Patents Examined by Theodore A. Granger
  • Patent number: 4299697
    Abstract: A containment and storage system for liquids, such as petroleum based liquids, for use for instance in a railroad track environment, comprising a walled containment reservoir formed in the ground and opening upwardly, with the containment reservoir including a flexible impervious liner to prevent escape of liquid through the liner from the containment space, and a receiving or storage reservoir disposed in spaced relation to the containment reservoir and means coacting between the reservoirs for transferring liquid caught in the containment reservoir, to the storage reservoir. In one embodiment, a mechanical pump is utilized for transferring to the storage reservoir liquid caught in the containment reservoir. In another embodiment, gravity flow is utilized for transferring such liquid. An improved arrangement is disclosed for handling liquid caught in the containment reservoir, and preventing leakage from the reservoir, at the exit point from the containment reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1981
    Assignee: True Temper Corporation
    Inventor: Marino Curati, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4298465
    Abstract: An improved self-contained apparatus for the separation of low density fluids, such as fuel, from higher density fluids such as water and also particles is disclosed which may be easily retrofitted into a variety of existing new and used engines as it can selectively accommodate the various fuel line arrangements and also various obstructions of these engines. Further, the apparatus includes improved flow director means which provides for the separation of the higher density fluid and the particles from the low density fluid at an earlier stage contributing to a more complete separation prior to the filtration of the fluid. Consequently, the filter element has an extended life due to the fact that it is exposed to less higher density fluids and particles in filtering the low density fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1981
    Assignee: Racor Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James B. Druffel
  • Patent number: 4298478
    Abstract: In the method described fluid containing magnetizable particles is introduced into a separating chamber containing a fluid-permeable mass of magnetizable material and held therein for a finite length of time. During this time the magnetizable material is moved into a magnetic field where the fluid is drained from the magnetizable material leaving magnetizable particles entrained in this material. This draining may be achieved either by providing relative movement between the separating chamber and the magnetizable material or by discharging the fluid from the separating chamber. The magnetic separator described comprises a chain of separating chambers, and associated masses of magnetizable material, which are moved continuously through a separating zone in which a magnetic field is established by a magnet. In this zone each mass of magnetizable material is drained and, outside this zone, the magnetizable particles entrained in the magnetizable material are removed by flushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1981
    Assignee: English Clays Lovering Pochin & Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: James H. P. Watson, James P. B. Jones
  • Patent number: 4297222
    Abstract: A water treating method is disclosed. Water stored in a container is circulated through an external passageway and subjected to ultraviolet radiation and biological oxidation treatment, whereupon the growth of undesired aquatic chlorophyceae and microorganisms is inhibited and at the same time, organic matter is decomposed and removed, thereby maintaining a low COD level and clarifying water in the container. This method is particularly useful for keeping water in a container clean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1981
    Assignee: Marui Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanobu Takeguchi, Isao Oyobe
  • Patent number: 4295970
    Abstract: A conveyor device for pulling apart or conveying filter plates of a filter press. The conveyor device includes a carriage that is adapted to be moved along above the filter plates. The carriage is provided with a pawl and a drop lever that successively engage and transport filter plates, with the carriage passing from one end of the filter press to the other end of the filter press during one work cycle. The carriage automatically returns to a starting position at the other end of the filter press after a completion of the work cycle and, for this purpose, run-up ramps are provided at the ends of the filter press, with one of the run-up ramps being adapted to swing the pawl and drop lever into an opposite stop position so as to enable the elements to travel above the plates without contact. The other run-up ramp at the other end of the filter press again releases the pawl and drop lever and brings them back into a ready setting for a subsequent new work cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1981
    Assignee: Rittershaus & Blecher GmbH
    Inventors: Max Oelbermann, Karl-August Rademacher
  • Patent number: 4295975
    Abstract: Method for collecting pollution, especially oil, from a surface contaminated liquid. An oil collecting apparatus is adapted to float on the surface of the liquid. A surface layer of liquid with pollutant is drawn into a rotating hollow rotor by virtue of a liquid vortex established therein. The incoming liquid contacts the overlying surface of a concentrically arranged stator. This contact reduces the rotational velocity of the boundary layer of liquid containing the pollutant. The resultant force urges the pollutant toward the center of the vortex, when it is drawn off through a collecting cavity located centrally of the stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1981
    Inventor: Gosta Walin
  • Patent number: 4295969
    Abstract: A magnetic fuel purifier with double purifying effect for liquid fuel and the like equipped with an inner pre-purifier rotating around a center shaft and an outer purifier, where the fuel passes through an especially sintered bronze ball filter. Further, the center shaft at the bottom is equipped with a rigidly applied surrounding magnet 6 to pick up magnetic particles from the fuel. The case for the fuel purifier is made from transparent non-magnetic material that is as clear as glass to make it easier to check when the purifier is filled with contaminations and needs to be emptied and cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1981
    Assignees: Gunner Berg, Sven-Olle Stroberg
    Inventor: Gideon Hagberg
  • Patent number: 4295965
    Abstract: An underwater filter for aquaria has a base portion (1) on which several similarly constructed filter cassettes (6) are located above each other. The filter cassettes (6) are made to be essentially rectangular of block-like shape and have two filter chambers (68, 69) as well as a clear-water (66). The clear-water chamber (66) is positioned between the two filter chambers (68 and 69) and is in flow communication with the base portion (1), the covers (61, 62) formed with apertures (610, 620) therethrough of the essentially rectangular block-like cassette (6) are removable, whereby access to the filter materials in the filter chambers (68 and 69) is possible. In operation, the aquarium water to be filtered is sucked by means of a pump connected to the base portion through the slits (610, 620) in the filter chambers (68 and 69) and from there into the clear-water chamber (66) and connecting thereto into the base portion (1) and then returned to the aquarium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1981
    Inventor: Siegfried Koster
  • Patent number: 4295971
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for clarifying slimes. This method comprises the steps of treating a slime with a unique flocculant and separating the clarified slime from the aggregated floccules. The flocculant is a stabilized aqueous-base magnetic colloid that contains colloidal magnetic particles and at least one surfactant, such as dodecylamine. The magnetic colloid becomes unstable and the magnetic particles thereof irreversibly flocculate when the magnetic colloid is sufficiently diluted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1981
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Interior
    Inventors: Sanaa E. Khalafalla, George W. Reimers
  • Patent number: 4294705
    Abstract: A method and an agent for chemical purification of water is provided, especially waste water with subsequent magnetic sludge separation. A precipitation agent comprising as component aluminium sulphate and/or iron sulphate is used together with a magnetic material for the purification. In order to provide uniform distribution of the magnetic material in the agent composition it is added to the aluminum and/or iron sulphate component of the composition when said component is in the form of a melt or solution prior to crystallization of said composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1981
    Assignee: Boliden Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Carl-Johan S. Hellestam
  • Patent number: 4294698
    Abstract: A device for cleaning liquid surfaces to remove a pollutant therefrom. The device comprises a barrier adapted to float on the surface of the liquid. The barrier comprises two diverging wing portions. Inlet means are provided and are adapted to receive the polluted material prior to passing the polluted material to a recovery apparatus. The device further comprises only hitching means adapted to maintain each of the wings spaced from one another at one of their ends while the barrier is being towed. Each of the wing portions of the barrier comprises a wing rope adapted to at least partially float on the liquid surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1981
    Assignee: Etablissements Generaux de Mecanique de l'Ouest
    Inventor: Jean A. L. Bronnec
  • Patent number: 4293410
    Abstract: The magnetic filter has a magnetic cylinder (2) pivotally mounted in a housing (1) and having an inclined stripper (14). The bottom of the cylinder (2) is surrounded by a casing (5), whereby a flow channel (6) for the medium to be filtered is created between the cylinder (2) and the casing (5). One portion (5b) of the casing (5) can be mobile so that the flow-channel profile section can be changed. Decreasing the channel profile section causes an increase in the flow resistance, resulting in a backwash, so that even in cases of small quantities the level and hence the inflow characteristic of the filter is approximately the same as that of the full-load quantity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1981
    Assignee: Hans Streuli AG
    Inventors: Hans Streuli, Joseph Ruedi
  • Patent number: 4293417
    Abstract: An improved filter press for separating solids from liquid is provided. The press includes a plurality of filter plates which are suspended from overhead I-beams such that the plates may be removed either from the top of the press or from the sides of the press as desired. The filter plates are suspended from the I-beams by rollers which alternate in position for adjacent filter plates between engagement with the outside flanges and engagement with the inside flanges of the beams and, thus, allow larger rollers to be utilized. The filter press includes a press head for moving the individual filter plates into abutting relationship which is pivotally suspended from the I-beams such that the press head can assume the alignment of the filter plates when the press is closed. The press further includes a pair of vertically-arranged, independently-operable hydraulic closing rams for applying different closing pressures at the top and bottom of the filter plates to compensate for variations in plate stacking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1981
    Assignee: Envirotech Corporation
    Inventors: Murray M. Guttman, William L. Fismer
  • Patent number: 4290379
    Abstract: Foam build-up is held in check on a detergent-contaminated lagoon or the like by traversing the surface with a powered barge having a pump for extraction of sub-surface water from the lagoon, connected with means encircling the bow of the barge for spraying the water horizontally over the surface of the lagoon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1981
    Inventor: Festus A. Carter
  • Patent number: 4290887
    Abstract: A liquid surface decanter devised particularly for decanting clear liquid from settled effluent contained in a tank and comprising a rotatable suport pipe protruding through a side wall of a tank and a header pipe arranged parallel to the support pipe and connected thereto by a number of downcomer pipes. The header pipe is provided with longitudinal weir slots and is supported on the surface of the liquid by a buoyancy float. The level of the liquid relative to the weir slots is adjusted by the buoyancy float until liquid flows into the weir slots down the downcomer pipes and out through the support pipe at a predetermined rate causing the header pipe to fall within the tank and rotate about the axis of the support pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1981
    Inventors: Arthur D. Brown, Stephen G. B. Jones
  • Patent number: 4289622
    Abstract: A filter press includes a plurality of filter elements (filter plates and filter frames) supported in the press stand for displacement along the length of the press. A guide roller is supported on each filter element alternatingly at opposite sides thereof. A continuous filter cloth is trained about each guide roller for guiding the filter cloth in a zigzag course between all adjoining filter elements. At least some of the guide rollers are directly driven by a driving mechanism. The driving mechanism has a sprocket drivingly connected with each driven guide roller and having a rotary axis in alignment with the rotary axis of the associated driven guide roller and a guide wheel mounted on each filter element which supports a driven guide roller. Each guide wheel has a rotary axis spaced parallel from the rotary axis of the respective sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1981
    Assignee: Eberhard Hoesch & Sohne GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Alfons Schotten
  • Patent number: 4289150
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a completely disposable, one-time use protective cover that may be used for dyeing selected locks of hair. The protective cover includes a sheet of synthetic sponge-like material having a liquid-impervious liner. The liquid-impervious liner may be a sheet of thin plastic material attached or bonded to one face of the synthetic sponge-like material. The protective cover is easily punctured by a hook used to withdraw locks of hair through the points of puncture. The protective cover may be provided in a continuous roll with perforations at predetermined locations along the length of the roll so that individual protective covers may be separated from the roll and folded so as to conform to the scalp of a patron undergoing hair treatment. In another embodiment, the protective cover is formed in a shell-like configuration that fits loosely over the patron's head. A skirt is provided and may be folded over the treated hair as part of the treatment process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1981
    Inventor: David D. Kimball
  • Patent number: 4289619
    Abstract: With a screen disposed in a flowing waterstream of sewage and other waste materials to intercept objects such as rags, plastic, wood, metal, fragments of masonry and the like, such objects are removed from the screen by a reciprocating mechanical rake to a point of disposal or further treatment. Elongated rods secured at one end to the rake are pivotally connected at the other end to a power driven endless chain for travel therewith towards and away from the screen with such chain and power supply being remotely located at a point free of contact with the waterstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1981
    Inventor: Milo J. Sampson
  • Patent number: 4289624
    Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for the extraction of solids from a liquid slurry or suspension of a type in which a reduced pressure chamber applies suction to a zone on one side of a sieve surface whereby solids may be urged against a corresponding zone on the other side and the liquid is urged to flow through the sieve into the chamber. The invention provides means for transporting liquid from the chamber in discrete amounts while substantially maintaining reduced pressure in the chamber. In preferred embodiments the sieve is cylindrical and rotates, vanes are attached to the chamber side of the sieve carry the water out of the chamber in intervane spaces, while slipper pads provide a seal with vane tips to maintain reduced pressure in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1981
    Inventors: Roman Golczewski, Barry G. Seach, Solomon E. Cohen
  • Patent number: 4289621
    Abstract: A device for the treatment of a fluid with magnetic lines of force comprises an elongated non-ferromagnetic outer casing and at least three spaced-apart elongated magnet assemblies positioned therein to form laminar passageways for said fluid. Each magnet assembly comprises at least one tier of at least two permanent magnets encased in non-ferromagnetic jackets and arranged in coaxial line in N--N and S--S relation. The polar ends of the magnets are received in ferromagnetic support members having opposed surfaces to magnetize the support members with the polarity of said polar ends and to distribute the magnetic energy therefrom to the opposed surfaces. The magnet assemblies are positioned so that the polarities of the support members in one of the magnet assemblies are unlike the polarities of the oppositely disposed support members in an adjacent magnet assembly. Means are provided for positioning the magnet assemblies within the outer casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1981
    Inventor: James R. O'Meara, Jr.