Abstract: A filter media that inhibits the formation of static charge in a liquid flowing through the filter media comprises a filtration layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface and comprising a non-conductive fibrous material having a plurality of fibers, the fibrous material comprising a metal layer deposited on at least a portion of the fibers through at least a portion of the thickness of the filtration layer. The filter media or a filter apparatus incorporating the filter media does not require means for dissipating static charge from the fluid and, therefore, does not require grounding.

Abstract: A media retainer assembly for retaining filter media in a filter assembly includes a top plate for supporting the filter media, the top plate having a top surface, a bottom surface and a plurality of openings extending therethrough; a bottom plate having a top surface and a plurality of openings extending therethrough; and scouring media, the scouring media being adapted to abrade the surfaces of the top and bottom plates. The top plate is connected to the bottom plate such that the top surface of the bottom plate is spaced from the bottom surface of the top plate to define at least one chamber between the top plate and the bottom plate. The top surface of the top plate is in fluid communication with the chamber via the openings in the top plate. The scouring media is supported by the bottom plate within the at least one chamber.

Abstract: A filtration barrier comprises first elements that are fibers, strips, or bristles wherein apertures between elements provide passages for a fluid transporting granules to the filtration barrier, and wherein the elements (11) are supported against deflection by second elements (12) when the fluid is flowing in a forwards direction whereby granules are prevented from accompanying the fluid through said passages by the barrier, but whereby the second elements do not support the first elements against deflection when the fluid flows in a (back-wash) direction opposite the forwards direction, when the elements (11a, 11b, 11c) become deflected by the fluid to increase the size of the apertures. In various embodiments of the invention the elements are supported at one end or both ends, and elements are arranged to deflect differently to further increase the apertures between neighboring elements as shown below.

Abstract: A method of cleaning filtration modules for the treatment of raw water, or wastewater, or activated sludge, is provided by circulating particles in untreated water. The deposits located on the filter membrane outer surfaces are removed by the mechanical action of the particles, without significantly damaging the membrane. Initially, untreated water, wastewater, or activated sludge is chemically-mechanically pretreated. Then the untreated water or wastewater polluted with biologically active material is discharged into a membrane bioreactor system having a filtration unit including at least one filtration tank. At least one submerged filtration membrane module is present in the filtration tank. The untreated water or wastewater in this filtration tank is filled with particles and circulates inside the filtration tank. The particles are non-porous, biologically resistant polymer particles.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system and method for cleaning filters, such as membrane filters. More particularly, a method and system are disclosed for retaining a plurality of small particulates, preferably in the shape of beads, which contact sludge or other despots on the membrane filters to remove unwanted debris that would otherwise form on the cleaning filters. In various embodiments, the plurality of small particulates are retained in a permeable enclosure formed of wedgewire.

Abstract: A system for recovering precious metals. A container is configured to receive recyclable materials. The recyclable materials include non-metallic materials, base metals and precious metals. A separating solution is disposed in the container and is configured to separate the base metals and the precious metals from the non-metallic materials. The non-metallic materials, base metals, and precious metals are subsequently separated from each other.

Abstract: A system for preparing a cytological suspension is based on a fixing solution. The system containing a cytological sample-taking brush and a flask having an opening for receiving the cytological sample-taking brush are detachably fastened to a handle including a brush-receiving filter basket that is at least partially immersed in the a suspension.

Abstract: A package of water treatment pellets includes a first container and a second container. The first container is fabricated from a water-dissolvable sheet material and the first container is filled with and encases the water treatment pellets. The second container is fabricated from a non-water-dissolvable, porous material and is sized and adapted to receive the first container filled with and encasing the water treatment pellets. A water treatment feeder device includes a hollow, box-shaped magazine body defining an internal magazine chamber and a plurality of porous holders disposed in the internal magazine chamber. Each one of the plurality of porous holders retains a respective one of the packages of water treatment pellets. A water treatment feeder system for a structure operative to circulate water thereabout incorporates the water treatment feeder device and the package of water treatment pellets.

Abstract: A system for preparing a cytological suspension based on a fixing solution. The system containing a cytological sample-taking brush and a flask having an opening for receiving the cytological sample-taking brush that is detachably fastened to a handle, and includes a brush-receiving filter basket that is at least partially immersed in a suspension.

Abstract: An eyeglass lens processing apparatus for processing an eyeglass lens includes: a processing chamber inside which a lens grinding tool is disposed; a tank which stores grinding water; a drain hose connecting the processing chamber with the tank; a filter for eliminating bubbles attached to an outlet of the drain hose, which includes a large number of pores having a size such that permits passing of processing debris stemming from rough processing and inhibits passing of bubbles larger than the processing debris.

Abstract: A filtering means containing gelatinous and solid materials is cleaned without dismantling the filtering means by contacting the gelatinous material inside the filtering means with a solvent, thereby physically degrading the gelatinous material such that the degraded gelatinous material can pass through the filtering means.

Abstract: A filter system (10) comprising a filter medium (11) for filtering contaminants from a process fluid, having a filtration side on which contaminants collect and a filtrate side from which filtrate flows; a counter-flow generator (20) located on the filtrate side that directs a localized stream of counter-flow fluid (23) from the filtrate side to the filtration side of the filter medium (11) to thereby dislodge the contaminants from the filtration side of the filter medium (11), wherein the localized stream (23) traverses a substantial proportion of the filter medium (11). The filter system (10) optionally further comprises a clearing-flow generator (30) or like means located on the filtration side of the filter medium (11) which clears contaminants from the filter medium (11).

Abstract: A liquid chromatography seal capable of withstanding pressures in excess of 8000 to 10,000 psi utilizing an annular ring disposed upon either the seal or the seal seating surface. The annular ring is triangular in cross section. The triangular cross section forms three seals. The first seal is the innermost face of the triangular cross section, the third is the outermost face, and the second is the angle between the first and third. The structure of the seal enables the column to be leak-free even with a minimum of torque applied to the fasteners. Another important aspect of the seal is that it eliminates the need for a disperser frit since the seal itself acts as to disperse liquid to the frit.

Abstract: A method of forming a filter package includes disposing a filter and a liquid in a container with the filter immersed in the liquid and sanitizing the liquid and the filter while in the container. After sanitizing, the container may be hermetically sealed to enclose the sanitized liquid and filter. The container may be vented during sanitizing to allow vapor of the liquid to exit from the container and prevent pressure from building up in the container. The container may be either rigid or flexible.

Abstract: A diaphragm-type control valve for irrigation systems has an outer clam-shell housing that encloses a vertically reciprocable diaphragm assembly. A primary valve seat inside the housing is engaged and disengaged by a seal on the underside of the diaphragm to open and close the valve by connecting and disconnecting its inlet and outlet passages. Pressurized water from a lower inlet chamber of the valve travels through a small metering orifice in the center of the diaphragm assembly to an upper pressure control chamber above a flexible membrane of the diaphragm assembly. A solenoid actuated pilot valve is operatively coupled to the upper pressure control chamber for venting pressurized water therefrom to permit the diaphragm assembly to move upwardly to open the valve. A filter screen is mounted to the underside of the diaphragm assembly to prevent debris from clogging the metering orifice, clogging the small passages of the pilot valve, or fouling the solenoid.

Abstract: The disclosed filter element is a screen filter having a vane arranged on the outside surface of a screening element for improving the filtration of solid contaminants from a liquid undergoing filtration. A single cartridge screening element may be quickly cleansed with in a minimum time interval with raw water and without requiring the removal of the filtering element.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating liquids and solids from a mixture thereof comprises a trough structure (12) in which is suspended a filter means (14) on which the mixture can be placed. A vacuum mechanism (16) draws a vacuum beneath the filter means to draw the liquids downwardly from the solids, and a oscillating mechanism (20) causes the remaining solids on the filter to move in a conveying direction. A flexible perforated sheet (60) is provided beneath and in generally continuous contact with the filter means (14) and which can be intermittently flexed to maintain the filter means unobstructed by solids.

Abstract: A fluid carrying chain is drawn through a perforated cannister containing fluid removal nodules that remove fluid from the chain.

Abstract: A self-cleaning water filter system for a household or the like having a plurality of water usage zones requiring varying water quality.

Abstract: A water purification apparatus for household use in treating municipally supplied water for removal of solid and chemical contaminants in which serially connected first, second and third water purification stage units are contained in a compact cabinet enclosure. The first and third stage units function as aerating and filtering units as well as to control flow through the second stage unit in which a column of granular activated carbon is contained with a small percentage of silver to inhibit growth of bacteria in the granular activated carbon. Each of the first and third units includes an interior chamber spaced by restricted aperture plates and contain between 3 and 5 multifaceted silicon beads which function as scrubbers to remove filtered particles from filter pad units on opposite ends of each of the first and third units.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a filtering apparatus which incorporates a flow deflector, to divert an incoming flow of the fluid to be filtered, which serves as a device to cause one or more multifaceted bead members to circulate throughout and to impinge upon every surface of an inlet chamber of the filter apparatus so that contaminents tend to be removed from the filter inlet surface portion of the inlet chamber.

Abstract: A filter apparatus for removing contaminants from a fluid comprises a cylindrical body and first and second caps coupled to first and second ends of the cylindrical body. Each of the caps has an aperture therein for the flow of fluid therethrough and first and second filters are positioned within said first and second caps respectively such that a filter medium is housed within said cylindrical body and restrained by said first and second filters. The first and second filters are continuously cleaned by impinging multifaceted beads. The filter apparatus is entirely symmetrical and either the first or second cap may serve as an inlet cap while the other cap serves as an outlet.

Abstract: In an apparatus for separating particulate material of a selected size from particulate material of a smaller size, there is provided a screen assembly having a screen element for separating the particulate material. A tray assembly loosely supports impact elements in close relationship to the screen to dislodge particulate material from the apertures of the screen upon impact during operation of the apparatus which agitates the screen and tray assembly. The screen element and the tray assembly form an enclosure for the impact elements. The screen assembly and tray assembly are intermeshed and independently supported from one another and are adapted to separate upon removal from the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for tubular membrane separation, such as reverse osmosis or ultrafiltration, with an arrangement for removing undesirable deposits from the semipermeable membrane surfaces. For the removal of the deposits, elastic elements are passed, together with the feed solution being treated, through the tubular modules lined with semipermeable membranes, separated from the solution, and are recycled with a fresh supply of the solution from a tank, so that the semipermeable membranes are continuously cleaned while separating a part of the solution by permeation therethrough.

Abstract: A method and analysis system for the continuous on-stream chromatographic analysis of beverages such as beer. Also disclosed are novel bypass filter devices that are especially suitable for use in the analysis system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tubular membrane separation apparatus used for purification of turbid water, concentration of liquid material, sea-water desalting and so on, which is characterized by a feedwater line, a tubular membrane member adapted to concentrate a feedwater, a concentrated-water line which is disposed in such a manner that the direction of flow therein is opposite to the direction of flow in the feedwater line and a cleaning ball delivery member, said cleaning ball delivery member including a stationary member disposed to cross the feedwater line and concentrated-water line and divide each of the two lines into an upstream and downstream segment, the stationary member being provided with passageways extending in parallel with each other and respectively adapted to communicate the upstream segment of the feedwater line with the downstream segment thereof and the upstream segment of concentrated-water line with the downstream segment thereof, a movable member which comprises at least one

Abstract: A tubular membrane separation apparatus and process, for reverse osmosis or ultrafiltration, with an arrangement for removing undesirable deposit from semipermeable membrane surfaces. The apparatus is of the multiple-stage type wherein the number of tubular modules per stage gradually decreases in a pattern like a Christmas tree laid on its side. Elastic elements are forced through the tubular modules lined with the semipermeable membrane, the number of the elements being gradually decreased stage by stage, so that the deposit is mechanically rubbed off from the membrane surfaces with an optimum number of elastic elements for each stage.

Abstract: A device for cleaning of a screen located in a water conduit is provided h a screen rake which has a screen comb at one end thereof, the screen rake being mounted and driven by a chain to be guided in a path such that the screen comb cleans the screen, deposits the screenings in a bin and returns to clean the screen again in a continuous and non-interrupted fashion. The path is formed by a number of connected angle bars which are curved in shape and which are placed between a number of chain wheels around which the chain is wrapped for movement thereover. The screen rake is pivotably connected at the end opposite to the screen comb to the end of a hinged support, the hinged support being pivoted around a stationary bearing and having a counterweight at the other end thereof.

Abstract: A self-cleaning filter includes a housing having a compressible filter element and a compression spring for applying spring pressure to the filter element. Unfiltered fluid, at line pressure, is forced upwardly through the filter element. Spring tension is overcome by line pressure during normal filtering operations to compress the spring and allow the filter element to maintain a relatively uncompressed condition during filtering. The spring tension is sufficient to automatically compress the filter element when line pressure is shut off to squeeze the filter element and flush out filtered particles from the filter element into a chamber below it. Separate agitators in the chamber rapidly spin and move in a random pattern throughout the chamber to keep the walls of the chamber clean from filtered particles during filtering operations. The chamber may have an automatic drain valve which automatically opens when line pressure is shut off to discharge filtered particles from the housing.

Abstract: A self cleaning screen assembly according to the present invention is adapted for utilization in conjunction with an oscillating mechanical separator incorporating a screen framework having a screen and a perforated support plate connected thereto and disposed in spaced relation. The screen is defined by a wire mesh and accomplishes the primary screening function while the support plate is defined by a perforated metal plate which serves a supporting function for a plurality of screen cleaning devices that are disposed in the space between the screen and plate. The height of each of the screen cleaning devices is slightly less than the spacing of the screen and plate while the width thereof exceeds the spacing of the screen and plate, allowing the screen cleaning devices to be movable relative to the screen and while preventing them from becoming misoriented due to oscillation of the mechanical separator. A scraper blade means is carried by each of the screen cleaning devices.