Abstract: A hand-operated tool for removing and installing manhole covers or similar item is disclosed. The tool comprises two leg members, each pivotally connected at their upper ends to the opposite ends of a crossmember. Attached at approximately the mid-point of each leg member is a horizontally aligned chain designed to limit the distance the leg members can be spread apart during operation. A second chain is attached at one end to approximately the mid-point of the cross-member. During operation, the second chain hangs vertically from the crossmember. A hook is attached to the opposite end of the hook which either directly engages the edge of the cover or a lifting element attached to the cover. The chain is adjustable in length so that the leg members may be spread apart on opposite sides of the cover. During use, the second chain is attached to the cover and the tool is moved to one side which lifts and moves the cover to the desired position. The same movement is used to install the cover.

Abstract: An apparatus for agitating small batches of septic waste material contained in a processing tank into sludge material and waste water using an oxidizing agent and a flocculating agent. The apparatus includes at least one agitator with a non-rotating mixing implement that extends into the waste material. The mixing implement has a plurality of sections that sequentially move inward and outward to gently mix the oxidizing and flocculating agents into the waste material. The mixing implement element includes an elongated shaft with sealed, flexible hose coaxially aligned thereover. Attached to the elongated shaft is at least one lateral arm perpendicularly aligned to the elongated shaft's longitudinal axis. Attached to the distal end of the lateral arm is a rotatable wheel transversely aligned with the longitudinal axis of the lateral arm. Coaxially aligned over the elongated shaft is a flexible hose designed to collapse inward when disposed inside the waste material.

Abstract: An improved method for processing multiple small batches of waste material from different collection sites is provided. The method uses an apparatus designed to process small batches of waste material from a collection site, such as a septic tank, into waste water and sludge material. Using the apparatus, the waste material first undergoes oxidation with an oxidizing agent and separation with a flocculating agent. After the oxidizing and separating steps are completed, the waste water is then drained from the apparatus and returned to the collection site. The sludge material produced is then transported to a second collection site. The waste material from the second collection site is then added and mixed with the sludge material produced from the first small batch of waste material. The new waste material is then oxidized and separated into waste water and sludge material. The waste water is then drained from the apparatus and deposited into the collection site.

Abstract: A treatment apparatus and system for treating small batches of waste material from a septic tank or holding tank of a portable restroom service truck. The apparatus includes at least one processing tank capable of holding a small batch of waste material. The processing tank is designed to function as a processing tank in which oxidation of the waste material occurs and as a separation tank in which the oxidized waste material is separated into sludge and waste water. The processing tank has an upper section and a lower hopper section with a discharge pipe attached to the hopper section. Viewing ports are manufactured on the front surface of the processing tank which enables the operator to determine the amount of waste material placed inside the processing tank and to view the oxidation and separation processes occurring therein during treatment. A mixer is also provided which is used to mix the waste material.

Abstract: A method for oxidation treatment of waste water material containing organic solid particles includes forming a discrete batch of waste water material, adjusting the pH of the entire batch to close to 7 or acid-alkaline neutral, and then flowing the batch through a reactor along with chlorine gas. The chlorine produces hypochlorous acid, which produces nascent oxygen and hypochlorite ions, for chemically oxidizing the organic solid particles and also forming minute gas bubbles, including nitrogen and carbon dioxide, which adhere to the particles. The treated material is flowed into a separation receptacle, where the gas bubble buoyed particles float to the surface of the water. The clear water is rapidly gravity-drained from beneath the particles, leaving the particles coalesced into a relatively dry, disinfected or stabilized sludge.