Abstract: An apparatus having a layer of fats, oils and grease (F.O.G) on water includes a tank having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet connects to a source of F.O.G.-laden effluent and the outlet connects to a sewer pipe so that the outlet defines a normal static water level for F.O.G. and effluent in the tank. A sensor mounted above the static water level determines a distance from the sensor to a top of F.O.G. within the tank, so that a thickness of the F.O.G. in the tank can be determined. If the sensor is LIDAR, sensing may be at about 940 nm. When the F.O.G. is sensed to be above a threshold, the apparatus generates signals to remove the F.O.G. Ultrasonic sensing may be used. Preferably, the sensor is mounted far enough above the static water level so the distance between the sensor and the liquid surface is filled with air. More preferably, the sensor is far enough above the static water level so that the top of the F.O.G. does not touch the sensor even as the top of the F.O.G.

Abstract: An apparatus having a layer of fats, oils and grease (F.O.G) on water includes a tank having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet connects to a source of F.O.G.-laden effluent and the outlet connects to a sewer pipe so that the outlet defines a normal static water level for F.O.G. and effluent in the tank. A sensor mounted above the static water level determines a distance from the sensor to a top of F.O.G. within the tank, so that a thickness of the F.O.G. in the tank can be determined. If the sensor is LIDAR, sensing may be at about 940 nm. When the F.O.G. is sensed to be above a threshold, the apparatus generates signals to remove the F.O.G. Ultrasonic sensing may be used. Preferably, the sensor is mounted far enough above the static water level so the distance between the sensor and the liquid surface is filled with air. More preferably, the sensor is far enough above the static water level so that the top of the F.O.G. does not touch the sensor even as the top of the F.O.G.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing emulsions in kitchen effluent discharging to a FOG removal apparatus includes a pre-rinse sink, a tank positioned below the pre-rinse sink to receive effluent from the pre-rinse sink, an outlet from the tank and leading to a pipe, a valve in the outlet having an open position and a closed position, a dishwasher having a drain connected to the pipe, and a control for the valve to be in its closed position when the dishwasher is discharging to the pipe.

Abstract: An F.O.G. separation apparatus includes a tank for receiving a liquid effluent flow containing water, F.O.G., and gross solids. The tank has a chamber, an inlet in an inlet module, a downstream section and an outlet in an outlet module. The inlet module has a weir for the effluent downstream of a strainer to strain gross solids from the effluent. A pump upstream of the strainer pumps water and solids that do not pass through the strainer. The pump's rotatable vertical shaft has a motor at an upper and an impeller at the bottom. A pipe connected to the inlet module near the impeller conveys solids and water when the pump is activated and directs the solids and water to the outlet. F.O.G. and water entering the tank pass to the downstream section where the F.O.G. is removed from the water by a skimmer, and the residual water exist the tank through the outlet module.

Abstract: A grease trap or solids collector for separating waste from waste water has a tank having a multilayer outer wall made of an outer layer of un-foamed plastic, an intermediate layer of foamed plastic, and an inner layer of unfoamed plastic; an inlet invert in the tank for receiving incoming waste water; and an outlet invert for removing water from the tank. An extension collar made up of segments can be included.

Abstract: An apparatus having a layer of fats, oils and grease (F.O.G) on water includes a tank having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet connects to a source of F.O.G.-laden effluent and the outlet connects to a sewer pipe so that the outlet defines a normal static water level for F.O.G. and effluent in the tank. A sensor mounted above the static water level determines a distance from the sensor to a top of F.O.G. within the tank, so that a thickness of the F.O.G. in the tank can be determined. If the sensor is LIDAR, sensing may be at about 940 nm. When the F.O.G. is sensed to be above a threshold, the apparatus generates signals to remove the F.O.G. Ultrasonic sensing may be used. Preferably, the sensor is mounted far enough above the static water level so the distance between the sensor and the liquid surface is filled with air. More preferably, the sensor is far enough above the static water level so that the top of the F.O.G. does not touch the sensor even as the top of the F.O.G.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing emulsions in kitchen effluent discharging to a FOG removal apparatus includes a pre-rinse sink, a tank positioned below the pre-rinse sink to receive effluent from the pre-rinse sink, an outlet from the tank and leading to a pipe, a valve in the outlet having an open position and a closed position, a dishwasher having a drain connected to the pipe, and a control for the valve to be in its closed position when the dishwasher is discharging to the pipe.

Abstract: An F.O.G. separation apparatus includes a tank for receiving a liquid effluent flow containing water, F.O.G., and gross solids. The tank has a chamber, an inlet in an inlet module, a downstream section and an outlet in an outlet module. The inlet module has a weir for the effluent downstream of a strainer to strain gross solids from the effluent. A pump upstream of the strainer pumps water and solids that do not pass through the strainer. The pump's rotatable vertical shaft has a motor at an upper and an impeller at the bottom. A pipe connected to the inlet module near the impeller conveys solids and water when the pump is activated and directs the solids and water to the outlet. F.O.G. and water entering the tank pass to the downstream section where the F.O.G. is removed from the water by a skimmer, and the residual water exist the tank through the outlet module.

Abstract: A grease trap or solids collector for separating waste from waste water has a tank having a multilayer outer wall made of an outer layer of un-foamed plastic, an intermediate layer of foamed plastic, and an inner layer of unfoamed plastic; an inlet invert in the tank for receiving incoming waste water; and an outlet invert for removing water from the tank. An extension collar made up of segments can be included.

Abstract: A container for receiving and holding effluent water containing oil/grease to be removed has sectional covers. A main sectional cover supports a partially immersed rotatable disk; a drive on the main sectional cover rotates the disk; a trough on the main sectional cover straddles the disk; and a blade on the trough scrapes a side of the disk, to direct oil and grease from the disk along the scraper blade along the trough for collection in a storage container. Efficiencies of construction of the sectional covers, disk and a sensor probe are disclosed.

Abstract: A grease trap for separating grease and solid waste from waste water. The grease trap includes a tank having a downwardly shaped bottom. An upwardly shaped divider divides the tank into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. A hole near an upper part of the divider allows waste into the upper chamber. An inlet invert in the tank receives incoming waste water, while an outlet invert removes water from the tank. A lid covers the tank. A pipe extends through the lid, upper chamber, and lower chamber for sucking solid waste out of the lower chamber.

Abstract: A system for raising and lowering a sectional overhead door between an open position and a closed position including, a counterbalance system adapted to be connected to the door, an operator motor assembly mounted proximate to the sectional overhead door in the closed position of the sectional overhead door, at least a portion of the operator motor assembly movable between a door operating position and a door locking position, and a locking assembly (370) having an engaged position to hold the motor assembly in the operating position and a disengaged position to release the motor assembly allowing it to move to the door locking position. The system may be provided with a remote light assembly having a switchable light source in sensing communication with the operator motor such that operation of the motor activates the light source.

Abstract: A container for receiving and holding effluent water containing oil/grease to be removed has sectional covers. A main sectional cover supports a partially immersed rotatable disk; a drive on the main sectional cover rotates the disk; a trough on the main sectional cover straddles the disk; and a blade on the trough scrapes a side of the disk, to direct oil and grease from the disk along the scraper blade along the trough for collection in a storage container. Efficiencies of construction of the sectional covers, disk and a sensor probe are disclosed.

Abstract: An oil/grease separator separates a lighter liquid from a mixture of the heavier liquid and a lighter liquid. A housing has an inner volume, an inlet to receive influent flow, an outlet to discharge the heavier liquid, which defines a static liquid level, and an outlet port above the static liquid level to discharge substantially all of the lighter liquid and portions of the heavier liquid. The lighter liquid floats on the heavier liquid, so that large volume flows into the inlet raises the liquid level in the housing, flowing the floating lighter liquid through the outlet port.

Abstract: A system for raising and lowering a sectional overhead door between an open position and a closed position including, a counterbalance system adapted to be connected to the door, an operator motor assembly mounted proximate to the sectional overhead door in the closed position of the sectional overhead door, at least a portion of the operator motor assembly movable between a door operating position and a door locking position, and a locking assembly (370) having an engaged position to hold the motor assembly in the operating position and a disengaged position to release the motor assembly allowing it to move to the door locking position. The system may be provided with a remote light assembly having a switchable light source in sensing communication with the operator motor such that operation of the motor activates the light source.

Abstract: A container for receiving and holding effluent water containing oil/grease to be removed has sectional covers. A main sectional cover supports a partially immersed rotatable disk; a drive on the main sectional cover rotates the disk; a trough on the main sectional cover straddles the disk; and a blade on the trough scrapes a side of the disk, to direct oil and grease from the disk along the scraper blade along the trough for collection in a storage container. Efficiencies of construction of the sectional covers, disk and a sensor probe are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for raising and lowering a sectional overhead door between an open position and a closed position including, a counterbalance system adapted to be connected to the door, an operator motor assembly mounted proximate to the sectional overhead door in the closed position of the sectional overhead door, at least a portion of the operator motor assembly movable between a door operating position and a door locking position, and a locking assembly (370) having an engaged position to hold the motor assembly in the operating position and a disengaged position to release the motor assembly allowing it to move to the door locking position. The system may be provided with a remote light assembly having a switchable light source in sensing communication with the operator motor such that operation of the motor activates the light source.

Abstract: A system for raising and lowering a sectional overhead door between an open position and a closed position including, a counterbalance system adapted to be connected to the door, an operator motor assembly mounted proximate to the sectional overhead door in the closed position of the sectional overhead door, at least a portion of the operator motor assembly movable between a door operating position and a door locking position, and a locking assembly (370) having an engaged position to hold the motor assembly in the operating position and a disengaged position to release the motor assembly allowing it to move to the door locking position. The system may be provided with a remote light assembly having a switchable light source in sensing communication with the operator motor such that operation of the motor activates the light source.