
  • Patent number: 5538632
    Abstract: A pressurized dynamic pulp washer including an annular hollow housing in which the stock is driven axially along a plurality of stationary, annular, coaxial wash filters in axially reversible directions, with an annular rotatable shell between the wash filters to urge liquid through openings in the filters, to generate axial, radial and circumferential velocities in the slurry to create localized pulses in the slurry to urge liquid through the filters with wash liquid being introduced to replace liquid filtered from the fibers in the slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Beloit Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Gero, Goda Rangamannar, Luigi Silveri
  • Patent number: 5526834
    Abstract: An apparatus for precision cleaning with carbon dioxide includes a pressure vessel having a removable cleaning drum with a sanitized work zone. The sanitized work zone is defined by an impermeable drum body having a removable exit filter to ensure that circulating cleaning fluid does not redeposit contaminants on the parts. The carbon dioxide is maintained in liquid form in the storage vessel, raised above its critical temperature by the preheater, pumped into the pressure vessel to achieve critical pressure, circulated through the work zone for a predetermined period of time, and removed through the let-down valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Snap-Tite, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Mielnik, John A. Metalonis, Richard K. Reber, Larry R. Rosio, Stephen H. Shore, Charles W. Smith
  • Patent number: 5511263
    Abstract: Decontamination laundering facilities and methods are disclosed including a washer area, a filtering area automatically monitoring and controlling cleaning fluid quality discharged to the environment, a clean area, and apparatus and methods for automatically timing waste water sampling. Automatic timing includes controlling and actuating the date and time of day for taking a sample and the duration of the timing cycle, and relay means for closing and opening circuits connected electrically to timer contacts for energizing components of the waste water sampling. In one aspect, a tri-way valve passes a portion of waste water into a discharge pipe at all times and an electronic level control monitors and fills a waste water sampling container to a predetermined level. Contaminants include asbestos, and/or lead, silica dust, titanium dioxide dust, or carbon dust. Contaminated materials include woven and non-woven fabric, permeable and impermeable clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventor: Gary L. Reinert, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5474672
    Abstract: The instant device serves to remove petroleum substances from pumped bilgewater in small boats. Bilgewater under pressure is pumped into a media housing chamber after having first passed into a filter housing chamber containing polyethylene beads that separate the petroleum substances from water. The purified water under pressure is pumped out of the media housing chamber. When petroleum product that is so separated builds up in concentration to a certain critical level, an electrical sensing component is activated serving to notify a person to open a petroleum product outline control valve on the media housing chamber and to close an outflow control valve on outflow piping attached to he media housing chamber in order to permit such petroleum substances to be pumped away into a collecting pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Inventors: Charles E. Peterson, Pepe J. Nuzzolo
  • Patent number: 5453187
    Abstract: An improved food, oil and grease accumulating apparatus and method of use is disclosed. The improved apparatus includes a pump station to discharge contaminated effluent at a higher flow rate at periodic intervals into a first food separation station for removing food particles. Effluent leaves the food separation station into a second food separation system and then an oil and grease separation station which uses an oleophillic material to attract and coalesce oil and grease particles and permit their advancement along channels to the top region of the oil and grease separation station. The oil and grease are removed through an evacuation system while the water is permitted to discharge from the oil and grease separation station into the sewer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Inventor: Arnold D. Plumb
  • Patent number: 5443724
    Abstract: A liquid purification system is provided which is capable of separating a first liquid, that is wholly or partly immiscible in and forms a discontinuous phase with a second, continuous phase-forming liquid, from the second liquid, which includes at least one coalescing element or assembly for coalescing the first liquid having at least one fluid inlet at the top thereof; and at least one separating element or assembly for separating droplets of the first liquid from the second liquid, the at least one coalescing element or assembly being arranged in superposed and fluid communicable relationship above the at least one separating element or assembly
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Williamson, Scott A. Whitney, Alan R. Rausch, Thomas C. Welch, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5421048
    Abstract: Decontamination laundering facilities and methods are disclosed including a washer area, a filtering area automatically monitoring and controlling cleaning fluid quality discharged to the environment, a clean area, automatic monitoring and controlling air quality in the washer area, in the filtering area, in the clean area, and as discharged to the outside environment, and apparatus and methods for automatically timing waste water sampling, exhaust air sampling, and containment area air sampling. Automatic timing includes controlling and actuating the date and time of day for taking a sample and the duration of the timing cycle, and relay means for closing and opening various circuits connected electrically to timer contacts for energizing components of the waste water sampling, exhaust air sampling, and containment area air sampling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Gary L. Reinert, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5377728
    Abstract: Apparatus for funneling waste into a drum containing four trapezoidal sidewalls. The four trapezoidal sidewalls coupled to form a non-symmetric truncated pyramid having a vertical axis. A drain pipe having a circular cross-section with a vertical axis that is coincident with the axis of the pyramid. The drain pipe has external threads for coupling with a drum. A coupling plate is coupled to the pyramid. Four rectangular sidewalls are coupled to the truncated sidewalls to form an upper extension of the pyramid. Vertically extending supports depend from the apparatus sidewall that has notches to position over the peripheral flange of a drum. A filter is supported within the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Inventor: Kevin L. McLeighton
  • Patent number: 5378363
    Abstract: A fluid filter, preferably having a filter body, a first and second filtration assembly contained within the filter body and a cleaning device also contained within the filter body. The first and second filtration assemblies have at least one filtering element and have an enclosure for receiving the filtered fluid, the enclosure being separated from the rest of the filter by the filtering elements of the first and second filtration assemblies. The cleaning device periodically cleans the filtering elements of the first and second filtration assemblies and has an enclosure for receiving the residues of cleaning from the filtering elements of the first and second filtration assemblies, the enclosure being separated from the filtering elements of the first and second filtration assemblies and having a permanent opening for evacuating the residues of cleaning. The filtering elements of the first and second filtration assemblies present notably different filtration calibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Inventors: Theophile Christophe, Jean-Claude Moatti
  • Patent number: 5355901
    Abstract: An apparatus for precision cleaning with carbon dioxide includes a pressure vessel having a removable cleaning drum with a sanitized work zone, a separator for regenerating spent carbon dioxide, and pressure and temperature monitoring and control devices to maintain the carbon dioxide in a supercritical state while it is circulated in contact with a part to be cleaned. The sanitized work zone is defined by an impermeable drum body having removable entry and exit filters to ensure that circulating cleaning fluid does not redeposit contaminants on the parts. The separator includes distillation means. The pressure vessel and separator form part of an overall system, including a storage vessel for carbon dioxide, a pump, a preheater, a let-down valve in communication with the pressure vessel outlet, a condenser and a bypass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Autoclave Engineers, Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard J. Mielnik, John A. Metalonis, Richard K. Reber, Larry R. Rosio, Stephen H. Shore, Charles W. Smith
  • Patent number: 5345957
    Abstract: A water circulation system for a dishwasher is provided, and includes a pump housing with a cover mounted in the bottom wall of the washing chamber of the dishwasher. The cover includes a collection chamber with a strainer portion extending around the outside of the chamber, and a filter element positioned on the inside of the chamber. A first portion of the wash water passes through the strainer, which removes large food particles from the water, which is then recirculated by a pump in the pump housing back to the washing chamber. A second portion of wash water is collected in the collection chamber and passes through the filter element to remove food particles therefrom, and then into the pump housing for recirculation by the pump to the washing chamber. The collection chamber includes a drainage outlet for draining collected food particles from the chamber at the end of the wash cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Randall L. Cooper, Rodney M. Welch
  • Patent number: 5329659
    Abstract: This invention consists of a method and means for laundering clothing contaminated with asbestos fibers and/or with lead, herein called the contaminants. The method and means employed by this invention decontaminates the clothing in an environmentally contained, controlled and safe facility. The facility and the method described in association therewith permits contaminated clothing to be brought into the containment area, laundered and dried within the same contained, environmentally controlled, safe area. Clean clothing is then removed for further sorting, repairs, folding, counting and storing operations in another separated room of the facility. The facility and the method described in association therewith protect the health of the laundry operator and prevent the contaminants from being released into the atmosphere by the process itself. It also prevents contaminants from being carried from the interior of the facility by the person conducting the laundry operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Inventor: Gary L. Reinert, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5328605
    Abstract: A filtering module includes a housing consisting of an upper housing section and a lower housing section and a connecting member for connecting the upper and lower housing sections. The upper housing section has a first water port in a first end thereof and a pair of substantially L-shaped recesses in a second end thereof. The lower housing section has a second water port in a first end thereof and a second pair of substantially L-shaped recesses in a second end thereof. The connecting member includes a filtering mesh and two pairs of L-shaped protrusions formed on an outer periphery thereof to be fittingly received in associated L-shaped recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Inventor: John H. J. Lin
  • Patent number: 5328609
    Abstract: A manifold mounted liquid filtration system including a disposable filter cartridge having first and second radial flow filtration stages containing filtration media of uniform porosity. A first stage includes a pair of annular, concentrically mounted, fibrous sediment and cast carbonaceous filter media. A second stage includes an annular cast carbonaceous filter media. Porous stage separators sequentially direct liquid flow into cavity spaces between the sidewalls of each stage and a liquid impermeable housing where the flow is radially re-directed inward to a center outlet bore. The first stage filters suspended sediments, lead and other heavy metals. The second stage removes suspended bacteria, parasites volatile organic contaminants, herbicides, pesticides, industrial and agricultural contaminants, and the like. Various cartridge constructions having alternative O'ring sealed end caps and internal arrangements of stage separators are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Inventors: Jon H. Magnusson, Kristofer J. Magnusson
  • Patent number: 5324434
    Abstract: A filter of a water purifying apparatus main body which is housed in a sink is made as a positive electrode, and a DC voltage is applied, by a dry battery cell, between the filter and a negative electrode in a purified water passage. Thus, microbes are prevented from proliferating in tap water which remains in the water purifying apparatus main body. A discharge pipe of the water faucet used exclusively for purified water is made as a negative electrode, and a DC voltage is applied, by the dry battery cell, between the positive electrode in the outlet of a cartridge and the discharge pipe. Thus, microbes are prevented from proliferating in tap water which remains in the water faucet used exclusively for purified water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignees: Nippondenso Co., Ltd., Inax Corporation
    Inventors: Yukio Oikawa, Isamu Shigeta, Shiro Saito, Mitsuhiro Hayamizu
  • Patent number: 5298158
    Abstract: A remote dual filtration system for an internal combustion engine having an external mounting member mounted on the engine for receiving an adaptor through which unfiltered oil is directed from the engine and filtered oil flows to the engine. A remote dual filter mount is mounted in a convenient location remotely spaced from the engine, and hoses are provided for carrying unfiltered oil from the adapter to the remote filter mount, and filtered oil from the remote filter mount to the adaptor. A full flow filter and a partial flow filter having a high filtering efficiency are mounted on the remote filter mount. In order to overcome the greater resistance to the flow of oil in the partial flow filter, a restriction means is positioned in the path of oil flow into the full flow filter whereby oil flow into the partial flow filter is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: A. J. Amatuzio Filter Co.
    Inventor: David R. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5244586
    Abstract: A machine coolant recycling system has a holding tank in which machine coolant to be recycled is accumulated. The machine coolant in the holding tank is continuously filtered for a predetermined period of time and the surface of the machine coolant is continuously skimmed to remove undesired contaminants therefrom. The machine coolant from the holding tank is supplied to a centrifuge where it is centrifuged and is then pumped to a blending tank where it is chemically tested and reconstituted to its original composition. The machine coolant is then again continuously filtered until it is needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, Inc.
    Inventors: Marvin W. Hawkins, Kenneth H. Carder
  • Patent number: 5232588
    Abstract: A bypass filter system for use in low pressure, centrifugal type refrigeration equipment which allows complete isolation of a submicron filter element from the lubrication system through use of an inlet line shut-off and a return line shut-off. The filter system utilizes a variable regulator valve for balancing the operating parameters of the various systems involved to permit initial installation and set up, at which point thereafter the variable regulator may be replaced with a fixed regulator for continued operation of the system. Multiple devices for monitoring the filter element condition, verifying flow, detecting moisture, and displaying pressure readings may be used in conjunction with the basic device to enhance reliability and usefulness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignees: Edd D. Gryder, William Kent Oberman, James Patrick Graham
    Inventor: Edd D. Gryder
  • Patent number: 5223150
    Abstract: A system for reclaiming water which has been previously used for such purposes as washing vehicles includes both a diatomaceous earth filter for removing particulates and a carbon filter for removing organic contaminants. Reclaimed water which is in the system and not immediately required for use is continuously recycled by a pump so as to increase the removal of contaminants. A second pump moves the cleaned water into a pressure tank for use in washing. A substantial portion of the system is disposed below ground level with a lockable cover above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Inventors: Dennis Bundy, Ralph M. Hansen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5221473
    Abstract: A filter cartridge is provided for use in a reverse osmosis water purification system or the like. The filter cartridge includes a reverse osmosis membrane for converting a feed water inflow to a relatively purified water supply having contaminants substantially removed therefrom, and a reject water supply having contaminants concentrated therein. The cartridge is configured as a single unit adapted for simple drop-in installation into an open-ended cartridge housing, wherein the housing is adapted for facilitated assembly with a cap having the requisite flow ports for connection to the cartridge as an incident to mounting of the cap onto the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Inventor: Bruce D. Burrows
  • Patent number: 5196113
    Abstract: Removing radioactive contaminants from liquid hazardous material such as oil, includes recirculating the material between a processing tank and a filter medium. The material is heated to increase viscosity during the circulation through the tank and filters. Chemicals including chelating agents are added to enhance the removal of the radioactive elements. Water is added to the processing tank or upstream, in a settling tank, to effect a water wash of the liquid hazardous material. A pre-filter stage upstream of the settling tank is followed by a mid-range filter stage in the recirculation loop with the main processing tank. A finishing filter stage is in the outlet from the main processing tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: Southern California Edison Co.
    Inventor: Brian D. Metz
  • Patent number: 5194157
    Abstract: Blood to be purified is passed through a haemofiltration element and a haemodialysis element in cascade and the ultrafiltrate output from the haemofiltration element is passed through a filter such as an activated carbon filter, preferably with uncoated activated carbon. The ultrafiltrate thus purified can then be used as a reinfusion solution to be readministered to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Sorin Biomedica Emodialisi SRL
    Inventors: Paolo Ghezzi, Renzo Gervasio
  • Patent number: 5185086
    Abstract: A method and system for the treatment of blood and/or other body fluids (such as amniotic fluids) as well as synthetic fluids such as tissue culture medium whereby a fluid to be treated is mechanically filtered for elimination of particles contained therein which exceed 0.2 microns in size (or some other minutely small size) and in addition subjecting the fluid being treated to electric field forces in the microwatt/milliwatt region induced by relatively low voltage of a few volts and low current density which does not exceed values which could impair the biological usefulness and characteristics of the blood or other fluid being treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Inventors: Steven Kaali, Peter M. Schwolsky
  • Patent number: 5167804
    Abstract: Apparatus for removing a contaminant from a container having a liquid inventory including the contaminant as a minor ingredient and having an elevated temperature at the top of the liquid inventory. A treatment vessel contains a supply of particulate adsorbent for the contaminant. A first conduit connects the top of the container with the treatment vessel. A second conduit connects the treatment vessel with the bottom of the container. The temperature difference between the top and bottom of liquid in the container provides the driving force for continuing movement of liquid from the top of the container through the first conduit, the treatment vessel and the second conduit back to the bottom of the container. The apparatus is particularly useful for removing PCB from retrofilled transformers containing minor quantities of PCB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: Tigg Corporation
    Inventor: Donald D. Tiggelbeck
  • Patent number: 5160444
    Abstract: A filtering apparatus and method for removing solid impurities contained within a fluid. A plurality of filters each define successive stages and are linked in series whereby the output from a first filter feeds the input of a second filter and so on. Successive stages remove impurities of progressively smaller particle size whereupon the last stage provides a fluid substantially clean of all impurities and polished for subsequent reuse. The specific environment associated with the instant apparatus and method involves cleaning cooking oil in deep fat fryers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Inventor: George E. McFarland
  • Patent number: 5126043
    Abstract: A filter device for use in a domestic or office water supply system is provided. The device includes a container having an enclosed cavity, and includes a filter unit disposed in the cavity. The device is a two-stage device having a first radial flow filter subassembly and a second axial flow filter subassembly. The radial flow subassembly includes a radially inner perforated tube, a carbon block cylinder over the tube, prefilter cylinders over the carbon block cylinder, and a screen-like wrap layer over the radially outer second prefilter cylinder. The axial flow subassembly has a plurality of axial filter fiber tubes which have a support header wall. The header wall is mounted in a cup-shaped member. The cup-shaped member has a plurality of outlet passage slots at the closed end thereof and supports the header wall at the other end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: Cuno, Incorporated
    Inventors: Edward C. Giordano, Raymond M. Petrucci, Mark O'Brien
  • Patent number: 5122271
    Abstract: A filter for cylindrical of flat filter equipment for the mechanical purification of liquids as described which is assembled of several filter elements (4) arranged one above the other which disclose always gap-shaped filter openings between them and which are fastened by rods led through them and locking flanges. The passage openings for the rods are formed as sleeves (7) to which distance holders (8) belong. The filter elements have trapezoidal cross-section, the outer longer base side (16a) of which, together with the height of a filter opening, make out the height of the sleeve (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Inventors: Lajos Simon, Laszlo Simon
  • Patent number: 5120435
    Abstract: A system for purifying water is provided having a series of filtering systems connected in series in a predetermined order along a flow path of the water to be purified. The filtering systems used in the invention include air striping, aeration, gravity separation, inclined plate coalescing separation, diffused air floatation, metallic oil attraction, static solid separation, hydrocarbon adsorption and absorption, chemical flocking, ozone, and coalescing centrifugal separation. The combination and relative order of placement of these filtering system acheives an improved filtering result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Inventor: Ronald G. Fink
  • Patent number: 5100543
    Abstract: A system is used to remove the solid waste and gases excreted by a fish after being caught and deposited in water supported by a container and has a body. A filtering apparatus that removes the solid waste and gases excreted by the fish is connected to the body. A pumping device is connected to the body for continuously circulating the water supported within the container through the filter apparatus. If desired, an aerating device may be connected to said body for mixing air with the circulating water to provide oxygen to the fish supported in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: Daryl R. Stauffer
    Inventors: Daryl R. Stauffer, Timothy L. Rendahl, Charles E. Finney
  • Patent number: 5093012
    Abstract: A system for reclaiming water which has been previously used for such purposes as washing vehicles includes both a diatomaceous earth filter for removing particulates and a carbon filter for removing organic contaminants. Reclaimed water which is in the system and not immediately required for use is continuously recycled by a pump so as to increase the removal of contaminants. A second pump moves the cleaned water into a pressure tank for use in washing. A substantial portion of the system is disposed below ground level with a lockable cover above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Dennis Bundy
    Inventors: Dennis Bundy, Ralph M. Hansen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5085773
    Abstract: A fuel filter for the fueling system of a motor vehicle has a non-conductive housing defining a chamber in which porous sintered plastic discs are mounted transversely across the chamber defined by the housing. The discs are of graduated porosity, and tend to strip electrons from the hydrocarbon paraffin of which the fuel consists. The charges generated by the stripping are neutralized by the positive ions generated by an adjacent disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel R. Danowski
  • Patent number: 5078876
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for the purification or water using a multistage purification system which can be connected to a source of potable water under pressure. The multistage purification system has a cylindrical pressure vessel supported on a circular leg which is capable of stable disposition on a level surface such as a countertop. The pressure vessel has a top member and a base member connected in sealed engagement. The base member has an inlet for receiving water into the pressure vessel and an outlet for discharging reject water from the pressure vessel. Housed within the pressure vessel is a plurality of purification mediums disposed in concentric disposition. In the core area of the pressure vessel, an interchangeable core member may be removably connected to the pressure vessel. Each interchangeable core member houses an additional medium for purifying water and a pure water outlet through which the purified water passes for use by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Trysan Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Whittier, Calvin W. McCausland
  • Patent number: 5069799
    Abstract: A filter system containing, in series, a first filter media having a chemically active filter media, a physically active filter media, or mixtures thereof and a second filter media having an inactive filter media can effectively rejuvenate used lubricating oils. In a preferred embodiment, the chemically or physically active filter media will be within a cannister that is separate from a container having both active and inactive filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignee: Exxon Research & Engineering Company
    Inventors: Darrell W. Brownawell, Paul K. Ladwig
  • Patent number: 5055198
    Abstract: An apparatus for recycling autologous blood from a patient for reinfusion back to the patient comprising suction means, admixing means for admixing aspirated blood with a washing fluid, filtering means for filtering the admixture through an emboli filter and a membrane filter, monitoring means for measuring the amount of cellular component volume in the filtered blood, filtration means for removing excess fluid and particulates from the blood, and reinfusion means is disclosed. Embodiments for use during surgery for on-line purification and reinfusion on a real time basis are disclosed along with embodiments for use post-surgically when the wound site is closed and drainage tubing has been implanted at the wound site to draw off blood post-surgically. Methods for performing the autotransfusion process are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Inventor: U. Ramakrishna Shettigar
  • Patent number: 5037547
    Abstract: A dual stage filter cartridge is provided for use in a reverse osmosis water purification system or the like. The filter cartridge includes a first stage having a filter medium for removing selected contaminants from incoming feed water, and a second stage including a reverse osmosis membrane for converting a portion of the filtered feed water to a relatively purified water supply. The filter media in the first state is particularly selected to remove contaminants which are otherwise potentially harmful to the reverse osmosis membrane. The dual stage cartridge is configured as a single unit adapted for simple drop-in installation into an open-ended cartridge housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Inventor: Bruce D. Burrows
  • Patent number: 5035811
    Abstract: Filtering liquids, such as slurries, oils, coolants, paints, and others, is an inefficient, time consuming process. For example, slurries are commonly filtered with a hand screen. However, a filter pump connected to at least two filters connected series, can be utilized to efficiently filter liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: David H. Grondin, Irene M. Schade
  • Patent number: RE35871
    Abstract: A system for reclaiming water which has been previously used for such purposes as washing vehicles includes both a diatomaceous earth filter for removing particulates and a carbon filter for removing organic contaminants. Reclaimed water which is in the system and not immediately required for use is continuously recycled by a pump so as to increase the removal of contaminants. A second pump moves the cleaned water into a pressure tank for use in washing. A substantial portion of the system is disposed below ground level with a lockable cover above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Americleer Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis Bundy, Ralph M. Hansen, Jr.