Abstract: A filter, in particular for the lubricating oil of an internal combustion engine, which includes a pot-shaped filter housing (10), a support tube (11) disposed therein and a filter element (14) secured on the support tube (11). The filter element is essentially made up of a filtering material which is folded in a pleated manner and has plates (15 and 16) at its ends. The filter housing provides a direct seal between itself and a flange (19), and the support tube is provided with a screw-on thread (21).

Abstract: The valved filter assembly of the present invention utilizes a bi-directional pressure differential valve in fluid communication with a filter body housed within a container, such as a bottle. This unique structure allows the user to dispense filtered fluid from a bottle only when the bottle is inverted and squeezed. Squeezing the bottle causes the pressure to increase on the inside of the bottle thereby causing water to traverse the filter body thus contacting and opening the bi-directional pressure differential valve thereby allowing liquid to exit; however, when no pressure is applied to the bottle the bi-directional pressure differential valve remains in the closed position sealing the bottle.

Abstract: A unitary multi-function control module 18 for a reverse osmosis water purification system provides all of the necessary flow control functions in a single removable and easily replaceable unit. The module connects directly with a unitary injection molded manifold 14 and includes a control housing having a cover plate 42, a main body 40, and a closure plate 47. The control housing entirely encloses therein the supply flow shutoff valve 46, the reverse osmosis flow control 100, the permeate back flow check valve 82, and all of the interconnections between the manifold and the supply, permeate, and brine flow paths.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter device for the physical elimination of microbes, suspended matter and solids from water, which in a housing has a filter insert made of 200 to 10000 hollow-fiber membranes with a defined pore width between 0.001 and 1.0 &mgr;m and which can be mounted on a water tap with its top side. A disadvantage of previously known filter devices is that deposits will adhere to the fibers. In order to remedy this drawback, the bottom side of the device of the invention features separate outlets for filtered and unfiltered water and at least in the outlet for the unfiltered water a valve is fitted with which this outlet can be closed.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment tank with influent gates (24) and pre-react zone with an outwardly flared lower portion. Influent passes over influent gates (24), which introduce turbulence, causing aeration, and reducing flow velocity. As influent flows out of the influent gate housing (20), flow velocity is further reduced by contact with the surface of the wastewater in the basin and influent flow is directed laterally by an influent gate bottom (30). A pre-react zone director (34) spaced apart from the bottom (42) of the basin encloses the influent gate housing (20) and utilizes an outwardly flared lower portion, or flap (38), to further reduce flow velocity and enhance laminar flow. This results in minimal disturbance of settled sludge blanket, allowing it to act as a natural biological filter, which in turn results in a superior supernatant.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis water treatment system includes a tube connecting unit 10 having a water incoming end 102, a water outgoing end 103, and a diaphragm 104 having a check valve 108 therein to allow water to flow directly from the incoming end to the outgoing end. In operation, water flows from the tube connecting unit through-hole 105 and into preliminary filtering units 2 and membrane unit 3 via the pipe assembly 1. Wastewater from the membrane unit drain end 31 is then routed back to the tube connecting unit via pipe assembly 42 and through-hole 106. A faucet 5 is provided at the water outgoing end to deliver water for non-drinking uses. By virtue of issuing water from the outgoing end, the membrane is washed and cleaned. Accordingly, the amount of discharged wastewater is greatly reduced so that water resources are conserved and the useful life of the membrane is prolonged.

Abstract: A dialysis system which does not need to use a physiological saline in replenishing a solution or cleaning and priming the dialysis system, does not need a troublesome setting operation and can easily and accurately set a flow rate of a replenisher solution. The dialysis system includes a closed-type water-removal control apparatus 1, a dialyzer 2, a fresh dialysate line 3 as well as a used dialysate line 4, an RO water pressurizing line 5, an RO water pressurizing pump 51 provided in the RO water pressurizing line 5, an artery side blood line 6, a blood pump 61 provided at the artery side blood line 6 and a vein side blood line 7. According to the dialysis system, by pressurizing RO water into a communication line of the used dialysate, dialysate is made to flow from a dialysate flow path 21 into a blood flow path 22 through a dialysis membrane 23 of the dialyzer 2 and the inside of a blood circulation path can be cleaned and primed.

Abstract: A combination coolant filter and pressure regulator for an automotive engine's cooling system is configured to be spliced in line with the coolant supply line to the heater core. The filter has a housing and a filter element that is moveable within the housing between a first position opening up communication through the housing and a second position restricting communication through the housing. A spring biases the filter element toward its first position. Normal coolant flow through the housing passes through the filter for removal of entrained contaminants. Under conditions of high coolant flow and thus high pressures, the filter element moves against the bias of the spring toward its second position restricting coolant flow and protecting the heater core from damage due to coolant overpressure.

Abstract: A bi-directional filter has a pair of flapper-type check valve assemblies 20, 21 for directing fluid flow unidirectionally through a centrally supported molded desiccant core 22. Each check valve assembly is a three part structure spot-welded into a unitary assembly having a centering support plate, a core support cup and an intermediate flapper valve plate. A depth-type filter media circumferentially surrounds the desiccant core and extends between the check valve assembly on either end of the core for providing filtering for the fluid prior to entering the molded desiccant core. A depth-type filter media 80, 81 is also provided at each axial end of the core for providing fine filtration of the fluid after the fluid has passed through the core. The outer filter media is arranged to allow a portion of fluid therein to bypass the desiccant core.

Abstract: A cartridge based water purification and filtration system which permits cartridge changes without drainage at the input and output ports. Interlocking flanges at the manifold and cartridge lock the cartridge to the manifold and raised surfaces at the cartridge operate the inlet valve with a rotational seating of the cartridge. A spring biased inlet valve depends from a supply manifold input port and cooperates with the filter cartridge to prevent forward flow until the cartridge is seated to the manifold. The check valve includes a split stem which prevents chatter with valve operation. A check valve at the output port cooperates with a sealed bayonet fitting that mates to a concentric outlet port at the cartridge to prevent back flow with cartridge removal.

Abstract: A water purifier (10) comprising an inlet conduit (12) with a high-pressure pump (18), a purifying unit (22) of the type including a filter or a membrane, an outlet conduit (28) for purified water, a sensor provided in said outlet conduit (28) for the control of the high-pressure pump (18), a tap point (38) at which the outlet conduit (28) opens, a non-return valve (32) provided in the outlet conduit (28), and a reject conduit (42) for concentrated, unpurified water. In the outlet conduit (28) for purified water, between the non-return valve (32) and the tap point (38), there is provided a pressure equalizing valve (34). The object of said pressure equalizing valve (34) is to compensate for the pressure drop that can occur in the conduit (28) for purified water in case of minor leakage.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis water purifier system uses municipal line water pressure to separate pure water molecules from dissolved and undissolved matter. The system makes and stores product water in a sanitary enclosed pressure vessel in the absence of back pressure. A small water cell tank and a hydraulically powered control valve enable delivery at a fast flow rate near line pressure flow rate. The control valve is a combination sensing and multiple valving device that automatically turns on product water when it is called for by a user or an ice-maker. It automatically replaces water that is drawn, then turns itself off when its tank is full. It fast flushes the dirty side of its R.O. membrane while fast flow water is being drawn, and it slow flushes the same side of the membrane while the system is making product water. These alternating slow and fast flushes whisk away residue from a built-in brine restricter. All flushes sweep debris down the drain.

Abstract: The novel filtration system for zebra mussels is comprised of an unit that is designed to allow users to prevent the infiltration of zebra mussels into drinking water systems having their intake pipes located in surface waters that are infested with the zebra mussels and their eggs. The filtration system for zebra mussels is comprised of a plurality of filters that include an inner pleated micron filter, and a middle wire frame for durability and an outer, course metallic screen. The filtration system is the form of a circular unit that is fitted around the head of a foot valve of the water intake line. A circular plate is located at the top and the bottom of the filters and is held together as a single unit with rods connecting the top and bottom circular plates.

Abstract: A fuel filter assembly employs a hand primer and a disposable filter cartridge mounted to a header. The filter cartridge has a filter element which defines an interior chamber for receiving the filtered fuel. The hand primer includes a diaphragm which cooperates with the header to define a reservoir and a valve plate having a plurality of orifices and an axial opening for providing fluid communication between an exit passage of the header and the reservoir and between the chamber and the reservoir, respectively. A first check valve is mounted in the opening and a second check valve is mounted in an axial bore in the first check valve. The first and second check valves are moveable between an open position for allowing flow through the orifices of the valve plate and orifices in the first check valve, respectively, and a closed position for preventing such flow.

Abstract: A purifier for a batch of liquid in a reservoir has a vent space and a pumping system for the vent space above the surface of liquid in the reservoir. This allows a closure lid giving easy access to the reservoir, and the pumping system is arranged so that ozone is exhausted from the vent space and reduced before entering the atmosphere. This allows a user early access to the reservoir after completing a purification cycle and protects the user from exposure to ozone.

Abstract: The cap to a reverse osmosis (R.O.) system membrane cartridge housing integrates both (i) a system automatic shut-off valve, and (ii) an improved check valve of such enlarged area and low pressure drop as typically gains 2-4 gallons per day in purified water output. The housing both reduces, typically from seven ports to five ports, and simplifies with hand-tightened quick fittings, the plumbing requirements of the R.O system. The housing fits a new and larger, typically 100+ gallon per hour, high-flow-rate R.O. membrane cartridge as well as myriad universal standard cartridges. A pressure gauge is optionally integrated.

Abstract: There is provided a hydrocyclone which operates on a relatively low pressure differential and on a linear flow principle. The hydrocyclone comprises an inlet chamber with a vortex creating a spiral insert therein, which inlet chamber opens in to a frustoconical portion of the hydrocyclone body. The frustoconical portion opens into a cylindrical portion which leads both to the accept and reject outlets at the end. The hydrocyclone is particularly useful for on sight separation of produced water in oil fields. The invention also provides hydrocyclone units of linked hydrocyclones according to the present invention, fluid separation systems incorporating hydrocyclones of the invention and methods of separating fluids using hydrocyclones in the invention.

Abstract: A worm centrifuge for separating solids/liquid mixtures is disclosed for overcoming the problems during start-up and shut-down processes that occur when quantity of a liquid is located or remains in the centrifuge drum, particularly the problem of the emergence of liquid at the solids discharge openings during the shut-down process. The inventive centrifuge includes at least one, preferably a plurality of, drum emptying openings distributed over the circumference of the face wall of the centrifuge drum and being positioned radially outside of the liquid discharge openings. The drum emptying openings are each radially crossed by a bore. The bores each include a centrifugal force valve having a spring-loaded closing member adapted to close the drum emptying opening at high drum speed (operating speed) and to open the drum emptying opening at low drum speed.

Abstract: A high efficiency backflush filter apparatus positioned on the downstream side of a filter frame that includes a bellows attached to the top of the filter frame. The backflush filter apparatus includes a collapsible bellows member having a first opening attached to an aperture in a plate member, a second opening attached to the filter frame, and a compression plate positioned above the plate member and having a one-way valve. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plate member is slidably mounted on at least one guide member which is mounted to the filter frame and the plate member is spring biased away from the filter frame so that the bellows is in an expanded configuration. The backflush procedure is achieved by stopping the pump, and moving the compression plate, using air cylinders or some other device, until it is against the plate member and thereby trapping fluid inside the bellows.

Abstract: A filtration tank and means for subsequent purification of filter bag purified waste water, especially grey water, which is introduced into the top of a filter tank and is evenly distributed by means of spray nozzles on the top layer of purification media, which are built up in layers in a tank around a built-in central pipe. The layers of purification media consist of varying types of material and grain size, density, weight, ect. The water passes through the varying layers of purification medium and is collected on the bottom of the central pipe, where a pump lifts the water through a U.V. treatment apparatus for sanitation.

Abstract: A water purifier which produces ultrapure water from a variety of feed sources. The feed source water may be potable tap, distilled, deionized, or water treated by reverse osmosis. The water is passed through a first purification media (30) and then through a chamber (34) where it is exposed to ultraviolet light in the presence of titanium dioxide. The water is then passed through a second purification media (38) to a dispensing valve (40). Operating the dispensing valve (40) provides ultrapure water from the purifier having a specific resistance of at least 18.0 megohm-cm and a TOC count of less than one ppb.

Abstract: A fuel filter assembly employs a hand primer and a disposable filter cartridge mounted to a filter base. The filter cartridge and filter base define a fuel flow path through the filter assembly. The filter base includes a sump for receiving fuel that has traversed the filter element. The hand primer includes a deformable member composed of an elastomeric material that cooperates with a base plate to define a cavity. The base plate is disposed intermediate the deformable member and the base sump to separate the cavity from the fuel flow path. The base plate has a plurality of orifices to selectively provide fluid communication between the cavity and the sump. A discharge passage in fluid communication with cavity provides means for discharging air from the fuel filter assembly.

Abstract: In a process of separating a liquid sample having phase portions of different densities by centrifugal separation, a phase separator container is employed. The phase separator container comprises a housing having concentric inner and outer cylindrical walls defining a longitudinal axis and a top wall and further a piston body constituting a bottom wall of the housing. The piston body defines together with the outer cylindrical wall, the inner cylindrical wall and the top wall, an annular chamber for receiving the liquid sample. The piston body is displaceable within the annular chamber for draining a phase portion separated from the liquid sample through a drain conduit means communicating with the annular chamber. The phase separation chamber further comprises a reaction chamber to which the phase portions exposed from the annular chamber is processed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing an air lock from the upstream side of a microfilter in a device for dispensing a sterile liquid from a storage container by forcing the liquid through a microfilter. The device include a first inlet passageway communicating between the storage container and a chamber on the upstream side of the filter closable by a valve, and a second passageway communicating between the storage container and the upstream side of the filter closable by a second valve, and the method includes the steps of a) creating partial vacuum in the chamber on the upstream side of the microfilter to thereby open the first valve and draw the liquid from the storage container through the first passageway into the chamber, and into the contact with the upstream side of the filter, b) closing the first and second valves and increasing the air pressure in the chamber, and c) opening the second valve thereby releasing air under pressure from the chamber through the second passageway.

Abstract: An improved dump valve construction for a high density cellulosic pulp cleaner. The cleaner comprises an upper separating chamber and a lower reject chamber which communicates with the lower end of the separating chamber. Cellulosic pulp is pumped tangentially into the upper end of the separation chamber and is swirled within the separation chamber to cause the high density contaminants to fall into the reject chamber while the pulp is discharged through an outlet in the upper end of the separation chamber. The opening between the lower end of the separation chamber and the reject chamber can be opened and closed by a sliding upper valve while the lower end of the reject chamber is formed with an outlet and the flow through the outlet is controlled by a dump valve having a curved or spherical outer surface which seats on an annular valve seat bordering the outlet.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating and dewatering of sludge taken from small-scale sewage treatment plants. The apparatus, which preferably is mounted on a vehicle, incorporates chamber-type units for dewatering, which can be connected by way of feed and return pipes, controllable valves, and pumps that can be switched on and off. A dewatering vessel with filter walls and separate sludge and filtrate chambers is connectable with a sludge chamber and a filtrate chamber, respectively, of a second dewatering vessel by way of joining pipes comprising at least one feeding pump and one controllable valve each, a radiation chamber arranged in the filtrate return pipe of one of the dewatering vessels, and a stone trap arranged in one other sludge feed pipe.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid circuit having a primary stream filter and a centrifuge disposed on a bypass, in which a device for setting a minimum response pressure for operation of the centrifuge and for maintaining an overall maximum pressure in the fluid circuit is arranged between primary stream filter and the centrifuge.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying waste water to reduce nitrate content and biochemical oxygen demand is provided. The apparatus includes an ammonification and denitrification region having a substantially anaerobic environment, a nitrification region having a substantially aerobic environment, and an effluent drainage region. Effluent circulates through the ammonification and denitrification region and the nitrification region to convert organic nitrogen-containing compounds in waste water to nitrogen gas and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: An apheresis apparatus for increasing the purity and yield of platelets separated from donated whole blood by centrifugation incorporates a centrifuge for separating whole blood into lower, intermediate, and higher density components. The centrifuge has inlet and outlet ports in selective fluid communication with a container for receiving lower density blood component from the outlet port. A pump is coupled to the container and the inlet port for recirculating lower density blood component from the first container through the inlet port into the centrifuge at a first, substantially constant, rate so as to widen the region of the centrifuge occupied by the intermediate density component without causing the intermediate density component to exit the centrifuge, and subsequently at a second rate, so as to displace intermediate density component from the centrifuge.

Abstract: In a process of separating a liquid sample having phase portions of different densities by centrifugal separation, a phase separator container is employed. The phase separator container comprises a housing having concentric inner and outer cylindrical walls defining a longitudinal axis and a top wall and further a piston body constituting a bottom wall of the housing. The piston body defines together with the outer cylindrical wall, the inner cylindrical wall and the top wall, an annular chamber for receiving the liquid sample. The piston body is displaceable within the annular chamber for draining a phase portion separated from the liquid sample through a drain conduit means communicating with the annular chamber. The phase separation chamber further comprises a reaction chamber to which the phase portions exposed from the annular chamber is processed.

Abstract: A system is provided for handling of watery, oily waste which constitutes a closed vessel divided into two chambers by a dividing wall, such that lower chamber portions are in fluid communication. The vessel contains an inlet for flowing fluid into the upper portion of one chamber, an upper outlet for the other chamber, an air passage connecting upper portions of the chambers and effective for maintaining normal liquid levels in the two chambers, a sensing device in the one chamber and a discharge conduit for the first chamber which is controlled selectively by the sensing device.

Abstract: An artificial kidney comprises an exchanger (1) having two compartments (2, 3) separated by a semipermeable membrane (4), a first compartment (2) being connected to a circuit (5, 7) for extracorporeal blood circulation, the second compartment (3) having an outlet for draining waste liquid. Means (22, 25) are provided for controlling the flow rate (Q.sub.A) of a sterile solution containing a substance (A) to be perfused into the circuit (5, 7) for conveying a flow of blood outside the body, which flow rate is controlled as a function of the flow rate (Q.sub.OUT) of waste liquid. This kidney makes it possible to dose a substance such as a medicine, glucose or bicarbonate, accurately into the blood of a patient undergoing treatment by hemofiltration, hemodialysis, or hemodiafiltration.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a liquid by pervaporation, which comprises at least one pervaporation membrane module unit for purifying a liquid to be treated, a supply line connected to said pervaporation membrane module unit for supplying the liquid to be treated to the membrane module unit, a withdrawing line for withdrawing the permeated fluid from the membrane module unit and a withdrawing line for withdrawing the non-permeated liquid, wherein said supply line is provided with a pressure pump for transporting the liquid and a heater, and the final withdrawing line for the non-permeated liquid is provided with a pressure regulating valve.

Abstract: An automatic water drain and priming pump for a fuel system in which a reversible pump is operable in a first direction to pump separated water out of a fuel filter and into a water drain, and further operable in a second (opposite) direction to pump fuel into the fuel filter in order to prime the fuel pump. Operation of the pump in the first direction to drain water from the fuel filter is initiated by water-in-fuel sensors within the fuel filter. Operation of the pump in the second direction to prime the fuel pump is initiated by manual activation of a switch during servicing of the fuel filter.

Abstract: The dialysis apparatus in accordance with the present invention is provided with main piping connecting a blood inlet and a blood outlet, and having disposed therealong a blood pump, a dialyzer, and a venous-side chamber, in that order from the blood inlet side; and with a supplementary fluid supply mechanism, which is connected between the blood inlet and the blood pump through the medium of a branch pipe branching from the main piping; this apparatus is furthermore provided with a first clamp provided between the blood inlet and the blood pump of the main piping, a second clamp provided between the venous-side chamber and the blood outlet, and a third clamp provided on the branch pipe. In addition, by means of this dialysis apparatus, it is possible to reliably and easily return blood within the main piping of the dialysis apparatus to the body of the patient after the completion of blood dialysis.

Abstract: In a dialysis apparatus having a dialyzer and a single balance chamber, the internal volume of the balance chamber is preferably at most 2/3 of the volume of the dialysis fluid chamber within the dialyzer. As a result, during the dialysis fluid recirculation cycle, at most 2/3 of the volume of fluid within the dialysis fluid chamber will be replaced by fresh dialysis fluid. Preferably, the duration of the recirculation cycle is approximately equal to the duration of the balance chamber filling cycle.

Abstract: A tray assembly for use in receiving and retaining used moist brewing substances and the like from a beverage brewing apparatus and separating a liquid portion therefrom. The tray assembly is in communication with an entry port which deposits moist brewing substances therein. A drain line in the brewing apparatus carries separated liquids away from said tray assembly. The tray assembly includes a tray body, a liquid separation portion retained in said tray body for drawing off liquids from moist brewing substances, and a controllably sealable tray valve assembly attached to the tray body and operatively engaging the drain line for draining liquids from the tray assembly. A first area in the tray body between the entry port and the liquid separation portion communicates with the entry port and defines a receiving and retaining space. A second area in the tray body between the liquid separating portion and the valve assembly communicates with the tray valve assembly and defines a liquid collection space.

Abstract: A filtration device includes an ultrafilter having an inlet chamber, an outlet chamber, and an ultrafiltration membrane separating the inlet chamber from the outlet chamber. An inlet line flow connects the inlet chamber to a source of dialysis liquid. Pressure sensors determine pressure values on opposite sides of the membrane, and a controller calculates a transmembrane pressure therefrom and compares the calculated transmembrane pressure with a predetermined threshold value. If the threshold value is reached, the controller emits a threshold signal to either warn an operator or alternatively to automatically divert flow to bypass the ultrafilter.

Abstract: A system for filtering a liquid stream, typically drinking water from a natural source. The system includes a plurality of filter stations, each of which receives at least a portion of the influent liquid flow, passes the flow through a filter and passes the filtered liquid to an affluent line. When the filter has reached its capacity for removing particulate material from the liquid flow, preferably as determined by measurements of pressure drop across the filter media, a small quantity of the clean affluent liquid is passed through the filter in a reverse direction to back flush the filter media, with the flush liquid directed to a waste water line. Back flushing can be accomplished automatically under microprocessor control, using signals from a filter media pressure sensor. With a plurality of parallel filter arrangements, continuous flow to the affluent line is easily maintained, since the back flush cycle is short and all filter sets would not be in the back flush mode at the same time.

Abstract: A process for continuously separating relatively coarse particles from a suspension of a mixture of particles in a liquid wherein the suspension is caused to pass through a screening medium which is rotating in its own plane so that the coarse particles are retained on the surface of the screening medium; characterized in that atmospheric pressure above the screening medium is caused to be in excess of the pressure below that medium.

Abstract: A system for producing reduced pressure on board of an aircraft cooperates with at least one vacuum toilet for flushing the toilet. A reduced pressure is generated by a pump for transporting of refuse including water waste into a collection tank without using any pressure difference between the pressure in the aircraft cabin and the pressure outside the cabin. The suction inlet of the pump is connected through a filter to the collection tank and the pressure side of the pump is connected to a nozzle in an ejector, the suction inlet of which is connected to the toilet. A funnel-shaped ejector discharge port is connected through a return conduit to the collection tank, preferably through a water separator. A closed water circulating circuit is formed by the pump, the tank, the filter, and the ejector so that refuse and waste water pass directly through the ejector into the tank.

Abstract: A filtration system is disclosed which operates with a single supply pump to achieve backwashing in an expeditious manner. The system includes a fluid supply source for a feed fluid to be filtered, a feed pump in fluid communication with the source and a membrane filter module for separating the fluid into filtrate and retentate streams. A collection reservoir is also provided which has at least two isolated fluid compartments movably separated from one another, one compartment for accumulating filtrate, the other being in fluid communication with the supply pump. In a preferred embodiment the collection reservoir is in the form of a diaphragm unit. At appropriate times, valves are activated to divert the flow of feed material from the supply source to the other chamber of the diaphragm unit.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus specifically intended for removing particulate contaminants from commercial laundry waste water has at least one porous mesh-like filter bag coupled between an inlet manifold for receiving waste water containing particulate contaminants and an outlet manifold for discharging the particulate contaminants separated from the waste water. The filter bag is agitated by a paddle, so as to prevent the mesh-like material of the filter bag from being clogged. Also disclosed is a method for filtering waste water containing particulate contaminants.

Abstract: A self-contained, disposable water filter cartridge for a water treatment system for treatment of potable water has one-way ball check valves at the water inlet and water outlet to the cartridge. The generally cylindrical water filter cartridge is generally spherical on one end while substantially planar on the other end and is of a welded plastic construction. Asymmetrical lugs radially disposed about the periphery of the planar end are adapted to mate with an apertured deck of a water treatment system.

Abstract: Disclosed are preferred devices and methods which provide extracorporeal treatment of blood to effectively and consistently remove toxins therefrom and from patients over extended periods of time.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying fuel, comprising a closed container having a top, a bottom, an inlet for impure fuel and an outlet for purified fuel placed at a level over the inlet, both coupled near the top of the container, a heating bulb to heat the impure fuel and allow the settlement of impurities and a valve in the bottom to remove the impurities from the container; a partition wall coupled in the container above the inlet and under the outlet, and a hollow body dependently coupled to the partition wall, defining a surrounding chamber under the partition wall to receive the impure fuel to the bottom of the container, an inner chamber in the hollow body under the partition wall, for purifying fuel, and an upper chamber over the partition wall for purified fuel; and a passage in the partition wall communicating said inner and upper chambers, to allow passage of the purified fuel to the upper chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel apparatus and method for removing liquid contaminant from a well to decontaminate a contaminated aquifer. The apparatus includes a pump capable of moving water and contaminant from below ground surface to a location above ground surface, a motor connected to drive the pump and means connected to power the motor. A water and contaminant inlet are located between the pump and the motor to accept inward flow of water and contaminant to the pump. An outlet pipe connects to the pump and extends above ground surface. A sleeve surrounds the inlet and connects between the inlet and the motor and has an opening to receive water and contaminant. The sleeve is sized to slide in and out of the well and is larger than the outlet pipe. The sleeve creates an annular space around the outlet pipe to permit passage of water and contaminant from the open end to the inlet.

Abstract: A device and a related method are provided for reclaiming or recovering dry cleaning solvent from otherwise disposable fluid contained within a separator or other suitable receptacle of a dry cleaning machine. The device includes an evaporator and a fluid transfer mechanism for transporting fluid evaporated by the evaporator through a filter that removes substantially all of the solvent present within the evaporated fluid. Alternatively, a filter can be interposed between the separator or other suitable receptacle and the evaporator so that solvent is filtered before reaching the evaporator. Consequently, the device substantially reclaims or recovers dry cleaning solvent that may still be present within the fluid that is to be otherwise disposed of from the separator or other suitable receptacle.

Abstract: A liquid fuel filter system for use in fuel dispensing stations including a ball valve assembly and replaceable strainer cartridge permitting strainer cartridge replacement even if the associated fuel pump is activated. The ball valve assembly seals the inlet port of the filter housing thereby disabling the flow of fuel through the housing when the strainer cartridge or filter housing cap are removed. A check valve prevents fuel from flowing back thorough the filter system outlet port into the filter housing. A pressure valve disposed in the check valve prevents possible harmful pressure build up.

Abstract: This invention relates to a water reclamation system for reclaiming grey water and ground water from sources associated with a domestic dwelling and subsequently utilizing such water in conjunction with a landscape irrigation system. The system generally comprises a storage reservoir which is fluidly connected to a main irrigation line comprising the landscape irrigation system. The reservoir includes a number of inlet conduits connected thereto which are in fluid communication with grey water sources from within the dwelling and with yard drains which receive ground water. The reservoir also includes an overflow line interfaced thereto which is adapted to drain excess water from within the reservoir to a main sewage line. The water provided to the irrigation system via the storage reservoir is supplied only as an alternative to water which may be supplied thereto via a main water line.