Filter Cleaning Patents (Class 210/106)
  • Patent number: 5389243
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Inventor: Neil B. Kaplan
  • Patent number: 5389244
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Inventor: Michael T. Cranston
  • Patent number: 5374351
    Abstract: A filter backflushing system including either a pneumatically-driven piston or pneumatic accumulator for propelling a supply of a filtered backflushing fluid, contained in a backflushing fluid chamber, in a reverse direction through a filter element. The filter backflushing system provides a high intensity, substantially instantaneous, constant pressure backflushing flow which effectively removes clogging contaminants from the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Assignee: D & J Filtration Systems
    Inventors: Joseph A. Bolton, Peter T. Carstensen
  • Patent number: 5362403
    Abstract: A filtration apparatus and a method for discharging filter cake from a filtration vessel of the filtration apparatus, the method including loosening filter cake from filter elements of a filtration vessel; conveying the loosened filter cake from the filter vessel towards a discharge shaft, which discharge shaft is in pressure communication with the filter vessel, is vertically disposed, and includes a bottom end having closure means; sensing the height of the filter cake within the discharge shaft; and cyclically opening and closing the closure means thereby discharging the filter cake by pressing or blowing out the filter cake due to the pressure within discharge shaft, the closure means being opened for a period of open time in response to sensing a selected maximum height of filter cake within the discharge shaft whereafter the closure means is closed automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventor: Martin Dosoudil
  • Patent number: 5250118
    Abstract: A method of removing foulants from spiral-wound reverse osmosis cartridges, comprising the steps of:a) freeing the envelopes and webbing from their original confinement;b) soaking the envelopes and webbing in a cleaning solution, specific to the general chemical nature of the foulants found in the webbing and on the surface of the envelopes, for a period of time sufficient to dissolve solubilize soften, and loosen the foulants;c) unwrapping and washing each membrane envelope and layer of webbing to physically remove the foulants therefrom;d) rewinding the membrane envelopes and layers of webbing in spiral configuration about the center product tube while simultaneously drawing a vacuum on the product tube to remove air trapped in the envelopes and enable the memory of the envelopes and webbing to urge themselves into their original tightly-wrapped configuration thereabout; and,e) reconfining the ends of the wrapped layers and resealing the outer surface and one end of the reassembled cartridge against leakage
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Inventors: Craig L. Netwig, David L. Kronmiller
  • Patent number: 5244567
    Abstract: A pressure filter for suspensions comprises a boiler shaped outer shell (1) the front side of which is closed by a detachable lid (11), a tubular filter element (15) which projects from the lid, a membrane (5) which can be inverted arranged coaxially between the outer shell and the filter element, and a suction and pressure joint (6) arranged on the outer shell. A device for operating the filter comprises a container (25) for a hydraulic fluid (26) which fills the lower part of the container, a gas space (27) to being located above the level of the hydraulic fluid. A first line (21) with a force pump (24) conveys the hydraulic fluid from the lower part of the container to the space between the outer shell and the membrane. A second line (28) connects the space between the outer shell and the membrane with the gas space in the container and communicates with a suction pump (33).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Heinkel Industriezentrifugen GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Hans Gerteis
  • Patent number: 5240613
    Abstract: When preparing carbon artefacts from heavy oils of petroleum or coal origin, removal of undesirable components or recovery of desirable components from raw materials or intermediates is usually required so as to improve the quality of the final products. Such removal or recovery operation is conventionally done by filtration. In the past, regeneration of filters clogged with solid carbonaceous materials inevitably formed by the filtration operations is difficult and troublesome procedures. Herein disclosed is a simple and effective process for regenerating filters clogged with solid carboneceous materials, characterized by treating the filter medium in an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide with heating and then optionally conducting ultrasonic washing in water or a solvent. By this simple process, clogged filters can be regenerated completely to show the same filtration performance as new filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Maruzen Petrochemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Tsuchitani, Sakae Naito, Ryoichi Nakajima, Kensuke Iuchi, Shintaro Hasebe
  • Patent number: 5227050
    Abstract: A device for taking up fluids likely to foam, especially emulsions, with a suction system having a suction pipe through which the fluid is taken up at one end, the suction pipe having an aperture at the end thereof, and a first container attached at the one end of the suction pipe, the container of which opens upwards in the operative position of the device which is so arranged that, in the operative position, only the fluid inside the container may be taken up by the suction pipe, the container having at least one aperture in its wall that lies, in the operative position, partly beneath the fluid surface, and with a float for positioning an edge of the container, in the operative position, above the fluid surface, in which there is a second external container surrounding the first container which also opens upwards in the operative position of the device and is so arranged that, in the operative position, only the fluid inside the outer container flows into the inner container and which has in its wall at le
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventor: Wolfgang Stephan
  • Patent number: 5167801
    Abstract: A filter press is provided with filter plates supported vertically in a horizontal row in a frame structure and with filter cloth disposed between the filter plates for treating slurries introduced between the filter plates. The filter press includes bars supported at a height above the filter plates to support the filter cloth, shafts disposed orthogonally under the bars, cylinders to move the shafts toward and away from the bars, and vibrators mounted on the shafts to vibrate the shafts. The shafts are moved to come into contact with the bars, and the vibrators are actuated to make the bars vibrate to drop cake remaining on the filter cloth when the filter plates are opened. The filter press further includes photoemissive and photoreceptive devices for detecting deflection and sinking of the bars due to weight of the cake on the filter cloth, and wash pipes for washing down the filter plates and filter cloth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: Ishigaki Mechanical Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroichi Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 5152895
    Abstract: In relation to time intervals or pressure loss, the successive flushing via the same flushing channel (10) of several filter elements (7) is brought about by the direct sweeping of the internal surface of said elements (7) by the fluid to be filtered. It comprises a tubular body (1) and an upstream distribution plate (4), each feeding a filter element (7) extending axially inside the body, and a downstream aperture. At its downstream end there is a distributor comprising several inlets linked to the downstream end of the elements (7), said inlets being linked by channels (22) to a single outlet, itself linked to a flushing branch pipe (8) opening laterally outside the body (1). This distributor comprises a rotor (18) which, depending on its angular position, separately connects each of its inlets to the shared outlet of distributor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Inventor: Charles Doucet
  • Patent number: 5147552
    Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for tangential filtration with filter cleaning in which a fluid to be filtered forms a liquid loop and circulates tangentially to one surface of a membrane at a pressure Ph in which a filtrate flows from the other surface of the membrane through a pipe, provided with a flow meter and a first valve, to a tank at atmospheric pressure Pa, filtration taking place by virtue of a positive transmembranal pressure Ph - Pa. In the filtration phase, the hydrodynamic pressure Ph is adjusted by means of a second regulable valve. During the filter cleaning phase the first valve is closed and at the same time the second valve is slightly opened, the second valve is suddenly opened, the first valve is opened and the second valve is progressively closed. The method and apparatus in particularly suited to the filtration of corrosive liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Le Carbone Lorraine
    Inventors: Marc Hlavacek, John Dodds, Jean-Michel Bauer
  • Patent number: 5118411
    Abstract: A system for the filtering of liquids with suspended particles in which the settling tank is divided into a first and a second tank (9.sub.1), (9.sub.2) with communication (41) between them at a low level, the washing/rinsing pipe (42) delivering to the first tank (9.sub.1) which in turn communicates with the dirty liquid tank (7), with a fork (13') in the clean liquid pipe (13) being provided at the outlet from the valve assembly (6) and leading to the dirty liquid tank (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Inventor: Fernando Martinez-Mugica
  • Patent number: 5104453
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for eliminating liquid components and fine-grained components from a sugar suspension, control variables for controlling the centrifuge are obtained from a measurement of the quantity of material per unit of surface area in the filter cake formed in the centrifuge during the centrifuging process. In particular, a radiometric measurement can be used for this purpose. From the time course of the measurements obtained, relationships with the physical composition of the filter cake at the instant of measurement are derived and used to adjust process control variables, such as the quantity of water to be added and the length of the washing phase. The control of such a process can be made fully automatic, with optical quality, using a single continuous measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Laboratorium Prof. Dr. Rudolph Berthold
    Inventor: Gerhard W. Kappler
  • Patent number: 5102534
    Abstract: Automatic filter cleaning device for liquid circuits, including at least one filter in the passage of the liquid. The device includes a filter situated above a decanting tank for impurities so that its upstream wall is turned towards the tank, while an ultrasound generator is provided to generate ultrasounds in the decanting tank and is connected by a modulator to a projection of a sidewall of the tank. Advantageously, a liquid circuit branch conduit with a branch circuit control valve is provided in order to short-circuit, at least in part, the filtration assembly comprised of the filter and the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Inventor: Andre Gabet
  • Patent number: 5053141
    Abstract: A procedure and means for filtering and homogenizing liquid substances and for automatic cleaning of the filters. In the procedure are utilized an ultrasonic generator (4) connected in conjunction with the filter unit (1; 2) and ultrasonic oscillators (1.11; 2.11) thereto connected, their power and frequency being controlled on the basis of the differential pressure present across the filter units (1; 2), the liquid pressure acting in the filter unit, the liquid flow rate, signals from liquid temperature pick-ups. In order to enhance the cleaning event of the filter elements (1.2; 2.2) taking place with ultrasonics, the filter unit (1; 2) is emptied during the cleaning phase, making use of compressed air conducted into the filter. In order to facilitate the liquid filtering event and to reduce the need of cleaning action with ultrasonics, during normal filtering an ultrasonic power is maintained which is sufficient for homogenizing the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Inventor: Kari U. Laiho
  • Patent number: 5006265
    Abstract: The invention is a filter apparatus and method for separating suspended solids from fluids, particularly liquids. A filter chamber is defined inside a filter housing. Inside the chamber is a filter bundle, consisting of two or more filter screens, of a non-woven construction. Spaces between the filter screen strands provide channels for fluid to flow through the filter bundle along a tortuous path that is parallel to each screen. These spaces also define openings for directing a flushing fluid, such as air, in a crosswise direction through the filter screens. The crossflow path of the flushing fluid removes solid particles trapped in the channels of the filter screens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Kishore K. Kar, David J. Nowak
  • Patent number: 5006233
    Abstract: Apparatus for purifying rinse water used to remove excess resin from articles which have been impregnated with a sealant material. The impregnating resin is customarily a curable composition comprising acrylate monomer and anaerobic or heat cure initiator and results in the formation of an emulsion in the rinse water. A photoinitiator is added to the foregoing composition enabling the emulsion to polymerize when exposed to UV radiation. After the rinse water containing the emulsion has been so exposed, the resulting rinse water and polymer composition is filtered in one or more stages to remove the polymer, leaving substantially pure water as a result. The water, thus purified, can either be returned to the process for re-use or discharged to the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: Loctite Corporation
    Inventor: Charles M. Muisener
  • Patent number: 4969479
    Abstract: A dishwasher comprising a washing tub (18), conduits for supplying liquid by jets on articles to be washed in the tub, and surfaces for recollecting the liquid in a receptacle. A circulation pump is arranged to circulate liquid in a system comprising a liquid supplying conduit and a filter unit comprising a fine sieve portion (12a) having a wide, mainly horizontal surface. The horizontal fine sieve portion forms an upper wall for a chamber (11) in which inlet of the circulation pump as well as a heating element (15) for heating the liquid in the receptacle is placed. There is a connecting tube (17) extending through the fine sieve portion (12a) and having an upper end (17b) which is placed above the highest liquid level in the tub during normal operation whereas the lower end (17a) of the connecting tube is placed in the chamber (11) at a point which is so situated that the heating element during operation always is surrounded by liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Electrolux
    Inventor: Dan E. Lagerstrand
  • Patent number: 4954222
    Abstract: A dry cleaning solvent recovery and filtering system includes a dry cleaning solvent tank containing solvent for use in a dry cleaning machine. A filtration path from the tank includes a centrifugal separator for removing coarse debris and a filter element for removing fine debris from the solvent fluid. The filter element includes a perforated metal cylinder, having an open mouth, with a Teflon.RTM. coated screen forming the interior debris collection surface. A rinsing spray nozzle situated at the mouth of the filter element directs a fluid spray under pressure against the collection surface in the same direction that debris contaminated solvent fluid flows therethrough. The pressure of the fluid spray is sufficient to dislodge fine debris adhered to the collection surface without forcing the debris into the perforations of the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Inventors: Larry L. Durr, B. Jan Clay, Larry J. Durr
  • Patent number: 4925550
    Abstract: A batch-action apparatus for filtering a fluid medium comprises a hermetically sealed housing (1) communicating with systems (9, 10 and 11) for feeding the fluid medium, discharging the clean medium, and evacuating filter cake.The housing (1) accommodates a flexible filter hose (2) one end (4) of which is turned inside out and attached to the housing (1), whereas the other end (7) thereof is connected to a hoisting mechanism (3) acting to move the hose (2) relative to the fixed end (4) of this hose. The end (4) of the hose (2) turned inside out forms an annular cavity (8) to which the fluid medium is fed and which varies in volume under the action of filter cake build-up or in response to the movement executed by the hoisting mechanism (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Inventors: Viktor V. Shishkin, Nikolai F. Kryazhevskikh, Jury P. Shapovalov
  • Patent number: 4921603
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for filtering a suspension including particulates and increasing the concentration of retainable matter wherein the suspension is drawn through the filter in a manner such that a portion of the suspension is subjected to a negative pressure which pulls it away from the filter membrane and permits it to pass through the filter unit without going through the membrane and a portion of the suspension is subjected to a positive pressure which causes it to pass through the filter membrane before exiting the filter unit, thereby creating a permeate. The invention involves regulation of flow rates to achieve a ratio of the pressures so that when some of the particulate matter from the portion of the suspension passing through the filter membrane becomes effective in decreasing flux, the negative pressure will serve to pull the particulate free and unclog the filter membrane on a continuous and automatic basis, thus allowing prolong filtration time with maximal flux.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Inventor: Richard C. K. Yen
  • Patent number: 4919801
    Abstract: A filter unit using a bump-type filter is disclosed. Briefly stated, a chamber has a fluid inlet conduit so that contaminated fluid, upon entering the chamber, is directed upwardly towards filter tubes and downwardly towards the bottom of the chamber. The fluid flow is diverted during startup so as to be directed only downward. A bump handle is disposed between two fluid outlet conduits such that one is opened and the other is closed and the reverse when the bump handle is in a first or second corresponding position. A plurality of microswitches are utilized so that the pump is not enabled during bumping or when a dump valve is open, but is enabled during system operation or startup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Inventor: Russell Hobson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4911831
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning a slow sand filter for a body of liquid while the liquid is in situ, in which there is a carrier adapted to traverse the body of liquid, and a device carried by the carrier and adapted to skim successive layers of sand from the filter. The carrier is a floatable vessel and the skimmer device is an auger. The skimmer device is controlled by depth control means which are automatically adjusted in response to the contour of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Thames Water Authority
    Inventors: Roger Davison, Michael J. Bauer
  • Patent number: 4888110
    Abstract: A filtering device for filtering a thermoplastic material by passing a continuous filter across a passage through which the material is caused to flow at an elevated temperature and pressure. The filter is passed through entry and exit ports flanking the passage. Seals on the filter cooperate in sealing engagement with the walls of the entry port to prevent the flowable thermoplastic material from escaping therethrough. The exit port is larger than the entry port, and is sealed off by a solidified plug of the thermoplastic material bonded to the filter. The pressure of the thermoplastic material in the filter passage forces the plug out of the exit port into contact with an external stop, with that portion of the plug in contact with the stop being selectively heated to accommodate controlled emergence of the plug and the filter bonded thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Assignee: Key Filters, Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Fogarty, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4875913
    Abstract: A system for cleaning corrugated filter elements by means of suction nozzles comprises a suction nozzle movable relative to the surface of the element. The specific parameters of the system, such as nozzle size, spacing of the nozzle from the apices of the filter, and the height of the apices, are interrelated in accordance with a specially developed formula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Assignee: Filtration Water Filters For Agriculture and Industry, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ytshak Barzuza
  • Patent number: 4867873
    Abstract: A frier incorporating filtering mechanism wherein a frier housing for frying food with edible oil contained and heated therein includes a partition disposed to define in the housing a suction space and to allow the oil to pass therethrough, a filtering web is provided to be movable at a part of the web along and over the partition, and the oil led through the web and suction space to the exterior of the housing is circulated back through a pump to the housing at a position higher than the partition, whereby impurities are kept being filtered out of the oil under use within the frier housing for frying even a large amount of food, to remarkably lower inherent oxidation of the oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: Chojoha Giken Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hozumi Akazawa
  • Patent number: 4861494
    Abstract: A pressurized filter is disclosed of the type including a filter media layer disposed in a filter chamber which is pressurized with a feed layer to cause filtering flow therethrough, and a diaphragm in the chamber operated to dewater the chamber after each cycle of operation, featuring a total volume totalizer measuring the volume of liquid inflow required to operate the diaphragm during each dewatering cycle, the duration of the next filtering cycle adjusted in a direction to increase or decrease the cycle duration so as to increase or decrease the accumulation of filtered solids to achieve on optimal accumulation. A plurality of filter units are stacked and organized into independently operated sets, enabling continuous filter operation by alternate cycling of each set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Inventor: Jack R. Bratten
  • Patent number: 4857182
    Abstract: Bar screen apparatus of the type having a motorized rake assembly, that mounts an electric drive motor with associated electrical components which moves the assembly along a guide frame in a closed, approximately vertical path from an upper parking position to and through a lower reversing direction position, is imporved by adding a protection device to prevent the drive motor and associated electrical components from being submerged in a stream of sewage passing the apparatus at an abnormally high level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Infilico Degremont Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry E. Jackson
  • Patent number: 4849113
    Abstract: An improved continuous polymer filter of the screen belt type employs a valve arrangement to selectively apportion the extruder output flow through at least two filter paths. In the neutral valve position both filter paths receive polymer at equal flow rates creating a pressure across the screen belts that is too high to permit the screen belts to be advanced when a clogged belt section requires replacement with a clean section. To effect screen belt advancement, the valve is actuated to reduce the flow rate in the filter path requiring the replacement while increasing the flow rate to the same degree in the other filter path so that the net flow rate remains substantially constant. The screen belt receiving the reduced flow experiences a sufficiently reduced pressure drop thereacross to permit it to be advanced in a conventional manner, after which the valve is returned to its neutral state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Inventor: William H. Hills
  • Patent number: 4847598
    Abstract: A signal responsive circuit especially adapted for use in a water treatment system for signaling the need for regeneration of an ion exchange resin bed or the replacement of a particulate filter medium. A series of three electrodes are disposed in the water treatment medium in longitudinally spaced relation along the direction of flow and an alternating current signal drives the center-most electrode. The two outer electrodes are coupled as inputs to first and second operational amplifiers having asymmetrical gain characteristics. When the effective resistance between the center electrode and the two outer electrodes are equal, which is the condition prior to the movement of the hardness front or contamination front to the location of the electrodes, a first signal output condition exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Aqua-Tronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario A. Tucci, George K. Sutherland
  • Patent number: 4844798
    Abstract: A fluid-operated, time delay control and system embodying same are set forth. The time delay control includes an accumulator chamber communicating with a source of fluid under negative pressure or vacuum and a second chamber having a partition dividing it into two parts, a first of which communicates with the accumulator chamber. The second part communicates with a vacuum-sensitive switch which is energized when sensing a vacuum of a predetermined value. The partition has a check valve for maintaining the vacuum switch in communication with a vacuum after the vacuum is released at the source and the pressure rises in the first part of the second chamber. An adjustable flow control valve in the partition slowly releases the vacuum which the switch senses. The switch then reverts to a de-energized condition when a predetermined value is reached. A filtering system incorporates the time delay control with the control controlling a vacuum break valve and a motor for moving a strip of filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Inventor: Robert J. Fox
  • Patent number: 4839047
    Abstract: An intermittent-action apparatus for filtering liquid has a sealed casing (1) in which a hollow cylinder (8) is mounted so as to define with the casing (1) an annular space (9) communicating with a system for removing precipitate. A driven drum (12) is provided in the upper part of the casing (1), and one end (11) of a filtering hose (10) is secured to the drum, the other end (13) of the hose being turned inside out and secured along the perimeter to the hollow cylinder (8) so as to define around the remaining part of the hose an annular space (14) for liquid being filtered, the annular space varying in volume during accumulation of precipitate therein and during movement of the hose under the action of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Inventors: Viktor V. Shishkin, Nikolai F. Kryazhevskikh, Jury P. Shapovalov
  • Patent number: 4804464
    Abstract: A system is provided for feeding a process or bath with a high purity liquid and when needed upgrading or maintaining the purity of such liquid when delivered from a bulk shipping container. In the system, the liquid in which a high degree of purity is desired is pumped through a filter and sensor which detects the level of particulates while maintaining the integrity of the product against contamination. The purity of the liquid is upgraded by pumping, i.e., recirculating, the liquid through a filtration media while sensing the purity, and returning the processing liquid when the desired level of purity is reached. A gas vent filter is used to purify air or vapor passing into or out of the system avoids pressure or vacuum buildup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Assignee: HMC Patents Patents Holding Co., Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Schevey
  • Patent number: 4801375
    Abstract: The invention is related to water vending systems for the automatic dispensing of purified water from a machine which is preferably activated by coin or other form of payment. Reverse osmosis filtration of local water together with other water treatment operations is used to improve the quality of the vended water. Stagnation of stored permeate is automatically prevented to assure the freshness of dispensed water. The system is designed to reduce the frequency of servicing and the life of components without decreasing the quality of the vended water. In one embodiment the vending system comprises control means for automatically dumping the filtered water stored in a tank in the system if there has not been at least a predetermined number of vends of water within a predetermined period of time. After the storage tank has been dumped the drain is automatically closed and fresh filtered water is produced to refill the storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Assignee: Cuno Incorporated
    Inventor: James M. Padilla
  • Patent number: 4780151
    Abstract: There is provided a method for cleaning corrugated filter elements by means of suction nozzles. The method comprises a corrugated filter element and at least one suction nozzle movable relative to the surface of the element. The specific parameters of the method are interrelated in accordance with a specially developed given formula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Assignee: Filtration Water Filters for Agriculture and Industry Ltd.
    Inventor: Ytzhak Barzuza
  • Patent number: 4761226
    Abstract: A vacuum filter having a filter tank provided with a lower vacuum chamber covered with a filter medium and connected to the intake of a pump. The filter medium, either a paper web or a fibrous filter aid, is removed when contaminated by a chain and flight conveyor after the vacuum is relieved. The vacuum is relieved by a single power actuated valve operable to supply clean liquid to the pump from a clean liquid tank and to supply a limited amount of liquid to the vacuum chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1988
    Assignee: Henry Filters, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Creps
  • Patent number: 4743365
    Abstract: This invention comprises a valve filter unit (23, 53) comprising a filter (24, 54) the face (25, 55) of which extends angularly to the flow of a fluid medium toward same, and having perforations (26) formed therein; the filter (24, 54) biased by a spring (33, 63) toward a first position wherein the fluid is forced to flow through the filter (24, 54) to remove foreign particles therefrom; said filter (24, 54) movable against the spring (33, 63) in response to additional pressure of the fluid to unseat the filter (24, 54) from its first position engagement with a surface (40, 66) of the conduit (12, 51) within which the filter (24, 54) is mounted, the additional pressure occurring due to a valve (21) downstream from the filter (24, 54) moving away from a closed position with its seat (22) such that the fluid moves quickly past the filter (24, 54) and through the space formed between the filter (24, 54) and the surface (40, 66), thereby cleansing both the filter surface (25, 55) and the mating surfaces of the va
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Inventor: Wayne B. Noland
  • Patent number: 4708790
    Abstract: An ultrafiltration system has a plurality of filter modules coupled in a parallel arrangement. The flow rate at the output of each filter module is detected. When the flow rate of a given module falls below a threshold value, that module is disconnected from the ultrafiltration system and automatically coupled into a regeneration circuit so that the filter module can be cleaned. Once regenerated, the filter module is recoupled into the ultrafiltration system. If the regeneration circuit is already in use when a filter module is detected to be in need of regeneration, that module is placed in a queue for regeneration once the regeneration circuit is free, and all other modules previously placed in queue have been regenerated. While awaiting regeneration, the filter modules are kept in service in the ultrafiltration system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Assignee: Champion International Corporation
    Inventor: James W. Bray
  • Patent number: 4668384
    Abstract: A washing unit has a receptacle for receiving at least one half of the length of a cylindrical cartridge filter for swimming pool filtration systems. An orifice, disposed in the side of the receptacle, directs water against at least the lower half of the external cylindrical surface of the filter to wash off and entrain foreign matter collected thereon upon flow of the water intermediate the filter and the receptacle. A discharge outlet downstream of the filter discharges the water and entrained foreign matter. An upwardly extending mouth at the inlet of the receptacle accommodates manual insertion, withdrawal and manipulation of the filter during washing while containing water splash. A pair of legs extending from proximate the inlet maintain the receptacle inclined to encourage downward water flow along the filter from the orifice to the discharge outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Inventor: Paul D. Holman
  • Patent number: 4627118
    Abstract: A vacuum filter is provided for vacuum flow filtration through a filter bed of water from a swimming pool including flow from the pool and from the gutter of the swimming pool, and controlling water recirculation capacity to accommodate varying gutter flow, comprising a tank; a filter bed of particulate material in the tank; a first inlet line communicating the swimming pool with the tank for gravity flow into the tank and maintaining a predetermined level of water in the tank in relation to a level of water in the swimming pool, thereby providing a head of water for gravity backwash flow through the filter bed; a second inlet line communicating the tank with the perimeter gutter for the swimming pool for gravity flow into the tank; a third inlet line communicating the tank with the perimeter gutter for the swimming pool for suction flow into the tank; an outlet line communicating the tank with the water recirculation system; a pump drawing a vacuum downstream of the filter bed and recirculating filtered wate
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1986
    Inventor: William H. Baker
  • Patent number: 4597862
    Abstract: A filter press tray separating device has a latch and a pawl for engaging neighboring plates to be separated from the end of a pack of plates and means for separating the pawl from the latch while they engage respectively the end and next-to-end plates of the pack so that the separating force exerted by the pawl on the end plate is matched by an opposite reactive force exerted by the latch on the next-to-end plate, the device including means for disengaging the latch and pawl when a plate has been separated and for repositioning it at the next pair of plates to be separated. The latch and the pawl are both carried by a movable carriage means that moves along a stationary frame that extends along the longitudinal axis of the pack of plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1986
    Assignee: Edwards & Jones Limited
    Inventor: Alan E. Davis
  • Patent number: 4585562
    Abstract: A self-contained sewage waste disposal system including a housing structure and a toilet bowl adapted to receive human waste and fluid for diluting the waste, transporting the waste and rinsing the bowl. A removable filter cassette is in the housing in communication with the toilet bowl. The bowl is flushed and the contents are dumped into the filter cassette and the bowl is subsequently refilled. Filters in the cassette separate the coarse and fine particles of solid material from the fluid received from the bowl. The solid material is stored in the cassette in a compact manner for subsequent disposal upon removal of the cassette. Fine filtering and decoloring is accomplished by a carbon canister. A reservoir is provided for storage of fluid after removal of solid material therefrom in the cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1986
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. De Graw, William R. Bocchini, Brian Wilcockson, Armen Bogossian, Robert J. Uhl, Earl E. Nause, Ernest R. Ramirez
  • Patent number: 4578186
    Abstract: A swimming pool filter system is comprised of a pump, a filter and a water conduit means for hydraulically connecting the pump and filter in a hydraulic loop with a swimming pool. The filter is a Hayward regenerable filter wherein the diatomaceous earth coating may be periodically shaken off the filter membrane to mix with the dirt and recoat the membrane several times between cleanings to extend the time between filter cleanings. A pressure sensitive switch, mounted at the filter inlet port, closes when the inlet pressure exceeds a predetermined magnitude to energize an alarm each time regeneration is needed or after five regenerations when cleaning will be required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1986
    Inventor: Thomas M. Morin
  • Patent number: 4571302
    Abstract: A filter system and method are provided utilizing a filter tank separated into an inlet compartment and a filtrate compartment by a filter media. Under normal filter operation, the liquid to be filtered enters the inlet compartment, is passed through the filter media and out the filtrate compartment by a pressure differential created across the filter media by a pump device. When the need arises to move the filter media as a result of the buildup of contaminents on it, it is necessary to alleviate the pressure differential across the filter media. Such pressure differential is alleviated by the controlled flowing of filtered liquid through an orifice in a closed valve into the filtrate compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1986
    Assignee: AMSTED Industries Incorporated
    Inventor: David H. Willson
  • Patent number: 4448683
    Abstract: A system for optimizing operation of liquid filtration equipment having a first electric motor for periodically removing the layer of solid contaminants on the filter media through which the liquid passes, and a second electric motor which drives a centrifugal vacuum producer to remove air from an enclosed space beneath the filter media. The filtration system is of the type wherein contaminated liquid is supplied to a tank open to the atmosphere for passage through the media, whereon solid contaminants are collected, into the underlying, enclosed space. A drop in the level of liquid in the tank, e.g., in response to removal or reduction of the layer of contaminants, allowing excess air to enter the enclosed space below the media, causes a like drop in the position of a float which is connected by a linkage means to a throttling valve interposed between the enclosed space and the vacuum producer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Assignee: Filtertech Inc.
    Inventor: James F. Green
  • Patent number: 4424125
    Abstract: Separator apparatus for separating a mixture of liquids and solids and having a separator tank, means for passing a mixture of liquids and solids to the tank, screen means in the separator tank dividing it into a mixture compartment, on one side, and a filtrate compartment on the other side, means for removing such mixture from the mixture compartment, liquid conduit means extending from the filtrate compartment of the separator tank, scraper means for moving solid materials from the screen, and being movable momentarily away from such screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1984
    Assignee: Axis Products Limited
    Inventor: Edward T. Martin
  • Patent number: 4372859
    Abstract: A method of and a system for removing miniuscule solid particles from liquid wherein the liquid to be processed is supplied to one end of at least one filter element which may be a porous tube filter open at opposite ends and formed with a multiplicity of tiny openings in its wall having a first surface and a second surface. The liquid flows along the first surface and a portion thereof is passed through the tiny openings from the first surface side to the second surface side because of the latter being under lower pressure than the former, to be drawn off as filtrate. The rest of the liquid or a concentrated liquid portion flows out of the other end of the filter element. The flow velocity F of the liquid flowing along the first surface and/or the flow velocity f of the filtrate through the tiny openings is controlled such that the ratio F/f can be kept at a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1983
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Kyowa Kogyo, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Sugimoto, Kiyotaka Shirosaki, Masashi Kawaguchi, Masaki Takeshima
  • Patent number: 4330401
    Abstract: A continuous clarification apparatus provides a vessel having a bottom portion and a preferably cylindrical and upwardly extending sidewall defining therewithin a liquid retaining space at least partially filled with a "floc" carrier forming a moving media bed with flow normally being downwardly through the bed. A clear water discharge outlet allows the discharge of clarified effluent from the vessel. An inlet header allows the addition of an influent to be clarified into the vessel. A vertically extending inner separation wall generally concentric with the vessel sidewall defines a moving bed area and an annulus area. The annulus area provides a lower scour zone, a middle return zone and an uppermost reject zone. The floc carrier is placed within the moving bed area and an aeration means is placed within the vessel annulus with the air being bubbled upwardly in the annulus during continuous cleansing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1982
    Assignee: Process Development Company
    Inventors: Ronald A. Boze, Anthony S. Canzoneri
  • Patent number: 4317732
    Abstract: A liquid reconditioning system including first and second storage tanks for storing reconditioned liquid and liquid to be reconditioned, respectively. Reconditioned liquid is withdrawn from the first storage tank for use, as required, and returned to the second storage tank. A filter is connected to receive liquid withdrawn from the second tank to filter that liquid and transfer it to the first tank. The present invention detects a condition representative of filter blinding and responds to that condition to automatically regenerate the filter. In a preferred embodiment, the filter is a diatomite filter with filter regeneration being accomplished by mechanical diatomite displacement. A valve at the filter output closes that output during diatomite displacement and then sequentially connects the filter output to the second storage tank, for a predetermined period, and then to the first storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1982
    Assignee: Andrew Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Shoquist
  • Patent number: 4293037
    Abstract: Method for assembling a self-cleaning helical spring sand screen for use at the petroliferous unconsolidated sand strata of an oil well are disclosed. The basic method comprises (1) attaching a helical spring sand screen to the lower end of a production tube for being lowered into a well to the liquid level for producing sand-free liquid from the production tube, (2) mounting a spring biased valve means on the production tube, (3) providing valve means for the production tube for controlling the outlet thereof, and (4) connecting a source of high pressure liquid to the spring biased valve means for storing energy in its spring, for expanding its helical spring sand screen, and for ejecting liquid into its helical spring sand screen for expansion and cleaning thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1981
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventor: Reynaldo Calderon