Check Valve Controlled Patents (Class 210/117)
  • Patent number: 8313656
    Abstract: A variable wash flow filter assembly includes guide that is operable to guide a wash velocity control cone between a minimal position and a maximum position. The guide defines at least one activation deltaP window downstream of a conical gap between the wash velocity control cone and a frusto-conical wash filter. The fuel flow through the conical gap and the activation deltaP window is operable to position the wash velocity control cone between the minimal position and maximum position to selectively split a fuel flow through an inlet into a burn flow through a thru flow port and a filtered flow thru the frusto-conical wash filter and filtered flow port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Gibbons, Francis P. Marocchini, Tomas R. Leutwiler
  • Patent number: 8282789
    Abstract: Extraction apparatus and method for obtaining essential oils, essence, and pigments from odorous raw materials (e.g., plant materials and Chinese medicinal herbs) by microwave radiation heating have advantages of easy operation, higher extracting temperature and efficiency. The microwave chamber has a power level of 100 W to 1,500 W and its microwave radiation has a frequency at 915 MHz or 2,450 MHz. The extraction process can be performed without any preheating necessary. A condenser is operated at temperatures between ?20° C. and 15° C. for cooling the gas flowing out of the extraction cartridges. Because both volatile fragrant compounds and pigments of the odorous raw materials can be extracted successfully by the top-down extraction fashion, the extracted essence is colorful. Since the extraction process by microwave heating is free from adding any organic solvent and/or any artificial chemical compound, the extraction apparatus and method are environmentally friendly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Bing-Nan Lee
  • Patent number: 8282880
    Abstract: A bottle, a system and a method sterilize a liquid. The bottle has an interior to hold the liquid and an ultraviolet light emitting lamp that extends into the interior. A cord may be attached to the bottle so that pulling the cord may power the ultraviolet light emitting lamp and/or charge a battery used to power the ultraviolet light emitting lamp. The bottle may have a status light that indicates that the ultraviolet light emitting lamp may have an amount of power equal to or greater than a threshold value, such as, for example, an amount of power necessary for the ultraviolet light emitting lamp to operate for ninety seconds. The bottle may have a removable lid located opposite to the ultraviolet light emitting lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Neverest Travel Solutions
    Inventor: Eric James
  • Patent number: 8216462
    Abstract: A portable water disinfecting and purification apparatus comprising a first chamber into which water to be purified may be drawn by suction or negative pressure, a second chamber into which the water from the first chamber can be forced by a pumping action or positive pressure, whereby the water is passed across a micro-filter positioned within a section of the second chamber through which water can be forced by said pumping action to an outlet for purified water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventors: Paul W. O'Brien, Mogens Engel
  • Patent number: 8173027
    Abstract: Method for separating a volume of composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component including centrifuging a separation bag containing a volume of composite liquid and a volume of gas so as to sediment at least a first component and a second component separation bag; displacing a volume of hydraulic fluid against the separation bag to cause a transfer of at least one fraction of the content of the separation bag into at least one component bag connected to the separation bag; determining the volume of hydraulic fluid displaced and determining the volume of the composite liquid or the transferred components from the determined volume of displaced hydraulic fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Niclas Högberg, Brian M. Holmes, Briden Ray Stanton, Lars Persson, Lars Strandberg, Peter Pihlstedt
  • Patent number: 8157987
    Abstract: A multiple filter controller for monitoring two or more filters to detect when any of the filters is malfunctioning and for polishing a fluid, wherein the multiple filter controller comprises a first filter; a second filter; an inlet valve, wherein the inlet valve provides the fluid to the first filter and to the second filter wherein the fluid originates from a supply station; an outlet valve, wherein the outlet valve provides an outlet source for the fluid from the first filter and from the second filter; a bleed valve located downstream of the outlet valve; and a first conduit in communication with the bleed valve and with the supply station, wherein the fluid passes into the multiple filter controller via the inlet valve, and wherein the fluid is returned to the supply station by feeding the fluid into the first conduit via the bleed valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Andrew D. Keenan
  • Publication number: 20110315630
    Abstract: Simplified liquid-solid and liquid-liquid separations after centrifugal extraction are used to extract a target substance from a substance mixture into a solvent. An extraction container has a closed-end cylindrical shape, and is rotated around a central axis by an extractor rotor driven by a motor. The extraction container includes: an opening provided in a bottom portion thereof; and a valve (valve ball) provided at the opening, and opened or closed by a pressure difference between above and below the valve. In extraction, a substance mixture and a solvent are put into the extraction container. The extraction container is repeatedly subjected to normal rotation, pausing, reverse rotation, and pausing to thereby extract a target substance from the substance mixture into the solvent and to separate the liquids into upper and lower layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: UNIFLOWS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideyuki MORIKAWA, Hideki Muraki
  • Publication number: 20110233119
    Abstract: A sports bottle device including a pair of compartments forming filtered and unfiltered chambers, a filter in the unfiltered chamber, an isolation device isolating the filter from the filtered chamber and a piston pump for pumping fluid to the filtered chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Steven D. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20110233118
    Abstract: A sports bottle device including a pair of compartments forming filtered and unfiltered chambers, a filter in the unfiltered chamber and an isolation device isolating the filter from the filtered chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Steven D. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8021541
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automotive engine cooling system and the ability to filter contaminates from the cooling system liquid thus slowing down metal erosion of internal cooling system components. The present invention also allows the user to visually see the condition of the filtering device and the condition of the cooling system liquid. If the filtering device should plug or clog, a by-pass system is in place to allow the cooling system liquid to continue circulation not affecting the vehicle's engine temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Vehicle Enhancement Labs
    Inventor: Michael Philip Green
  • Patent number: 7955500
    Abstract: An assembly is disclosed that includes a centerpost assembly and a fluid filter cartridge. The centerpost assembly includes a main body having an inlet flow opening, an open interior, and a radial flange. An interior shelf is positioned proximate the inlet flow opening of the main body. The interior shelf includes an interior flow opening. A check valve ball is movably positioned on the interior shelf to move between the inlet flow opening and the interior flow opening. A spring-loaded end cap is movably connected to an upper end of the main body and is configured to move between a compressed state and an uncompressed state. A blocking pin extends from a lower surface of the end cap. When the end cap is in the compressed state, the blocking pin prevents the check valve ball from blocking a flow of fluid from flowing through the interior flow opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Wassem Abdalla, Zemin Jiang
  • Patent number: 7931810
    Abstract: A water purification system and method. A closed water recirculation loop supplied at one point by a water inlet with water to be purified, and having at least one outlet point of use of the purified water. Also included is a pump and a water purifier on the loop respectively downstream of the inlet point and upstream of the at least one outlet point, in the water flow direction. The system includes two independent valves, including a first valve on the loop upstream of the pump and a second valve upstream of the at least one point of use outlet point. The first and second valves are selectively opened and closed to recirculate all the water treated by the purifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Yves Gaignet, Ichiro Kano, Cecilia Regnault, Daniel Darbouret
  • Publication number: 20110042282
    Abstract: A pressure-controlled liquid supply system uses a pump control device to switch a pump on and off in response to a pressure level in the pumped liquid. The pump control device minimizes short cycling of the pump by preventing shut off of the pump while a flow is present through the pump control device and by delaying the shut off of the pump. The pump control device also avoids a significant drop in the output pressure by creating a reduced pressure zone, which provides the switch pressure used to switch the pump off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: R.E. PRESCOTT CO., INC.
    Inventor: Russell E. Prescott
  • Publication number: 20110031195
    Abstract: A recirculating/filtering/flushing system for cleaning a water main is provided, wherein the water main includes first and second access points. The system comprises at least one filter for filtering water in the water main; an inlet conduit coupled with the first access point and the at least one filter; an outlet conduit coupled with the second access point and the at least one filter; a bypass conduit coupled with the inlet conduit at a first location upstream of the at least one filter, and coupled with the outlet conduit at a second location downstream of the at least one filter; and a pumping device for flowing the water in the water main through the inlet conduit, through either the at least one filter or the bypass conduit, and through the outlet conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Chris E. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 7862723
    Abstract: An apparatus for purifying water according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a feed line fluidically connected to a reverse osmosis module containing a semipermeable membrane. The semipermeable membrane produces purified water and a concentrate. A drain line is also connected to the reverse osmosis module configured to transport concentrate. A product line is connected to the reverse osmosis module for transporting purified water. Operatively associated with the product line and drain line is a shut-off mechanism containing a pressure sensor or gasket operatively associated with an appliance configured to activate the shut-off mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: The Good Water Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Cartwright
  • Publication number: 20100230332
    Abstract: An adsorption apparatus for wastewater, having a reaction tank configured to allow adsorption of a resource substance contained in wastewater on an adsorbent to be carried out therein, a supplying device configured to supply wastewater containing the resource substance to the reaction tank, a charging device configured to charge the adsorbent into the reaction tank, a water discharging device configured to discharge a treated water, obtained after the wastewater is removed of the resource substance by the adsorption, from the reaction tank, a adsorbent discharging device configured to discharge the adsorbent having the resource substance adsorbed thereon, from the reaction tank, and an adsorbent flow out preventing device configured to prevent flow out of the adsorbent from the reaction tank during the adsorption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Masahiko TSUTSUMI, Shinobu Moniwa, Katsuya Yamamoto, Nobuyuki Ashikaga, Satomi Ebihara, Hidetake Shiire, Kazuhiko Noda
  • Patent number: 7763209
    Abstract: A sample preparation device for reducing a concentration of one or more concomitant components of a sample and/or increasing a concentration of one or more desired sample components is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: HandyLab, Inc.
    Inventor: Cecelia Haley
  • Publication number: 20100108583
    Abstract: An installation kit for an alkaline water ionizer unit or reverse osmosis unit may comprise a valve having two separate flow paths. The first flow path provides tap water to the alkaline water ionizer unit or the reverse osmosis unit. The second flow path connects to a “by-product” water outlet of the alkaline water ionizer unit or the reverse osmosis unit. The “by-product” water may be drained to the kitchen sink or stored in a storage tank for later use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Jalil I. Badran
  • Patent number: 7704400
    Abstract: A system for washing contaminated sand comprises a plurality of reactors arranged in a sequence from a first to a last reactor. The first reactor is configured to receive contaminated sand. Each reactor comprises a funnel portion in a lower section thereof for accumulating a sand layer and a sand conveying device for removing sand through an aperture defined near a bottom of the funnel portion. Each reactor except the first reactor receives sand removed from a previous reactor. The system also comprises a steam supply system for providing each reactor with steam for washing the sand, a water supply system for providing the last reactor with clean water for rinsing the sand, and a fluid outlet associated with each reactor for removing fluid and providing the fluid to a separator for separating the fluid into first and second portions respectively containing relatively low and high proportions of hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Paul Costinel
  • Publication number: 20100096304
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel filter (1) with a filter element (2) for separating particles and water out of a fuel flow flowing through the fuel filter (1), a collecting space (6) for collecting the separated water (7), and a dewatering device (3) for discharging the separated water (7) out of the fuel filter (1). Here, it is essential to the invention that the dewatering device (3) has a hydrocarbon adsorber (9) for adsorbing hydrocarbon components which are entrained in the separated water (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Matthias Gänswein, Peter Koppi, Pia Küsgens, Sven Siegle
  • Publication number: 20100000917
    Abstract: A septic system can include an improved and more reliable apparatus for distributing effluent uniformly to a plurality of portions or fingers of a drain field. In such apparatus, an effluent container, or collection tank, is connected with the outlet of a septic tank, and an effluent-operated valve controls effluent flow from an outlet of the effluent container, or collection tank, to an effluent distribution tank which is connected to a plurality of portions, or fingers, of a sewage drain field to uniformly distribute the effluent from the septic tank to the drain field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Neal Zook
  • Publication number: 20090255878
    Abstract: A filter sub apparatus comprising a housing configured to contain a filter and a bypass mechanism is provided. The bypass mechanism may be actuated upon debris buildup on the filter resulting in a load applied to the bypass mechanism rising above a predetermined lower level. A method to prevent chemical injection process failures may also be provided. The method may comprise the steps of providing a filter sub prior to a check valve. The filter sub may include a filter and a bypass mechanism. Another step may be passing fluid through the filter. In addition, the steps may also include containing at least some debris on a side of the filter such that the debris is prevented from reaching the check valve. A further step may be actuating the bypass mechanism after the debris builds up to a level in which a resulting load applied to the bypass mechanism exceeds a lower limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: David Himmel
  • Publication number: 20090206044
    Abstract: Enhancements to the Double Drain technology used for separation of settle-able solid wastes previously developed. Anti-vortex fins are added to the central clarified effluent water manifold to minimize re-suspension of settled solids. A further aspect includes the addition of a slotted horizontal cover plate to a solid waste collection sump below the tank floor. These additions significantly increase the effectiveness of the Double Drain system for separation of settle-able solid waste from fish culture water. The enhanced Double Drain Tank design with the anti-vortex feature could also be used in non-fish culture applications to enhance the separation of settle-able solids from any liquid waste water flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: J. Wayne Van Toever
  • Patent number: 7575672
    Abstract: A mobile separator system for oil and gas well production fluids consisting of a sled supporting a horizontal three phase separator vessel having an upright vessel or blowcase, with an upper section open to a lower section through a check valve, and a vertical two phase vessel mounted beside each other and seated within the horizontal vessel. A direct fired heater in the horizontal vessel provides the required heating for all three vessels. Production fluids tangentially enter the upper section of the upright vessel with gas rising and the fluid descending through a check valve to the lower section and then transferred into the horizontal vessel. The rising gas outlet is connected to the suction of a compressor and discharged under pressure to the intake of the vertical vessel. Separated gas from the horizontal vessel also is directed to the intake of the compressor. Oil and water separated in the horizontal vessel are transferred into storage or pipelines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventor: Terry S. Gilmore
  • Patent number: 7449106
    Abstract: A fluid filtration system housing has first, second and third openings. A cap is removably and sealably attached to the first opening. A filter assembly is fitted in the housing to thereby define a first chamber accessible via the third opening and a second chamber accessible via the second opening and sealed by the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventors: Philip W. Ramsey, James E. Gannon, A. Wharton Ramsey
  • Publication number: 20080251434
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a manually operable device for purifying water, comprising a water container for receiving and holding an amount of non-purified water, comprising a bottom and side walls and adapted to receive a manually operable piston-type filter assembly, said filter assembly comprising filtering means for filtering said non-purified water, wherein said filter assembly is adapted to be manually forced towards the bottom of the said container, thereby allowing non-purified water to pass through the said filtering means thereby purifying the water. With the device according to the invention a low-cost water purifier is provided which can be used to provide an improved drinking water quality under primitive (outdoor) conditions, wherein no water pressure and/or electricity is present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Johan Marra
  • Publication number: 20080185324
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for conveying lime slurry, removing and controlling the amount of grit, and feeding lime slurry, wherein the lime slurry moves through a recirculation loop, and wherein gravity removal of grit from the lime slurry takes place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: RDP Company
    Inventors: Paul G. Christy, Michael Quici
  • Publication number: 20080185323
    Abstract: A water treatment system for removing impurities from incoming feed water includes a manifold having a plurality of water treatment filter housings connected thereto. The filter housings are configured to accept a plurality of water treatment filter cartridges, which have, at one end, a filter housing cap fixedly attached thereto. The system manifold is also adaptable to be able to connect to peripheral accessories, filtration devices, and identical water treatment systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: AWTP, LLC.
    Inventor: John Harold Kargenian
  • Patent number: 7402240
    Abstract: A home RO filtration system includes a membrane module having an inlet connected to a feed line, the membrane module also having a concentrate outlet coupled to a concentrate line, and a permeate outlet coupled to a permeate line. The permeate line communicates with a faucet. The system includes a flush reservoir communicatively coupled between the permeate line and the feed line. The system is configured such that after the faucet is turned off, a portion of permeate is delivered to the reservoir and then delivered to the inlet of the module to flush the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Chia Kung, Phillip Goebel, Thomas J. Cartwright, Peter Cartwright, Kenneth J. Sieth, Richard Reckin, Duane Freimuth
  • Patent number: 7387210
    Abstract: A combined filter cartridge and manifold for use in a water purification system or the like, to facilitate substantially drip-free filter cartridge removal and replacement. The filter cartridge includes water inlet and outlet ports for respective connection with inlet and outlet fittings on the manifold. A pivoting manifold cap normally overlies and retains the filter cartridge in connected relation with the manifold fittings and a water supply coupled to the manifold. Pivoting movement of the manifold cap toward an open position shuts off the water supply and then permits filter cartridge separation from the manifold, with check valves at the manifold inlet/outlet fittings and cartridge inlet/outlet ports preventing significant water leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Zohar Waterworks, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce D. Burrows, David B. Chaney, Louis M. Busick
  • Publication number: 20080128339
    Abstract: An apparatus for a variable volume drain field for onsite wastewater renovation. The system includes at least one module having a weir-type inlet and a one-way flow control device. The modules displace and store wastewater, and allow for differential release of the stored wastewater. The inlet is positioned adjacent the top of the module and the one-way flow control device is adjacent the bottom. In one embodiment, the module includes a pipe with caps having the inlet and one-way flow control device. In another embodiment, the module includes a container and a lid. The container includes the inlet and a one-way flow control device is connected adjacent the bottom of the container. In one embodiment, the one-way flow control device is a flexible hose with a float attached to the free end of the hose. The other end of the hose is in fluid communication with the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: INNOVATIVE BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING
    Inventor: Timothy N. Burcham
  • Patent number: 7316774
    Abstract: A reverse osmosis water filtration system has a control housing that contains control components for the filtration system. The control housing may include control components for a membrane flushing system and/or feed water pressurization system for a permeate storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Kinetico Incorporated
    Inventors: Peter Halemba, George Ellis, III, Stuart Park
  • Patent number: 7285210
    Abstract: A reverse osmosis water filtering system includes a reverse osmosis membrane having first output port for permeate water, second output port for concentrate water, and intake port for receiving filtered water, a filtering assembly providing filtered water to the membrane, and a flow restrictor restricting a flow of concentrate water from the membrane to a water source, the flow restrictor including a housing defining an elongated conduit having a tapering conical wall defining a first screw thread and a water-channel thread extending therealong including generally between a first opening into a distal region of the conduit for receiving a flow of liquid and a second opening into a proximal region of the conduit, and an axially elongated plug received into the conduit, a surface of the plug opposed to the tapering conical wall defining a second screw thread and a tapering surface, the second screw thread disposed in threaded engagement with the first screw thread defined by the conical wall of the housing, opp
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Watts Regulator Co.
    Inventor: Craig A. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 7273544
    Abstract: A sludge extractor with a receiving tank, on which a suction connection for a suction element, which draws in a sludge-containing liquid, and a discharge connection for discharge element, which discharges the sludge-containing liquid, are mounted, and with a motor for driving a suction device in such a way that a negative pressure is created in the receiving tank, which negative pressure keeps a vacuum valve on the discharge element closed, is characterized in that the negative pressure acting on the vacuum valve is lower than the pressure which acts on the vacuum valve as a result of the sludge-containing liquid when a predetermined fill level is reached by the sludge-containing liquid in the receiving tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Oase Wübker GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Dieter Hoffmeier
  • Patent number: 7255141
    Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, a container filling plant container filling machine, and a filter apparatus for filtering a liquid beverage. The filter apparatus has a plurality of filter chambers which are each provided with an individual valve in the outlet for filtered liquid from a filter chamber to optimize filtration. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen-und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventor: Hans Becker
  • Patent number: 7238278
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purifying water by forming in an electrolytic cell molecular halogen, hypohalic acid, hypohalite ions or combinations thereof, from halide ions dissolved in the water; and dissolving one or more soluble metal salts in the water to provide corresponding metal ions. The invention also relates to a system for purifying water, having an electrolytic cell comprising a plurality of electrodes sufficient to electrolytically convert halide ion in the water into molecular halogen, hypohalic acid, or hypohalite ions, or combinations thereof; and a metal generator, which provides concentrations of one or more metals to the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Coffey, Alvin Costa, Raymond Albert Hin, Gary Andrew Kennedy, Christopher Kampf, Daniel Nelsen, Michael Pereira
  • Patent number: 7232518
    Abstract: A filter device includes at least one filter unit (10), connectable to a hydraulic circuit (14), with at least one supply line (16), one discharge line (18), and at least one cooling unit (22). The cooling unit is connected to a secondary branch line (20), is connected to the hydraulic unit (14) parallel to the supply line (16), and is supplied with a hydraulic medium by a switching device (24) once a predetermined temperature threshold value of the hydraulic medium to be cooled is attained. A permanent supply (36) for the cooling unit (22) is provided in the direction of flow of the hydraulic medium in the supply line (18) before the switching device (24). This permanent supply (36), connected in parallel to the switching device (24), flows into the secondary branch line (20) to control the volume flow in reverse flow according to the fluid temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Hydac Filtertechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Wilkendorf
  • Patent number: 7182854
    Abstract: A sanitation system comprising of a first tank for receiving waste water fluid typically comprising solids, a maceration pump for pulling waste water fluid from the first tank, a cross flow filter comprising of media for receiving the sheared fluid forming unfiltered waste water and product water, a second tank for receiving the product water from a product water manifold connected to the second segment, a vented loop in communication with the second tank for receiving raw water and displacing product water from the second tank, a macerating water jet adapted to pull product water into the vented loop and on demand further macerate the product water, then into a third tank for receiving water from the vented loop and raw water for de-chlorinating the product water, and a control panel comprising a microprocessor to optimize the operation of the sanitation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Headhunter, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kroesser, Paul Mellinger, Mark Mellinger, Lynn Wallace, Art Smith, Randy Lego, Scott Hudson, Melvyn Wayne Mellinger
  • Patent number: 7182858
    Abstract: A filter apparatus is provided which includes a first filter membrane element (40a), and a second bacterial filter membrane element. The first viral filter element (40a) is capable of treating water at a first second flow rate and is adapted to remove contaminants which are larger than a first size, while the second bacterial filter element (40b) is capable of treating water at a second higher flow rate and is adapted to remove contaminants which are larger than a second contaminant size. The first and second filter elements (40a), (40b) may be commonly housed within a sealed housing. An accumulating vessel (60) is placed in fluid communication with an outlet of the first filter element (40a) and an outlet of the second filter element (40b). The filter apparatus includes a duck bill type check valve (75) made of an antimicrobial material intermediate the second filter element (40b) and a dispensing faucet (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Kinetico Incorporated
    Inventors: Keith E. Brown, Paul Peterson, Stuart Park, Ron Kindel, Eric Sklar, John Miller, Ken Weight
  • Patent number: 7090779
    Abstract: A manually operated water purifying device which includes a manually moveable operating member that pumps unpurified water into a conduit where it is exposed to purification by an electrically operated UV-C lamp and then dispensed from a portable container, and the UV-C lamp is energized by an electric generator that is also driven by a manually moveable operating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventors: Lawrence Allen Bernstein, Anna Johanna Bernstein
  • Patent number: 7077208
    Abstract: An apparatus having various conduits moves liquid by passing gas up through it. A collector conduit transports the liquid to the bottom of the unit. A gas-lift conduit mixes the liquid and gas at the bottom and transports the mixture upwards, owing to the rising action of the bubbles and the resulting decreased density of the gas/liquid mixture. At the top of the gas-lift conduit, some of the gas may escape from the liquid and out of the apparatus. The lifted liquid may exit the apparatus at an elevation higher than the entry point of the liquid or may be directed down through a down and out conduit. A one way valve or equivalent configuration may be used to limit flow to one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: R3 Pump Technologies
    Inventors: Michael J. Harrington, Jeffery Dean Rabe, David Alan Nickel
  • Patent number: 7048848
    Abstract: A hybrid oil filter assembly includes a housing and a first (e.g., conventional) oil filter element disposed in proximity to a bottom portion of the housing. The first oil filter element contains an open inner volume. A second oil filter element having a generally circular cylindrical shape is disposed circumferentially about a length of the first oil filter element. The second oil filter element may be made of rolled paper and filters particles of a smaller size than the first oil filter element (e.g., down to about one microns, thereby providing micro-filtering of the engine oil).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Norbert Assion
  • Patent number: 7017611
    Abstract: A one-piece manifold for a reverse osmosis system includes a filter configured to receive water from a water port and a membrane configured to receive filtered water via a first conduit. The membrane is also configured to send permeate water to a reverse osmosis tank. The manifold also includes a flow restrictor configured to receive concentrate water from the membrane via a second conduit and to pass the concentrate water to a drain port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Watts Regulator C.
    Inventor: Craig A. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 7007759
    Abstract: A gas/liquid pump moves liquid by passing gas up through it. Pumping is accomplished by the liquid's moving through three conduits. The first, a collector conduit, transports the liquid to the bottom of the unit. The second, a gas-lift conduit, mixes the liquid and gas at the bottom and transports the mixture upwards, owing to the rising action of the bubbles and the resulting decreased density of the gas/liquid mixture. At the top of the gas-lift conduit, some of the gas escapes from the liquid and out of the unit. The lifted liquid then returns to near its original density and exits the unit through the down and out conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: R3 Pump Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Harrington, Jeffery Dean Rabe, David Alan Nickel
  • Patent number: 6797160
    Abstract: A percolating steeper comprises a carafe, a filter layer situated inside the carafe moving up and down for compressing the infused substance, a control element for controlling the movement of the filter layer, an isolating layer for inhibiting the water convection, at least one free moving non-return unit and one passive non-return unit are disposed on the isolating layer; the control element connects with the isolating layer by means of the passive non-return unit to move in different direction from that of the free moving non-return unit, wherein, the tight unit of the isolating layer and the tight point of the carafe are higher than the lowest feed water surface in the lower aspect of the isolating layer for conducting the fluid to the valve hole; through the elevation difference, when the substance and the fluid separate from each other, a visual effect of clear air isolation is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: I-Chung Huang
  • Patent number: 6782917
    Abstract: An anti-drainback apparatus for a filter used in a vehicle transmission, allows fluid to keep the transmission pump primed when the engine is turned off. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a seal disposed in a neck member of the filter at its outlet, and a body having slanted sides, and a platform base. The body is disposed in the neck member such that the slanted sides of the body abut the seal, and the platform base covers the opening of the neck member, preventing fluid from draining back from the pump into the sump when the engine is turned off. Thus, the body is movable from an unsealed position which allows fluid flow to the transmission when the engine is turned on, and the sealed position which prevents fluid drainback into the filter when the engine is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: James B. Wolford, Joseph A. Geisler, Mitchell Kujawski
  • Patent number: 6733664
    Abstract: A filtration device for separating concrements, fragments or other body material from liquids which are processed by means of a lithotripter connected to a suction device equipped with a peristaltic valve and sucked out of body cavities. The device has a functional zone having an inlet zone connected at one end to the lithotripter, and an outlet zone connected to the suction device. There is a collection zone mounted on the functional zone and connected to the other end of the inlet zone. A filter element is disposed between the functional zone and the collection zone, so that body material processed by the lithotripter will be deposited in the collection zone, and the filter element will separate the body fluids collected by the lithotripter from the body material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Ferton Holding S.A.
    Inventors: Andreas Menne, Wolfgang Merkle
  • Patent number: 6638435
    Abstract: A disposable extended sump line having a pump end and a mouth end for removing water from a barge or other container. The mouth end has a double layered strainer basket covering its entrance. The pump end preferably has a valve which may be opened to introduce water into the sump line from above. The pump end of the line is also configured to connect to a pump, so that suction may be applied. The double layered strainer basket will keep the cargo away from the mouth end of the sump line and prevent clogging. By adding water to the sump line through the valve, the sump line may be primed quickly. Finally, by making the sump line from disposable materials, the problems of damage to the sump line during unloading may be overcome by simply discarding the sump line and replacing it with another before reloading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Louisiana Marine Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry Ross Loreno
  • Patent number: 6605215
    Abstract: An oil filter including a housing, a first oil filter element, a second oil filter element disposed circumferentially about a length of the first oil filter capable of filtering particles of a smaller size than the first oil filter element. A first oil filter inlet is disposed at a bottom portion of the housing for providing oil to be filtered to an outside surface of the first oil filter element, and a second oil filter inlet is disposed at the bottom portion of the housing and surrounding the first oil inlet for providing oil to be filtered to a bottom surface of the second oil filter element. A fluid communication path extends from a top surface of the second oil filter element into the first oil filter element such that oil filtered through the second oil filter element is mixed with oil filtered by the first oil filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Norbert Assion
  • Patent number: 6485636
    Abstract: A dual filter system for diesel fuel is provided, which allows the operator to keep the diesel engine running while inspecting or replacing one of the two fuel filters. The system includes an upper block which is divided into two identical mirror image sections. Each section has a shutoff valve, a fuel filter and a one-way check valve. Fuel is introduced into a common passageway and flows equally to each side of the upper block. Fuel is fed through each filter and filtered fuel moves through the one-way check valve to a common outport. In order to inspect or replace one filter, the fuel to the filter to be replaced is simply, shut off by the cutoff valve. All of the fuel then flows through the opposite side. The one-way check valves prevent fuel flowing through the opposite side from flowing back into the side which is being serviced. Air bleed valves are also provided in order to put the new filter side back in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Loren F. Moss