Abstract: The well water removal and treatment system of the present invention includes a pumping and well water withdrawl loop consisting of an above ground pump, a pressurized water drive line from the pump outlet to a well water ejector, a water return line from the well water ejector to an aeration and precipitation tank, an inlet line from the aeration and precipitation tank to the pump and a venturi nozzle air mixing manifold fluidically connected between the high pressure drive water line and the lower pressure water delivery line to mix air into the water during the entire pump cycle. The water delivery line from the pumping and withdrawal loop has a flow control regulator therein that controls the water flow therethrough in proportion to the water pressure in the pumping and withdrawal loop above a preselected minimum control level.

Abstract: A water filter system for use in refrigerators having water dispenser and/or icemaker features. The filter system includes a commercially available filter cartridge which removes common water contaminants. A shut off valve temporarily stops the flow of water to the filter to permit replacement of the cartridge. The filter is disposed within the refrigerator for easy access and may be further disposed in a recess in one of the refrigerator walls or the refrigerator door to avoid reducing the useable food storage volume. The shut off valve may be closed by activating a conveniently located switch, by opening the refrigerator door, by opening a cover over the recess, or alternatively may be normally closed and opened only in response to activation of the icemaker or water dispenser features.

Abstract: A drain fitting adapted to receive and direct condensate into a drain pipe comprises a cylindrical body with multiple stepped diameters for attaching condensate drain hoses of different sizes, and includes an internal one-way ball check valve to prevent material from reversing flow and escaping out of the drain pipe. The body attaches to the drain pipe by either a clamped-on connector consisting of multiple parallel hinged elements molded integral with both the fitting body and with each other, or by being glued into a screwed-in fitting received in the threaded opening of a Y-branch fitting in the drain pipe. The ball is retained in the check valve opening by ridges formed by pressing a hot tool to crimp over the edges of the fitting opening.

Abstract: Concentrated sanitizing liquid is stored in a main reservoir coupled directly to a measured reservoir by a check valve so that it automatically refills upon being emptied by air under pressure from a positive pressure cylinder. That cylinder partially fills with swimming pool water being recirculated by a centrifugal pump to produce the pressurized air. A check valve on top of the cylinder is provided to allow the cylinder to fill with air at atmospheric pressure when the pump is turned off, thus relieving the water pressure in the cylinder. A control valve between the measured reservoir and the intake side of the pump controls the rate of flow of liquid sanitizing agent into the recirculated flow of pool water. That rate is so low as to result in drops which are collected in a chamber at the output of the control valve. Suction from the pool pump draws the collected liquid into the pump where it is mixed with recirculated water.

Abstract: An aquarium filter assembly which can be utilized as a diatomaceous earth filter which is self-priming. The filter includes a housing having a pump means from which depends a filtering element. The water pumped through the filtering element can be directed either back into the housing for recirculation of the water in the housing, or out of the housing and back into the aquarium tank for filtering of the aquarium tank water. A valve within the housing operates to permit water entry into the housing upon initial insertion and during filtration of the aquarium tank water. The valve closes when the water flow from the filtering element is directed back into the housing. Diatomaceous earth can be added into the housing and the water recirculated within the housing serves to self-prime the filter element. After charging the filter element, the water flow from the filtering element is directed into the aquarium tank and the valve opens to permit regular filtering of the aquarium tank water.

Abstract: An integrated blood collection, separation and dispensing device is disclosed that allows a method of blood collection, serum separation and serum dispensing to occur using a single device (other than a centrifuge). The device preferably includes a transfer chamber for receiving separated serum, that has a three-dimensional shape that is reduced in volume and is configured to avoid air entrapment. A dispensing aperture in the transfer chamber fluidly connects the chamber with the atmosphere. Preferably, means are provided adjacent the dispensing aperture for generating a liquid pressure change indication of the presence of liquid advancing towards the dispensing aperture. A needle and a protective housing optionally are provided as an integral part of the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for the automatic removal of water collecting in a fuel filter having a water separator. The evacuation takes place by means of a piston acted upon by a pressure medium, preferably a fuel pressurized by the pressure of the fuel pump, the piston being guided in the container of the fuel filter containing the water. It is particularly advantageous for an already existing drive to be usable for producing the pressure medium and that therefore a simple and inexpensive solution is offered for the removal of the water.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a process and apparatus for removing contaminates from edible cooking oil is provided. A continuous stream of cooking oil at an elevated temperature is withdrawn from a cooking bath. A continuous stream of liquid solvent for at least a portion of the contaminates is mixed with the oil. The solvent has a specific gravity different than the specific gravity of the oil. As the oil and solvent streams are mixed, at least a portion of the contaminates are transferred from the oil to the solvent. The oil and solvent mixture is then separated by specific gravity into a stream comprising cleaned oil and a stream comprising solvent and contaminates. The cleaned oil stream is then returned to the bath, preferably being heated in a heat exchanger prior to introduction in the bath.

Abstract: A device is disclosed that causes phase separation of whole blood, using much lower centrifugal forces. As a result, lymphocytes are separated from blood cells having specific gravities of 1.08 g/ml or higher. The device features a separation chamber arranged so that its long dimension or axis is parallel, not perpendicular, to the spin axis, and a valve that allows automatic removal of the lighter phase(s). The valve is constructed to respond only to the head of liquid pressure generated by an increased centrifugal force, and not to that increased force alone.

Abstract: A pressure responsive valve assembly for use in a decanting apparatus for a wastewater treatment reactor. The valve assembly includes a cylindrical valve plate, a valve member support structure, a valve spring, and a valve member comprising a valve stem and a valve head. A discharge passageway extending through the valve plate has a frusto-conical valve seat located therein. The valve head also has a frusto-conical design having an angle of divergence smaller than that of the valve seat so that when the valve head is biased against the valve seat by the valve spring, the valve seat sealingly engages a peripheral edge of the valve seat. The valve member support structure maintains the valve member in proper alignment with the valve seat and in engaging relationship with the valve spring.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of and a plant for purifying water in an open, solid filter bed (17) in which, after the addition of chemicals, the water to be purified is passed through a filter bed, said filter bed being regenerated by counter-flow flushing, wherein the water to be purified in the filter bed is caused by force to flow through the bed at a constant rate by means of a partial vacuum created by a pump means (20) arranged downstream the bed (17), the flow being kept constant with the aid of a control valve (23) arranged on the pressure side of the pump (20).

Abstract: Engine lubricating oil is removed from the engine sump, passed through a strainer and pumped at superatmospheric pressure through a heater to raise the temperature to 150.degree.-180.degree. F., a portion of the heated pressurized oil is passed through a filter and to the oil sending unit of the engine while the remainder of the heated pressurized oil is refined by filtering to remove particles above 5 microns and to vaporize and remove vaporizable contaminants; the refined oil being returned at atmospheric pressure by gravity to the engine sump.

Abstract: A bi-directional flow filter including a block having first and second peripheral ports with a forward line of flow through the block from the first peripheral port to the second peripheral port and a reverse line of flow through the block from the second peripheral port to the first peripheral port. A first check valve and a first filter element are disposed in the forward line of flow to allow flow only in the forward direction through the first filter element. A second check valve and a second filter element disposed in the reverse line of flow to allow fluid flow only in the reverse direction through the second filter element. First and second filter element cavities are positioned in the block in a generally side-by-side relation with the first port in one block face and the second port in the opposite block face. First and second filter elements are disposed in their respective cavities and filter in the respective forward and reverse directions fluid entering the first and second ports, respectively.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatus comprising a reverse osmosis membrane module, a reciprocating pump and a double-acting hydraulic cylinder. The pump includes a piston defining on its opposite sides a first cylinder chamber and a second cylinder chamber which has a smaller cross-sectional area than the first chamber. The first chamber connects with a feed fluid supply conduit provided with a feed valve which opens when the first chamber expands. The membrane module includes an inlet and an outlet. The inlet connects with the first cylinder chamber when the first cylinder chamber contracts in volume, and the outlet connects with the second cylinder chamber through a selector connecting with a concentrate fluid drain conduit.

Abstract: A centrifuge apparatus and a method of filtration are described. The centrifuge has radial and lateral filtration surfaces and separate discharge chambers for each. The lateral filter is located at an imperforate radial distance from the radial filter. This distance forces the filtration to occur through the radial filter and develop the filter cake rather than pass through the lateral filter which has no developed cake. The use of separate, laterally-disposed withdrawal chambers at different radial heights allows accurate control over the hydraulic filtration forces acting across the filter surfaces.

Abstract: A water backflow preventing system is provided for a given area having a sewer line for receiving rain and other water where the sewer line is incapable of carrying, without backup, a given fow rate of water. The sewer line is provided at a given point therealong with at least one overflow opening into which opening water which cannot be handled by the sewer line will rise and overflow. Water storage tank means are buried in the ground below the sewer line and into which the overflow water from said opening will drain and be temporarily stored. The storage tank means have a volume to store many thousands of gallons of water which cannnot otherwise flow in the sewer line. A pump is placed in the bottom of the storage tank means. Various float switches are placed in different parts of the system for controlling the pump.

Abstract: Radwaste contaminated effluent generated by an underwater source is filtered by a submersible filter system employing cannister shielded filter cartridges. The system has a submersible frame that fixedly mounts a coupling for each filter cannister. Each cannister is internally fitted with a filter cartridge and mounting means configured to divide the cannister to an inlet chamber and a filtrate chamber, the latter having outlet ports for exhausting the filtrate to the pool in which the system is submerged. The inlet chamber is in check valved fluid communication with an external nipple of the cannister detachably connected to a coupling of the frame through which the radwaste effluent is received. One end of an elongate tool and an upper end of the cannister have interconnectable cooperating means for remotely removing and replacing cannisters on the frame. The check valved inlet chamber prevents escape of radwaste from the filter inlet chamber during and after removal of a cannister from the frame.

Abstract: Versatile filtering apparatus is provided, particularly for processing liquid or coolant used with metal-working machines. The apparatus is adaptable for processing coolant in a wide variety of coolant systems to meet a variety of requirements of metal-working machines in a plant. The apparatus includes a dirty liquid tank in side-by-side relationship with a clean liquid tank, a coalescing unit, a filtering unit, an automatic supply or fill valve for supplying liquid to the apparatus from the coolant system, and an automatic discharge valve for supplying processed liquid from the apparatus back to the coolant system. The coalescing unit separates free oils from the liquid and the filtering unit separates solid particles from the liquid. The processed liquid is then discharged back to the coolant system along with fresh coolant.

Abstract: There is disclosed a vacuum extraction system in which one or more vacuum extraction vessels are suspended in one or more well bores and each is connected to a vacuum pump. In one embodiment, each extraction vessel has a vessel chamber, a top inlet port with an adjustable metering valve, a vent pipe, a liquid level sensor in the vessel chamber, and an outlet port connected to the vacuum pump through a controller. The controller responds to the level of liquid in the vessel chamber to connect and disconnect each of the outlet ports of each of the extraction vessels to and from the vacuum pump. The controller also activates and deactivates the vacuum pump. In another embodiment, the extraction vessel is suspended for reciprocation in the well bore in order to skim liquid hydrocarbons floating on the ground water.

Abstract: An in-well separator and recovery device for liquids which are heavier than water. A closed top container in the well circulates liquid through it, drawing liquid into its lower region and deflecting the liquid downward so that the heavier liquid settles to the bottom of the container from where it is pumped to the surface. Water is pumped from the top of the container directly back into the well. The pumps are controlled by sensing the water to pollution interface in the container and shutting down each pump before it pumps the inappropriate liquid.

Abstract: The present invention comprises improvements in the design of a control valve for a reverse osmosis water purifier system that prevents the unstable oscillations and waste water leakage exhibited by control valves of the prior art. To eliminate the unstable oscillations caused in prior art valves by back pressure in the pure water delivery line of the purifier system, the present invention incorporates the improvement of an additional hydraulic passage from the squeeze water outlet of the control valve to the back of the control valve's pilot valve diaphragm. The back pressure maintained on the pilot diaphragm by the squeeze water acts as a dampening force preventing the closure of the pilot valve, and hence the adjacent squeeze valve, as a result of back pressure built up in the pure water delivery line during dispensing.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the removal of liquid hydrocarbons from ground water in perforated well casings consists of a plurality of pump chambers and a control system which is powered by compressed air. The pump chambers are positioned above a liquid hydrocarbon recovery device which is positioned in the well casing at the oil/water interface. The pump chambers are evacuated, causing the ground water and the liquid hydrocarbons to be drawn into separate chambers through respective check valves. The pump chambers are then pressurized with air to push out the water and liquid hydrocarbons through check valves in the chamber discharge conduits, thereby removing the fluids from the well casing.

Abstract: A two pump skimmer system for recovery of lighter-than-water hydrocarbons from water wells. A water pump is used to depress the water table and a contaminant pump is used to remove the hydrocarbons. The pumps are located in individual chambers which are interconnected, with the water chamber below the hydrocarbon chamber and with limited one-way flow into the water chamber. Both pumps are independently controlled by sensors in the upper chamber to assure that each pumps only the proper liquid.

Abstract: A portable filter has an oil remove/return wand for insertion into a cooking apparatus utilizing hot oil. A flexible hose connects the wand to a motor pump and supports a motor direction control switch adjacent to the wand. A compartmentalized housing includes: a container having an inlet and an outlet, a removable filter holder mounted in the container, plumbing connecting the container inlet and outlet to the motor pump, a heating element for the outlet plumbing, a control panel having an OFF switch for connection to a power supply and FILTER and HEATER switches connected to the OFF switch, and indicator lights for the OFF, FILTER, HEATER switches. The motor direction switch is connected to the FILTER switch and to first and second delay circuits. The heater switch is connected to the heater element to apply power; while the heater switch is ON the filter switch cannot be activated.

Abstract: The water purifier is operated entirely automatically and hydraulically in response to the opening and closing of the outlet valve from which pure water is drawn. All of the passageways and control valves are contained within a unitary body so that there are no external hoses and fittings. The only connections to the body are a pure water outlet, a waste water outlet and the water inlet. In the filter chamber a reverse-osmosis filter membrane is circumscribed by a brine seal at the same end portion as where the pure water is discharged. All water passageway connections are made at that end of the filter chamber, so that the other end can be unthreaded for removal and replacement of the filter membrane without disconnecting water lines. An improved pilot valve within the unit has a tapered end portion engaging an O-ring seat held in place by a spring-pressed washer.

Abstract: Holding tanks in an extremely simple vacuum-sewage system can provide high volume storage against emergencies such as vacuum pump failure, while providing under normal circumstances frequent, sudden, small-volume discharges in which any one holding tank discharge may trigger one or more others as in a cascade sequence, precluding conditions that might produce septic accumulations. Each holding tank has a float valve with a float that can be held on the respective valve seat, against buoyancy by sewage, by conventional vacuum pumping of the main. When vacuum in the main is degraded by use of a special valve or switch for the purpose or by holding tank discharge, holding tanks are selectively discharged as a result.

Abstract: A reactivateable adsorption filter assembly comprises an adsorption filter element, a storage vessel in which is stored filtered fluid, a flow restrictor to restrict the flow of fluid between the adsorption filter element and the storage vessel and a purge valve on the inlet side of the adsorption filter element to selectively connect the filter assembly to a source of fluid at a low pressure, the arrangement being such that when the purge valve is opened to said source of fluid at low pressure filtered fluid containing adsorbate at a very low partial pressure flows back from the storage vessel through the adsorption filter element thereby reactivating said adsorption filter element.

Abstract: A dual filtering system, especially for swimming pools, in which dirt and any large particulates are removed by passing a liquid feed through sand filter bed and minute impurities are then removed by passing the liquid filtrate through a multiplicity of vertically aligned, diatomaceous earth filter grid units. This permits the diatomaceous earth filter grid units to be operated for a protracted period of time with little, if any, need to backwash them. The filter grid units and the sand filter bed are disposed within a single tank in separate zones, one located above the other in a spaced, coaxial arrangement. The pressure differential between the two zones is automatically regulated during filtration by a check valve means. Each of the filter grid units is removably connected to radial arms of a manifold assembly and spaced apart from another. The grids are comprised of a rigid, sock-like pervious filter tube tightly fitted over a rigid, perforated tubular frame.

Abstract: Improvements in flotation separating systems of the type employing small rising air bubbles to induce ascension of certain types of particles in a flotation compartment while other particle types descend toward the bottom of the compartment include a bubble passing, particle blocking barrier forming the bottom of the compartment separating the compartment from a source of air bubbles while allowing the introduction of a uniform distribution of air bubbles into the compartment in the form of a gently sloped conical plate having a plurality of aerated water passing apertures and an array of downwardly extending pocket forming baffles for limiting bubble migration along the slope of the lower plate surface. The baffles are generally configured as radially and circumferentially extending baffle portions.

Abstract: A device for filtering and sterilizing potable water for household use which may be connected in the water line at a faucet or ahead of the automatic ice-making mechanism of a refrigerator. The water is purified in two stages: The first stage uses an activated carbon filter to remove solid particles, dissolved gases and colloidal particles from the water; the second state uses intensive ultraviolet radiation provided by a mercury vapor lamp to kill essentially all bacteria, viruses and any other organisms which are not trapped by the activated carbon filter. The lamp is mounted concentrically within a cylindrical tube having a water inlet at one end and an outlet at the other end, so that the water is sterilized as it passes through the annular chamber defined by the lamp and the outer wall of the cylindrical tube. A solenoid-activated shut-off valve cuts off the water flow from the device whenever a control circuit detects a failure of the lamp or a loss of line power.

Abstract: A skimming vessel is provided for collecting hydrocarbons or other floating materials, from the surface of a body of water. The floating vessel has an engine driving a prop and is provided with a skimming mode and a traveling mode. A dual skimmer system is provided for skimming the surface of a body of water for collecting hydrocarbons from the surface of the water. The surface of the water is skimmed to capture the floating hydrocarbons by drawing the water through the skimmer with the vessel drive propeller when the vessel is in its skimming mode and to block the passage of water through the skimmer when the vessel is in its travel mode, so that the vessel drive is used to improve the removal of hydrocarbons from the surface of the body of water. The vessel has a passageway or tunnel formed in the bottom thereof for the passage of water and has the prop mounted in the tunnel for drawing water through the tunnel to pull water into the skimming system.

Abstract: An electroplating solution recovery system is disclosed which includes an electroplating tank containing an electroplating solution and one or more rinse tanks containing rinse solutions. A tubular interconnection extends between a first of the rinse tanks and the electroplating tank and is operative for transferring rinse solution from the first rinse tank to the electroplating tank by a siphoning process when the level in the plating tank is significantly lower than the level in the rinse tank. Additional tubular interconnections extend between the other rinse tanks for interconnecting them in series relation so that the solution in the tanks is automatically replenished as it is consumed, the solution level in the last tank in the series, however, being replenished from a continuous water supply. Maximum recovery of plating solution is assured by the system, and the pollution levels in the overflow effluent from the last rinse tank are minimized.

Abstract: A dual filtering apparatus for filtering deep fat frying vat oil includes a remote filtering screen attached to a tub by a flexible conduit for conveying oil and includes a fine filtering assembly that is at least partially provided within the upper chamber of the tub to further treat the oil from the remote filtering screen.

Abstract: A cyclonic device for separating entrained matter from a fluid stream under pressure includes a vortex chamber having a longitudinally upright cylindrical part and a subjacent frusto-conical part. Inlet and outlet means are provided for causing the fluid stream to flow first in a downward spiral and then along an ascending vortex. The entrained matter is separated from the fluid stream by centrifugal and inertial forces acting thereon from the swirling fluid flow. A cylindrical filter screen is provided concentrically disposed within the chamber and defines an area through the ascending vortex flows. The filter screen further separates relatively less dense matter from the fluid stream prior to the fluid flowing along the ascending vortex. A freely buoyant spherical ball is provided which acts as a check valve to close the chamber outlet means when a predetermined level of separated matter accumulates in the chamber.

Abstract: A filter system and method are provided utilizing a filter tank separated into an inlet compartment and a filtrate compartment by a filter media. Under normal filter operation, the liquid to be filtered enters the inlet compartment, is passed through the filter media and out the filtrate compartment by a pressure differential created across the filter media by a pump device. When the need arises to move the filter media as a result of the buildup of contaminents on it, it is necessary to alleviate the pressure differential across the filter media. Such pressure differential is alleviated by the controlled flowing of filtered liquid through an orifice in a closed valve into the filtrate compartment.

Abstract: A self-purging separator for separating impurities from fluid intermittently pumped from a well or the like having a segregating device adapted to be received in such a well for segregating impurities from the fluid for descent of the impurities in such a well and a valve below the segregating device for accumulating the descending impurities when the fluid is being pumped and releasing such impurities for further gravitational descent in such well when the pumping is interrupted.

Abstract: A system for automatic evacuation of sewage from a holding tank or tanks in a vacuum operated sewage system provides in preferred embodiment a spherical holding tank with laterally located port for sewage intake, bottom port for sewage discharge to a vacuum main and detachably-covered top port for installation, inspection and maintenance. A float covers the bottom port until sufficient sewage collects to buoy it up, uncovering the bottom port and permitting vacuum discharge of the sewage in the holding tank. Ballast orients the float at all times. Rings of grooves in the lower exterior of the float insure sufficient leakage past the float to maintain portage in the vacuum discharge line. Simple ballast adjustment is provided.

Abstract: A filtering system for deep fat fryers includes a filter tub for receiving contaminated oil from fat frying vats, a primary filtering means mounted in a covering relationship to bottom wall of said tub, and a fine filter cannister to effect removal of contaminated particles down to at least 1/10 of a micron in size from said oils.

Abstract: A portable system is disclosed for collecting hydrocarbons, or other floating materials, from a body of water, such as a bilge. A pump, such as a vacuum pump, collects the water and hydrocarbons and conveys same to an oil/water separator. The oil/water separator receives the water and hydrocarbons and separates the mixture. The oil/water separator has a housing with two tanks connected by a passageway. For separation, the oil/water mixture is fed into one of the tanks of the housing of the oil/water separator. The water then passes through the passageway having a plurality of baffles and, optionally, other separating mechanisms mounted therein and into the second tank. An oil outlet allows the removal of separated oil from the top portion of the second tank while a water outlet allows the removal of water from the bottom portion of the second tank. Optionally, a pair of check valves may also be mounted between the first tank and the passageway.

Abstract: An oil filter is provided comprising a bottomed cylindrical casing (8, 106, 208), a base member including an oil inlet port (91c) and an oil exit port (91b) and adapted to close an open end of the casing and an isolating means (6, 107, 115, 206) formed about the filter element for isolating first and second oil paths to communicate one end and the periphery of a filter element formed by wrapping many times a sheet of thin filter paper about a core member with the first oil path (A) communicated with an oil inlet port and to communicate the other end of the filter element to the second element (B).With this construction, since the first oil path communicated with the oil inlet side is positioned close to the end surface and the periphery of the filter element, the area upon which the oil collides and severe clogging is liable to occur can be increased thus maintaining the filtering capability over a long period.

Abstract: An improved combination pool skimmer is disclosed which may be adapted to provide surface water skimming, or subsurface water sweeping or vacuuming of a swimming pool. The skimmer has a body including a throat for entry of water into the skimmer and a well located below and communicating with the throat. The skimmer has a single relocatable cover plate adapted to be located in the well of the skimmer to cover the skimmer pump outlet port. The well has a peripheral shoulder adjacent to the throat on which a removable strainer basket is supported. The strainer basket has an annular ring or flange which is disposed on this shoulder for this purpose. The cover plate may be supported on the basket annular ring to cover the basket and control entry of water into the well. A snap-in hinged weir and a snap-in hinged equalizer flap valve are provided in the skimmer which are not subject to corrosive decay by pool chemicals.

Abstract: This invention provides a drain system for draining, from a settling chamber of a trapping device, foreign liquid which has separated from a supply liquid flowing through the device. The foreign liquid has a specific gravity greater than that of the supply liquid. The drain system includes a float in the lower part of the chamber and having a specific gravity higher than that of the supply liquid and lower than that of the foreign liquid for floating on foreign liquid in the chamber. An indicator is movable with the float, and a sensor mechanically isolated from the indicator is connected to an electrical signal circuit for causing an actuating signal in response to detection by the float of a predetermined quantity of foreign liquid in the settling chamber. A pump is responsive to such an actuating signal for effecting draining of foreign liquids from the chamber.

Abstract: A transportable self-contained sewage treatment plant includes an outer shell containing a plurality of adjacent chambers having pipes or lines providing a serial flow of fluid therebetween. An aeration chamber delivers biologically treated wastewater to a clarifier chamber which returns both heavy as well as lighter, floating particles to the aeration chamber while passing the remaining wastewater to a filter chamber for passage through a filter bed. The resultant treated fluid next passes into a backwash chamber before discharging as clean water from the plant. The filter bed in the filter chamber is periodically backflushed by applying a pressure head upon the clean water in the backwash chamber to direct the water in a counterflow manner through the filter bed while at the same time this pressure head closes check valves both to preclude discharge of clean water from the plant and to direct backflushed water to by-pass the clarifier chamber and enter the aeration chamber.

Abstract: A deck drainage system for removing oil containing fluid from an offshore facility includes a plurality of drains communicating with a liquid seal strainer for preventing a back flow of gas through the drain assembly. The liquid seal strainer is provided at each deck of the offshore facility with a vent provided downstream of the liquid seal strainers but upstream of a further treatment of the collected rain water and oil containing fluid. Preferably, the collected fluid is passed through a skim pile where oil is separated from the water and recovered. The clean water is then passed directly into the body of water beneath or adjacent the offshore platform. The vent located downstream of the liquid seal strainers but upstream of the skim pile preferably is provided with a flame arrestor for preventing a flash back of an inadvertent flame to the liquid seal strainer.

Abstract: In apparatus for the reverse osmosis purification of water or other fluid in a module containing a membrane, the water is forced into the module under pressure using two piston-cylinder assemblies mechanically interconnected with the pressurized fluid from the module applied to the rear face of the piston which, from its front face, is driving water into the module, a low pressure continuously operating pump providing a low pressure on the other piston to supply the necessary extra pressure. Valve means automatically reverse the functions of the two cylinders at each end of each stroke.

Abstract: The invention relates to method and apparatus for filtering engine coolant flowing in the cooling system of an automotive internal combustion engine. The method consists of constraining engine coolant which normally discharges from an overflow port in the cooling system radiator to pass through a filter into a reservoir, and of applying the suction normally produced at the overflow port as the cooling system cools to draw the filtered engine coolant back into the cooling system.

Abstract: In an automobile fuel system and particularly for a diesel powered vehicle, it is desirable to provide a water separator to prevent passage of water to the engine and particularly the fuel induction components. It is also desirable to provide ejection means for the separated water which may include a provision to prevent the ejected water from falling to the ground.

Abstract: A filter-drier unit adapted for bidirectional flow in heat pump systems. This filter-drier unit includes a shell having opposed flow ports. Spaced partitions in the shell provide a compartment therebetween, each partition separating a flow port from the compartment. An outlet check valve is connected to each partition, and a perforated tube in the compartment, extends between and interconnects the outlet check valves. A molded desiccant core in the compartment, is disposed about the tube. An inlet check valve is connected to each partition in laterally spaced relation to the outlet check valve connected to the same partition to control the flow from each flow port through an inlet check valve in one partition and into the compartment, through the core and tube thence through an outlet check valve in the other partition, and out the other flow port.

Abstract: A bi-directional filter/drier for use in a heat pump refrigerant system or the like. The filter/drier includes a cylindric filter/drier element fitted within a housing and having an axial bore therethrough. The housing has an inlet/outlet at each end thereof for connection to the refrigerant system of the heat pump for selective bi-directional flow of refrigerant therethrough. A valve assembly is provided in the housing at each end of the filter/drier element. Each valve assembly includes a flapper valve and an outlet popet valve with the flapper valves permitting refrigerant to flow from a respective inlet/outlet functioning as an inlet to the exterior of filter/drier unit and with the outlet valves permitting the refrigerant to flow from the interior bore of the filter/drier element to a respective inlet/outlet which functions as an outlet so that no matter which direction refrigerant flows through the housing, the refrigerant at all times flows from the exterior to the interior of the filter/drier element.

Abstract: A device for separating water from diesel fuel is adapted to be used with conventional fuel filter fittings and consists of a conical screen-like member which serves to separate the water from the fuel and in which the inlet providing the fuel which may have water therein is interior of the downwardly diverging conical member. A quiet zone is provided at the base of the cone to reduce turbulence and allow the water to be drained off by an automatically operated valve which operates in conjunction with the air compressor already on the truck.