Float Patents (Class 210/121)
  • Patent number: 8216468
    Abstract: A mobile wastewater separator and recover unit and method for the separation and disposal/recovery of waste water for example in the oil and gas industry. It is fully self-contained and maintains the ability to separate heavy solids, floating contaminants, and water for recovery and reuse or disposal as required. Main components of the system are a large wastewater holding capacity implementing various compartments & separator/recovery mechanisms, evaporation compartments that are interchangeable for efficiency in both warm & extreme cold temperature operations, and finally a condensation recovery system and clean water holding compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: JC Environmental Inc.
    Inventors: Jason W. Page, Carrie A. Page
  • Patent number: 8211303
    Abstract: A mobile wastewater separator and recover unit and method for the separation and disposal/recovery of waste water for example in the oil and gas industry. It is fully self-contained and maintains the ability to separate heavy solids, floating contaminants, and water for recovery and reuse or disposal as required. Main components of the system are a large wastewater holding capacity implementing various compartments & separator/recovery mechanisms, evaporation compartments that are interchangeable for efficiency in both warm & extreme cold temperature operations, and finally a condensation recovery system and clean water holding compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: JC Environmental Inc.
    Inventors: Jason W. Page, Carrie A. Page
  • Patent number: 8192616
    Abstract: A pressurized wastewater effluent chlorination system including a treatment tank defining a contact chamber and an aeration chamber. The treatment tank receives wastewater effluent. The system includes a pressure vessel within a liquid chlorine storage container positioned in or near the treatment tank. Preferably, the pressure vessel is a floating vessel having a check valve at its bottom, enabling the vessel to fill with a predetermined amount or measured charge of chlorine depending on the position of a float on the vessel. In response to a timer control or float switch, a valve operates to communicate air pressure from a compressor to the vessel to displace the measured charge of liquid chlorine into the wastewater effluent in the contact chamber. Effluent flow and air discharge into the contact chamber enhances mixing of the chlorine and the effluent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Mark N. Chaffin
  • Publication number: 20120111806
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pulsed sludge bed settling method for treating all types of liquid, in particular water, and which uses at least one powder or grain reactant, according to which: the liquid and the reactant(s) for the treatment are contained in a tank (1) comprising, at the base thereof, a means (2) for uniformly feeding liquid to be treated over the entire surface thereof; the treated liquid is discharged into the top portion of the tank, at the top level (S) of the liquid; the liquid to be treated is supplied into the tank by pulsations, inducing alternating vertical movements of the sludge bed (M); and part of the sludge is spilled into a concentrator (12) when the top level of the sludge bed exceeds a spilling level (Ld).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: Degremont
    Inventors: Chrystelle Langlais, Jean Lois Vital
  • Publication number: 20120111779
    Abstract: A floating oil collecting system which can collect floating oil containing a very small amount of water is provided. The system includes a liquid-level following type suction apparatus having an intake pipe in which one end is an inlet side end opening upwardly and the other end is connected with an inlet port of a pump, a float which causes the inlet side end to closely follow a liquid level within liquid in a storage tank, and an adjustment pipe which is loosely fitted to the inlet side end of the intake pipe so as to be movable up and down movement, in which an upper end opening edge is an inlet opening; a separation tank which receives an oil/water mixture from the storage tank to separate the mixture into oil and water; a pump for sucking up the oil/water mixture from the storage tank so as to be supplied to the separation tank; and a deaerator for removing air in the oil/water mixture sucked up from the storage tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: EISHIN TECHNO LTD.
    Inventors: Tetsuo Kubo, Kazunori Abe
  • Publication number: 20120085688
    Abstract: A grinder pump basin system is provided which includes a basin; a cover plate; a bracket secured to the cover plate; and a grinder pump with cutter plate with openings and a cutter blade secured to the bracket above a bottom surface of the basin. The bracket includes a front portion, which prevents waste water from interacting adversely with the grinder pump when it enters the basin. A discharge system for the grinder pump is secured to an outlet of the grinder pump and includes a discharge pipe and a flexible discharge coupling. Flow directional jets are also provided in an elbow of the pump discharge system to direct waste water and solids away from the grinder pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: ZOELLER PUMP COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: William L. Schmidt, David R. Gilbert, Bryan S. Schilling, Charles P. Carroll
  • Publication number: 20120080386
    Abstract: A fuel filter system having a fuel filter (14) and water separation device (20), a water collecting chamber (24) with a drain line (26, 28) and controllable water discharge valve (30). A cleaning component (32) is disposed in the drain line behind the water discharge valve (30). A suction line (38) connects a fuel tank (40) with the fuel pump (18). Between the water collecting chamber (24) and cleaning component (32) a connecting line (36) branches to suction line (38) having a pressure controlled stop check valve (44).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: MANN+HUMMEL GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Weindorf, Marco Schweikart
  • Publication number: 20120055858
    Abstract: A wastewater tertiary media filtration system capable of enhancing filtration performance while including backwashing capabilities that eliminate turbidity spikes by using compressed fluid injected to the interior of submerged filter disks is disclosed. A tertiary wastewater treatment apparatus including a filter tank having an inlet and an outlet with a plurality of pile cloth media filter disks disposed in generally parallel relation between the inlet and outlet. Each filter disk preferably includes opposing filter panels disposed in generally parallel spaced relation and supported by a frame. Each filter panel preferably includes a quantity of pile cloth, or other suitable filtration media, sandwiched between opposing mesh panels. The filter disks may be angularly disposed at approximately 55-degrees relative to horizontal so as to maximize settlement velocity in accordance with the advantages of inclined plate technology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventor: Anthony Collins
  • Patent number: 8110099
    Abstract: A filter assembly for use in filtering stormwater includes a bottom including a boss that includes a rib extending laterally along an inner surface of the boss. The rib includes a locking portion that mates with a corresponding locking portion on a peripheral surface of a connection to an outlet conduit for securing the bottom to the connection thereby inhibiting rotation of the bottom relative to the outlet conduit. A center tube is secured to the bottom using a locking mechanism that inhibits relative movement between the bottom and the center tube. The center tube is in communication with an opening in the bottom and a hood is secured to the center tube. A filter medium is located between the hood and the center tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Contech Stormwater Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher S. Hersey, Daniel P. Cobb, Matthew L. Stiller, Gregory W. Byrne, Jr., Christopher W. Weiler, Daniel W. Aberle, Gregory Kowalsky, Michael Stone
  • Patent number: 8075783
    Abstract: A system and method for remediating a body of water and collecting suspended and dissolved solids therefrom are provided. The system includes a water-impervious lining positionable in a depression in or adjacent a body of water. The lining and depression define a treatment vessel, which includes a treatment portion, an outlet portion for containing treated water, and an outflow weir between the treatment portion and the outlet portion. Water to be treated is transported from the water body to the treatment portion. An entrapment element is delivered and mixed into the transported water, the entrapment element for capturing suspended and dissolved solids in the transported water and effecting a separation between the captured solids and water cleansed therefrom. The captured solids can be removed from the treatment basin, and the cleansed water can move through a channel in the outflow weir into the outlet portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: AquaFiber Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Kyle R. Jensen, Ronald P. Allen, Daniel Keys
  • Patent number: 8057665
    Abstract: Disclosed are a cold water tank and a water treatment apparatus. The cold water tank includes a tank body, a water inlet pipe provided at the tank body to convey water into the tank body, a water outlet pipe provided at the tank body to convey the water out of the tank body, and including an air vent hole, and a floating member movably provided at the water outlet pipe to block the air vent hole when the water filling the tank body reaches a height of the air vent hole. The water in the upper portion of the tank body is prevented from passing through the air vent hole and draining through the water outlet pipe, thereby preventing the cooler water in the lower portion from mixing with the hotter water in the upper portion. Only the cooler water in the lower portion can be supplied to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Woongjin Coway Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Man Kim, In Du Choi
  • Patent number: 8048320
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating and concentrating a selected component from a multi-component material. The multi-component material may include a whole sample such as adipose tissue, whole blood, or the like. The apparatus generally includes a moveable piston positioned within a separation container and a withdrawal tube that is operable to interact with a distal end of the collection container past the piston. Material can be withdrawn through the withdrawal tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, James M. McKale
  • Patent number: 8043496
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting oil from algae comprises a disruptor (125) having a plurality of deflectors (220 and 225) against which a mixture of algae and water (100) is forcibly impacted upon the urging of a pump (115). The impacting of the algal cells against the deflectors ruptures their cell walls and liberates the lipids (oil) and other materials contained therein. A tank (130) collects the mixture and after a settling period, the mixture forms at least three layers comprising oil (155), water (160), and algal residue (165). The oil layer is removed through one or more conduits (177, 178) into a holding tank (185) for further refining and use. The water is discarded, and the biomass residue comprising algal cell walls and other non-oil components is removed to another holding container (199) from which it can be discarded or used as an agricultural fertilizer or the like. If desired, the residue can be further treated in order to scavenge any remaining oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventors: Peter Allen Schuh, Allen John Schuh
  • Patent number: 8038889
    Abstract: A screen cleaning apparatus for use, for example, in connection with a discharge conduit of a sewage pumping station, may include a housing, a screen, a rake and a float. The housing may operate to contain a fluid (and/or define a container for the other components) and include a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The screen may be positioned in the housing and define one or more apertures. The rake may also be positioned in the housing and have one or more protrusions, with each protrusion extending into a respective aperture in the screen. The float may apply a force to the rake so that the rake moves relative to the screen and in dependence upon variations of a volume of fluid received in the housing. Accordingly, the rake may rise and fall will the fluid level to remove debris from the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Samatrix Limited
    Inventor: Samuel Munn
  • Patent number: 8038871
    Abstract: A septic tank float mounting system includes a septic tank having a pump therein. A discharge conduit is in fluid communication with the pump. A pump actuating assembly is removably positioned in the septic tank. The pump actuating assembly includes a tube having a first end and a second end. A plurality of clamps is attached to the tube and releasably engages the discharge conduit. A control is positioned outside of the septic tank. An electrical conduit extends through the tube and is in electrical communication with the control and the pump. A float apparatus is releasably engaged to the tube and in communication with the electrical conduit. The float apparatus signals the control to turn on the pump when the float apparatus detects a preselected height of fluid in the septic tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: Minous S. Durham
  • Patent number: 8034234
    Abstract: The present invention is a storm water filter system for filtering floatable debris and non-floating pollutants from storm water passing through a storm water drain system. The storm water filtering system has a floatable skimmer therein for capturing floatable debris and trash from the storm water and a separate filtration system to filter non-floatable pollutants from water passing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas H. Happel
  • Patent number: 8025799
    Abstract: A maple sap reverse osmosis device has a support rack configured and sized to rest atop a tank. The support rack supporting a reverse osmosis device. The reverse osmosis device has a pump line and a dump line both located within the tub. The pump line being located at an upper region of the tank. A pumping means to pump the maple sap from the pump line. The pumping means pushing maple sap through an osmosis membrane. The dump pipe purging concentrate resulting from sap not passing through the osmosis membrane into the deepest region of the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Denis Cote
  • Patent number: 8007664
    Abstract: A floating dispenser is provided for dispensing a solid, dissolvable water treatment chemical into ambient water. The dispenser includes a bucket having top and bottom ends, a top wall covering the top end, an opening for admitting ambient water into the bucket interior, and a floatation ring that keeps only the top end above water such that the interior is water filled when the dispenser floats. A basket is disposed in the interior of the bucket for carrying a solid, dissolvable water treatment chemical, such as calcium hypochlorite. The basket is buoyant and movable vertically toward the top wall of the bucket. The dispenser includes a refill indicator that indicates when most of a full load of said chemical has dissolved. The refill indicator includes a pair of tabs that are connected to the basket and slidably mounted in slots in the top wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignees: Chemtura Corporation, Slingshot Product Development Group
    Inventors: Christopher Reed, Nidhi Rawat, Melissa Hickman, Jeffrey N. Smith, Jerry Foster, Matthew Gabriel, Greg Harding, H. Shaw Strothers, IV, Allison Guyton, Noah McNeely
  • Publication number: 20110198302
    Abstract: A system for capturing and containing waterborne floating debris in bays, harbors, rivers, and other waterways with current, tidal, or wind action flow. This system utilizes a hinged capture gate attached to any of the commercially produced oil slick containment boom systems along with an anchoring deployment that orients the debris trap perpendicular to current, prevailing wind, and tidal flow in employed waterways. The door frame/door gate invention along with the alignment and anchoring of the boom material will allow floating debris to be captured and held within the boom material for later collection and disposal or recycle. This system allows mandated oil slick boom to serve the extended purpose of collecting floating debris before it enters the open oceans and inland waterways. Thousands of yards of oil slick boom are in place that could be utilized to catch and contain waterborne trash and valuable recyclables in every coastal bay, harbor, and waterway worldwide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Theodore Griffith, Richard Joseph Hebert, II, Roger Dean Taylor
  • Publication number: 20110192804
    Abstract: An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at various fractions in the apparatus. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient. Also selected fractions from the sample can be applied to a patient, either alone or as part of a mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew D. Landrigan, Michael D. Leach, Joel C. Higgins
  • Patent number: 7987771
    Abstract: A pump unit includes a reservoir for containing a liquid, a duct system for conveying the liquid, and a pumping section for subjecting the liquid to a pumping force. The initial filling of at least a portion of a duct for conveying the liquid from the reservoir to the pumping section is brought about under the influence of another force other than the pumping force, for example, under the influence of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Paulus Cornelis Duineveld, Fred Fraij, Marinus Christiaan Hansen, Joeke Noordhuis
  • Publication number: 20110108471
    Abstract: A mobile wastewater separator and recover unit and method for the separation and disposal/recovery of waste water for example in the oil and gas industry. It is fully self-contained and maintains the ability to separate heavy solids, floating contaminants, and water for recovery and reuse or disposal as required. Main components of the system are a large wastewater holding capacity implementing various compartments & separator/recovery mechanisms, evaporation compartments that are interchangeable for efficiency in both warm & extreme cold temperature operations, and finally a condensation recovery system and clean water holding compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: JC ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
    Inventors: Jason W. Page, Carrie A. Page
  • Patent number: 7892422
    Abstract: A pressurized wastewater effluent chlorination system including a treatment tank defining a contact chamber and an aeration chamber. The treatment tank receives wastewater effluent. The system includes a pressure vessel within a liquid chlorine storage container positioned in or near the treatment tank. Preferably, the pressure vessel is a floating vessel having a check valve at its bottom, enabling the vessel to fill with a predetermined amount or measured charge of chlorine depending on the position of a float on the vessel. In response to a timer control or float switch, a valve operates to communicate air pressure from a compressor to the vessel to displace the measured charge of liquid chlorine into the wastewater effluent in the contact chamber. Effluent flow and air discharge into the contact chamber enhances mixing of the chlorine and the effluent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: Mark N. Chaffin
  • Patent number: 7879248
    Abstract: A filter system includes a distribution valve operable to direct a received fluid stream to first and second outlets during respective first and second cycles. A filtering system filters at least some fluid output from the first outlet of the distribution valve during the first cycle with a first filter while back-flushing a second filter and filters at least some fluid output from the second outlet of the distribution valve during the second cycle with the second filter while back-flushing the first filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Rudy James Svetlik, III
  • Patent number: 7854328
    Abstract: In order to produce a filter cartridge for a reversible flow filter for filtering a fluid which comprises a filter cartridge interior surrounded by a filtering medium, whereby the filtering medium is adapted to be cleaned in a particularly effective and uniform manner during the back flushing phase, it is proposed that the filter cartridge should comprise a reverse flow damming body which is arranged in the interior of the filter cartridge and is movable in a longitudinal direction of the filter cartridge by the reverse flow when back flushing the filter cartridge and produces a local increase in the dynamic pressure of the reverse flow, whereby the reverse flow damming body does not abut against the filtering medium when back flushing the filter cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Dürr Ecoclean, GmbH
    Inventor: Egon Käske
  • Publication number: 20100300985
    Abstract: A water treatment system for producing a sodium hypochlorite solution to control bacteria levels in well water containing: a pH adjuster; a container containing solid calcium hypochlorite for producing a calcium hypochlorite solution; and a container containing solid sodium carbonate for producing the sodium hypochlorite solution and a method of controlling bacteria levels in well water by using intermittent injections of a sodium hypochlorite solution with alternating pH values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: AQUIFIER MAINTENANCE & PERFORMANCE SYSTEMS, INC
    Inventor: James Murray
  • Patent number: 7837884
    Abstract: A platelet collection device comprising a centrifugal spin-separator container with a cavity having a longitudinal inner surface. A float in the cavity has a base, a platelet collection surface above the base, an outer surface. The float density is below the density of erythrocytes and above the density of plasma. The platelet collection surface has a position on the float which places it below the level of platelets when the float is suspended in separated blood. During centrifugation, a layer of platelets or buffy coat collects closely adjacent the platelet collection surface. Movement of a float having a density greater than whole blood through the sedimenting erythrocytes releases entrapped platelets, increasing the platelet yield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Hanuman, LLC
    Inventors: Randel Dorian, Scott R. King, Richard Wood Storrs
  • Patent number: 7798217
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating a mixture of liquids of differing specific gravities in a wellbore is disclosed along with a method of installation and operation thereof. This device separates water from hydrocarbons prior to hydrocarbon extraction in order to decrease disposal costs of waste water. The device is designed to be compatible with existing oil wells that have been abandoned because of lack of profitability caused by a high water to oil ratio. The device may also be installed in new wells with a high water concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Darrell Lantz
  • Publication number: 20100230333
    Abstract: The amount of sealant needed as an odor barrier in a wastewater cartridge is reduced. The cartridge inlet compartment (78) has a ceiling (90) of given area. The ceiling is spaced from the cartridge upper wall (60) and from the wastewater-receiving opening (64) therein. A throat (88), which communicates the inlet compartment with the wastewater-receiving opening, has an area which is less than the area of the ceiling, so that the amount of the sealant acting as the barrier, as contained within the throat, is less than any further amount of the sealant (under the ceiling) which floats on the wastewater in the inlet compartment. Also, should sealant not be present within the throat to act as an odor barrier, only a small area of wastewater present within the throat would be exposed to the air external to the cartridge and, thus, present a lesser opportunity of odor to emanate to the outside environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: Falcon Waterfree Technologies
    Inventor: Robert Avetisian
  • Patent number: 7736496
    Abstract: A dual pump water treatment system for automatically replenishing the water level within a tank of a marine reef aquarium by alternating between a calcium solution reservoir and an alkalinity solution reservoir. The calcium reservoir is in connection with a first pump, while the alkalinity reservoir is in connection with a second pump. The system includes a pair of water level sensors in communication with a solid state relay on a printed circuit board of a switch box. When the water level drops the sensor triggers the relay to turn on the calcium reservoir. When the water level is replenished the first pump is turned off. When the water level drops again, the sensor triggers the relay to turn on the alkalinity reservoir. When the water level is replenished the second pump is turned off. The cycle is repeated based on water level in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: George DeGiacomo
  • Patent number: 7722761
    Abstract: A filtering device for filtering water and liquids in general comprises a first reservoir for collecting the water to be filtered, a second reservoir for collecting the filtered water, which reservoir is supplied by falling from the first reservoir, a conduit which extends from the first reservoir into the second reservoir, a cartridge type filtering element which is removably received in the conduit, a discharge hole for the filtered water that is positioned between the conduit and the second reservoir, and at least one opening for access to the cartridge provided at an end of the conduit that is distal from the first reservoir in order to promote the removal thereof. The device comprises an at least partial closure which can be removably fitted to the conduit in the region of the opening for access to the cartridge and comprises a flow adjuster which is associated with the conduit in order to adjust the flow of water flowing from the first reservoir to the second reservoir through the discharge hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Laica S.p.A.
    Inventor: Maurizio Moretto
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7640759
    Abstract: An air conditioning system condensate collection pan or water leak containment pan electrical control switch includes a housing or frame for supporting a switch unit which includes an elongated actuator arm. The housing includes a slot disposed adjacent a distal end of the actuator arm for receiving a water soluble tablet engageable with the actuator arm to bias the arm into a predetermined position of the switch. Abnormal accumulation of condensate or leaking water dissolves the tablet and allows the actuator arm to move to a position to effect actuation of the switch. The switch may be connected to a control unit, a thermostat and/or to an alarm generator including a self-contained unit having battery powered audio and/or visual alarm devices, an on-off switch and a circuit test switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Joe D. Robinson
  • Patent number: 7611624
    Abstract: A filtered grey water recycling system includes a waste water storage tank for receiving waste water from a stone processing system and a filtered grey water supply loop providing filtered grey water to the stone processing system. The filtered grey water loop includes a separation filter for removing large particulate waste from the grey water and a particle filter for filtering smaller particulate matter. The separation filter discharges the large particulate waste into the waste water storage tank and a clear water filter loop filters waste water from the waste water storage tank through a high pressure filter and discharges the resulting clear water into the waste water storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Stone Industry Recycling, Inc.
    Inventors: Ross E. Perry, Paula K. Perry
  • Publication number: 20090250413
    Abstract: A system for separating components of a composition according to density. The system includes a torque generating device, a separation device, and a housing. The separation device separates the composition into different components according to density. The housing accommodates the separation device. The housing includes a base having an interface that transfers torque from the torque generating device to the separation device, a cover, and a conduit for introducing the composition into the separation device without opening the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventor: Jacy C. Hoeppner
  • Patent number: 7575675
    Abstract: A pool cleaner debris bag is provided having an open end adapted to receive debris from the pool and a closable end defining at least one discharge passage for the bag. The pool cleaner further comprises a securing apparatus disposed along at least a portion of the closable end. For example, the securing apparatus can have at least two separable members selectively movable between an unsecured position to permit opening of the discharge passage, and a secured position having at least a portion of the first end is disposed between the at least two separable members to permit closing of the discharge passage. In addition or alternatively, the debris bag can comprise a seam disposed at a location spaced apart from the open end for defining at least one discharge passage for the bag. In addition or alternatively, the securing apparatus can comprise a clasp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventor: Suresh Cherulassery Gopalan
  • Patent number: 7536967
    Abstract: A marine water conversion apparatus capable of pumping ocean surface water several hundred feel below the surface to cause sufficient cooler water to rise to the surface to prevent formation of or to moderate hurricanes. The apparatus is remotely controlled and includes a propulsion system for moving it to a new location or in predetermined patterns through use of a global positioning system and computerized controls. Power for driving the pumps may be provided by a wind turbine driven electric generator at the upper end of an upper tube section pivotally connected to a float tank on a vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Inventor: Gerald L. Barber
  • Patent number: 7537689
    Abstract: An apparatus for filtering suspended solids from a liquid having a group of filters mounted inside a filter chamber. The filters divide the chamber into dirty liquid chambers and clean liquid chambers. A wash assembly is disposed within the chamber having vacuum/pump heads in contact with the filters rotates within the chamber. The vacuum/pump heads are connected to a pump and vacuum source located either within or without the apparatus. The vacuum/pump heads either vacuum material up or spray material therefrom in order to clean the filters. As the wash assembly rotates, the vacuum heads are able to contact and clean the entire surface of the filters. The filters are reasonably mounted in the chamber such that they may be removed from the chamber for servicing/replacement without the need to drain the chamber or enter the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Grouse Mountain, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald D. Ricketts
  • Publication number: 20090110793
    Abstract: A maple sap reverse osmosis device has a support rack configured and sized to rest atop a tank. The support rack supporting a reverse osmosis device. The reverse osmosis device has a pump line and a dump line both located within the tub. The pump line being located at an upper region of the tank. A pumping means to pump the maple sap from the pump line. The pumping means pushing maple sap through an osmosis membrane. The dump pipe purging concentrate resulting from sap not passing through the osmosis membrane into the deepest region of the tub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Denis Cote
  • Patent number: 7524412
    Abstract: A fluid pollution prevention system for preventing the discharge of hazardous waste from a bilge of a marine vessel. The system includes an locator for positioning a fluid conduit within a bilge. Specifically, the locator is adapted to position an inlet of the fluid conduit within an isolated volume fluid within the bilge that is substantially isolated from petrochemicals floating on the surface of the fluid in the bilge. In one arrangement, the isolated volume is at least partially defined by a floating petrochemical absorber and/or a sidewall that is disposed transverse to a surface of the fluid in the bilge. An outlet of the fluid conduit may be interconnected to a fluid pump that may be located outside the bilge and/or above the fluid within the bilge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Inventor: Paul Arthur Clukies
  • Publication number: 20090090673
    Abstract: A system and method for remediating a body of water and collecting suspended and dissolved solids therefrom are provided. The system includes a water-impervious lining positionable in a depression in or adjacent a body of water. The lining and depression define a treatment vessel, which includes a treatment portion, an outlet portion for containing treated water, and an outflow weir between the treatment portion and the outlet portion. Water to be treated is transported from the water body to the treatment portion. An entrapment element is delivered and mixed into the transported water, the entrapment element for capturing suspended and dissolved solids in the transported water and effecting a separation between the captured solids and water cleansed therefrom. The captured solids can be removed from the treatment basin, and the cleansed water can move through a channel in the outflow weir into the outlet portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: AQUAFIBER TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kyle R. Jensen, Ronald P. Allen, Daniel Keys
  • Patent number: 7513991
    Abstract: A clogging indicator for a fish tank or aquarium comprising a transparent vertical tube with a float positioned therein. The indicator is designed to sit on the outside of the tank and the filter itself. The water level in the tube is lowered and raised according to the amount of water with a rear chamber of the filter. Indicating marks are located on the tube to visually display normal or clogged operation. Backup water from a clogged filter will raise the water level in the rear chamber and thus also the indicator tube. As the water level rises, the float raises toward a warning indicator mark to indicate the need for filter changing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: J.W. Pet Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Willinger
  • Publication number: 20090020486
    Abstract: A filter assembly comprising a filter head having inlet and outlet ports; a filter bowl attached to the filter head, wherein the filter bowl has a drain hole located at the bottom of the filter bowl for draining fluids; a filter element housed within the filter bowl, the filter element including a barrier of filtration media, a drain layer and at least one support tube; wherein a pressure differential exists across the filter element; a bottom cap that seals fluid within the filter element; a top cap having a non-planar flange portion, wherein the flange portion has a substantially curving, generally s-shaped cross-sectional profile, the non-planar flange sealingly received within the filter head such that the filter head is divided into inlet and outlet partitions; wherein the top cap directs fluid from the inlet port into the filter element, where the fluid flows through the barrier of filtration media and then out of the assembly through the outlet port; and, a float drain component attached to the base of
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: James W. Barnwell
  • Patent number: 7476310
    Abstract: Fuel filter for diesel engines with high pressure direct injection of common rail type and the like, comprising an outer casing provided with a fuel inlet conduit (3) and an outlet conduit (4), and containing in its interior a filter means(5), a temperature sensor(15) being positioned in proximity to the bottom of said casing to measure the temperature of the fuel present in the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: UFI Filters S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giorgio Girondi
  • Patent number: 7470371
    Abstract: A platelet collection device comprising a centrifugal spin-separator container with a cavity having a longitudinal inner surface. A float in the cavity has a base, a platelet collection surface above the base, an outer surface. The float density is below the density of erythrocytes and above the density of plasma. The platelet collection surface has a position on the float which places it below the level of platelets when the float is suspended in separated blood. During centrifugation, a layer of platelets or buffy coat collects closely adjacent the platelet collection surface. Platelets are then removed from the platelet collection surface. Movement of a float having a density greater than whole blood through the sedimenting erythrocytes releases entrapped platelets, increasing the platelet yield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Hanuman LLC
    Inventors: Randel Dorian, Scott R. King, Richard Wood Storrs
  • Patent number: 7468128
    Abstract: A fluid pollution prevention system for preventing the discharge of hazardous waste from a bilge of a marine vessel. The system includes an continuous sidewall that defines a vertically enclosed volume. When positioned within a bilge, the sidewall forms a barrier to petrochemicals floating on a fluid surface within the bilge. An opening near a base of the sidewall permits fluid from beneath the fluid surface to enter the vertically enclosed volume. Such fluid is substantially free of petrochemicals and may be removed form the vertically enclosed volume. Accordingly, by pumping fluid out of the enclosed volume, fluid may be removed form the bilge substantially free of petrochemicals. In one arrangement, the vertically enclosed volume may be sized to receive a bilge pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Paul Arthur Clukies
    Inventor: Paul Arthur Clukies
  • Patent number: 7442307
    Abstract: The equipment has a main reaction (I) and an anterior reactor (II), as well as facilities for feeding in untreated sewage, removing cleaned water and sludge and aerating the wastewater entered into the main reactor, and a mixer (2) situated in the anterior reactor (II), and it is characterized by that between the main reactor (I) and the anterior reactor (II) there is a facility or there are facilitates for the recirculation of wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Organica Kornyezettechnologiak Zet.
    Inventors: Gyula Czepek, Zoltán Takács, István Kenyeres
  • Patent number: 7429319
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a sewage slurry separation system adapted to assist in sewer cleaning operations. The sewage slurry separation system is configured for collecting sewage slurry from a sewer line, depositing the sewage slurry in a collection/settling chamber to separate the slurry into water and sludge. The water is then pumped back into the sewer line. The system includes a sewage collection tank with a compacting plate. The compacting plate divides the sewage collection tank into a sewage collection chamber and a water collection chamber. The compacting plate has a passage that allows water from the sewage collection chamber to flow into the water collection chamber. The sewage slurry separation system also includes a submersible pump connected to the sewage collection chamber. The submersible pump pumps sewage slurry into the sewage collection chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Inventor: Rufus Davis
  • Patent number: 7419591
    Abstract: A filter assembly is provided that includes a hood, a drain manifold, a filter disposed between the hood and the drain manifold, a drainage space that is disposed between and in fluid communication with both the filter medium and the drain manifold, a check valve that is configured to permit air to escape but not to enter the drainage space so that a siphon can be established that draws additional fluid through the filter medium and into the drain manifold, the siphon continuing until air entering the hood disrupts the siphon, and a check valve cap that is configured to permit air to escape the check valve while preserving an air-filled void above the check valve when the filter assembly is submerged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Contech Stormwater Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel W. Aberle, James H. Lenhart, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7387722
    Abstract: An automatic system for treating water, which consists of two treatment tanks adapted to be operated alternately. The tanks are interconnected with each other by a unique isolation valving system that permits one tank to be in use while the other is on standby. They are also connected to a single brine tank and alternate by being controlled with a novel, photo/electric water sensor, which reacts to a predetermined flow of water through the tanks. This system is very environmentally friendly by reducing the amount of water and salt used in the regeneration of the minerals compared with other systems operating today.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Inventors: Robert G Varner, Daniel G. Varner