Abstract: A multi-function fluid treatment system which can filter fluids or diffuse gases into liquids. To achieve filtration, the system includes a housing with multiple filter cartridges therein. The cartridges are connected to a drive system which rotates them in unison. Fluids to be filtered enter the housing and surround the cartridges. Cartridge rotation scrubs solids from the cartridges and promotes fluid flow therein. A separate cleaning system is also provided which involves a cartridge wiping assembly having multiple wiping members thereon. The wiping members directly contact the cartridges to remove collected debris and preferably involve multiple bristles secured to a vertical support member. The support member may consist of dual wires secured together with the bristles therebetween. The bristles can also be arranged in elongate rows (one row per cartridge) on the support member. In either embodiment, the wiping assembly improves filtration efficiency and reduces maintenance requirements.

Abstract: A multi-function fluid treatment system which can filter liquids or diffuse gases into liquids. To achieve filtration, the system includes a housing with multiple, closely-spaced filter cartridges therein. The cartridges are connected to a drive system which rotates them in unison. Fluids to be filtered enter the housing and surround the rotating cartridges. Cartridge rotation scrubs solids from the cartridges and promotes fluid flow into the cartridges. Filtered fluids collected within the cartridges thereafter exit the system. To achieve gas diffusion, the housing is filled with a selected liquid. During cartridge rotation as discussed above, a gas is introduced into the interior of each cartridge which is constructed of a porous material. The gas diffuses outwardly during cartridge rotation, causing substantial mixing of the gas and fluid, with gas diffusion into the fluid. Cartridge rotation also prevents solids from accumulating thereon to achieve maximum gas delivery.

Abstract: A high efficiency, self-cleaning system for separating solid materials from liquids. The system includes a primary housing having at least one inlet and a plurality of cylindrical filter cartridges therein which are directly adjacent to and in close proximity with each other. The lower end of each cartridge is positioned on a spring-biased bearing member, with the upper end having an opening therein. Positioned within the opening and connected to each cartridge is a tubular shaft attached to a pulley-type motor drive system. The drive system is used to rotate the cartridges in a selected direction. In operation, fluids to be filtered enter the housing and come in direct contact with the rotating cartridges. Rotation of the multiple cartridges and close proximity of the cartridges to each other creates fluid turbulence within the housing. This turbulence scrubs collected solids from the cartridges and promotes fluid flow into the cartridges.

Abstract: A sample collector for collecting a sample of a gas-charged liquid such as a carbonated beverage from an exteriorly accessible transmission line through which the liquid is flowing. The collector comprises a cylindrical chamber for receiving and storing a liquid sample. A tube has a first end which extends inside the chamber and is positioned and configured so that liquid flowing therefrom is angularly directed against the inside wall of the chamber to create a downwardly-directed spiral flow of liquid along the inside wall. The second end of the tube has attached thereto a valve housing having a flow control valve and a forward end to which a bored needle is releasably secured. The needle bore and the tube bore are aligned and are in communication when the valve is open.

Abstract: A test tube having an inner tube that allows one to insert a bar to create a dark background is described. This system is actually an ordinary or screw-capped test tube with a smaller sized test tube inverted and fused to the bottom. The design permits a thin layer of any agar medium to solidify around the inside edge of the larger tube. The colonies developed in the agar can then be easily counted by creating a dark background by inserting a dark colored rod through the opening of the inner tube.Alternatively, a permanently dark-colored inner tube can be inverted and fused to the bottom of the outer tube. In this case, it is not necessary to insert a rod to create a dark background and the enumeration of microbial colonies is as easy as the method described above.