By Treated Liquid Accumulation Patents (Class 210/114)
  • Patent number: 11920547
    Abstract: A water drainage device for a filter module is provided with a valve housing that has a valve bore, a valve body received at least in sections in the valve bore, an actuation rod for actuating the valve body, and a coupling device operatively connecting the actuation rod with the valve body and enabling a tilting of the actuation rod in relation to the valve body. The water drainage device can be transferred from a closed state, in which the valve body seals in relation to the valve seat of the valve bore, into an open state, in which the valve body is lifted off the valve seat, and in reverse. The filter module has a filter housing with a housing top part. The valve body, upon transfer of the water drainage device from closed state into open state, moves toward the housing top part of the filter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: MANN+HUMMEL GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Weindorf, Rafael Salom
  • Patent number: 11346096
    Abstract: A combined sewer/enclosure overflow (CSO) sensor system is described for accurate detection and measurement of overflow events. From the combined data, trending information can determine if there is debris accumulation. Rain masks can be used in the trending data to measure overall health. External sensors in combination with the CSO sensors provide predictive information and additional levels of information/data accuracy. The sensor system automatically and remotely monitors CSO locations and provides real-time data regarding start times, stop times, duration, and flow volumes of overflows that occur in these structures and provide regulatory and public notification of these events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: HADRONEX, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory M Quist, David A Drake, David B Rees, Lawrence B Merchell, John D Boyd
  • Patent number: 11285405
    Abstract: A separation system for separating components of a flow of multi-phase fluid includes an elongate separator vessel oriented on an incline to define a lower inlet end having an inlet for receiving the fluid flow, a raised outlet end, and an inclined top inner surface extending from the inlet end to the outlet end. The system includes a lower weir plate positioned above the inlet end and an upper weir plate positioned below the outlet end having an upper edge defining a liquid level within the separator vessel, thereby allowing a lighter fluid component to flow over the upper edge into a upper section located forwardly of the upper weir plate. The system also includes a clear water pipe with a withdrawal opening positioned below the upper weir plate. The incline of the separator vessel is adjustable in accordance with the composition of the multi-phase fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: EnXL LLC
    Inventor: Bruce D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11045591
    Abstract: A surgical evacuation system having dual in-series large and small droplet filters is provided. The surgical evacuation system comprises a pump, a motor operably coupled to the pump, and a flow path fluidically coupled to the pump. the flow path comprises a first fluid filter configured to extract a large droplet in a fluid moving through the flow path and a second fluid filter configured to extract a small droplet in the fluid moving through the flow path. the first fluid filter is coupled in series with the second fluid filter. The first fluid filter is positioned upstream of the second fluid filter. An outlet port of the second fluid filter is coupled to an inlet port of a non-fluid filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, David C. Yates, Kevin L. Houser
  • Patent number: 11020693
    Abstract: A fuel filter for cleaning fuel for an internal combustion engine may include a main filter and a prefilter arranged upstream of the main filter, through which a fuel is successively flowable. The prefilter may include a water separator configured to separate water present in the fuel. The water separator may include a water collection chamber structured and arranged to collect the separated water. The prefilter fluidically connected to the main filter via a conveying device structured and arranged to convey the fuel from the prefilter into the main filter. The conveying device may be configured to provide an excess pressure build up. The fuel filter may also include a suction jet pump fluidically connected to the water collection chamber via which at least one of the fuel and the water is dischargeable from the water collection chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Inventors: Michael Braunheim, Matthias Gaenswein, Uli Haeussermann, Stephan Schild, Dietmar Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 10953439
    Abstract: The invention relates to a portable overnight degreasing system, a work station and a method of use. The invention includes a portable soak tank with a disposable liner bag liner removably placed within the interior of the soak tank. The liner bag is then filled with a cleaning solution and soiled items are lowered into the bag liner upon removable grates. An agitator pump is positioned within the portable soak tank to agitate the cleaning solution. The soiled items remain within the locked soak tank overnight or until grease and carbon falls off of the soiled items. An optional heater may be used within the soak tank to increase the speed of degreasing. The soak tank also includes a slanted floor that funnels fluid from the interior of the soak tank into a pipe that connects to a valve on the front wall of the soak tank. Fluid is removed from the system through the valve and then the empty liner bag is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Inventor: Gregory Abdul-Ali
  • Patent number: 10654727
    Abstract: A method and system for de-oiling a feed comprising oil and water. The feed has an input temperature above the boiling point of water and an input pressure sufficient to maintain the water in a liquid state. In at least one embodiment, the method comprises pumping the feed with a motive pump through a phase separator having a restriction to effect a phase separation of oil and water in the feed and produce an agitated mixture, supplying the agitated mixture from the phase separator into a pressure vessel operating at a pressure sufficient to maintain in a liquid state water that is at a temperature above the boiling point of water, removing an oil phase from the pressure vessel, and removing a water phase from the pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: 1501367 Alberta Ltd.
    Inventor: Wade R. Bozak
  • Patent number: 10612228
    Abstract: A combined sewer/enclosure overflow (CSO) sensor system is described for accurate detection and measurement of overflow events. From the combined data, trending information can determine if there is debris accumulation. Rain masks can be used in the trending data to measure overall health. External sensors in combination with the CSO sensors provide predictive information and additional levels of information/data accuracy. The sensor system automatically and remotely monitors CSO locations and provides real-time data regarding start times, stop times, duration, and flow volumes of overflows that occur in these structures and provide regulatory and public notification of these events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: HARDONEX, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory M. Quist, David Drake, David B. Rees, Lawrence Brian Merchell, John D. Boyd
  • Patent number: 10456718
    Abstract: A filter element arranged in a filter housing is provided with an annular filter medium flowed through by a liquid medium in a flow direction radial to a longitudinal axis of the filter element. A clean chamber is arranged in the flow direction of the liquid medium downstream of the filter medium. A filtered liquid medium outlet is fluidically connected to the clean chamber. A cylinder-shaped water separating screen is arranged in the clean chamber to separate water contained in the liquid medium. A water outlet opening fluidically connects the clean chamber to a water collecting chamber of the filter housing. A particle filter is arranged at the water outlet opening or arranged between the water outlet opening and the filtered liquid medium outlet of the filter element. The water outlet opening of the filter element is fluidically connected with the water collecting chamber of the filter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: MANN+HUMMEL GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Eichinger, Martin Veit, Arndt-Udo Rolle
  • Patent number: 10343085
    Abstract: A multilayer composite in which a nonwoven filter media layer is affixed to but separated from a hydrophobic microporous membrane such that the multilayer porous composite provides effective separation of water and particulate with substantial resistance to clogging in new fuels with low interfacial tensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignees: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., W. L. Gore & Associates GmbH
    Inventors: Gary P. Harp, Marc Schroeter
  • Patent number: 10315139
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a fuel filter assembly, a filter element, and a method of draining water from a fuel filter assembly. The fuel filter assembly comprises a filter element with a water collecting space; the filter element being connected to a fuel pipe for feeding an upstream side of the filter element with fuel and for providing filtered fuel from a downstream side of the filter element to a combustion engine or parts thereof; a fuel pump arranged downstream from the filter element, wherein the fuel pump can be operated in a first mode for drawing fuel through the filter element and in a second, reverse mode for feeding fuel back to the filter element; a one-way fuel valve arranged upstream of the filter element allowing for flow towards the upstream side of the filter element; a pressure-actuated one-way drain valve in communication with the water collecting space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Gert Willems, Daniel Fertil, Mauro Morandi
  • Patent number: 9879406
    Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated system for saving whitewater and using soapy water in washrooms mainly in housing and especially to be used in bathrooms wherein both the whitewater and drinking water is saved in an integral manner and the soapy water generated from washing under the shower and/or in the bath is used. The invention also relates to elements for collecting, storing, filtering and pumping the soapy water, as part of the system, for using same in the cleaning of bathroom furniture and other general uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Inventor: David Antonio De Garay Arellano
  • Patent number: 9850138
    Abstract: A pond for cooling and/or recovering salt from a hot aqueous solution of a salt such as potassium chloride produced by solution mining. The pond comprises a plurality of channels arranged side-by-side, each of the channels being defined by a plurality of sides. An inlet is provided in a side of a channel for receiving the aqueous solution, and an outlet is provided in a side of another one of the channels for discharging the aqueous solution. The pond has at least one dike separating the channels from one another. A gap is formed in each dike to permit the aqueous solution to flow between the channels, the gap having a length which is about 10 to about 40 percent of the length of the sides of the channels. Salt is crystallized and the solution is cooled as it passes through the channels of the pond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: HATCH LTD.
    Inventors: David R. Chinloy, Jianping Zhang, Evangelos Stamatiou
  • Patent number: 9713780
    Abstract: A compact rotating separator apparatus to which a fluid stream containing gas, two liquids of different density, and solids is supplied via nozzles or exhaust from a process component; and which employs high centrifugal forces to produce pure streams of the gas, each of the liquids, and a waste stream containing the solids. The energy in the fluid stream is converted to shaft power in the rotating separator apparatus and can be used to generate power. Oil, gas, water and solids from a production well can be directly separated into the constituent streams while producing useful power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Energent Corporation
    Inventors: Lance G. Hays, Shawn Barge
  • Patent number: 9522353
    Abstract: A filter device including a probe where a filter element probe first end selectively engages with a sensing unit located in a filter head and a filter element probe second end is located in a contaminant portion of a filter canister. The probe fixedly engages through the filter element utilizing a sealing component. The filter element is disposed in the filter canister that engages with the filter head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Richardson
  • Patent number: 9500637
    Abstract: An internal inspection light system for a fuel water separator bowl of a fuel filtration system is disclosed. The internal inspection light system includes an assembly body, a compartment, and a light source. The assembly body is configured to attach to the fuel water separator bowl. The compartment includes a compartment wall extending from the assembly body with at least a portion of the compartment wall being formed of a material such that sufficient light can pass through the compartment wall to illuminate the fuel water separator bowl, and a compartment cap connected to the compartment wall distal to the assembly body. The light source is located within the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Darrell Lee Morehouse, III
  • Patent number: 9353713
    Abstract: A fuel water separator (FWS) filter that is configured to permit water to be drained from the water sump of the FWS filter without shutting off fuel flow to the FWS filter. A check valve is positioned between the water sump and the filter element. When the FWS filter is under vacuum (e.g. as in operation), the check valve can be closed to allow water to drain from the sump. The check valve can close automatically by floating on accumulated water in the sump until the water rises to a level where the check valve is closed. The check valve can also close by opening the drain valve of the FWS filter, which causes a differential pressure between the sump and the vacuum created in the filter element chamber, which forces the check valve to close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: CUMMINS FILTRATION IP, INC.
    Inventors: Brian J. Terry, Carey A. Curt, Mark J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9302204
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for purifying a disulfide oil. The process can include obtaining at least a portion of a disulfide oil coalesced from an alkaline stream, and passing the at least a portion of the disulfide oil through a mesh for recovering a purified disulfide oil stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Luigi Laricchia, Johnathan Andrew Tertel, Jasna Karagic
  • Patent number: 8968580
    Abstract: A pumpbox apparatus includes a reservoir volume having a first inlet for receiving a feedstock stream and a second inlet for receiving a water stream, the reservoir volume being in communication with a discharge outlet disposed to discharge accumulated liquid from the reservoir volume. The reservoir volume is operable to accumulate the feedstock stream and the water stream in the reservoir volume while withdrawing a discharge stream through the discharge outlet to cause a flow of liquid through the pumpbox. The first inlet defines a first flow velocity region between the first inlet and the second inlet and a second flow velocity region between the second inlet and the discharge outlet. The first flow velocity is lower than the second flow velocity to facilitate flotation of a low specific gravity portion of the feedstock through the first region toward an upper surface of the liquid accumulated in the reservoir volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Suncor Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Charles Hann, William Nicholas Garner
  • Patent number: 8691089
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a separation process. An aerated inlet mixture of fluid and solids is fed to a flotation separation vessel and is separated into an upper float layer and a lower clarified layer. The upper float layer is withdrawn from the vessel when the height of the upper float layer exceeds the height of an overflow conduit and forms a concentrated solids effluent. The lower clarified layer is withdrawn from the separation vessel as a clarified fluid effluent. The separation process is performed continuously using a control process that maintains a relatively stable distribution between the lower clarified layer and the upper float layer. The control process is a closed loop process that monitors the instantaneous height of the vessel contents and computes an error function based on the instantaneous height and a set-point height. The error function is used to periodically adjust the outlet flowrate of the clarified fluid effluent. The resulting process has improved stability (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Anaergia Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Bias, Brian Ross
  • Patent number: 8673138
    Abstract: A fuel filter includes a filter element disposed in a filter housing. The filter element is penetrated by fuel flowing in a radial direction from a raw end to a pure end. The fuel filter has a first water separator and a smooth-flow second water separator disposed in series with and connected to the first water separator. Fuel is discharged from the second water separator by a pressure difference generated in the fuel filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Braunheim
  • Patent number: 8636900
    Abstract: A fuel filter having a filter housing including at least one filter element. A water collection chamber configured to collect water separated out of the fuel. An active carbon filter is disposed downstream of the water collection chamber and a water-soluble dividing device is disposed between the water collection chamber and the active carbon filter and is impermeable or insoluble to fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Braunheim, Matthias Gänswein, Sven Siegle, Jörg Hrodek, Richard Wlassa
  • Patent number: 8613853
    Abstract: A fuel filter system, especially for Diesel engines includes filter housing (1) having a fuel inlet (27) and a fuel outlet (29) and a dehydrating filter medium (23) between the inlet and the outlet for the fuel to pass through. The filter housing (1) has a collection chamber (35) for the water trapped by the filter medium from which collection chamber the water can be supplied to a water absorbing and evaporating device (49) via a controlled dispenser (45). The components of the evaporating steam are releasable into the environment through the evaporating steam outlet (51). The water absorbing and evaporating device (49) has a valve arrangement (59, 61) by which the evaporating water outlet (51) can be closed depending on an inadmissible amount of non-evaporated water (55) collected in the evaporating device (49).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Hydac Filtertechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Richard Eberle
  • Patent number: 8567610
    Abstract: A fuel filter system having a fuel filter (14) and water separation device (20), a water collecting chamber (24) with a drain line (26, 28) and controllable water discharge valve (30). A cleaning component (32) is disposed in the drain line behind the water discharge valve (30). A suction line (38) connects a fuel tank (40) with the fuel pump (18). Between the water collecting chamber (24) and cleaning component (32) a connecting line (36) branches to suction line (38) having a pressure controlled stop check valve (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Mann + Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Weindorf, Marco Schweikart
  • Patent number: 8501018
    Abstract: A process vessel is provided for separating a multi-component stream. The process vessel includes an inlet for permitting introduction of reaction water stream into the vessel and an outlet for withdrawing a water-rich phase from the vessel. The vessel further includes a plurality of draw-off points for drawing off a phase rich in suspended hydrocarbons from the vessel, the draw-off point(s) being located above the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Sasol Technology (Pty) Ltd
    Inventors: Paul Meintjes, Johannes Buys
  • Patent number: 8431028
    Abstract: A system for automated water drainage in a fuel system includes a fuel-water separator, a water sensor, first and second drain valves, a drain pressure sensor, and a control system, which is operably connected to the first and second drain valves, the water sensor, and the drain pressure sensor. The water sensor is disposed in the fuel-water separator for detecting the presence of water. The first drain valve is in fluid communication with the fuel-water separator, and the second drain valve is in fluid communication with the first drain valve; a fluid duct connects the first and second drain valves. The drain pressure sensor is positioned in the fluid duct, for detecting pressure levels in the fluid duct. The control system automatically operates the first and second drain valves, for removing purge liquid from the fuel-water separator, based on signal outputs of the water sensor and the drain pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Larry Gene Anderson, Sandeep Banga, Sivanaga Venu Varma Dantuluri, Shawn Michael Gallagher, Jaslok Kaur
  • Patent number: 8409446
    Abstract: An automatic draining system is provided. The system includes a floating valve having a density less than a first fluid and greater than a second fluid. The floating valve has a floating position that allows the first fluid to pass through a floating valve opening when the floating valve compartment is filed with the first fluid, and a sealing position that prevents the first and second fluids from passing through the floating valve opening when the floating valve compartment is not filled with the first fluid. Also included is a solenoid valve in fluid communication with the floating valve compartment. The solenoid valve has a solenoid opening that is open when the solenoid valve is energized and is closed when the solenoid valve is de-energized. Further included is a filter media downstream of the solenoid valve that filters the first liquid prior to the first fluid exiting the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
    Inventor: Wassem Abdalla
  • Patent number: 8282824
    Abstract: A fuel filter having a filter element for filtering out particles and water from a fuel flowing through the fuel filter and having a water drainage unit for conveying filtered-out water out of the fuel filter, in which the water drainage unit is embodied as a stand-alone unit that may be separated from the filter element as needed. Also a semipermeable membrane that is permeable to water rests flat on a support. Alternatively or in addition, the water drainage unit is provided with a porous element for the evaporation of the separated water. In another embodiment two water-permeable semipermeable and hydrophilic membranes are provided. Finally, the filter element is embodied essentially in the form of a hollow cylinder in which at least part of the water drainage unit may be situated on the interior of the hollow cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Brielmann, Carlos J. Blasco Remacha, Miguel Granda, Matthias Gaenswein, Vasco Gomes Gama
  • Publication number: 20120097607
    Abstract: Waste water conditioning has nearly 150 years of history. During this time, a method has developed that is considered to be state of the art. While this method meets the requirements at hand, it is complicated and expensive. The novel method breaks down the rigidly entrenched method and simplifies it. In a plurality of stages, the only energy that is used is gravity, which is readily available and free of cost. Thus, an “alternative sewage treatment plant” has been developed, which has a simpler method and is less expensive in terms of investment costs and operating costs, at the same capacity, and requires only a fraction of the previous required surface area. The most important characteristic of the invention is that the novel method separates solids from waste water immediately after entering the sewage treatment plant. Mechanically purified water is much faster, easier and less expensive to purify. The paths pursued for conditioning of the sludge are also new.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Josef Merai
  • Patent number: 8153008
    Abstract: Device (5) for filtering blood including a filter unit (7) having a blood filter, an inlet (8) for blood to be filtered and being connectable to an artery of a patient and a blood outlet (9) for filtered blood and being connectable to a vein of the patient, and having a filtrate container (6,14), that encloses the filter unit (7), for receiving filtrate (12) passing through the blood filter during a filtering process and that the filtrate container (6,14) is a closed container, which in a filled state is arranged to establish a counter-pressure over the blood filter, whereby the filtering process is interrupted. The invention also concerns a system including the above device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventor: Anders Nilsson
  • Patent number: 8105484
    Abstract: According to one representative embodiment, a fluid storage device for storing a first fluid in a second fluid storage container fillable with a second fluid includes a first fluid storage container, a first fluid inlet coupled to the first fluid storage container, and a first fluid outlet coupled to the first fluid storage container. The first fluid storage container is flexible. The first fluid inlet is communicable in fluid receiving communication with a first fluid source. The first fluid in the first fluid storage container is caused to drain from the first fluid outlet based on at least one of a first fluid level, a first fluid storage container pressure, a second fluid storage container pressure, the second fluid storage container filling with the second fluid, the first fluid outlet being opened for first fluid egress, and a first fluid outlet pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard Malgorn, Arnaud Le Ven, Emmanuel Page, Jean-Yves Picard, J. Bruce Schelkopf, Barry Verdegan
  • Patent number: 8075783
    Abstract: A system and method for remediating a body of water and collecting suspended and dissolved solids therefrom are provided. The system includes a water-impervious lining positionable in a depression in or adjacent a body of water. The lining and depression define a treatment vessel, which includes a treatment portion, an outlet portion for containing treated water, and an outflow weir between the treatment portion and the outlet portion. Water to be treated is transported from the water body to the treatment portion. An entrapment element is delivered and mixed into the transported water, the entrapment element for capturing suspended and dissolved solids in the transported water and effecting a separation between the captured solids and water cleansed therefrom. The captured solids can be removed from the treatment basin, and the cleansed water can move through a channel in the outflow weir into the outlet portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: AquaFiber Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Kyle R. Jensen, Ronald P. Allen, Daniel Keys
  • Patent number: 7988870
    Abstract: A watershed runoff treatment device is adapted to be used to convert a single-stage drain inlet vault (catch basin) into a two-stage clarifier in which treatment can be accomplished before discharging the water to further on-site treatment or detention or to storm drain. It includes a flow control box member to be mounted on the interior of the vault covering the discharge pipe(s) so that substantially all water runoff entering the vault must flow therethrough prior to exiting the vault. Floating, disposable hydrocarbon collection pads are deployed inside an open mesh container removably attached and covering the upstream face of the flow control box, as well as below the horizontal filter array described next.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: David Belasco
  • Patent number: 7981278
    Abstract: This present invention provides a gasoline-ethanol separation apparatus which is used for an internal combustion engine, and can separate a mixture fuel formed of mixed gasoline and ethanol into gasoline and ethanol. The gasoline-ethanol separation apparatus 1 includes a fuel tank 2 for accommodating a mixture fuel, a separation tank 4 for separating the mixture fuel supplied from the fuel tank 2 into the gasoline (A) and an ethanol-water mixture liquid (B), by mixing water supplied by water-supply means 3 with the mixture fuel, and storing the separated mixture liquid (B); pressurizing means 5 for pressurizing the mixture liquid (B) to be supplied into the separation tank 4; gasoline-taking-out means 6 for taking the gasoline (A) out of the tank from an upper part of the interface between the gasoline (A) and the ethanol-water mixture liquid (B) first valve 62; and ethanol-taking-out means 7 for taking the ethanol-water mixture liquid (B) out of the separation tank 4 through a second valve 72.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Kamio, Yasuyuki Kubo
  • Patent number: 7976700
    Abstract: A water separation unit includes a water separation portion. The water separation portion includes a component separation wall, a liquid chamber, and a gas chamber. The separation wall divides the water separation portion between the liquid chamber and the gas chamber. Liquid fuel is led to the liquid chamber. The separation wall includes a separation membrane, which water selectively permeates to be separated from liquid fuel in the liquid chamber. Water passing through the separation wall is temporarily stored in the gas chamber. A fuel supply apparatus supplies liquid fuel in a fuel tank to an internal-combustion engine. The apparatus includes the water separation unit. The water separation portion is disposed integrally in one of the fuel tank and a passage leading from a filler opening into the fuel tank, such that the liquid chamber is located above the gas chamber in a vertical direction of the water separation portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Miyao Arakawa, Yoshiaki Nishijima, Masatoshi Kuroyanagi, Yoshimichi Kiyozumi
  • Patent number: 7927481
    Abstract: System for the recovery of washing liquids used in showers, wash basins, and/or baths, including a first decantation tank provided with at least one inlet connected to a downflow point of washing water, a second collection tank, an overflow partition wall adapted to separate the two tanks, a sewer drainage at the bottom of the decantation tank, adapted to be closed by a plug that can be raised by a float in the collection tank according to the liquid level therein, a drawing pump in the collection tank, controllable by a relay, or electrical float, indicating the liquid requirements of a fixture, a pipe connecting the pump of the collection tank with the fixture, the relay, or electric float, electrically connected with the pump and a valve of the fixture and controlled by a float in the collection tank for closing the electrical power supply to the pump and opening the electrical power supply of a valve for liquid flow to the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Settimo Martinello
  • Patent number: 7850846
    Abstract: The invention relates to a structurally simple and hence economical fuel filter, in particular a diesel filter, having at least one fuel inlet, at least one fuel outlet, water separator means, at least one sump, a water outlet associated with the sump, and control means for the water outlet, in which the water to be drained out is cleaned by means for separating out contaminants, so that this water can be given off to the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Julian De La Azuela, Juergen Gruen, Nestor Rodriguez-Amaya
  • Publication number: 20090095070
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sedimentation plant comprising a sedimentation basin (12), a cleaner beam (18) and an ultrasonic sludge level probe (30) which is suspended in the sedimentation basin (12). The cleaner beam (18) collides with the sludge level probe (30) in a regular manner ensuring that the sludge level probe (30) is displaced from the vertical spatial position and that the distance measuring values supplied thereby are no longer required for evaluating the height (h) of the sludge level (40). A positional sensor (34) is associated with the ultrasonic measuring head (32), which determines the spatial position of the ultrasonic measuring head (32). As a result, an error position of the ultrasonic measuring head (32) can be determined and the distance measuring values supplied by the ultrasonic measuring head (32) when in the error position are suppressed when the height (h) of the sludge level (40) is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: HACH LANGE GMBH
    Inventors: Manfred Battefeld, Andreas Jonak, Lothar Heidemanns, Axel Leyer, Michael Schuster
  • Patent number: 7476310
    Abstract: Fuel filter for diesel engines with high pressure direct injection of common rail type and the like, comprising an outer casing provided with a fuel inlet conduit (3) and an outlet conduit (4), and containing in its interior a filter means(5), a temperature sensor(15) being positioned in proximity to the bottom of said casing to measure the temperature of the fuel present in the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: UFI Filters S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giorgio Girondi
  • Patent number: 7445719
    Abstract: During collection of pollutants having a density lower than that of water and carried by a surface layer of a body of water, water of the surface layer is caused to flow into and through a collection vessel having a separation compartment with a top wall, pollutants entrained by the inflowing surface layer water are allowed to collect gravimetrically as a supernatant layer carried beneath the top wall of the separation compartment on water in the separation compartment, and changes of the weight of the collection vessel in the body of water are monitored. Intake and discharge phases may be initiated and terminated to in response to the said weight reaching predetermined values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Inovacor AB
    Inventors: Stig Lundbäck, Jonas Johnson
  • Patent number: 7314509
    Abstract: A gas/liquid phase separator includes a fluid inlet, a vapor outlet, a liquid outlet, and first and second valves disposed in fluid communication with the liquid outlet. Both valves are controllable in response to a fluid level in the gas/liquid phase separator. Both valves are further disposed in parallel fluid communication with each other. A method of controlling a liquid level in the phase separator includes sensing an amount of liquid in the phase separator, sensing a system pressure, and selectively opening a valve disposed in fluid communication with the phase separator to drain the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Proton Energy System, Inc.
    Inventors: A. John Speranza, Andrzej E. Stanek, Angelo A. Morson, Justin D. Baltrucki
  • Patent number: 6974537
    Abstract: The diesel purifier produces a fuel of high purity that meets the full ignition requirements at the combustion chamber of the engine. The purifier comprises a purification chamber encapsulated by an external body of the unit wherein, the purification chamber has a barrier with conical and cylindrical parts surrounded by a filter, such that fuel flows from the unit inlet through a pipe to the conical part, further wherein the upper part of the unit has a relief valve, the lower part has a heating element, and a water sensor connectable to sound and light indicators at a cabin dash board, and at the bottom there is a drain valve and filter, which is secured at the outlet of the unit. The above purification process depends on causing of some differences in the density of contaminants which contributes towards the settling of heavy impurities and the light contaminants are separated by a wire filter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: Ali Hasan Hamdan Abdelqader
  • Patent number: 6783665
    Abstract: The unit includes a sensor means (20) positioned in the collection chamber to undergo activation when the water level reaches a predetermined maximum value; there is also provided an electrically operated withdrawal device (30) connected to the vehicle electrical system, to withdraw the water separated within the collection chamber through the bleed outlet, or to close the outlet; a microprocessor (40) is also provided, connected to the sensor (20) and to the switch (50) of the vehicle electrical power system, to electrically power the withdrawal device (30) when the sensor (20) is activated and the ignition key is in a first activation position (I).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: UFI Universal Filter International S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giorgio Girondi
  • Patent number: 6780334
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating from a liquid mixture, first and second liquid components such as oil and water, wherein the first liquid has a greater density than the second liquid, includes a vessel (10) having an inlet (13) through which the mixture is introduced into the vessel (10), and an outlet (14) through which separated first liquid is in use discharged, and there being a separating member (12) within the vessel (10), the mixture being constrained to contact the separating member (12), the separating member (12) including a material which adsorbs the second liquid component characterised in that the separating member (12) is adapted to move in the vessel (10) downwardly in response to an increase in the weight thereof as second liquid component is adsorbed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventors: John Andrew Timmins, John Timmins
  • Patent number: 6709576
    Abstract: A fuel filter 10, particularly for diesel fuel, which is formed by a filter housing 11 with a filter head 12 and a filter enclosure 13. The filter head 12 has a fuel inlet 14 and a fuel outlet 15. The housing enclosure 13 has a water accumulation chamber 25, which is connected to a water outlet 16. A cylindrical filter element 17 and a water discharge device 27 are arranged in the filter housing 11. The filter element 17 separates an unfiltered side 19 from a filtered side 20 so as to form a seal. The water discharge device 27 seals the water outlet 16 in the housing enclosure 13. The water outlet 16 can be mechanically opened from the outside via an actuating element 29, which is is appropriately connected to the filter head 12 on the one hand and to the water outlet 16 on the other hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventor: Guenter Jokschas
  • Patent number: 6645372
    Abstract: An automatic bleed unit for a fuel filter used particularly in diesel engines includes a filter chamber 5 for accumulating water present in the fuel. Sensors 220, 230 and associated floats 24, 25 are provided for determining the level of water in the chamber. Upon reaching a predetermined level, a microprocessor activates a withdrawal device 7 to drain water from the chamber. The device is only activated when the vehicle engine is at rest and the ignition key is in first switch position that makes the relevant electrical system live. A system that verifies the compatibility between the withdrawal device casing 70 and a base part 20 of the sensing system can also be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: UFI Universal Filter International S.p.A
    Inventor: Giorgio Girondi
  • Publication number: 20030141228
    Abstract: A separator for use in ships' bilges capable of physical and chemical separation of both free and emulsified hydrocarbons from a water stream that includes two separation units, the first one being a gravimetric separation unit that utilizes coalescent plates to separate free hydrocarbon in the mixture of water/hydrocarbons and a pump which recirculates the water emulsified hydrocarbon mixture through the self-filtration unit and also sends the separated hydrocarbons in the gravimetric unit to the corresponding deposit of free hydrocarbons collecting tank, and the second separation unit being a membrane ultrafiltration apparatus to separate the emulsified hydrocarbons from the water stream, the separator also including a control panel that controls the operation of all elements and devices of the separator, and a phase detector which determines the quantity of accumulated hydrocarbons at the top part of the gravimetric unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Camilo Vazquez Perez, Jose Saavedra Pereira
  • Publication number: 20030127376
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in, for example, separating oil from water, which comprises a vortex chamber adapted to admit through an inlet a flow of oil and water, means, (e.g. a helical coil shaped wall member of a “Clock Spring Guide”), device adapted to impart a rotational movement to the admitted oil and water so as to form within the chamber a rotating fluid mass within which a nonturbulent vortex of oil floats on the water. Oil removal pipe provides means for the removal of oil from the oil vortex, and outlet means located below the level of the floating oil provides for the escape of water from the vortex chamber. Variable flow regulating means is located at or downstream of the outlet means to regulate the rate of flow of water through the chamber. A tilted corrugated plate separator housed in chamber may be interposed between the water outlet means of the vortex chamber and the variable flow regulating means to separate residual oil in the emergent water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas Merlin Maddock, Alun Kynric Lewis
  • Publication number: 20020050469
    Abstract: A fuel filter 10, particularly for diesel fuel, which is formed by a filter housing 11 with a filter head 12 and a filter enclosure 13. The filter head 12 has a fuel inlet 14 and a fuel outlet 15. The housing enclosure 13 has a water accumulation chamber 25, which is connected to a water outlet 16. A cylindrical filter element 17 and a water discharge device 27 are arranged in the filter housing 11. The filter element 17 separates an unfiltered side 19 from a filtered side 20 so as to form a seal. The water discharge device 27 seals the water outlet 16 in the housing enclosure 13. The water outlet 16 can be mechanically opened from the outside via an actuating element 29, which is is appropriately connected to the filter head 12 on the one hand and to the water outlet 16 on the other hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventor: Guenter Jokschas
  • Patent number: 6368498
    Abstract: A liquid separator (10) for separating two immiscible liquids having different specific gravities, for example, a first liquid comprising water and a second liquid comprising oil. The liquid separator (10) has a housing (12) that defines a separation chamber (14) and liquid inlet (16), a first liquid outlet (18) and a second liquid outlet (20) mounted above the first liquid outlet (18). A float 26 is positioned within separation chamber 14 to translate in the vertical direction and has a specific gravity between that of the first and second liquids so that it floats at approximately the interface (28) between the two liquid phases (30 and 32). Valve closure devices (38 and 40) contact valve seats in the valves 46 and 56 of first and second liquid outlets (18 and 20) to control the flow of separated liquids from separation chamber 14 as determined by the level of the interface (28) and the length of the valve rods (34 and 36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Paul Guilmette