Abstract: According to one embodiment, a seawater desalination apparatus includes a pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure of seawater which is supplied to a reverse osmosis membrane that is configured to separate seawater into fresh water and condensed seawater and to discharge the fresh water and the condensed seawater, a sensor configured to measure a flow amount of the fresh water which is discharged from the reverse osmosis membrane, a sensor configured to measure a flow amount of the condensed seawater discharged from the reverse osmosis membrane or a flow amount of the seawater discharged from a booster pump, a sensor configured to measure a flow amount of the seawater which is supplied to a power recovery device, and a controller configured to execute control based on values measured by the sensors.

Abstract: A system is provided for introducing gas bubbles (usually air bubbles) into a liquid stream to coalesce material such as unwanted bits, or particles, of hydrocarbons that lie in the liquid stream along with wanted dissolved bits of metal, for removal of the hydrocarbons. The system is constructed to produce a large number of bubbles of an optimum range such as 60 to 100 ?m which best coalesce the hydrocarbons. A controller receives the outputs of sensors such as pressure and flow rate sensors (P, F) and uses them to make changes in other parameters such as the pressure of air introduced into the liquid stream and the pressure in a third conduit of the liquid-bubble stream.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering water has an interface and a filtration/purification canister removably mountable onto the interface. Connecting the canister to the interface automatically opens a check valve in the interface to permit water to flow from the interface into and through the canister, and then back to and through the interface to an outlet port. Disconnecting the canister from the interface automatically closes the check valve, stopping the flow of water. The interface provides for water boiler expansion pressure relief, while guarding against any water contaminated downstream of the apparatus from backflowing into the filtration/purification canister and contaminating the portion of the filtration/purification canister downstream of the filter/conditioning/purifying medium held within the filtration/purification canister and thereby causing water exiting the outlet port of the filtration/purification canister to be contaminated.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods and apparatuses for filtering a fluid through a porous membrane, and more particularly, it provides filtration methods and apparatuses for tangential-flow filtration using Vibration Induced Dynamics (VID) with a spiral-wound membrane filter element. Embodiments provided herein induce vibration via rotation of an unbalanced inner tube within a central filtrate drain tube, via axial deformation of a substantially circular-cylindrical outer shell, or a combination thereof. Also disclosed herein are friction-reducing separator fabrics for interleaving with the membrane of a spiral-wound filter element.

Abstract: A water purification apparatus comprising at least: (a) one or more water purification components in a housing; and (b) a handset integral with the housing, and moveable between a supported position on the housing and a suspended position beyond the housing, the handset including one or more water purification controls thereon. In this way, at least one control of the purification of the water in the housing is operative on the handset, which handset is useable either in its supported position on the housing or in its suspended position beyond the housing, whichever is most convenient to the user. More convenience is therefore provided to a user by the present invention compared with conventional purification apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filtration system that includes one or more flat filter, capillary tube filter, or wound filter modules having a single or double permeate drain on the edge side and fluid couplings for connecting the filter modules to a fluid distributor or additional filter modules. The fluid couplings include at least one passage each for permeate fluid, raw fluid, and concentrate fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides a water dispensing system comprising a container having a first region adapted to store unfiltered water, a second region adapted to store filtered water, and a spout region, a meter housing adapted to receive a water meter, a reservoir disposed within the first region of the container, a filter coupled to the reservoir, the filter being adapted to filter water flowing from the reservoir into the second region of the container, a valve assembly disposed in the second region of the container, the valve assembly being adapted to dispense filtered water from the second region of the container, and a lid coupled to the reservoir. In addition, the invention provides a system for filtering and testing water, comprising a water filtering system used in combination with a water meter for testing the quality of the effluent.

Abstract: A modification of a fuel filter for use with an internal combustion engine is described. The modification provides a switch element that, in conjunction with the water level sensor conventionally provided in the filter, enables detection of the presence or absence of a filter insert or whether an improper insert has been installed in the filter housing. When the filter insert is inserted or removed, the switch element makes or breaks an electrical circuit that is part of the water level sensor. The control unit is thus able to detect switch states of three different variables in the filter: the water level is/is not too high; the filter insert is/is not installed; or the correct filter is/is not installed. The control unit accordingly allows or prevents operation of the motor, depending on the detected switch state.

Abstract: A domestic water recycling system using a combination of an optical detector to detect certain smaller sized (non-filtered) contaminants and a filter to remove larger sized (filtered) contaminants provides an efficient wastewater recycling system. Optical detection of contaminants determines whether water is discharged or filtered and recycled. The optical detection system can use several discrete optical wavelengths that are passed through the fluid, and can determine a relative presence of the contaminants based on the resulting wavelength response. A recycling shower using optical detection, an electronically actuated directional device and pump and a controller allows for automatic recycling or discharging of water without requiring user input. The system may include a turbulence reduction baffle in a collection chamber, and a disinfection unit for the recycled water.

Abstract: The invention provides a water dispensing system comprising a container having a first region adapted to store unfiltered water, a second region adapted to store filtered water, and a spout region, a meter housing adapted to receive a water meter, a reservoir disposed within the first region of the container, a filter coupled to the reservoir, the filter being adapted to filter water flowing from the reservoir into the second region of the container, a valve assembly disposed in the second region of the container, the valve assembly being adapted to dispense filtered water from the second region of the container, and a lid coupled to the reservoir. In addition, the invention provides a system for filtering and testing water, comprising a water filtering system used in combination with a water meter for testing the quality of the effluent.

Abstract: A flow through aqueous liquid sterilization apparatus which employs substantially fixed temperatures and pressures and variable flow rates through the apparatus for controllably processing aqueous liquids to achieve predetermined values of SALs. This apparatus is also self-contained and self-cleaning using steam generated by reducing pressure during normal operation, as well as inhibiting growth of contaminating species during intermittent system shut-down periods.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and material for using a sorbent material to capture and stabilize mercury. The method for using sorbent material to capture and stabilize mercury contains the following steps. First, the sorbent material is provided. The sorbent material, in one embodiment, is nano-particles. In a preferred embodiment, the nano-particles are unstabilized nano-Se. Next, the sorbent material is exposed to mercury in an environment. As a result, the sorbent material captures and stabilizes mercury from the environment. In the preferred embodiment, the environment is an indoor space in which a fluorescent has broken.

Abstract: An oil spill clean-up apparatus and method, and more specifically to a self-contained oil spill clean-up vessel with ice displacement capabilities. One preferred oil spill clean-up system includes a vessel subsystem, an ice displacement subsystem, and an oil spill skimming subsystem. Preferred oil spill clean-up systems may include at least one storage subsystem. Preferred oil spill clean-up systems may include an oil/water separation and removal subsystem.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure could generally provide a relatively easily squeezable beverage bottle that allows control of the flow rate of the liquid being dispensed to the user. The bottle could provide sufficient radial rigidity—or resistance to squeezing—to return to its original shape (or “bounce back”) at a suitable rate without experiencing permanent deformation or denting and to withstand the rigors of filling, shipping, transporting, dispensing, etc. The present disclosure generally provides a beverage bottle filtering system that provides adequate filtering of water taken from the bottle at a suitable rate. In one embodiment, the present disclosure could include a support system to adequately secure the filter media within a filter housing while ensuring a sufficient compression fit and seal of filter media within filter system to eliminate “bypass flow” (i.e., water that might leak past filter system) and prevent consumption of unfiltered water.

Abstract: Method and device for treating a liquid effluent, in which this effluent enters a vessel. An intermediate level of liquid in the vessel is detected; an influx of a dilution liquid into the vessel is instigated; a high level of liquid in the vessel is detected; the influx of dilution liquid is stopped and a discharge of the fluid is instigated; a low level of liquid in the vessel is detected; the discharge of the liquid is stopped; and, while it is being discharged, the discharged liquid is exposed to light radiation in at least one treatment channel.

Abstract: A collection valve for use in a water reclamation system is provided. The collection valve comprises (i) a drain pipe connectable to a drain line in which gray water flows, the drain pipe comprising an inlet pipe, a medial pipe, and an outlet pipe; the medial pipe having a first opening rotatable from a first position to a second position; (ii) a valve plug pipe, surrounding the medial pipe, having an second opening; and (iii) an actuator assembly for rotating the medial pipe between the first and second positions. Rotating the medial pipe to the first position causes the first opening to be in alignment with the second opening causing gray water to drain into a tank. Rotating the medial pipe to the second position misaligns the first and second opening causing fluid passing through the medial pipe or drain to a sewer or septic tank.

Abstract: Method for cleaning hydraulic liquid in a industrial truck, wherein said industrial truck is an electrically powered industrial truck having a battery as an energy source with a hydraulic system comprising, a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic reservoir, and a return pipe to the hydraulic reservoir with a return filter, wherein the method comprises the steps of, the hydraulic pump is activated for hydraulic activity, the hydraulic pump pumps the liquid for the hydraulic activity and in relation to this return flow through the return filter to the hydraulic reservoir occurs, the hydraulic pump can be activated by means comprised in the industrial truck, when hydraulic activity is not present, by that achieving a circulation to the hydraulic reservoir through the return filter such that sufficient filtration of the hydraulic liquid is reached, further a time Tb for circulation without hydraulic activity can be accumulated and/or a sensor for determining the quality of the hydraulic oil can be arranged in the industria

Abstract: A system for separating bodily fluid constituents is disclosed. The system includes a first substrate which, in a first main surface, has a first cavity for holding a bodily fluid sample, a second substrate, which, in a first main surface facing the first substrate, has a second cavity) for holding constituents separated from the bodily fluid sample, which second cavity lies opposite to the first cavity, a filter layer, which is arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate and which is designed to separate constituents of the bodily fluid sample in the first cavity and to pass the separated constituents to the second cavity, and a first thermoplastic connection layer, which is arranged between the first substrate and the filter layer, interconnects the first main surface of the first substrate and the filter layer in a fluid-tight manner and has a cutout lying opposite to the first cavity.

Abstract: A device and mechanism for recommending a water filter in a beverage dispenser is described. A sensor senses qualities of unfiltered water. Another sensor senses qualities of a flavorant container, such as the flavorant contained within the container. Based on the quality of the unfiltered water and the particular flavored beverage desired, the device will recommend a water filter to optimize the flavor of the beverage.

Abstract: A seal is brought into contact with a filter media, a filter pump is operated to start filtration, and a signal from a pressure sensor is received. When a predetermined value is exceeded by the signal from the pressure sensor, the filter pump is stopped, the seal is separated from the filter media, and take-up of one section of the filter by a filter collection roll is started. In finishing filter supply from a filter supply roll, drive of a motor is stopped, and an alarm signal is transmitted. If the supply is not to be finished, one section of the filter is taken up by the filter collection roll, and the next stage of filtration is entered.