Abstract: A blood collection and separator assembly capable of separating blood into its component parts of plasma or serum, the light phase, and cellular portion, the heavy phase, is disclosed. The assembly comprises a container having one open end for receiving blood and a two part barrier assembly slidably disposed in the container. The outer part or shell of the latter assembly has a specific gravity greater than the light phase of blood and the inner part or plunger has a specific gravity less than the heavy phase of blood. Interposed between the two parts is a viscous sealant, such as silicone grease. After the blood separates into its light phase and heavy phase under centrifugal force, the barrier assembly is introduced so it sinks to the interface between separated phases. Upon applying further centrifugal force, the inner plunger tends to move upward while the outer shell tends to move downward thus causing a squeezing action on the interposed sealant.

Abstract: Filtration apparatus is provided which enables a plurality of liquids to be filtered simultaneously. The apparatus basically comprises a tube adapted to be secured to a source of negative pressure, the tube having a plurality of upstanding inlets, each of which is adapted to receive a filtration paper holder. Liquid storage cylinders are adapted for mounting on the upper ends of the filtration paper holders so that liquid contained therein may be withdrawn through the filtration papers and into the tube. At least one filtrate collector is provided for optional removable mounting between at least one of the upstanding inlets and an associated filtration paper holder to collect a predetermined volume of the filtrate before the remainder of the filtrate passes down into the tube.

Abstract: An underdrain is provided in a water filtration system beneath a bed of filter media and comprises a plurality of elongate hollow underdrain units defining respective elongate substantially horizontal fluid passageways therein with the hollow underdrain units being arranged with the elongate fluid passageways thereof in fluid communication with each other and forming a network of fluid passageways beneath the bed of filter media. Each underdrain unit is provided with a plurality of nozzles in the upper wall thereof communicating with the interior of the hollow underdrain unit and with at least some of the nozzles in each underdrain unit cooperating with each other and being arranged in spaced groups. The cooperating nozzles in each group are so oriented as to direct streams of wash water issuing therefrom during backwashing into impingement with each other outside the filter underdrain unit for dispersing the streams of wash water and reducing the velocity thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for efficiently disposing of combustible organic waste materials, such as organic industrial and household wastes, comprising a macerator and an evaporation unit where liquids are removed from the waste to leave a concentrated organic residue. Evaporation of liquids from the waste is accomplished by heat exchange with a medium heated, in part, by exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine, and in part by incineration of the solid, relatively dry organic residue. The liquids from the evaporation unit are preferably condensed to a suitable liquid form for subsequent use, and the concentrate remaining after liquid evaporation is introduced to a high temperature zone developed in the course of the operation of an internal combustion engine, so that the solid organic residue is incinerated to a relatively small quantity of ash and innocuous gases. Heat for the purpose of partially heating the heat exchange medium used in the evaporation unit is developed in the course of such incineration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable apparatus and method for purifying lubricating oil in remotely separated devices, such as gearboxes and motors on oil well pumping equipment. The apparatus is mounted on a vehicle, such as a trailer, and has separate tanks thereon for holding volumes of oil. A flexible conduit on the apparatus is provided for selective connection to a device. Pump means are provided for removing the lubrication oil from the device and pumping it into one of the tanks on the apparatus. A liquid heater is provided in the apparatus for selective connection to the tanks. Appropriate valve and pump means are associated with the heater for use in circulating the oil through the heater to raise the temperature to between 150.degree. and 175.degree. F. A filtering apparatus is provided with appropriate valves and pump means for cleaning the heated oil.

Abstract: A septic tank system is provided with an indicator above the ground surface to indicate the water level in the tributaries leading from the tank so that any excess water therein may be pumped out before it causes a back up of sewage upstream of the septic tank.

Abstract: A filtration system comprises a relatively thin prefilter medium and a relatively thick main filter medium, which are so related that the pore size of the prefilter medium is no greater than the pore size of the main filter medium. The purpose of the prefilter medium is to prevent premature clogging of the surface of the main filter medium. The arrangement is such that backwashing or replacement of the prefilter medium can be effected readily in order to prolong the life of the main filter medium.

Abstract: A filtration assembly useful in a household water-chilling system and having a filter with concentric cylindrical activated-charcoal elements supported between inner and outer porous plastic tubes. The filter is contained in a housing having a cover with radiused inlet and outlet ports. A coupling or adapter block having captive O-rings seals mates with the cover ports to conduct water through the filter. The block and cover are self aligning, and are positioned so no vertical clearance space is required to separate the filtration assembly from the block when the filter is serviced.

Abstract: An upflow filter adapted to be used with a home sewage treatment plant which includes a container which has a wall extending thereacross to divide the container into first and second filtering chambers. First and second gratings are located in the first and second chambers respectively and serve to divide each filtering chamber into top and bottom portions and each grating has filtering media covering the same. The container has an inlet and an outlet with the outlet located at a lower level from the inlet. First liquid conduit means are connected to the wall and provides for fluid communication from the inlet to the bottom portion of each of the first and second filtering chambers. Second liquid conduit means are connected to the wall and provides for fluid communication from the top portion of each of the first and second filtering chambers to the outlet.

Abstract: A fluid filter has a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a filter element in the fluid pathway, and is provided with a by-pass which includes a fluid pressure indicator. The by-pass comprises a cylinder attached to a cover and removable therewith. The cylinder has one aperture which provides fluid communication between the cylinder and the inlet and has another aperture which, when open, provides fluid communication between the cylinder and the outlet and hence provides a fluid pathway between the inlet and outlet which by-passes the filter element. A piston is movable within the cylinder responsively to fluid pressure from a first position where it closes the second aperture to a second position where the second aperture is open. The cylinder can be removed and mounted in a first position which provides both an indicating and a by-pass function or it can be rotated to a second position which provides only an indicating function.

Abstract: In an arrangement for regulating the moistening solution mixture for use in an offset printing press, a tank is provided with two separate spaces, one for the moistening solution mixture and the other for a moistening solution additive. A conduit system containing various regulating devices is connected to the tank for regulating the introduction of the additives into the mixture and for the supply of the solution to the printing unit, a crystal sand filter is located in the conduit system for filtering the mixture and a pump, associated with the filter, directs a part of the filter mixture to the printing unit and returns a part of the mixture to the tank. A flow measuring electrode is arranged in the conduit system and is operatively connected to the regulating devices for controlling operation of the arrangement.

Abstract: Scraper elements are resiliently and movably supported to alternately, at one stage in the process, pass along a sloped ramp in contact with a container wall to remove surface layers of tallow-like material from water contaminated therewith and, in a subsequent stage of the process, to be continually and automatically cleansed.

Abstract: An evacuated tube having both ends closed has a flap type valve fixedly disposed between the ends for dividing the tube into upper and lower chambers. The valve is formed and arranged to provide a passageway between the upper and lower chambers when subjected to centrifugal forces of proper intensity and direction. Upon cessation of the force, the valve closes to provide a separation between the upper and lower chambers.

Abstract: An oil-water separating device utilizing the wall attachment effect for srating oil from an oil-water mixture in a continuous manner. The device is comprised of an oil-water mixture inlet nozzle delivering the mixture into a bounded region inside the separator to form a mixture jet which attaches to one wall creating a separation bubble in the bounded region. The bounded region is provided by a cavity formed by two or more plates joined together with an oil collecting chamber provided on top of the bounded region by an additional plate. The oil is captured in the bounded region by the separation bubble and flows into the oil collecting chamber through connecting holes. The oil in the collecting chamber is transferred by an oil outlet, either by siphoning or by means of a metering pump to an oil storage tank. A multiple stage oil-water separator can be provided by forming a plurality of series-connected, bounded regions between the two plates.

Abstract: A clarifier for purifying liquids containing solids or contaminants. The liquid to be treated enters the clarifier and is directed into a primary sludge contact zone where it is mixed with recirculating sludge. Liquid from the primary sludge contact zone is pumped via flumes to the entrance of a settling corridor for horizontal flow therethrough. The liquid flows through the corridor forming an upper free-fall zone and a lower sludge zone as the precipitates settle out. As the liquid reaches the settling corridor exit, it approaches a point of positive separation of the clarified liquid above from the sludge stream below, which is formed by the kinetic capture of precipitates settling from the free-fall zone into the sludge zone of increasing velocity.

Abstract: An evacuated tube having both ends closed has a ball actuated resilient aperture type valve fixedly disposed between the ends for dividing the tube into upper and lower chambers. The valve is formed and arranged to provide a passageway between the upper and lower chambers when opened by the ball subjected to a centrifugal force of proper intensity and direction. Upon cessation of the force, the valve closes to provide a separation between the upper and lower chambers.

Abstract: For separating slag from heavy metal melts, as iron, steel and copper, a pipe-like body is used into which the slag and metal are drawn and which is rotated about its axis to cause the molten metal to form a layer within the pipe-like body on the outside of a slag layer, the dividing surface between the slag and the metal having the shape of a part of a paraboloid of revolution. The arrangement is tilted at an angle, and at its upper end is provided with a wall over which the slag can escape while holding the molten metal. At its lower end it is provided with a trap arrangement which allows molten metal to flow back downwardly into the main body of melt while preventing the return of the slag.The arrangement can also be used as a mixer.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering fluids to remove solid discard particles therefrom, in which the apparatus includes a housing having a filter chamber, an inlet-side sealing chamber, and a discharge-side sealing chamber, a movable fluid inlet member which is movable into and out of the housing and which includes inlet-side and discharge-side bearing surfaces, and flexible sealing members which cooperate with the bearing surfaces in the sealing chambers to seal the filter chamber, a movable length of filter medium, and means for displacing the bearing surfaces and the movable length of filter medium, and which is operated by displacing the discharge-side movable bearing surface so that the movable length of filter medium may pass clear thereof, and displacing the movable length of filter medium clear of the discharge-side movable bearing surface to provide synchronized removal of the used length of filter medium from the filter chamber with discard particles associated therewith which are embedded therein and collec

Abstract: A device for separating oil from an oil laden liquid in which a tank having an inlet and outlet in opposite side walls has at least two parallel inclined plates between them to define a tortuous path for the liquid. The plate adjacent the inlet has one edge secured to the inlet wall to define a space to minimize the turbulence of the incoming liquid.

Abstract: A method of cleaning sand or multi-media filters which comprises a process of backwashing the filter with water containing a high concentration of chlorine or ozone.