Medium, Cleaner Or Agitator Moved By Fluid Patents (Class 210/354)
  • Patent number: 11712645
    Abstract: A filtration system interconnection structure having a filter manifold including a sump housing and a first correlated magnet located on or connected to a portion of the manifold, and a filter cartridge including a filter media, first and second end caps sealed to the filter media, and a second, paired correlated magnet located on or connected to the filter cartridge housing body. The first and second correlated magnets are interconnected via magnetic communication upon insertion of the filter cartridge into the sump housing, and upon movement of the filter cartridge into an alignment position, the correlated magnet located on or connected to the manifold is permitted to translate as a result of the magnetic communication. The polarity profiles of the paired correlated magnets are aligned such that a repulsion force is created when the filter cartridge is inserted within the manifold sump housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: KX Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Robert Astle, William Li, Garett Strandemo, Matthew W. Hartmann
  • Patent number: 10835100
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub with an access opening to a treating chamber, a sump, at least one sprayer emitting liquid into the treating chamber, a pump, a conduit fluidly coupling the sump to the pump and the pump to the at least one sprayer, thereby defining a recirculation circuit through which the liquid sprayed into the treating chamber collects in the sump and is pumped back to the at least one sprayer. The dishwasher also includes a filter assembly in the sump for filtering the liquid in the recirculation circuit including a cleaning element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Mark S. Feddema, Antony Mark Rappette, Lisa M. Fehner
  • Patent number: 9555352
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a pump and filter system and method. The system includes a housing with a housing cavity and a filter cartridge, and a pump positioned in the housing cavity. The filter cartridge splits the housing cavity into a filtered region and an unfiltered region and the pump is located in the filtered region. The method includes operating the pump to pull fluid through a housing inlet into the unfiltered region, to pull fluid across the filter cartridge into the filtered region via suction pressure of the pump, and to force the fluid through the pump to a housing outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, Jr., Ryan Weaver, Brian Boothe
  • Publication number: 20140183113
    Abstract: A runoff water vault may be divided into an input chamber which receives runoff water and a second chamber which also separates and stores buoyant and non-buoyant materials separated from the runoff water stream. While the separators in such systems remove particles of different densities than water quite well, they have difficulty in removing neutrally buoyant debris. Screens are added into the water flow stream to catch and remove particles of neutral buoyancy. The screens are mounted in a manner which permits lateral movement of the screen relative to the water flow, such as shaking and/or flexing. Screen movement imparts pressure differential across the screen perforations releasing debris trapped against the screen, so that the debris will fall into an entrainment area and allow increased flow through the screen. The screens may also include one or more turbulator fins for intersecting the water flow and transferring energy to the screen, imparting lateral movement to the screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas Pank
  • Patent number: 8758622
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a membrane (6) in a membrane filtration system by flowing gas bubbles past the surfaces of the membrane (6) to scour accumulated solids therefrom. The method includes flowing a liquid past a supply of gas; creating a reduced pressure within the liquid flow to cause a flow of gas from the supply of gas (9) into the liquid flow and form gas bubbles therein and then flowing the liquid containing the gas bubbles past the surfaces of the membrane (6) to scour the surfaces thereof. Apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Joachim Muller
  • Publication number: 20130105415
    Abstract: A backwash header for a cloth filter disk includes a body having a length a diameter, first and second ends, a longitudinal axis, and an exterior surface, the body defining at least one internal cavity. The body includes at least one suction slot configured to allow fluids and solids to enter the internal cavity from outside of the exterior surface. A structure is attached to a portion of the exterior surface of the body around and extending away from the suction slot to form a chamber defined by the structure and a portion of the exterior surface near the suction slot. The structure is configured to allow fluids and solids to enter the chamber and then the suction slot and cavity from a material being cleaned. Cloth disk filters and methods of treating water and wastewater using the backwash headers and cloth disk filters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Yongming Xia, Jeffrey S. Devine, Charles G. Dannemann
  • Patent number: 8177073
    Abstract: A quickly cleanable water processor includes a shell, a water pipe, at least one filtering unit and a cleaning unit. The shell includes a space defined therein, a water inlet, a water outlet and an air inlet. The water inlet and outlet and the air inlet and outlet are in communication with the space. The water pipe is disposed in the shell and made with slots in communication with the water inlet. The filtering unit is detachably provided around the water pipe. The filtering unit includes alternately arranged membrane bags and water-guiding discs. The cleaning unit includes an air pump and an air pipe extended into the shell from the air pump through the air inlet. The air pipe includes apertures through which air reaches the membrane bags from the air pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: New Century Membrane Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Chang Kuo
  • Publication number: 20120074074
    Abstract: A self-cleaning screen system and method removes contaminants from a fluid passed through a screen of the self-cleaning screen system. The self-cleaning screen system includes a cleaning mechanism used to remove contaminants which may have adhered to the screen. The self-cleaning screen system is self-powered by extracting energy from the fluid flow to cause rotation or other movement of either the screen and/or the cleaning mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Meng H. Lean, Armin R. Völkel, Ashutosh Kole, Kai Melde, Huangpin Ben Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7987769
    Abstract: A water dispenser including a water inlet adapted to receive water from a water supply, a water filter operative to filter water received from the water supply via the water inlet, a water outlet operative to provide filtered water received from the water filter, a water spill collector and a pivotably mounted drainage-equipped water container support having a first operative orientation underlying the water outlet and defining a downwardly inclined water spill drainage pathway communicating with the water spill collector and a second, non-operative, orientation not underlying the water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Strauss Water Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Oranski, Avner Sadot, Israel Heifetz, Yoav Dracher
  • Patent number: 7913855
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved self-cleaning filter for agricultural irrigation water having a support base (8) for the rings (3) traversed by perforated tubes (4) which clean them, allowing the axial movement of the tubes (4) having an integral upper cover (5) at the opposite end which presses them in an axial direction, whereas the lower base (6), also integral thereto, generates the axial thrust to separate and press them, acting as a blocker and allowing the flow path to the perforated tubes (4); incorporating a base (9) acting as a membrane and a spring pressing on the rings (3), with an adjustable separation and variable in number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Salvador Ros Roca
  • Patent number: 7886752
    Abstract: A filter having a filter body with a plurality of filter openings, each having a passage cross-section which varies automatically in response to a characteristic inherent to a medium flowing through the openings to filter the medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Jerg
  • Patent number: 7820039
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the continuous filtering of impurities from a flowable compound, especially a plastic melt, comprising a filter insert (3) in the form of a hollow rotary body which is held to rotate about its rotational axis (A) relative to a housing (1, 2) and is flowed through by the flowable compound and which is arranged in a flow conduit of the housing (1, 2) between a feed conduit (7) for the compound to be filtered and a discharge conduit (8) for the filtered compound, and a discharge apparatus for impurities held back by the filter, which apparatus comprises a feed screw (9) cooperating with the filter insert (3). In order to provide advantageous constructional conditions it is proposed that the filter insert (3) comprises a disk-like filter (5) which is arranged on the face side of the rotary body and is coaxial to the rotational axis (A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventor: Helmuth Schulz
  • Patent number: 7820040
    Abstract: A filtration device and method for removing pollutants from fluid such as storm-water. The filtration device has a chamber including a series of pivotal filtration assemblies each including a weir and filter. The filters are selected and positioned for sequentially filtering larger then smaller pollutant particles from the water flowing through the device. The weirs are configured and positioned for sequentially permitting water overflow of (and thereby taking off-line) the smaller-particle size filters then the larger-particle size filters from the water flowing through the device. And the filtration assemblies are pivotally mounted to the chamber walls and configured so that, when one of the filters becomes clogged, the water pressure against it causes that filter assembly to pivot into a bypass position permitting water to flow under it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventors: John Sebastian Moll, Clark Joseph Use
  • Patent number: 7763172
    Abstract: A filtering device includes a container having an inlet and two or more spindles arranged in the device. Further included are at least two mutually axially offset diaphragm plates mounted on each of the two or more spindles. The two or more spindles are distributed in the container and rotatable relative to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventors: Wilfried Mackel, Tietz Helga
  • Patent number: 7662278
    Abstract: A self-cleaning assembly comprising an enclosed casing 1 with a movable piston 31 and filters 32,33 therein. The preferred assembly has a casing 1 with a dirty water inlet 5, a first outlet 6 for clean filtered water and a second outlet 7 for the removal of sludge from the casing. The filter assembly is constructed and arranged to provide, in its normal operating mode, a liquid flow path through the filter 32,33 in a first direction between the dirty water inlet 5 and the clean water outlet 6 and, in a cleaning mode, to provide a liquid flow path in a second direction between the dirty water inlet 5 and the sludge outlet 7. In the cleaning mode, the movable member 31 compresses the filters 32,33 during the liquid flow in the second direction and contaminant is released therefrom for removal from the filter assembly via the second outlet 7. In an alternative embodiment, the sludge outlet 7 is omitted and sludge is removed from the casing via the outlet 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Pet Mate Ltd.
    Inventors: Steve Martin Brooks, Robert Ivan John Wiedemann, David Goodwin
  • Patent number: 7581649
    Abstract: In a liquid filter of the reverse-flow flush-cleaning type, the present invention provides the improvement of mounting the pack of discs (170) intermediate to an assembly including a seat member (200) and screw-thread split-ring (202).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Arkal Filtration Systems C.S. Ltd.
    Inventor: Raanan Ben-Horin
  • Patent number: 7566399
    Abstract: A water purifier includes a base, an outer casing mounted on the base, a fresh water conduit demountably mounted in the outer casing, a plurality of filtering units demountably mounted on the fresh water conduit and a cover demountably mounted on the outer casing. Each filtering unit includes a membrane bag and multiple supporting members. The membrane bags are sandwiched by the supporting members and are arranged in a cascading manner. Gaps are formed between each pair of adjacent membrane bags so that the filtering bags can be cleaned directly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: New Century Membrane Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yu-San Kuo
  • Patent number: 7501058
    Abstract: A cylindrical tumbler has a plurality of angled slots positioned about its periphery, the leading edge face of each slot forming an angled impeller vane. When the tumbler is placed on an intake plug and suction applied through the plug, the tumbler spins throwing off any debris which may otherwise accumulate on the strainer. In alternate embodiments, lengths of flexible strand can be attached to the periphery of the tumbler or two tumblers with oppositely angled slots, and hence, opposite spin directions can be positioned on the same plug to increase turbulence and further reduce debris accumulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph W. Lawrence, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7371322
    Abstract: A filtration system is provided with filter media operable to remove solids, particulate and colloidal matter from a process fluid. The filtration system may include one or more porous membranes which are anchored or secured on their periphery with a large open work area operable to remove selected components from the process fluid. The filter media may include an envelope formed from two membrane sheets with a spacer element disposed there between. A chamber or collection zone may be formed within the envelope to receive clarified fluid separated from the process fluid. Alternatively, the filter media may be multiple layers of spiral wound membranes or a roll of membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Phase Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis Kirker, Berkeley F. Fuller
  • Patent number: 7000781
    Abstract: The invention relates to a filtering device for taking a filtrate sample from liquid matter containing solid particles. The filtering device comprises two filter parts and at least one filtering slot between the filter parts. The filter parts are adapted to move in relation to each other in such a manner that the width of the filtering slot changes when the filter parts move in relation to each other. When taking a sample from a process, the filtering slot between the filter parts is at its smallest, and it is adapted to filter the sample while the liquid matter being measured flows from the process to the measurement. When rinsing the filtering device against the sampling direction, the filter parts are adapted to move away from each other, whereby the filtering slot widens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Metso Automation OY
    Inventor: Veikko Kyllönen
  • Patent number: 7001506
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for providing a self-cleaning water circulation system which may be utilized for a fish pond, fountain, or the like. Means for automatically cleaning the pump intake to avoid pump failure due to leaves and debris is provided. The circulation system also comprises a self-cleaning filter for cleaning the circulated water whereby maintenance requirements are substantially reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Ronald L. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20040007518
    Abstract: A braided strainer for a draw line, and method of forming same. The strainer comprises a frame in the form of a pair of spaced planar plates, one being a solid end plate and the other having a control aperture. A plurality of spaced, parallel rods of similar length are positioned near the peripheries of the plates and secured and extending between the plates. A plurality of cylindrical walls of braided strands of strainer medium, are provided, the braided cylindrical walls having similarly spaced rod-receiving holes extending longitudinally in spaced fashion through the strands of strainer medium. These walls are contiguously stacked on the plates to extend between them. The plate having the central aperture permits flow of fluid drawn through the cylindrical walls during operation of the strainer. That plate has associated with it a connector to releasably secure the strainer to a mating connector on a free end of the draw line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: DEPENDABLE TRUCK & TANK LIMITED
    Inventor: Santo Natale
  • Patent number: 6540914
    Abstract: A fluid filter which comprises a canister having an open end and a closed end, the canister sealing to an adapter body to prevent leakage between the canister and the adapter body, the adapter body having a plurality of fluid inlet ports extending through the adapter assembly body into the cavity formed by the canister and the adapter body assembly, a threaded fluid outlet port extending through the adapter body, a threaded ring adapter for adapting the outlet port to a variety of connection configurations, a multistage wire mesh filter element having a weave which is designed to prevent fluid contaminants from passing through the filter element while inhibiting the contaminant particles from becoming lodged in the filter mesh, the fluid inlet ports in the adapter body being formed at an angle to create a tornado type turbine fluid motion within the canister to suspend contaminants which are blocked from passage through the screen in the fluid and allow such contaminants to settle in the canister out of the f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Vortex International, LLC
    Inventor: Gerald F. Smith
  • Patent number: 6419826
    Abstract: Improved self-cleaning filter, comprised of a casing (1) with an entry (2) for water towards an encircling chamber (5), a filtering element based on a plurality of grooved disks (10), an axial passage (14) in the breast of these disks and an axial exit (9) for clean water. The filtering element (10) is completed in its lower end by a flap (11) that closes the axial passage (14) in the backward movement of water during cleaning, forcing it to go through side collectors (15) unaffected by the flap (11) and in which established are windows (16) for the exit of water, obliquely oriented in a side direction to make the disks (10) rotate during cleaning, also oblique in a vertical direction to take advantage of the separation between the disks (10) and distributed helically (15), the support tower (6) of these disks completed in a retractile rammer (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Wind, S.L.
    Inventors: Manuel Garcia Lara, Juan Mesado Terrones, Diego GarcĂ­a de Dionisio Contreras
  • Patent number: 6398037
    Abstract: A liquid filtering device having a pack of cylindrical filter member discs (70) with an arrangement for reversed, filter flushing flow cycles. An integrally formed filter core (24) is provided comprising tubular nozzled conduits (30a, 30b, 30c) so that water under pressure within the conduits becomes discharged in jet forms to enable free rotation of the filter discs. One-way valve (90) in the form of a funnel shaped rubber sleeve allows the flow of filtered water to the outlet port (20) but impedes the flow of flushing water from the outlet port through the filter member (70) in the direction of the inlet port (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: “AR-KAL” Plastics Products
    Inventors: Yiftach Sadan, Raanan Ben-Horin
  • Patent number: 6398038
    Abstract: A vortex mechanical power filter includes a filter unit 12 arranged within a vortex tank 10 such that water to be filtered, e.g. flowing from a from a fish pond via gravity supply line 22, impinges upon a side of the filter unit at an angle to cause rotation thereof. The filter unit can also include a polyurethane ring float 121 so that the filter unit is self-adjusting within the vortex tank. Within the filter unit, a vortex disrupter 20 can be provided to aid in rotation thereof. As the system operates, a water jet assembly 18 sprays a plurality of water jets onto the filter screen to gently clean waste therefrom so that filtered water can be continuously provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Manuel J. Fontes
  • Publication number: 20020040868
    Abstract: A self-cleaning water filter assembly including a body having inlet and outlet portions and a filter housing portion defining a cavity disposed therebetween so that water entering the inlet must flow through an inner surface to an outer surface of a filter then to the outlet. A piston disposed concentrically within the filter is biased in an upward resting position by a spring in the absence of water pressure. A scraper extends radially from a piston sidewall and into contact with the inner surface of the filter. Apertures extend through the sidewall and into a central bore extending through a bottom end of the piston. In the presence of water pressure, the piston is forced downwardly into the cavity, and the scraper and apertures cooperatively dislodge and flush filtered particulate matter from the housing. As water pressure is reduced, the piston is biased into its upward resting position, dislodging and flushing filtered particulate matter again.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Inventor: George H. Lockwood
  • Patent number: 6287464
    Abstract: An oil filter assembly comprises: a cylindrical main housing having an open upper end; a cover assembled with an upper end thereof; an impeller housing disposed beneath a lower surface thereof; a mixer disc fixedly inserted in the impeller housing; an impeller disposed on an upper surface of the mixer disc to mix foreign material contained in an oil; an adjust housing disposed under the impeller to supply the oil when an engine is operated; a filter member for filtering off the foreign material from the oil supplied from the impeller; an overflow valve for controlling a quantity of introduced oil and capturing metallic foreign material from the oil supplied from the impeller by means of a magnetic force; and a fixing-and-oil-discharging bolt for assembling elements disposed in the main housing by means of the cover and supplying the oil filtered and cleaned to parts of an engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Jong Chul Gu
  • Patent number: 6221255
    Abstract: A system wherein an ultrasound emitter, or gun, is provided which emits an ultrasound beam directed at filter media, on the opposite side of the filter media from where solids accumulate, in order to knock the solids from the filter media. Dislodged solids from the area targeted by the beam are driven upstream, away from the filter media. Gravity then draws the solids to a drain of a collection chamber, which allows for the solids to be safely removed from the system. A guide is provided upstream of the filter media, the guide having angled slats or vanes. These vanes are angled upwardly towards the filter media and downwardly towards the drain, such that as the solids are blasted from the filter media by the gun, they are jolted upstream, and impact the angled vanes upon their downstream return.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Achyut R. Vadoothker
  • Patent number: 6217756
    Abstract: A drain grate in an opening to a drain system which retains trash and debris upstream from the opening while permitting slow flow of water, and which opens completely when confronted with high rates of flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Antonio Martinez
  • Patent number: 6143187
    Abstract: Improved fluidized bed filters are described and claimed. The filters are exemplified for use in aquarium systems. A preferred embodiment of the filter of the subject invention comprises a cylinder having an inlet port. Water is pumped into the inlet port. The force of the water fluidizes the filter medium within the cylinder. Filtered water escapes the system over the open end of the cylinder or through an outlet channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: Mark B. Robertson
  • Patent number: 6059970
    Abstract: A membrane separation device is disclosed having a cylindrical membrane support (4), which is sealed off between a top plate (26) and a bottom plate (28), whereon the cylindrical outer surface of the membranes support a membrane (6) is located, and which is surrounded by cylindrical components (14, 8) which are sealed off in the top plate and bottom plate thereby forming a cylindrical ring area (16). Permeate collection bores (20) communicate with the membrane through the membrane support and are connected with a permeate draw off connection (60). The suction side of a circulation pump (44) is connected with an enclosed inner chamber (47) formed by the cylindrical membrane support. The outer ring area is connected to the pressure side of the circulation pump and communicates with the inner chamber through a circulation channel (54). The inner chamber is connected to a infeed connection (58). The circulation pump communicates with a draw off (64) on the pressure side for the extraction of concentrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventors: Robert Kohlheb, Robert Rautenbach
  • Patent number: 6033558
    Abstract: A self-gush-cleaning filter device comprises a filter casing (1) provided with an inlet passage (a) and an outlet passage (d), a screen (11) disposed within the filter casing (1) so as to slide along the inner surface of the filter casing (1) in the flowing direction of a fluid, a foreign matter ejecting opening (15) being formed between the screen (11) and the inlet passage (a). A drive shaft (4) for driving the screen (11), a screen driving unit (3) for driving the drive shaft (4) so as to move the screen (11) quickly in a downstream direction in which the fluid flows from the inlet passage (a) toward the outlet passage (d) and to move the screen slowly in an upstream direction. An outlet shutoff valve (14) is disposed in the outlet passage (d) of the filter casing (1). The screen driving unit (3) is actuated after closing the outlet shutoff valve (14) to move the screen (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Yokota Seisakusho, Hiroshi Yokota
    Inventor: Hiroshi Yokota
  • Patent number: 5984108
    Abstract: A permanent fluid filtering system includes a cylindrical body having an upper end, to which an inlet tube is connected, and a lower end, to which an outlet tube is connected, and a latitude thread filter assembly disposed within the cylindrical body. The latitude thread assembly is compressible and expandable in accordance with a fluid flowing direction, thereby varying a porous structure of the filter assembly. The permanent fluid filtering system further includes a fluid flow stabilizing plate for stabilizing the flow of dirty fluid fed inside the body through the inlet tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Choong-hyun Choi
  • Patent number: 5919376
    Abstract: An improved filtration system comprises a vessel divided into a concentrate chamber and a permeate chamber by a permeable septum. An ultrasonic wave generator is mounted to the vessel and positioned to direct ultrasonic waves through both the permeate contained in the permeate chamber and the permeable septum. A circulator such as a pump or agitator is operably associated with the concentrate chamber to provide a shearing force on the surface of the permeable septum. A vessel inlet port allows concentrate to flow into the concentrate chamber and a permeate outlet port allows permeate to be withdrawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: CAE Ransohoff Inc.
    Inventor: Lyle Carman
  • Patent number: 5858217
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a tube filter device for the filtration of beer.In order to ensure a dependable, simple, time-saving and water-saving purification in a device of this kind, there is an inlet line underneath the tube filter with at least one rotary spray arm having upward directed spray nozzles, wherein the spray nozzles are arranged so that they generate concentric spray circles upon rotation of the spray arm, said circles are located essentially between the tube filters, and that also a drive unit is provided for rotating the spray arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Anton Steinecker Maschinenfabrik GmbH
    Inventor: Simon Redl
  • Patent number: 5707519
    Abstract: A centrifugal oil filter includes a housing having a rotatable bowl disposed in a first fluid chamber and rotatably disposed about a shaft extending through the first fluid chamber. The rotatable bowl has a flow directing member connected generally at the bottom thereof to define a particle collection basin and the flow directing member extends upwardly to form a passageway adjacent the shaft so that the fluid flow within the rotatable bowl is directed to a pair of nozzles which act to rotate the rotatable bowl responsive to fluid flow therethrough. A particle retention insert is made of a cellular structure and disposed in the particle collection basin. The particle retention insert functions to receive foreign particles within the cellular structure and retain them therein by protecting the particles from the fluid flow within the rotatable bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher O. Miller, J. W. Burrows
  • Patent number: 5626744
    Abstract: Disclosed is a porous device adapted to remove particulates from a fluid passed through the device. The device includes a porous filtration medium. The medium has a first surface having an area which is adapted to receive the fluid for passage through the medium and a second surface from which the fluid exits the medium. The device is configured to variably increase the area of the first surface in response to a differential in fluid pressure between the first surface and the second surface so as to extend the life of the device. In some embodiments the device is adapted to retain the increase in surface area which acts as a visual indication that the device is reaching its capacity to retain particulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph G. Neuwirth
  • 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: 5425876
    Abstract: A self-cleaning gravity screen for removing particulate material from a liquid stream. The screen slopes, and beneath it a rotary wand sweeps against its lower side to keep the screen perforations open and assist movement of retained solids along the screen. The wand is driven by a rotary water wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: Claude Laval Corporation
    Inventor: John L. Rector
  • Patent number: 5384045
    Abstract: A dirty swimming pool filter is journaled for rotation about a vertical array of nozzles and spun about a vertical axis by the action of the spray. The rotation can be fast enough that centrifugal forces aid in the cleaning operation by sloughing dirt off the outside of the filter. One version of the apparatus includes a second vertical array of nozzles external to the filter and directing a spray against the outer face of the filter, which aids in sloughing dirt off it. This second array is rotatable about its own vertical axis and can be used to control the rate of rotation of the filter being cleaned. A sealed bearing is provided at the base of the filter to allow free rotation about the first vertical array of nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Inventors: Jerry Chmielewski, Doreen M. Chmielewski
  • Patent number: 5376268
    Abstract: A rotary filtering apparatus basically comprises a tank having inner surfaces comprising an upper part which is cylindrical and a lower part which is conical, wherein a diameter thereof decreases toward the lower part of the tank. A sintered metallic filter is centrally disposed in the tank, and a filter rotating mechanism is provided for rotating the sintered metallic filter in one direction. A fluid supply unit supplies polluted water (W1) to the inside of the tank, and a nozzle unit supplies high-pressure water (H) to the tank. A fluid suction unit draws clean water (W2) out of the central portion of the sintered metallic filter. A storage tank is mounted to the lower part of the tank, for storing therein particles separated from the polluted water (W1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Nessy Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshio Ikeda
  • Patent number: 5304312
    Abstract: A sealed filter unit is provided having end caps which engage fluid connectors which are in turn connectable to external piping conveying fluid through the filter and which provide a preliminary seal upon mounting the filter unit in the filter holder. The filter unit assures that all fluid passing through the unit is filtered in a single pass without wetting the filter holder into which the filter unit is mounted via the fluid connectors. The filter holder allows rapid and reliable insertion and removal of the filter unit to and from the filter holder. The filter holder will accept various sizes of filter units as required by the process. In the preferred embodiment, the fluid connectors are a part of the filter holder. In the absence of fluid pressure, the filter unit can be manually removed from the filter holder fluid connectors for replacement of the filter unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Donald M. Forster, Peter J. Despard
  • Patent number: 5207930
    Abstract: A filtration system utilizing a helical cartridge wherein the differential in pressure between the pressure inside and the pressure outside of the helix is effective in controlling the spacing between the coils of the helix. Each coil of the helix is provided with radial grooves of predetermined size corresponding to the smallest particle size to be trapped by the cartridge and prevented from entering the interior of the helix. The coils are maintained closed during the filtering cycle and are opened during the backwash cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Crane Company
    Inventor: Raghavachari Kannan
  • Patent number: 5152895
    Abstract: In relation to time intervals or pressure loss, the successive flushing via the same flushing channel (10) of several filter elements (7) is brought about by the direct sweeping of the internal surface of said elements (7) by the fluid to be filtered. It comprises a tubular body (1) and an upstream distribution plate (4), each feeding a filter element (7) extending axially inside the body, and a downstream aperture. At its downstream end there is a distributor comprising several inlets linked to the downstream end of the elements (7), said inlets being linked by channels (22) to a single outlet, itself linked to a flushing branch pipe (8) opening laterally outside the body (1). This distributor comprises a rotor (18) which, depending on its angular position, separately connects each of its inlets to the shared outlet of distributor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Inventor: Charles Doucet
  • Patent number: 5149428
    Abstract: A water filter with improved filtration efficiency and extended operational period. The filter includes a cassette member filled with filtration and activation agents, where a water path connecting a water inlet pipe and an open upper end of the cassette member is formed between an outer housing member and the cassette member, while an open lower end is directly connected with the water inlet pipe; a center pipe located inside the cassette member for connecting an inside of the cassette member with a water outlet pipe; and a damper member placed inside the cassette member which is vertically slidable along the center pipe, which divides the inside of the cassette member into an upper filtration chamber connected with the upper end and a lower filtration chamber connected with the lower end, where the water flows through the upper filtration chamber from the upper end and the lower filtration chamber from the lower end alternatively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Atlas Corporation
    Inventor: Yukichi Morimoto
  • Patent number: 5145580
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus which comprises a plurality of tubes made of a first material, which tubes are mounted inside a cylindrical body or shell made of a second material, which second material undergoes differential thermal expansion in relation to the first material of the tubes. The tubes are rigidly secured by their ends to two end members, at least one of which is a floating member due to the fact that it is connected to the shell by means of a flexible ring gasket. The flexible ring-type gasket has inner and outer edges which are clamped to the floating member and to the shell, respectively. The inventive apparatus is useful, for example, in the ultra filtration separation of fine catalyst particles which are in suspension in a hydrocarbon feedstock which feedstock comes from a catalytic cracking unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Total Raffinage Distribution S.A
    Inventor: Marc Durrieu
  • Patent number: 5060483
    Abstract: An automatic apparatus for the continuous freeze concentration of liquids. The apparatus includes a heat exchanger for freezing the liquid to form a slurry of ice crystals and concentrated liquid. Communicating with the heat exchanger via a line or pipe is at least one, and preferably two, separating and rinsing columns, connected in parallel, to which the slurry is pumped for separating the concentrated liquid from the ice and subsequently rinsing the ice to remove any residual liquid therefrom. First and second receptacles are provided for collecting the concentrated liquid and the ice from the columns, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Wolfgang K. Heiland, E. Richard Radewonuk
  • Patent number: 4941971
    Abstract: A horizontally mounted cylindrical container is adapted to mount through demountable end plates a cartridge filter in the container through demountable end plates for rotation around a lower axis than the center axis of the container. The combination of container and filter is connected in an aqueous system through a top inlet pipe and hand controlled valve and a lower front end plate outlet, and to a source of pressure cleaning media through an upper quadrant valve controlled turnable tube slidably mounted through a rear plate inlet and supported in the container by a combination track and baffle member fixed to the container top. A nozzle fixed to the free end of the pressure media tube jets cleaning media against the filter to rotate it alternately in both directions of rotation and for its full length. A second inlet pipe and valve is fixed to the top inlet pipe a chemical cleaning soak in baffled minimum amounts because of the baffling and filter mounting below the center of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Inventor: Alva Z. Albright
  • Patent number: 4936989
    Abstract: A filter in which liquid flows through a plurality of filter elements wherein each filter element has a pair of valves for closing off the ends of the filter elements in turn for filtering and backwashing. The valves are mounted on a common stem operated by an actuator. With the actuator on, the backwashing or cleaning valve is closed and the remaining or inlet valve is open. With the actuator off, the inlet valve closes and the backwashing valve is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: Kalman Richter
    Inventor: Peter N. Walker