Abstract: An automatic engine shut down device is operable in a system of the type including a pump having a suction inlet and a pressure discharge for discharging a liquid at a operational pressure, an engine for driving the pump, the engine being operable by an engine operating fluid, the engine including a control member for controlling the supply of engine operating fluid to the engine, the control member being movable between a first open position allowing operation of the engine and a second closed position shutting down operation of the engine. The automatic shut down device is operable, upon the removal or substantial reduction of suction at the inlet of the pump, to automatically terminate operation of the engine and thereby of the pump.

Abstract: A method for determining the thickness of a charge wall being formed against the side wall of a rotating centrifugal basket by flow of charge material into the basket comprises the steps of establishing a capacitance across the charge space of the basket and sensing any change of capacitance which results as the charge wall thickness is increased by the flow. An apparatus for determining the thickness of the charge wall formed against the side wall of the centrifugal basket includes an electrically conductive plate disposed in the basket inwardly of the charge space and a source of voltage for establishing an electric field between the plate and the side wall. A capacitance sensor senses any change in the established capacitance resulting from the formation of a charge wall in the basket.

Abstract: For a vacuum pump, as used to maintain a partial vacuum in a diffusion furnace for chemical vapor deposition in intermittent runs wherein oil for the vacuum pump becomes contaminated by particulates, an apparatus for removal of particulates from oil for the vacuum pump comprises a settling tank, which is connected to receive oil from the vacuum pump, an oil pump, which is arranged to pump oil from the settling tank, means for filtering particulates from oil pumped from the settling tank, a plurality of oil valves, which are arranged to control flow of oil from the vacuum pump, through the settling tank, through the filtering means, and into the vacuum pump, means for operating the oil pump and opening the oil valves for timed intervals wherein oil flows from the vacuum pump, through the settling tank, through the filtering means, and to the vacuum pump, and means for coordinating the intervals with the runs so that each interval is initiated approximately when a run is terminated.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a liquid supply system having an inline liquid processor or purifier and which supplies liquid continuously or intermittently to an appliance or other point of use. The apparatus includes a valve structure which normally directs the flow of liquid through a pipe connected to the processor or purifier where impurities are removed before the liquid flows to the appliance and, when a predetermined quantity of liquid has passed through the valve structure, the flow of liquid to the processor is interrupted and the liquid is directed through a bypass pipe which is connected directly to the appliance.

Abstract: A fuel contamination monitor for separating particulate and liquid contaminants from a liquid fuel flowing through it has a liquid pervious housing enclosing layers of particulate matter separating filter media. A tubular liquid separating filter media is also disposed within the housing, and a liquid fuel outlet port through the wall of the housing communicates with the interior of the tubular liquid separating media. A shut-off valve is provided which interrupts the flow of liquid fuel through the filter unit in the event the media becomes too contaminated for effective contaminant separation.

Abstract: A sheet of hydrophilic paper is laminated between two plate electrodes and immersed as a water sensor assembly in an electric power transformer oil charging flow stream. A low power and voltage d.c. potential is impressed across the plates as the oil flows through or around the sensor. Any water in the flow stream coming into contact with the paper is absorbed and retained thereby. Such water reduces the electrical resistance of the paper thereby causing current flow. The consequent current flow is used as a signal to initiate the operation of a series of relays which interrupt the power supply of a prior art filtration drive motor.

Abstract: Oil and other contaminants are separated from aqueous effluents by a system which includes means for introducing the contaminated aqueous effluents into a separation zone where they are passed through the labyrinth course of a coalescing chamber to separate oil particles. The oil is removed by means of a skimmer and moved into an oil storage area. The aqueous effluents are then passed from the bottom of the separation zone to an extraction zone where they are passed through a bed of a material capable of adsorbing hydrocarbons and other pollutants. The effluent may then be discarded or may be moved through a fail safe system designed to assure that hydrocarbon removal is complete in all instances.

Abstract: A method is provided for continuously filtering liquids containing microorganisms, macromolecules and/or fine particles of solid matter as substances to be filtered out and collecting the substances that are filtered out. The liquid to be filtered is introduced from the top into an upright sieve basket where the filtrate is separated from the substances to be filtered out. A pressure is exerted on the liquid in the sieve basket by pressing means so that the filtrate leaves the sieve basket and the entire surface of the cake formed from the filtered-out substances always has approximately the same height in the sieve basket. The liquid in the sieve basket is pressed under an increasable counterpressure into the space underneath the pressing means in the sieve basket. When the backpressure of the liquid is higher than the pressure of the pressing means on the liquid, the pressing means is lifted a small distance above the cake in the sieve basket.