Connected For Group Operation Patents (Class 210/330)
  • Patent number: 5868929
    Abstract: A screen assembly for a vibratory screening machine including a frame in the nature of a plate having spaced apertures therein, spaced frame members on opposite sides of the apertures, a screen formed in an undulating shape having substantially parallel ridges with downwardly sloping sides, troughs formed between the downwardly sloping sides for conducting material which is being screened, undersides on the troughs, bonds for securing the undersides of the troughs to the spaced frame members which are located on opposite sides of the apertures, and channels at the sides of the plate for securing the frame to a vibratory screening machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Derrick Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: William W. Derrick, John J. Bakula
  • Patent number: 5855799
    Abstract: A high capacity filter apparatus for removing solids from fluids includes a opposing filter elements defining an internal volume. Fluid to be filtered passes through the filter elements into the internal volume and through an outlet. The filter element is continuously cleaned by backwashing along the outer surface of the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Pyrox, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Herrmann
  • Patent number: 5840186
    Abstract: A filter for treating liquids comprises an elongate housing having a liquid inlet port, an outlet port for concentrated liquid and a permeate discharge port. Extending through the housing is a parallel array of filter tubes, each having a permeable wall so that permeate passes into a common chamber defined by the housing. Manifold members, located at each end of the housing, are provided with channel means which communicate with the ends of the tubes. In use, the channel means direct the liquid along at least three passes through the tubes, the volume of liquid being reduced between the first and final passes so as to maintain the desired flow velocity. Each pass comprises a group of tubes, and the liquid may pass through seven or eleven groups of tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: British Nuclear Fuels plc
    Inventors: Peter Bruce MacAlpine, Graeme Michael Wigg
  • Patent number: 5830370
    Abstract: The process, particularly useful in blood oxygenators, whereby a differential velocity between a fluid and a diffusing surface of hollow tubes by a rotating member such that the boundary layer is perturbed enhancing the coefficient of mass and thermal transfer. The differential velocity is achieved by rotating hollow tubes containing one fluid in a second fluid, or by apposing a rotating member to the surface of the stationary hollow tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventors: James V. Maloney, Jr., Gerald D. Buckberg
  • Patent number: 5820756
    Abstract: Filter apparatus for filtering contaminants from a fluid, such as machine tool coolant, are disclosed. One filter apparatus includes a filter drum unit having a generally cylindrical open perforated support sheet with a cylindrical screen element mounted thereabout. Circumference varying mechanisms, such as turnbuckles, are connected relative to the support plate to vary the circumference of the support plate and the tautness of the screen element. A disc filter assembly having a mandrel and fluidly attached annular disc filter elements is also described. Each annular disc filter element has an inner structure with concentric ribs forming concentric grooves therebetween which are connected to radially extending grooves. A screen element is supported by the ribs so that the microscreen will not tear while allowing filtering of fluid into the grooves which are in fluid communication with the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventors: Stephen N. McEwen, Jay M. Creps, Scott M. McEwen, Richard A. Hallet, Robert F. Benschoter, Barry Benschoter
  • Patent number: 5792351
    Abstract: Oil spill polluted water is conducted under pressure in sequence through arator devices to collect and burn a polluted water mixture having its oil concentration increased by extraction of water therefrom during axial flow through the separator devices. Such water extraction is effected by sequential radial outflow through oil flow blocking filter walls of the separator devices in response to rotation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: John Wehrle, Eugene C. Fischer, William P. Kenney, Joseph F. Korczynski, Thomas D. Gracik, Barbara F. Howell, William Klemens
  • Patent number: 5792434
    Abstract: In a device for dissolving water-soluble, powdery polymers which has a pipe with an inlet to introduce the polymer solution containing gel components and an outlet to discharge the polymer solution, the gel content in the polymer solution is reduced without reducing the viscosity of the polymer solution by means of the fact that the pipe is formed of a plurality of pipe sections which are provided with filters and can be connected with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Stockhausen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Friedhelm Ferlings, Uwe Gunther, Hans-Georg Hartan, Werner Fischer
  • Patent number: 5770067
    Abstract: A device for filtering a fluid, particularly a molten plastic, with a fluid-supplying canal and a fluid-draining canal is described, whereby two plate-like filters are movably arranged in and across the flow direction of the fluid to be filtered between the fluid-supplying canal and the fluid-draining canal. Hereby the fluid-supplying canal (4) is connected with the fluid-draining canal (5) by a single connecting canal (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Wil-Man Polymer Filtration GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Hangmann
  • Patent number: 5707517
    Abstract: Rotary disc filtration devices and filtration processes using those devices are disclosed. The devices have one or more fluid filtration gaps into which fluid to be filtered into permeate and retentate is placed. Each fluid filtration gap is defined by a disc and a filter, one of which rotates with respect to the other. The filter is carried on a filter member. The discs and interleaved filter members may be suspended from the top of the device, the top may rest on a vessel containing the fluid to be filtered, the discs may be attached to a single shaft for rotation, and the filter members may be suspended from a sleeve around the shaft, which sleeve keeps the filters centered with respect to the discs. Removal of the device's top removes the discs and filter members together, facilitating maintenance. Each filter member may have a peripheral lip and the lips of adjacent filter members may be sufficiently close to one another to substantially restrict the flow of retentate out of the fluid filtration gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Membrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip M. Rolchigo, Leonard T. Hodgins, Chang W. Jen, Malcolm R. Kahn, Guanghua Yu
  • Patent number: 5707512
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the separation, in particular filtration of liquids and solids from solid-liquid mixtures, such as from a mineral, ore, coal or sludge suspensions of contaminated earth. The processing space of the filtration apparatus is submitted to overpressure and includes a collector container for solid-liquid mixture, a pressure filter, a discharge system and container for condensate and solid matter. The separation or filtration takes place at an overpressure and at an elevated temperature, preferably 40.degree. C. to 300.degree. C., conveniently 60.degree. C. to 200.degree. C., preferably about 150.degree. C. The pressure filter device communicates with a source for a heated medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Patentverwaltungs-Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Manfred Koch, Hubert Riemer, Reinhard Pinter
  • Patent number: 5670043
    Abstract: A multi-function fluid treatment system which can filter fluids or diffuse gases into liquids. To achieve filtration, the system includes a housing with multiple filter cartridges therein. The cartridges are connected to a drive system which rotates them in unison. Fluids to be filtered enter the housing and surround the cartridges. Cartridge rotation scrubs solids from the cartridges and promotes fluid flow therein. A separate cleaning system is also provided which involves a cartridge wiping assembly having multiple wiping members thereon. The wiping members directly contact the cartridges to remove collected debris and preferably involve multiple bristles secured to a vertical support member. The support member may consist of dual wires secured together with the bristles therebetween. The bristles can also be arranged in elongate rows (one row per cartridge) on the support member. In either embodiment, the wiping assembly improves filtration efficiency and reduces maintenance requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Coors Brewing Company
    Inventor: Sun Y. Lee
  • Patent number: 5641402
    Abstract: A disc filter used in the pulp and paper industry meets modern requirements by axially dividing the tank and shaft (with the flow channels) into at least two separate and distinct portions, so that the treatment of pulp in several different stages using the same disc filter is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Ahlstrom Machinery Oy
    Inventors: Raimo Kohonen, Ari Pelkio
  • Patent number: 5637213
    Abstract: Filter apparatus for filtering contaminants from a fluid, such as machine tool coolant, are disclosed. One filter apparatus includes a filter drum unit having a generally cylindrical open perforated support sheet with a cylindrical screen element mounted thereabout. Circumference varying mechanisms, such as turnbuckles, are connected relative to the support plate to vary the circumference of the support plate and the tautness of the screen element. A disc filter assembly having a mandrel and fluidly attached annular disc filter elements is also described. Each annular disc filter element has an inner structure with concentric ribs forming concentric grooves therebetween which are connected to radially extending grooves. A screen element is supported by the ribs so that the microscreen will not tear while allowing filtering of fluid into the grooves which are in fluid communication with the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Henry Filters, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen N. McEwen, Jay M. Creps, Scott M. McEwen, Richard A. Hallet, Robert F. Benschoter, Barry Benschoter
  • Patent number: 5614094
    Abstract: A vibrating screen unit for dewatering dredged material. The vibrating screen unit includes a frame and a top screen deck, a middle screen deck and a bottom screen deck. The middle screen deck includes a splitter which extends across the width of the frame and comprises alternating closed channels and screen rows which alternate across the width of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Deister Machine Co., Inc.
    Inventors: E. Mark Deister, Dale A. Loshe
  • Patent number: 5611924
    Abstract: A high flow filter system uses readily available filters of moderate capacity to provide a high capacity flow in a reliable and easily maintained structure. The system includes a pressure vessel (20, FIG. 2) with inlet and outlet ports (16, 42), and an outlet conduit structure (68) which holds multiple moderate capacity filters (50). The filters are exposed to the inside of the vessel, and pressured fluid in the vessel flows through the filters with the filtered fluid flowing into center conduits (54) that extend vertically through a central passage of each filter. In one system, the filtered fluid flows through the lower end of each center conduit, through radial conduits (60, 61) and a manifold or spider hub part (62) to a pipe (44) that extends through the vessel outlet port. In another system, the lower ends of the center conduits are connected through holes of a manifold plate, to a manifold region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Inventor: William Osborne
  • Patent number: 5516426
    Abstract: A continuous, self-cleaning rotary filtering system is herein provided which includes a plurality of filtering elements within a rotatable filter housing adapted for rotation between an inlet plate having single or multiple inlet ports and an outlet plate having single or multiple outlet ports so that a substance to be filtered is passed from the inlet ports through at least one incomplete toroidal cavity within the inlet and outlet plates, through the filter elements and into the outlet ports. The apparatus is further provided with single or multiple backflushing capabilities, whereby, when the filter housing is rotated passed a single or multiple backflush port, a cleaning agent will be caused to flow backward through at least one of the filter elements and backflush ports to purge contaminants from the system via the backflush port or ports without interrupting the stream flow or pressure of the substance to be filtered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventors: Harold L. Hull, Cathy D. Santa Cruz
  • Patent number: 5498334
    Abstract: A filter for a synthetic resin melt has a housing formed from two blocks through which a melt channel for the passage of the plastics melt passes. A screen plate is rotatably mounted to intrude between the blocks and a plurality of recesses are distributed in a circular pattern around the periphery of the screen plate so that rotation can bring two of the recesses in to line with the channel. A plurality of filter elements are accommodated, one each in each recess, so that the plastic melt must pass through the filters in the recesses in line with the channel. To support the filter elements against melt pressure a stationary perforated plate is located in the channel immediately adjacent and downstream of the screen plate. By rotating the screen plate exhausted filter elements can be readily replaced. The filter elements are made of woven wire cloth and may be dished to prevent distortion of the mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Gneuss Kunststofftechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Detlef Gneuss
  • Patent number: 5494577
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for treating polluted water. The apparatus comprises a supply system for polluted water; an activated-sludge reactor; one or more filter membrane modules; an air supply system and a discharge system for the treated water. The filter membrane modules comprise hollow membranes within a casing. Said filter membrane modules on one side adjoin the activated-sludge reactor and on the other side adjoin air distribution means. The activated-sludge reactor communicates, via a bypass line, with a sludge receiving container which adjoins the air distribution means. The apparatus functions in such a way that the water to be treated and air supplied are flowing in the same direction through the hollow membranes, the permeate flowing through the membranes towards the space between the casing and the membranes, where it is discharged via permeate discharge system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Stork Friesland B.V.
    Inventor: Casper J. N. Rekers
  • Patent number: 5462653
    Abstract: An improved continuous large area polymer filter employs a single valve to control molten polymer flow into and out from at least two but preferably three or more filter assemblies. In a neutral position the valve apportions flow equally to each of the filter assemblies. When filters in any one of the assemblies becomes clogged and requires cleaning or replacement, the valve is repositioned to prevent flow into and out from the clogged assembly while continuing to apportion flow among the remaining assemblies. A small amount of polymer is bled from the selected assembly to effect depressurization and the assembly is removed, restored to function and replaced. The valve is repositioned to allow a slow bleeding of polymer into the restored assembly and the bleed valve is opened to allow air and air entrapped polymer to be removed from the assembly before returning it to service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Hills, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Hills
  • Patent number: 5449458
    Abstract: An inlet plate is normally connected to an extruder and formed with an inlet port for supplying a molten synthetic resin under pressure to the port and an outlet plate is normally connected to or part of a mold and is formed with an outlet port in line with and confronting the inlet port for receiving the molten synthetic resin. A movable filter support engageable snugly between the plates at the ports thereof is formed with at least two laterally offset cavities each having an inlet side against the inlet plate and an outlet side against the outlet plate. This support element can be displaced between at least two respective positions in each of which one of the cavities is aligned between the ports for flow through the one cavity therebetween. A respective filter unit in each of the cavities has a plurality of separate cells each having an outside exposed to flow from one of the ports and an inside exposed to the other of the ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Gneuss Kunststofftechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Detlef Gneuss
  • Patent number: 5422005
    Abstract: The invention relates to a horizontal filter with a filter housing, in which an arrangement of superimposed, spaced filter elements is contained, and with distributor means supplying liquid to be filtered to the filter arrangement in a main direction of flow from below to the top, from which supply lines for the supply of liquid to be filtered branch off to the individual filter elements. A horizontal filter with a higher throughput is provided by the invention, since it is provided that the distributor means comprises distributor lines guided between the wall of the filter housing and the filter arrangement and supply lines in each case distributed across the circumference of the individual filter elements and branching off from the distributor lines, and that the supply lines are in each case provided with a flow reduction chamber, which has at least one communication opening to a distributor line and at least one outlet opening for the discharge of liquid to be filtered above the allocated filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Anton Steinecker Entwicklungs GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Simon Redl, Adolf Schneider
  • Patent number: 5417866
    Abstract: A continuous flow polymer filtration apparatus for replacing dirty filters in an extruder includes a reciprocating slide member secured within a slide channel transverse to a bore. The slide channel has a sealing region adjacent to the bore. The slide member houses two filter assemblies for filtering polymer. Each filter assembly comprises at least one filter element which has a width that is less than the width of the sealing region and the distance between the filter assemblies is less than the width of the bore. The slide member is capable of positioning either filter assembly in line with the bore without interrupting the fluid flow of the polymer as well as positioning either filter assembly off-line in order to replace the off-line filter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Extek, Inc.
    Inventor: Delano B. Trott
  • Patent number: 5407586
    Abstract: A filter assembly used in combination with an extruder producing a stream of pressurized molten plastic has an inlet plate formed with a Y-shaped inlet passage having a substantially circular-section upstream end adapted to receive the stream of pressurized molten plastic from the extruder. The inlet passage branches downstream of its upstream end and has a pair of downstream ends opening at substantially circular downstream ports. An outlet plate fixed immediately downstream of the inlet plate is formed with a Y-shaped outlet passage having a substantially circular-section downstream end. The outlet passage is branched symmetrically to the inlet passage upstream of its downstream end and has a pair of upstream ends opening at substantially circular upstream ports aligned with the downstream ports. A rotatable filter disk engaged between the plates is formed with a circularly annular array of substantially circular-section throughgoing holes each defining a respective substantially circular seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Gneuss Kunststofftechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Detlef Gneuss
  • Patent number: 5403481
    Abstract: Described is a filter apparatus equipped with tubular filter elements comprising perforated pipe sections with filter media attached to their outer faces. The flow of the liquid to be filtered is directed onto the filter bodies transversely of the pipe section axis. The filter bodies are preferably disposed in a circular array and interconnected to form a cage acting as a rotor revolving within a casing supplied with the liquid to be filtered. A plurality of such cages may be concentrically nested within one another, with neighboring cages revolving in opposite directions. This results in the creation of pulsing flow patterns in the liquid to be filtered, which act to prevent premature clogging of the filter media by sediments thereon (FIG. 6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Bauko Baukooperation GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Kupka
  • Patent number: 5387339
    Abstract: A high efficiency, self-cleaning system for separating solid materials from liquids. The system includes a primary housing having at least one inlet and a plurality of cylindrical filter cartridges therein which are directly adjacent to and in close proximity with each other. The lower end of each cartridge is positioned on a spring-biased bearing member, with the upper end having an opening therein. Positioned within the opening and connected to each cartridge is a tubular shaft attached to a pulley-type motor drive system. The drive system is used to rotate the cartridges in a selected direction. In operation, fluids to be filtered enter the housing and come in direct contact with the rotating cartridges. Rotation of the multiple cartridges and close proximity of the cartridges to each other creates fluid turbulence within the housing. This turbulence scrubs collected solids from the cartridges and promotes fluid flow into the cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Coors Brewing Company
    Inventors: Sun Y. Lee, Edward R. Lappin
  • Patent number: 5296140
    Abstract: A continuous filtration device, comprising cells (1) arranged in a carousel around an axis of rotation and each presenting a horizontal axis of tilt, follower elements (9, 10), carried by a lever (7), at least one stationary guiding element (13, 14) for each of the follower elements, an additional lever (21, 22) fixedly connected to each cell, a mobile stop (23, 24) and an elastic element (29, 30) connecting the stop to a fixed support (25, 26) and acting on the stop in a first direction, the additional lever cooperating with the stop by acting on it in directions always approximately opposite to the aforesaid first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Inventor: Serge Kurowski
  • Patent number: 5254250
    Abstract: A rotary filtration system comprising a device having a fluid filtration gap between a filter and a rotating member (e.g., a disc), a filter pack for use in the rotary filtration device, and a cartridge formed by structurally connecting (and optionally fluidly connecting) two or more of the filter packs is disclosed. In the filter pack, the filter lies adjacent a permeate collection member, which also desirably can support the filter. The permeate collection member has one or more passageways for collecting the permeate that flows through the filter and is connected to a permeate collection header in the device. The filter pack and device are designed so that the filter pack may be easily inserted into and removed from the device, preferably by moving the filter pack in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft that rotates the rotating member. Desirably the rotating member and/or filter has one or more spiral grooves in fluid communication with fluid in the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Membrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip M. Rolchigo, Leonard T. Hodgins, Malcolm R. Kahn
  • Patent number: 5227050
    Abstract: A device for taking up fluids likely to foam, especially emulsions, with a suction system having a suction pipe through which the fluid is taken up at one end, the suction pipe having an aperture at the end thereof, and a first container attached at the one end of the suction pipe, the container of which opens upwards in the operative position of the device which is so arranged that, in the operative position, only the fluid inside the container may be taken up by the suction pipe, the container having at least one aperture in its wall that lies, in the operative position, partly beneath the fluid surface, and with a float for positioning an edge of the container, in the operative position, above the fluid surface, in which there is a second external container surrounding the first container which also opens upwards in the operative position of the device and is so arranged that, in the operative position, only the fluid inside the outer container flows into the inner container and which has in its wall at le
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventor: Wolfgang Stephan
  • Patent number: 5215663
    Abstract: A rotary filtration apparatus is provided, of the type which includes a multiplicity of membrane packs arranged in a stack on a rotor frame, which facilitates replacement of membrane packs. A membrane pack assembly (16, FIG. 1) includes a multiplicity of membrane packs arranged in a stack between a pair of stack plates (70, 72), and held in compression by several tension members (80) spaced about the pack and coupled to the plates. The rotor frame (14) has top and bottom frame plates (50, 52) and a plurality of tying members (40) tying peripheral portions of the plates together. A sufficient number of the tying members are removable to leave an opening in the frame periphery that is large enough to allow the precompressed membrane stack assembly (16) to be moved radially into the rotor frame, at which time the removed tying members are replaced. The membrane packs can be stacked within a group of tying members (234, FIG. 10 ), and can be compressed by a compressor (280, FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Aquatechnology Resource Management, Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Greene
  • Patent number: 5200077
    Abstract: A continuous, self-cleaning, rotary filtering apparatus is provided having a plurality of filter elements within a rotatable filter housing adapted for rotation between an inlet plate having an inlet manifold and an outlet plate having an outlet manifold so that the liquid to be filtered is passed from the inlet manifold through the filter elements and into the outlet manifold. The apparatus is further provided with a backflushing capability whereby the filter housing can be rotated to position where one filter element in alignment with a backflush port independent of the inlet manifold so that a part of the liquid within the outlet manifold will be caused to flow backward through that filter element and backflush port to purge contaminants from the apparatus via the backflush port without interrupting liquid flow through the other filter elements. After backflushing, the filter housing is further rotated to return the backflushed filter element to service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Memtec America Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond R. McNeice, Royal R. Swanson
  • Patent number: 5143630
    Abstract: A rotary disc filtration device having a fluid filtration gap between a filtration surface and a disc is disclosed. The disc and/or filter has one or more spiral grooves in fluid communication with fluid in the gap. The disc and/or filter is rotated and one or both may be axially oscillated and/or vibrated to create the shear at the filter surface that increases permeate flux through the filter. Several discs and filters may be interleaved to increase filtration device capacity and make more efficient use of equipment space. In such a device, the discs can be mounted on a common shaft for rotation in unison and can have spiral grooves on both major faces of each disc. The filters are held stationary in that device and are fluidly connected to facilitate collection of the permeate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: Membrex, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip M. Rolchigo
  • Patent number: 5114588
    Abstract: A rotary filtration apparatus is provided, of the type which includes a multiplicity of membrane packs arranged in a stack on a rotor frame, which facilitates replacement of membrane packs. A membrane pack assembly (16, FIG. 1) includes a multiplicity of membrane packs arranged in a stack between a pair of stack plates (70, 72), and held in compression by several tension members (80) spaced about the pack and coupled to the plates. The rotor frame (14) has top and bottom frame plates (50, 52) and a plurality of tying members (40) tying peripheral portions of the plates together. A sufficient number of the tying members are removable to leave an opening in the frame periphery that is large enough to allow the precompressed membrane stack assembly (16) to be moved radially into the rotor frame, at which time the removed tying members are replaced. The membrane packs can be stacked within a group of tying members (234, FIG. 10), and can be compressed by a compressor (280, FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Aquatechnology Resource Management Inc.
    Inventor: William Greene
  • Patent number: 5087358
    Abstract: The invention discloses a machine for the filtering of solid, in particular fibrous, particles suspended in liquids, including a delivery chamber (2) collecting the liquid to be treated, a raceway (3) leading the liquid to be treated into a treatment chamber (4) having a cylindrical bottom (5), wherein there is at least one pair of revolving filters (6, 7), an overflow chamber (16) connected with a recycling tank and an area (21) for the discharge of the recovered solid particles. In the machine each filter (12) has a surface in the shape of a truncated cone and its horizontal axis is essentially perpendicular to the flow direction of the liquid to be treated, the two filters are coaxial with each other and face each other, so as to form a concave space (20) therebetween. The taper of the filters causes the double effect of increasing the filtering performance of the machine and of avoiding its standstill when the delivery of liquid to be treated increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Inventor: Donato Massignani
  • Patent number: 5076921
    Abstract: A vibratory filtering screen assembly comprises an upwardly inclined member (12) on which is mounted the main filtering screen (14). At the exit (16) of the main screen is a secondary screen module (20) comprising a plurality of transverse supports (22) of rectangular section on which is mounted a screen (24) held in position by a silicon beading (26). Surrounding the secondary screen is a perimeter border or dam (28) for containing the discharge which is passed on to the secondary screen. In operation slurry is fed onto the main screen (12) where vibration passes it to exit (16). Wet solids components of the slurry drop into the secondary screen (20) where the vibration continues to dry out the solid particles, waste liquid being diverted away by a plate (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Rig Technology Limited
    Inventors: Marshall G. Bailey, George L. Souter
  • Patent number: 4976934
    Abstract: A recirculating fiber filter (1) and method is provided for removing particulates from moving fluid streams. High aspect ratio fibers (2) are used which readily nest with each other to form the high voidage fiber filter bed. In the method, fibers are continuously removed from the bottom of the bed regenerated to remove particulates and recycled back to the top of the bed and distributed thereon. Dirty fluid is passed from the top to the bottom of the filter. Dendrites of the particulate impurity appear to buildup in a thin section (A) at the top of the filter and provide the primary mechanism for further particulate entrapment. Recirculation of fibers offers a continuously fresh volume of fibers at the top for capture of particulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Battelle Development Corporation
    Inventors: Robert E. Maringer, Herman Nack, Richard Razgaitis
  • Patent number: 4944875
    Abstract: A device for the production of ultrapure water comprising tubes containing water treatment elements joined by two end plates. Grids are disposed between the tubes and the end plates to retain resin or carbon particles. Connector terminations provide a hydraulic connection between a control unit and the tubes. The filter is mounted in the tubes by means of an adapter which also provides a seal between inlet and outlet sides of the filter. Holes are provided in the connector terminations and the end plates to enable selection of the path of fluid in the water treatment elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: Millipore, S.A.
    Inventor: Yves Gaignet
  • Patent number: 4943372
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for discharging a disc filter. The method and apparatus are excellent for handling fiber suspensions in the pulp and paper industry. In earlier known means, the filter cake thickened on the filter surfaces of the disc filter is detached by means of water or compressed-air jets and the cake allowed to freely fall to an axial chute disposed below the shaft level of the filter, wherefrom the pulp most usually is transferred by means of a screw conveyor. The pulp, however, easily clogs the inlet opening of the chute, whereby pulp material accumulates in the space between the discs with harmful consequences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Assignee: A. Ahlstrom Corporation
    Inventor: Raimo Kohonen
  • Patent number: 4925576
    Abstract: A continuous discharge centrifuge can separate a slurry into a solid and liquid portion. The centrifuge has a housing and a rotor mounted in the housing to spin at a predetermined rate. The centrifuge has a spaced plurality of filters peripherally mounted on the rotor for separating the liquid portion by admitting it under centrifugal force. Also included is a spaced plurality of passage columns mounted between adjacent pairs of the filters. The columns can engage the outside of filters and conduct the solid portion upon the filters between it and the passage columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Inventors: Itzhak Gotlieb, Aharon Zidon
  • Patent number: 4897192
    Abstract: A filtration device includes in a pressure vessel a driven rotary shaft having a longitudinal bore. Fluid suspension to be processed to recover the fluid is expelled from distributing conduit, situated either in the shaft or in the vessel, the outlets of which open to the cavity of the pressure vessel at central processing zones proximate the shaft adjacent the radially inward portions of annular filtration discs secured to the shaft. The filtration discs are laminates in which an inner conducting support layer is enclosed by an outer filtration layer. The layers are porous, the pores are in fluidic communication, and the pores of the inner layer are larger than the pores in the outer layer. Fluid collecting in the outer layer of a spinning filter disc flows from the inner layer through collecting passageways to the longitudinal bore in the shaft, and is removed from the vessel through a conduit fluidly communicating with longitudinal bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Inventor: William J. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 4867886
    Abstract: The flow of waste water sludge flocculant to a dewatering system is regulated by a surface proximity sensor located downstream of the flocculant addition point. Depth, variability and continuity of a partially drained sludge mat are evaluated by a depth sensor signal processor/analyzer. Signal characteristics representative of an optimally flocculated sludge mat are referenced by the processor/analyzer to establish high and low control set-point values. A variable speed flocculant supply pump or flow control valve is adjusted in response to an operational signal from the depth sensor which exceeds the set-point range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: Westvaco Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas G. Botkins, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4844794
    Abstract: A plate-type filter that is provided with a sealing element that is disposed in the flow path of liquid that is to be filtered and seals off the in-flow region relative to the filling space of the filter housing. The sealing element is movable into its sealing position under the pressure of in-flowing liquid. The sealing element is therefore in the sealing position only when liquid is flowing in. When the filter elements are rotated for centrifuging off the filter cake, the sealing element is no longer in its sealing position due to the absence of liquid pressure, so that the sealing element is not stressed during the centrifuging process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Schenk-Filterbau Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung
    Inventor: Josef Ziller
  • Patent number: 4818401
    Abstract: A filtration device includes in a pressure vessel a driven rotary shaft having a longitudinal bore into which fluid suspension to be processed to recover the fluid is pumped. The suspension is expelled into a processing zone in the vessel from distributing passages fluidly communicating the bore to the cavity of the pressure vessel. The processing zone is adjacent filtration discs affixed to the rotating shaft. The filtration plates are laminates in which an inner conducting support layer is enclosed by an outer filtration layer, the layers being porous, the pores being in fluidic communication, and the pores of the inner layer being larger than the pores in the outer layer. Fluid collecting in the outer layer of a spinning filter disc flows from the inner layer through collecting passageways to a second longitudinal bore in the shaft, and is removed from the vessel through a conduit fluidly communicating with such second longitudinal bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Inventor: William J. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 4775487
    Abstract: A continuous separation apparatus having a plurality of separation chambers in a continuously rotating block between fixed end plates. The axis of the chambers, preferably cylinders, is parallel to the axis of rotation of the block, wherein the end plates are provided with stationary inlet and discharge ports which overlap openings in the cylinders as the cylinders rotate so that cylinders are constantly being filled by forcing a free-floating piston to one end of the cylinder, cylinder contents are separated by hydraulically forcing the piston toward the fill end of the cylinder where the liquid is removed through screen means at the fill end of the cylinder and solid contents evacuated through an end plate port. The cylinder block continues rotation to permit a constant flow into the apparatus, a continuous removal of separated fluid and a constant separated solids flow from the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1988
    Assignee: Consolidation Coal Company
    Inventor: Ahmed A. El-Saie
  • Patent number: 4755302
    Abstract: A method and mechanism for the magnetic separation of material from a fluid containing magnetic and non-magnetic material, passing the fluid through matrix containing canisters wherein the canisters are carried on a turret which moves axially and rotatably. In four quadrilaterally arranged locations, two canisters are supported in a separation position within coils until they are filled and then are moved axially and rotationally to cleansing stations while cleansed canisters are rotated and moved axially up into the separation stations. A distribution head connects to the turret for delivery of magnetic material containing fluid and cleansing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Assignee: Klockner Humboldt Deutz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Unkelbach, Gerhard Schmitz, Hans-Dieter Wasmuth, Hans Bender
  • Patent number: 4721566
    Abstract: Tilting filter pans is disclosed having generally parallel leading and trailing sidewalls which are sloped at an angle to permit increased filtration rates for a predetermined filtering efficiency, and also to permit increased filtering efficiency where the feed rate is constant. The feed is a slurry from which the liquid is removed, and the filter cake being dumped by rotation of each filter pan at a predetermined point of movement of the filter pan along a cyclical path. Hold-down devices having a reduced volume are also used in combination with the improved pan design, so that an increased filtration rate is possible due to decrease in the required filter cake height. A cam arrangement is provided for turning the pans with minimum stress in a minimum length of pan travel, while avoiding collisions between adjacent pans and while permitting washing of each pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1988
    Assignee: Freeport Minerals Company
    Inventors: Donald L. Chamberlain, Robert J. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 4714552
    Abstract: A filter device is disclosed, comprising two compartments within a housing. The first compartment includes a filter element, of the screen or the disc types, with communication to the filtered fluid outlet of the housing. A controllable valve communicates the first compartment with the inlet of the housing across the second compartment. A drain valve connects the first compartment with outside the housing. For flushing the filter element by reverse-flow, the first valve is closed and the flushing fluid drains through the drain valve. In a further embodiment two or more filter elements and associated compartments and valves are installed, in parallel, within the same housing, so that by stopping the filtering operation of one of the filter elements, it becomes flushed with the product, filtered fluid of the other element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1987
    Assignee: AR-KAL Plastics Products Beit Zera (1973)
    Inventor: Elhanan Tabor
  • Patent number: 4708797
    Abstract: A rotary disc filter element having a large surface area for tank filters, such rotary disc filter element being composed of a hub, a circular bottom plate mounted thereon, a filter mesh clamped above it, and a supporting mesh arranged between the bottom plate and the filter mesh. The bottom plate is stiffened by corrugations which extend substantially radially and coaxially of the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Assignee: Anton Steinecker Maschinenfabrick GmbH
    Inventors: Rolf Baur, Bernhard Gruber
  • Patent number: 4690761
    Abstract: An improved annular filter disc for use in a tubular filter stack of the kind, wherein filtration takes place by causing the liquid to be filtered to pass through the filter stack, wherein the disc is formed with a plurality of angularly spaced apart, springy spacer projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1987
    Assignee: Amida Sinun Vehashkaya
    Inventor: Itzhak Orlans
  • Patent number: 4676893
    Abstract: Apparatus for the release and recovery of living organisms collected or trapped on the rotary filters of water pumping stations.The apparatus comprises:on the inside of the filters, a system of two rows of multiple washing jets using water under low pressure, whose nozzles are directed towards the filter panels, so that the jets of the two rows meet one another and cooperate to form a single liquid stream;deflectors arranged at radial intervals on the outer face of the filter panels;on the outside of the filters, a channel shaped like a trough for receiving the washing water and recovering the living organisms, whose opening is oriented towards the said rows of washing jets, the edge of the opening being rounded or rotary in its lower part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Assignee: Electricite de France Service National
    Inventors: Francois Travade, Lionel Caudron
  • Patent number: 4675107
    Abstract: Tilting filter pans having generally parallel leading and trailing sidewalls which are sloped at an angle to permit increased filtration rates for a predetermined filtering efficiency, and also to permit increased filtering efficiency where the feed rate is constant. Drainage of the pans may also be improved. The feed is a slurry from which the liquid is removed, and the filter cake is dumped by rotation of each filter pan at a predetermined point of movement of the filter pan along a cyclical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Assignee: Freeport Minerals Company
    Inventor: Donald L. Chamberlain