Abstract: Water within a water tank is irradiated with ultraviolet light from a UV lamp for virucidal and germicidal purposes while simultaneously transforming oxygen molecules to ozone molecules in an oxygen containing gas flowing within an annular space defined by a sleeve surrounding the UV lamp. The ozone enriched gas flows into an enlarged chamber into which the UV lamp extends and the flow rate is reduced to enhance the time of exposure of the ozone enriched gas to UV radiation and thereby enhance the production of ozone. To increase the rate of transformation of oxygen molecules to ozone molecules, the gas is under a predetermined pressure prior to entering the annular space and subsequent to discharge from the chamber.

Abstract: An orifice valve having a moveable gate to control the flow of solids in a closed conveying system. The invention encompasses a valve housing with two complementary valve sections, each of a unitary construction. A single plate has a first planar surface, two opposed sidewalls and an end wall. The sidewalls include an integral flange section which presents planar surfaces that are placed in facing relationship with the planar flange surfaces of a second housing member so that the two form a closed cavity. A blade is received in the cavity and is reciprocal between open and closed positions so as to accommodate the flow of material or to block the flow.

Abstract: Simultaneous application of ozone and ultraviolet light (UV185 and UV254) in water to be purified will create hydroxyl radicals, which combination will cause conversion of AS (III) that may be present to As (V), oxidation of inorganic matter such as manganese, sulfur, phosphorus and organic matter and provide virucidal and germicidal effects to purify the water.

Abstract: A pressurized water tank having a head space includes a pump for recirculating the water through a nozzle disposed in the head space. The outflowing stream of water will entrain air and cause mixing of air entrained water with the remaining water in the tank. To enhance air entrainment and convey the air entrained water to a location well below the water level, the stream of water is injected into a vertical venturi tube. The entrained air will have an oxidizing effect upon organic matter and also cause circulation of the water within the tank. To enhance oxidation of organic and inorganic matter, a UV lamp may be located in the head space to convert oxygen molecules in the air into ozone molecules. Such ozone molecules would be entrained in the stream of water flowing out of the nozzle and into the tube and have a strong oxidizing effect upon organic and inorganic matter.

Abstract: A flow of oxygen containing gas is irradiated with UV light to convert oxygen molecules to ozone molecules and produce an ozonated gas. Water to be treated is augmented with silver prior to entraining the ozonated gas in the water. The ozone enriched water containing silver is irradiated with UV light to produce hydroxyl radicals. Whereby, microorganisms are killed by the UV radiation, organic matter is oxidized by the ozone and the combination of silver and hydroxyl radicals prevent downstream growth of bio-film contamination.

Abstract: Electrically energized apparatus mounted within the water tank of a conventional flush toilet draws air from the toilet bowl into a plenum to expose the air to UV radiation to produce ozone molecules that have an oxidizing effect on organic matter and to serve as a germicide and a virucide. The ozone enriched air is entrained in the water present in the toilet tank.

Abstract: A diverter valve for bulk solids is disclosed. The valve has a single inlet and two or more outlets, preferable three. Two pivotal gate valves are used for three outlets so that one is open and two are closed. The valve includes a novel pivotal gate structure which includes a resilient planar component sandwiched between two rigid planar components. The resilient component engages the valve housing so as to avoid metal to metal contact. The invention also includes a seal bar on each side of the housing which presents a linear surface that is perpendicular to the plane of the gate structure so as to present a firm surface against which the gate structure seals. The seal bars for each gate structure are discontinuous so as to accommodate positioning of the other gate structure in a smooth non-deformed sealing relationship to the housing. Additional seal bars engage the top and sides of each gate structure when moved to a “closed” position.

Abstract: A method for subjecting a microorganism to a combination of ozone and irradiation of UV light which has a synergistic effect on the reduction of the microorganism that may be resistant to either ozone or UV light alone. In particular, Adenovirus and Naegleria fowleri, are significantly more reduced when subjected simultaneously to the combination of ozone and UV light than when subjected only to ozone or UV light, respectively.

Abstract: A self contained battery energized apparatus is mounted within the water tank of a conventional flush toilet to eliminate malodorous gases. Air from the toilet bowl is drawn through the stand pipe in the toilet tank into a housing to expose the air to UV radiation to produce ozone molecules that have an oxidizing effect on organic matter and the UV radiation serves as a germicide and a virucide. The ozonated and oxidized gases are exhausted through a carbon filter.

Abstract: A high-pressure gate valve for control of bulk materials includes a main body with an opening for passing bulk material, an upper body, a slideable blade, and lifting structure configured to raise the blade in a planar motion, perpendicular to the primary direction of travel and seal it against the upper body when the blade is extended. An actuating cylinder coupled with a rear edge of the blade extends and retracts the blade. A rear portion of the valve is enclosed to protect the rear edge of the blade, the actuating cylinder, and the coupling between the two.

Abstract: An iris valve for controlling the flow of bulk solid materials includes a flexible cylindrical sleeve, a control ring, and a polymeric isolator disc, all sandwiched between upper and lower body members. Rotating the control ring twists the flexible sleeve in an iris pattern to close an opening through the valve. Clamp bands attached to the upper body member and control ring include a machined helical pattern to securely grip the ends of the flexible sleeve, and a threaded handle locks the control ring in place against the body members.

Abstract: A gate valve for controlling the flow of a material is provided which has first and second flange assemblies oriented adjacent to one another. Each of the flange assemblies has an opening through which the material can flow. A pair of load seals are placed between the first and second flange assemblies and a pair of pressure plates are placed between the load seals. A blade is located between the pressure plates and has an opening therein which is sized similarly to the openings in the first and second flange assemblies. The blade is movable between an open position such that the openings of the first and second flange assemblies are aligned with the opening of the blade, and a closed position such that the opening of the blade is not aligned with the openings of the first and second flange assemblies so that material is prevented from flowing past the blade. The first and second flange assemblies are coupled together with a coupling mechanism operable without the use of any tools.

Abstract: Water to be purified is directed into a first tank and is entrained with ozone. The ozonated water is channeled into a second tank and is exposed to ultraviolet radiation. An ultraviolet radiating lamp produces the ultraviolet radiation and also is exposed to a source of air for generating ozone. The generated ozone is conveyed to and entrained in the water in the first tank. A filter may be used to filter the water flowing into the first tank. A discharge conduit conveys the ozonated, irradiated and purified water to a point of use.

Abstract: Water to be purified swirls about a source of ultraviolet radiation to kill any microorganisms contained therein and flows through a carbon filter cartridge mounted about the ultraviolet source to remove any chlorine and particulate matter. The outflow from the carbon filter is again subjected to ultraviolet radiation to kill any microorganisms entrained in the water emanating from the carbon filter. An ozone generator may be incorporated to entrain ozone with the inflowing water to enhance killing of any microorganisms present and to oxidize any undesirable compounds. The cartridge filter has its annular support member at one end disposed adjacent a first annular ridge to establish an annular seal between the support member and the first annular ridge. An axially moveable disk includes a second annular ridge disposed adjacent the annular support member at the other end of the cartridge filter to establish an annular seal therebetween.