Filter Cleaning Patents (Class 210/106)
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Patent number: 6443312Abstract: The self-cleaning filter is used for filtering incoming dirty liquid and distinctly recuperating clean liquid and waste liquid.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2001Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: Tech-O-Filtre Inc.Inventor: Jean-Pierre Racine
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Patent number: 6406454Abstract: A suction probe system for cleaning debris from a surgical site includes a probe tip, a filter unit in fluid communication with the probe tip, and a suction source in fluid communication with the filter unit. The filter unit includes a cylindrical filter having an inner chamber attached to the suction source and an outer surface which accumulates debris particles too large to pass through holes within the cylindrical filter. The filter unit also includes a slider having an open-ended cylinder which is slid along the outside of the cylindrical filter to remove accumulated debris particles and to push these debris particles into a reservoir within the filter unit. The slider and the probe tip can be made integral parts of a single sliding member.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Inventor: Mohammed Ali Hajianpour
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Patent number: 6394113Abstract: In a method and apparatus for cleaning filters, the cleaning is efficiently performed by selecting cleaning steps according to the degree of contamination of the filter media. The degree of contamination of the filter media is analyzed before the filter is carried into the cleaning apparatus. Filters with heavily contaminated filter media are subjected to pretreatment before the cleaning process is performed, and the filters with less contaminated filter media are directly subjected to the cleaning process. The cleaned filter is subjected to a restoration process before reuse.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2000Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shingo Hatanaka, Shoji Ebina
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Patent number: 6383368Abstract: A metal salt removal procedure for use with a crude oil flow is disclosed. A small amount of water, and a caustic in the range of 7-12 pH, and preferably 9-12 pH, are injected to form water bubbles surrounded by oil. An ethylene oxide reacted with polypropylene glycol at 350° F. or so yields a water soluble demulsifier added at the rate of a few ppm to the water in oil mix. The added reaction product, a polyol, enables metal salt isolation in the water.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Champion Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Paul Eaton
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Patent number: 6375847Abstract: The method relates to the operation of a cross-flow filtration installation for a product. This installation includes a filtration module (6), a pipeline (3) for the inflow of the product, a pipeline (9) for removing the product, a pump (4) with an electric motor (12) for recirculating the product, and a control valve (5′) for setting the conveying flow (Q1) of the pump (4). In order to make possible the maximally possible filtration output, based on the installation, along with a high proportion of solids of the product, without endangering operational safety by means of overloads, the strength of the operating current (i1) of the electric motor (12) is measured. The operating current (i1) is adjusted to a maximally, permissible value via a regulator (20) by setting the conveying flow (Q1) of the pump (4) by adjusting the flow control valve (5′).Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1999Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: Bucher-Guyer AGInventor: Eduard Hartmann
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Publication number: 20020040868Abstract: A self-cleaning water filter assembly including a body having inlet and outlet portions and a filter housing portion defining a cavity disposed therebetween so that water entering the inlet must flow through an inner surface to an outer surface of a filter then to the outlet. A piston disposed concentrically within the filter is biased in an upward resting position by a spring in the absence of water pressure. A scraper extends radially from a piston sidewall and into contact with the inner surface of the filter. Apertures extend through the sidewall and into a central bore extending through a bottom end of the piston. In the presence of water pressure, the piston is forced downwardly into the cavity, and the scraper and apertures cooperatively dislodge and flush filtered particulate matter from the housing. As water pressure is reduced, the piston is biased into its upward resting position, dislodging and flushing filtered particulate matter again.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2001Publication date: April 11, 2002Inventor: George H. Lockwood
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Patent number: 6251294Abstract: A self-regenerating filter unit having a housing which carries an ultrasonic transducer periodically energizable to dislodge caked solids from a filter element in the housing. The removed solids collect in a storage zone where they are periodically removed.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1997Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.Inventors: Scott Judson Davis, Dan Michael Hausermann
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Patent number: 6241879Abstract: A filter cloth comprising at least a base layer and a filtering layer, characterized in that the ratio T/L of the thickness (T) of the filtering layer to the length (L) of fibers of fiber bundles constituting the filtering layer is 0.02 to 0.7 and the sum of a projected area of the fibers onto the base layer surface is 8 to 350 times the area of the base layer surface and, a filter cloth characterized in being constituted with at least a base layer and a filtering layer mainly composed of fiber bundles of crimped fiber ratio over 5%.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1998Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.Inventors: Hiroyasu Kato, Manabu Terao, Yoshihiro Tomida
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Patent number: 6241880Abstract: A self-cleaning faucet filter for filtering particulate matter from a water stream, the filter having a housing with a main discharge orifice and a side spout with a flushing water discharge, the housing having a main discharge passage with a filter member and a by-pass discharge passage in the side spout that has a leaf valve that allows water to flow through the by-pass discharge at the beginning and end of water usage with particulate matter accumulated on the filter flowing with the water discharged through the by-pass discharge.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1999Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Inventor: James Yahr
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Patent number: 6241878Abstract: Described is a self-cleaning filter for a liquid stream confined in a pipe 20. The filter includes a porous ceramic filter body 30 having a power source 35 attached thereto. Upstream from the filter body a helical rib 50 and a sump drain tube 42 are provided. In operation, as the filter becomes clogged, an electrical current is applied causing the ceramic body to exhibit ultrasonic transducer properties which dislodge particulates from its upstream face 31. At the same time, a sump valve 41 is opened to remove the particulate-rich liquid. The helical rib imparts a rotary motion which creates a rotary flow component across the upstream face of the filter.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2000Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Inventor: Alvin A. Snaper
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Publication number: 20010002006Abstract: A filtering apparatus for removing solid particles from a liquid which includes a pressure-tight cylindrical housing with a filter assembly coaxially mounted in the housing. A liquid inlet is provided at the upper end of the filter housing and is positioned for tangentially injecting the water to be filtered into the interior of the cylindrical housing for imparting a swirling cyclonic movement to the liquid to be filtered. The liquid is filtered to the interior of the filter assembly and then drains from the bottom of the assembly through an outlet. A drain is also provided in the lower end of the housing for draining off accumulated solids and a wash-down apparatus is provided in the upper end of the housing for directing a wash liquid under pressure against the filtering surface for washing the filtering surface down.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2000Publication date: May 31, 2001Inventor: James E. Huckestein
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Patent number: 6221255Abstract: A system wherein an ultrasound emitter, or gun, is provided which emits an ultrasound beam directed at filter media, on the opposite side of the filter media from where solids accumulate, in order to knock the solids from the filter media. Dislodged solids from the area targeted by the beam are driven upstream, away from the filter media. Gravity then draws the solids to a drain of a collection chamber, which allows for the solids to be safely removed from the system. A guide is provided upstream of the filter media, the guide having angled slats or vanes. These vanes are angled upwardly towards the filter media and downwardly towards the drain, such that as the solids are blasted from the filter media by the gun, they are jolted upstream, and impact the angled vanes upon their downstream return.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Inventor: Achyut R. Vadoothker
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Patent number: 6217753Abstract: A water purifier generally associated with a beverage dispenser is disclosed. The water purifier includes a conduit having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, and a water purifying device disposed in the conduit between the first and second ends thereof. The first end of the conduit is arranged to conduct water to be purified into the conduit, and the second end of the conduit is arranged to conduct the purified water from the conduit to a location outside of the water purifier. A flow of the water through the conduit is completely prohibited by the cooperative operations of a pressure detector at the second end of the conduit and an electromagnetic valve at the first end of the conduit at a time when the water attempts to flow through the conduit from the second end to the first end.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1997Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: Sanden CorporationInventors: Satoshi Takigawa, Toshiya Chiku
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Patent number: 6214214Abstract: A water treatment system including a pair of water treatment tanks, each tank defining a flow path extending from a tank inlet to a tank outlet and containing a water treatment material disposed along the flow path for treating water as it travels from the inlet to the outlet. A system controller controls which of the tanks is on-line and which of the tanks is off-line and controls the regeneration of an exhausted tank. The system controller is operative to provide a final rinse in the service direction. This is accomplished by a purge valve which communicates the outlet of a tank being regenerated to a drain under predetermined operating conditions. The operation of the purge valve is responsive to fluid signals applied to an inlet valve and an outlet valve associated with the tank being regenerated. More specifically, the fluid signals that close the outlet valve and open the inlet valve, are utilized to cause the opening of the purge valve in order to communicate the tank outlet with the drain.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Kinetico IncorporatedInventors: Christopher L. Hansen, Stuart Park, Peter Halemba
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Patent number: 6203714Abstract: Device for filtering a liquid. The filter device is provided with at least two filter elements (8, 15) placed parallel to each other. A three-way cock (6, 13) is accommodated in the pipe (4, 5) to each filter element (8, 15) for connection of the inflow opening of each filter element (8, 15) to a mains system (3) for supplying the liquid with sufficient pressure to press the liquid through the filter device. The three-way cocks (6, 13) are mutually connected by a pipe (19). A drain (23) to a sewer is provided which has a closing device (21), which is connected to a branch point (26) of the pipe (19) via a pipe (20). A three-way cock (10, 17) is accommodated in the pipe (9, 16) of each filter element (8, 15) for connecting the outflow opening of each filter element (8, 15) to a mains system (12) of a user. The three-way taps (10, 17) are mutually connected by a pipe (24).Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: SepeQ B.V.Inventors: Meindert Bos, Dirk Marinus Koenhen
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Patent number: 6159359Abstract: A modular filter apparatus is formed from stacked filter modules. Slurry to be filtered flows into the apparatus through a flowmeter and check valve into a header. The flow of slurry then branches off through feeders to each of the filter modules. Connected to the header is a slurry supply source, a cakewash supply source and a header drain. The modules are coupled to a hydraulic jack mechanism and an upper strongback.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1999Date of Patent: December 12, 2000Inventor: Steve C. Benesi
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Patent number: 6139724Abstract: A process is described for filtration of fluids, particularly of heterodisperse fluids like beer, in which a cleaning cycle of the MF modules is always carried out when the transmembrane pressure exceeds a pre-set pressure which has been selected to be equal to the optimal trans-membrane pressure for the particular fluid to be filtered as regards its analytical appearance. In beer filtration this value is preferably set at 1.5 bar. The microfiltration facility is equipped with numerous MF modules 5, arrayed in series and parallel; with a device for cleansing the MF modules 5; and with a measuring device 3 for recording trans-membrane pressure, attached to a control device 7, which, upon attaining the pre-set trans-membrane pressure, interrupts the filtration process and starts a cleansing cycle going.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1999Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: Seitz-Filter-Werke GmbH und Co.Inventors: Gerhard Strohm, Georg Schnieder, Wolfgang Hepp, Paul Duckek
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Patent number: 6099733Abstract: The water treatment apparatus utilizes membrane separation technology to separate clean product water from a contaminated water source. Chemical pretreatment of the raw feed water, chemical cleaning of the membrane separator(s), and chemical treatment of the final recovered product water required by conventional membrane separation apparatus are eliminated in the water treatment apparatus. The water treatment apparatus may treat raw feed ground water and surface water sources as well as waste water sources including those exhibiting oily wastes, high metal levels, organic wastes from sources such as textile processing, sewage waste streams, food processing, and others. The water treatment apparatus also reduces the problems associated with recirculation of the waste stream, reduces water wastage, and provides advantages in power and horsepower requirements.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1996Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: ATP International Ltd.Inventor: Harold E. Haney
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Patent number: 6074551Abstract: A self contained water purification process system uses a self cleaning, self sanitizing reverse osmosis unit for reliably producing purified water, storing the water, and distributing it to a central supply piping system while maintaining the integrity of the purified water. Make-up water is prepared for reverse osmosis purification by means of staged conventional filtration and chlorine removal. The prepared make-up water is then fed into one or more reverse osmosis modules by a pump at a high velocity and pressure. About 85 percent of the make-up water exits the module as purified water. All of the water not passing through the reverse osmosis membranes returns to the suction end of the pump where it blends with incoming make-up water except for a small portion that is discharged to a waste drain. The high velocity flow maintains a shear effect within the modules to prevent a sediment deposition and biofilm from occurring on the membranes and increases the efficiency of water usage.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1998Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: Culligan Water Conditioning of Fairfield CountyInventors: Larry T. Jones, Barry R. Mix
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Patent number: 6030525Abstract: A process of cost-optimized control of a mechanical filter that is situated in a flow of cooling water driven by a cooling water pump in a heat exchanger and that can be regenerated by means of a flushing system involves the following steps: at least one measurement value is determined from which the filter's current degree of soiling is derived and this value is fed to a flush command generator; by means of the functional dependencies and/or data stored in the flush command generator a first and a second performance loss are calculated at predeterminable intervals, the first performance loss comprising the performance loss due to the filter's degree of soiling and the second performance loss comprising the performance loss due to a flushing operation at the current degree of soiling; from the progression over time of the first computed performance loss are determined the total performance losses since the last regeneration as a result of the soiling of the filter; a current second energy loss is calculated fType: GrantFiled: August 7, 1997Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Assignee: Taprogge Gesellschaft mbHInventors: Klaus Eimer, Dieter Patzig, Hans. W. Schildmann
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Patent number: 6009404Abstract: The invention pertains to a process and a device for cost-oriented monitoring and/or display of the operating state of a replaceable or regenerable, fluid (7) traversed conditioning device (1), particularly a filter (4), in an overall system.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1997Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Tepcon Engineering Gesellschaft GmbHInventor: Klaus Eimer
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Patent number: 6001242Abstract: A method and apparatus for filtering particulates from a turbid liquid is provided. The apparatus is preferably used to filter particulates from water used to flush a pipeline after a cleaning operation, after hydrostatic testing or during product displacement at a high flow rate. The apparatus includes an inlet valve for receiving the turbid liquid from a liquid source connected to a gas buster for discharging the turbid liquid and air into a break tank located beneath the gas buster. A self-cleaning portable liquid filter having an inlet is connected to an outlet of the break tank and includes a screen filter for receiving the turbid liquid from the break tank. Particulates from the turbid water are accumulated on an internal surface of the screen filter and clean water is discharged from the filter through a discharge port. A flush mechanism is provided to rinse the accumulated particulate cake from the surface of the screen filter upon actuation of an automatic rinse cycle.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1998Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: Pipetronix, Inc.Inventors: Dale England, Harvey Futrell, Gunnar Kopp
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Patent number: 5922208Abstract: A method for filtering out of a liquid at least one solid substance includes supplying the liquid containing the substance via axial supply to a filter; filtering the liquid wherein the substance remains in the filter as residue; draining away the liquid; compressing a predetermined amount of residue to the shape of a solid bar under the pressure of the liquid during filtering; opening closeable discharge axially opposite the supply end during filtering; and removing the bar out of the filter under the pressure exerted by the liquid on the bar.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1998Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Assignee: Defil N.V. Holland Intertrust (Antilles) N.V.Inventor: Petrus Adrianus Cornelis Maria Demmers
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Patent number: 5902477Abstract: A diverter screen for efficiently handling solid and floatable objects in combined sewer overflows and storm water runoff systems is disclosed. The screen is formed of a mechanical bar screen, one or more regulator or overflow chambers, and a deflector plate for diverting the solids and floatables into the outgoing sewage interceptor channel. The bar screen sits on a shelf in a concrete channel, and is sized to capture solids and floatables that must be prevented from entering the rivers, lakes or oceans The bar screen uses a downward rake motion to push solids and some floatables into the outgoing interceptor, while other floatables are allowed to drain out as the regulator channel drains.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1997Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Assignee: John VenaInventor: John Vena
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Patent number: 5888401Abstract: The present invention is directed, among other things, to methods for reducing fouling of a separation membrane having a concentrate side subject to a concentrate pressure (Pc) and a permeate side subject to permeate pressure (Pp), comprising raising an initial permeate pressure (Pp.sub.0) to an increased permeate pressure (Pp.sub.1). The present invention further provides a method of reducing fouling of a membrane having a concentrate side subject to a concentrate pressure (Pc) and a permeate side subject to permeate pressure (Pp), comprising periodically raising an initial permeate pressure (Pp.sub.0) to an increased permeate pressure (Pp.sub.1).Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1996Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: Union Camp CorporationInventor: Dong Donald Nguyen
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Patent number: 5876612Abstract: The present invention is directed to a filter apparatus for filtering out suspended solids from liquid that is passed through filter material supported within a tank. The invention is also directed to a method of cleaning the filter material while the filter material remains inside the tank. The disclosed apparatus and method facilitates the removal of solids which are deposited on the filter material during the filtering operation, as well as biogrowth and other foreign matter. The cleaning method utilizes a suction generating device, such as a pump and associated suction heads, for backwashing the filter material. The cleaning method also utilizes a device for directing a liquid stream of a chemical cleaning solution at high velocity to the filter material thereby chemically washing the filter material and dislodging filtered solids and other foreign matter therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1997Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc.Inventor: Gordon Astrom
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Patent number: 5871652Abstract: A method and apparatus for filtering particulates from a turbid liquid is provided. The apparatus is preferably used to filter particulates from water used to flush a pipeline after a cleaning operation, after hydrostatic testing or during product displacement at a high flow rate. The apparatus includes an inlet valve for receiving the turbid liquid from a liquid source connected to a gas buster for discharging the turbid liquid and air into a break tank located beneath the gas buster. A self-cleaning portable liquid filter having an inlet is connected to an outlet of the break tank and includes a screen filter for receiving the turbid liquid from the break tank. Particulates from the turbid water are accumulated on an internal surface of the screen filter and clean water is discharged from the filter through a discharge port. A flush mechanism is provided to rinse the accumulated particulate cake from the surface of the screen filter upon actuation of an automatic rinse cycle.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1995Date of Patent: February 16, 1999Assignee: Pipetronics, Inc.Inventors: Dale England, Harvey Futrell, Gunnar Kopp
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Patent number: 5833766Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a conditioning system for regenerating replacement filters, a stackable transport container for use in such a system, and a replacement filter for regeneration by such a method. The following method steps are proposed for this purpose: removal of fluid residues from the replacement filter, flushing the filter element with a flushing agent opposite the direction of flow through the replacement filter when in use, removing the flushing medium residue from the replacement filter, measuring the flow resistance of the filter element, and comparing the measured flow resistance with one or more preset limit values.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1996Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Inventors: Mark Osterwald, Marco Hein, Ralf Utermohlen
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Patent number: 5832717Abstract: A fuel injection supply circuit including a main filter situated between a low pressure pump and a high pressure pump, and a fuel metering device for supplying a metered flow of fuel to the fuel injectors, is provided with a self-cleaning filter downstream of the high pressure pump such that a first portion of the fuel flow received by the self-cleaning filter is filtered to provide a clean flow of fuel to the fuel metering device and the excess portion of the received fuel flow passes through the center of the self-cleaning filter and is returned, via a control valve, to the circuit upstream of the main filter.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1997Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: Societe Nationale D'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs D'Aviation "Snecma"Inventor: Yves Robert Halin
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Patent number: 5804072Abstract: A water filter having a strainer mounted on the inside for straining water, and a reciprocating device controlled by a pressure differential controller to reciprocate a disk-like scraper in the strainer, causing it to scrape out dirt from the strainer, the disk-like scraper having a center water hole and a check valve mounted in the center water hole for permitting water to flow downwards in the strainer through the center water hole and stopping water from flowing upwards in the strainer through the center water hole.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1997Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Inventor: Chi-Hua Yang
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Patent number: 5690830Abstract: A waste water treatment apparatus which can discharge cleaned waste water while separating and recovering insoluble granular components such as emulsions contained in various kinds of waste waters and various kinds of industrial waste waters, while minimizing the decrease of permeation flux by an effective separation membrane washing, and a washing method of the apparatus are disclosed. In washing the separation membrane, a passageway for water permeated through the separation membrane is intercepted, and a compressed gas is introduced into at least a waste feeding side of the separation membrane for a predetermined time, thereby flowing a gas liquid mixed liquid.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1996Date of Patent: November 25, 1997Assignee: Nitto Denko CorporationInventors: Akira Ohtani, Kenichi Inoue, Naoki Tada, Toshiyuki Kawashima
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Patent number: 5674403Abstract: Means and method of straining process streams of liquid-suspended solid particulates includes a primary industrial strainer having means periodically to remove deposited solids by generating a backwash stream. A backwash retention device (BRD) is provided for straining the backwash stream from the primary strainer. Periodically, after a predetermined number of backwash cycles, solids deposited in the BRD are removed by blowing down the BRD, producing a by-product stream more concentrated in suspended solids than the backwash stream.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 1995Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Assignee: S. P. Kinney Engineers, Inc.Inventor: Craig S. Kinney
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Patent number: 5674384Abstract: A shifter mechanism for a filter press, which shifter mechanism incorporates a vibrating mechanism for effecting bumping of individual filter plates during the separation thereof from the closed stack to assist in dislodgement of filter cake from the individual filter plates. The vibrating device can selectively vibrate or bump the individual filter plates responsive to the weight of the filter plate being bumped, whereby the vibrating device will be activated only upon sensing a filter plate having a weight greater than a predetermined value so as to be indicative of an undesired quantity of filter cake being adhered thereto.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1995Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Assignee: JWI, Inc.Inventor: David Mark Higgins
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Patent number: 5672281Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating an effluent into a filtered liquid component and a concentrated sludge component are described. A screen for filtering the effluent is positioned to divide a chamber into two compartments, one for concentrating sludge and one for receiving filtered liquid. The screen is curved in an arc that extends away from the liquid outlet, and a spray arm is mounted for arcuate motion to conform to the curvature of the screen to dispense a fluid against the screen to dislodge attached sludge, to unclog the screen apertures.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1995Date of Patent: September 30, 1997Assignee: Walt Disney World Co.Inventors: Ivey Lee Burns, William Glenn Ham, Rory Dean Harvick, Charles Leroy Holzman, Jr.
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Patent number: 5670038Abstract: A filter system for a liquid, usually water, is disclosed. The system includes two filters, each having a housing and a filter medium located in the housing through which the liquid flows in one direction to be filtered. A pressure operated distributing valve alternates the flow of water from one to the other of the filters and pressure regulators and check valves or pressure regulators alone divert a portion of the filtered water to backwash the filter medium in the other filter.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 1995Date of Patent: September 23, 1997Inventor: Jerry L. McKinney
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Patent number: 5658457Abstract: A reverse osmosis water purification system which has a tank coupled to an osmotic membrane so that the water within the tank flushes the osmotic membrane. The tank has an opening that is in fluid communication with a source of feed water and an osmotic membrane. The tank may also have a lower level switch and an upper level switch that are coupled to a pump that pumps water through the membrane. When the tank water falls to the level of the lower switch, the pump is activated and purified water is pump into the tank. When the tank water reaches the level of the upper switch the pump is deactivated. The opening is located at an elevation above the membrane, so that when the water level within the tank reaches the height of the opening, the feed water pump turns off and the tank water provides a hydrostatic pressure that drives the water back through the membrane to flush the same. The upper switch is located above the opening so that a sufficient amount of water flows back through the membrane.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1996Date of Patent: August 19, 1997Assignee: Aquatec Water Systems, Inc.Inventor: Ivar Schoenmeyr
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Patent number: 5560820Abstract: A self-cleaning fluid filtration system is presented and which includes a tank having a bottom wall and a side wall together forming a fluid chamber. An inlet is located in the bottom wall for receiving fluid to be filtered. A tube extends from the inlet upwardly into the chamber for directing fluid upwardly through the tube. The tube has perforations therein for directing fluid to flow outwardly therefrom. A platform is carried by the tube intermediate its ends and extends radially outward therefrom toward the side wall of the tank. A perforated rigid basket in the chamber surrounds the tube and has an open lower end mounted to the upper surface of the platform and a closed upper end located above the upper end of the tube. A collapsible fluid-permeable filter bag is located in the chamber intermediate the tube and the basket.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1996Date of Patent: October 1, 1996Inventor: Ralph G. Consolo
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Patent number: 5558760Abstract: An improvement process for producing a coated porous ceramic, ceramic composite or metal structure, wherein the impregnation step is carried out by (a) fluidizing said slurry with steam or heated water and spraying said shape with said fluidized slurry or (b) heating said slurry so as to reduce its viscosity and spraying said shape with said reduced viscosity slurry. Manufacture of a single component which functions both as a filter and as a heating element, is made possible by the process of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 1995Date of Patent: September 24, 1996Assignee: Micropyretics Heaters International, Inc.Inventor: Jainagesh A. Sekhar
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Patent number: 5558761Abstract: The fluid filtering unit comprises a filter element through which fluid being filtered must pass and a device for cleaning the filter element in situ without interruption of the filtering process. The cleaning device comprises a collector movable between a first position and a second position relative to the filter element on the upstream side of the filter element during a cleaning operation, a device for urging the collector at least in use towards its first position relative to the filter element, an arrangement for moving the collector from its first position to its second position relative to the filter element against the force of the urging device, and a valve arrangement for automatically connecting the collector to dump at a pressure less than that of the fluid being filtered as the collector moves from its first position relative to the filter element towards its second position relative to the filter element.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 1995Date of Patent: September 24, 1996Assignee: Longwall Roof Supports LimitedInventors: Peter Elliot-Moore, Christopher Oziem
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Patent number: 5552038Abstract: Apparatus for pressure drainage of organic sewage sludge, industrial sludge and special waste sludge of varying composition includes a fully automatic sludge conditioning unit for preparing a flocculating agent and a fully automatic sludge feeding unit for a pressure reactor which includes a press plunger reciprocating on filter candles between axial end plates. The press plunger cooperates with a riser pipe situated outside of each end plate and incorporating a motor-driven discharge valve. The riser pipe communicates with a screw conveyor which is mounted to the pressure reactor for further transport of filter cake to a container.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1994Date of Patent: September 3, 1996Assignee: Muller Umwelttechnik GMBH & Co. KGInventors: Wolfgang Muller, Dirk Herzog
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Patent number: 5534140Abstract: A bar screen for screening a flow of wastewater, the bar screen comprising a frame, a first bar rack supported by the frame and extending across the flow of wastewater, the first bar rack including a plurality of generally parallel, elongated first bars each having a top end and a bottom end, the plurality of first bars defining therebetween a plurality of upstream spaces, a first bar rack top support engaged with the top end of each first bar and a first bar rack bottom support engaged with the bottom end of each first bar, a second bar rack supported by the frame and extending across the flow of wastewater, the second bar rack including a plurality of generally parallel, elongated second bars each having a top end and a bottom end, a second bar rack top support engaged with the top end of each second bar and a second bar rack bottom support engaged with the bottom end of each second bar, the second bar rack bottom support overlying a portion of the first bar rack bottom support, and a mounting arrangement fType: GrantFiled: March 17, 1994Date of Patent: July 9, 1996Assignee: Envirex, Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Brummond, Roger Scheel, James L. Heidner
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Patent number: 5514284Abstract: An apparatus for treating water includes a vertically extending contact vessel, wherein water is contacted with ozone, and a return vessel which contains a column of water of a sufficient height to drive water through downstream filtering stages. Ozone is removed from the water and the rate of ozone injection is monitored and automatically adjusted so that no great amount of ozone remains in water entering the filtering stages. The ozone is generated in elongated elements that are cooled by the process water and that are positioned to serve as a static mixer for such water.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1994Date of Patent: May 7, 1996Assignee: Wheelabrator Engineered Systems Inc.Inventors: Stephen A. Uban, Richard C. Maxson, Ralph W. Holliday, Mark E. Watson
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Patent number: 5494577Abstract: An apparatus is described for treating polluted water. The apparatus comprises a supply system for polluted water; an activated-sludge reactor; one or more filter membrane modules; an air supply system and a discharge system for the treated water. The filter membrane modules comprise hollow membranes within a casing. Said filter membrane modules on one side adjoin the activated-sludge reactor and on the other side adjoin air distribution means. The activated-sludge reactor communicates, via a bypass line, with a sludge receiving container which adjoins the air distribution means. The apparatus functions in such a way that the water to be treated and air supplied are flowing in the same direction through the hollow membranes, the permeate flowing through the membranes towards the space between the casing and the membranes, where it is discharged via permeate discharge system.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1994Date of Patent: February 27, 1996Assignee: Stork Friesland B.V.Inventor: Casper J. N. Rekers
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Patent number: 5476584Abstract: A method of cleaning a filtration tank having a plurality of side-by-side gravity flow filter cells, each having an outlet port in communication with a filtrate channel common to all of the cells in an automatic backwash/rewash system, by subjecting each compartment, sequentially, to a backwashing operation and then a rewashing operation wherein, during backwashing, backwash liquid is pumped through a first of the filter chamber ports to flow upwardly through a first of the compartments in a direction opposite to a normal filtration flow direction, and during rewashing, rewash liquid is drawn downwardly through the first cell in the normal filtration flow direction. For any given cell after a first of the plurality of cells, utilizing at least a portion of the rewash liquid from a rearwardly adjacent filter cell is used as backwash liquid in the given cell.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1993Date of Patent: December 19, 1995Assignee: Davis Water & Waste Industries, Inc.Inventor: Mack McDougald
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Patent number: 5454938Abstract: The invention provides a reactor apparatus including a fluid bed reactor containing a media bed composed of particulate solids and biomass adhered thereto. The reactor apparatus also includes a biomass monitoring system for measuring changes in the size of the media bed and for activating a biomass growth control system when conditions with the reactor call for removal of excess biomass. The biomass monitoring system includes a vertical tubular member that is supported in the reactor and that serves to isolate a parameter or condition indicative of the size of the media bed. The biomass monitoring system also includes a sensing device for measuring changes in the isolated parameter or condition, and a mechanism for activating the biomass growth control system when signaled by the sensing device.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1994Date of Patent: October 3, 1995Assignee: Envirex Inc.Inventors: Michael Doyle, Peter J. Petit, Eugene Mazewski
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Patent number: 5426679Abstract: A strainer device for filtering water to an emergency cooling system in a nuclear power plant containment area having a lower part which forms a pool in which the strainer device is mounted. The device includes a strainer housing with separate strainer walls between which a flexible strainer means operates. The unit is arranged to be kept in a first position when water is drawn through one of the strainer walls, in which position it interrupts the connection between the other strainer wall and a suction conduit. By inherent flexibility, a shield means is automatically switched over to a second position which opens the connection between the second strainer wall and the suction conduit, as soon as the first strainer wall is clogged by impurities to such an extent that a low-pressure arises in the space between the first strainer wall and the shield means unit, which low-pressure brings about the switching-over by its suction effect.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1994Date of Patent: June 20, 1995Assignee: Vattenfall Utveckling ABInventor: Mats Henriksson
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Patent number: 5401395Abstract: It is proposed, in accordance with the invention, that a pressurized water purifier which includes an inlet conduit, a pressure-elevating pump mounted in the inlet conduit, a filter or membrane type purifying unit, a purified-water outlet conduit and a reject conduit for concentrated contaminated water that the reject conduit (22) includes a pressure-limiting valve (28) which is controlled by the pressure in the outlet conduit (18). This will enable the water purifier to operate at a required, high internal working pressure, while enabling the pressure of the purified water to be maintained at a maximum level limited by the water conduit system and to be varied in response to the water taken from the system in the absence of pulsations.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1993Date of Patent: March 28, 1995Assignee: AB ElectroluxInventors: Peter Hagqvist, Per Fonser, Fredrik Dellby
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Patent number: 5397465Abstract: A filter including one or more regenerative plates which can be moved along the surfaces of filter grids to simultaneously create turbulence and physically dislodge a filter media cake within the filter by use of an externally extending driver rod, so as to regenerate the filter media.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1994Date of Patent: March 14, 1995Assignee: Jacuzzi Inc.Inventor: Howard M. Stewart
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Patent number: 5389244Abstract: A pressure and vacuum filtration and washing device adapted for the processing and handling of hazardous materials without releasing hazardous chemical vapors includes a microporous filter medium which is contained within a pressurized filter vessel. A pump and static mixer, interconnected with the filter vessel by suitable piping means, allow circulation and reslurrying of the filter cake until the wash solvent is properly free of contaminants. The device any be operated under an inert atmosphere. A heated nitrogen gas cake drying means may be associated with the filter medium and contained within the filter. Automatic failsafe control valves are strategically disposed in the device, and the piping means, which interconnect the filter medium, the drying means, and the valves, are fabricated from materials compatible with the flow streams, such as teflon and borosilicate glass,. The device is totally enclosed and self contained, insuring complete operator isolation from hazardous chemicals.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1993Date of Patent: February 14, 1995Inventor: Michael T. Cranston
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Patent number: 5389243Abstract: A filter system includes a fluid-tight housing with filter elements supported in said housing and dividing the interior of the housing into first and second chambers. A pump pumps a liquid under pressure into said first chamber so that the liquid flows from the first chamber through the filter elements into said second chamber. An energy store is located in the housing which stores energy each time the pump is turned on and pressurizes the first chamber. When the pump is turned off and relieves the pressure in the first chamber, the potential energy stored in the energy store is applied as kinetic energy for moving the filter elements and increasing the pressure in the second chamber to cause liquid backflow through the filter elements which deans and rejuvenates the filter elements.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1992Date of Patent: February 14, 1995Inventor: Neil B. Kaplan