Abstract: A water purifying apparatus has feeding device for feeding water under pressure; a bacteria culturing tank; and air supply device for feeding air to the bacteria culturing tank by inducing air by utilizing fluid energy of circulating water; and an air flow detector provided on an air suction duct of the air supply means. A filter provided upstream of the feeding means for feeding water under pressure has the capability of preventing moss from growing in a water tank and sterilizing water. An ultraviolet lamp for sterilizing the water in a water tank is provided in a circulating duct. A carrier for fixing bacteria which grows aerobic and anaerobic bacteria is composed of a basic mineral material.

Abstract: A process for separating the grease, solids and water components from grease such as grease traps and fry grease. The grease is collected and introduced into a primary holding tank to effect primary crude separation. The grease is removed to a second stage separator for further concentration. The water and solids are separately directed to a second stage to separate these components. The separated water is treated suitable for discharge into a sewer. The solids are dried and the solids and grease are then suitable for re-use. In the preferred embodiment, the separators are centrifuges. Heating of the grease may also be necessary to achieve proper viscosity for handling and to remove bacteria.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating contaminant from water, the contaminant being of lower density than water. The apparatus comprises a settlement chamber, initial separating means, and an entry port for introducing the liquid to be separated into the initial separating means for flow therethrough into the settlement chamber. A contaminant outlet opens from an upper region of the settlement chamber. A pump intake is located towards the lowermost part of the settlement chamber, and feeds a pump. The outlet from the pump is directed to a molecular separation filter capable of separating water from contaminant. Water discharges from the molecular separation filter, and can be further treated by an optional activated carbon filter. Contaminant leaving the molecular separation filter is directed back into the initial separating means.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for separation of liquid and solid waste materials from a mixture or other combination of such materials. A container is provided with a vertically disposed interior screen or perforated wall that is capable of retaining solid material while permitting liquid material to pass therethrough. The perforated wall divides the container into first and second portions. Waste material is provided to the first portion, and liquid material is removed from the second portion. Preferably disposed in the first portion is an onion bag or other porous, screening or filtering material for receiving the combination of liquid and solid material and retaining of the solid material. Liquid material can be removed from the second portion via a drain, or alternatively by a pump controlled by a liquid level sensor. The pump would be operated whenever the liquid level sensor sensed a sufficiently high predetermined level of liquid in the container.

Abstract: An effluent recycling sanitation system. A first container forms a placid waste separator connected in series to a second container forming an effluent recycling chamber. Both containers are located below ground and are formed from reinforced concrete having a fiberglass liner separated by insulation preventing outward flow of heat energy. The first container is sealed relative to the atmosphere providing for biodegradation of incoming sewage with a vertically extending screen allowing only liquid sewage to flow outwardly into the second container. An air inlet tube extends into the second container allowing fresh air to move into the container with gases then being withdrawn via a second tube extending out of the second container and powered by an air turbine. A solar converter plus auxiliary heat coils located within the second container rinse the temperature within the second container. Liquid within the second container is evaporated via the outlet tube.

Abstract: A waste water recovery system for transporting waste water to a reuse entity, such as an irrigation system, utilizing a holding tank having an upper portion and an opposite lower portion. A waste water conduit directs water into the holding tank. Water from the holding tank is transported through an outlet conduit by the use of a pump. An overflow conduit permits water to leave the waste water holding tank should excess amounts of waste water flow into the holding tank. A power switching mechanism activates the pump only when the holding tank contains a predetermined amount of waste water. The waste water is treated in the holding tank by gaseous ozone to obviate microbial activity.

Abstract: An apparatus for skimming the surface of body of liquid includes a hollow support member and an tubular collector member having a top opening and vertically slidable in the support member and connected to the suction input of a centrifugal pump. The support member either floats in the liquid body or is supported on the floor of the liquid body and is at a level that, in the dormant condition of the apparatus, the collector member opening is slightly above the liquid surface. Upon actuation of the pump, the suction lowers the collector member and draws the surface water over the edge of the collector member which may be covered by a filter bag for retaining debris.

Abstract: Equipment for the in-line separation of oil from water, comprising a container with an intake and an outlet and partitions located therebetween so that meandering flow top to bottom through the container results. Overflow apertures located in the upper container region discharge the separated oil. As a result of this configuration, separation shall be more complete and more rapid than in known equipment and/or that the required purification is achieved in one pass. The upper edges of the partitions are located in the same height zone as the lower edges of the overflow apertures.

Abstract: A filter apparatus is used to filter tap water and to automatically fill two containers. This apparatus includes a filter subassembly, a housing subassembly, a water control subassembly, and first and second containers. The water control subassembly includes a center see-saw chute receiving filtered water from a supply line from the filter subassembly, and includes a left pivoted chute and a right pivoted chute, each receiving a selectively directed water stream from the center chute. Each pivoted chute has a float at one end thereof, in contact with the water in its respective container when about full. An upward force from its container water pivots each left and right chute, when the container is about full, causing the respective water stream to be redirected in the opposite direction along its chute to a reservoir and drain line.

Abstract: A portable, household water purifier is disclosed. The water purifier generally comprises a housing adapted to rest on a kitchen counter-top, a tank mounted inside the housing for receiving untreated water, a water treatment system mounted inside the housing, a means for pumping the water through the treatment system, and a means for refrigerating the treated water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for preventing or minimizing scale deposition from hard water onto heat transfer surfaces in atmospheric cooling towers, such as those used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems, where evaporative cooling of water provides the necessary heat sink to the atmosphere. An electrical/mechanical control system responsive to changes in density of the water in the evaporative cooling system operates to permit discharge of water containing dissolved and suspended solids from the system when its density reaches a predetermined maximum value and to discontinue the discharge of cooling system water when its density reaches a predetermined minimum value. Water drained from the cooling system is replaced by fresh water, preferably by water containing chemical additives to increase solubility of hard water minerals in the cooling water.

Abstract: A floating layer recovery apparatus is disclosed for selectively pumping a liquid floating on groundwater. The apparatus preferably includes a first float which is buoyant in the floating layer attached by a guide to a bottom float which has neutral buoyancy in the groundwater. A middle float is slidably attached to the guide for upward and downward movement between the first and bottom floats. The middle float being an inlet is constructed to have an effective density in the assembly such that it rests at a point where its inlet is near the bottom of the floating layer. Coiled conduits disposed above and below the bottom float carry the floating layer liquid received by the inlet to a pump disposed below. The pump then pumps the floating layer liquid from the conduit to the ground surface. In a preferred embodiment, more precise control over the level of the inlet port is achieved by means of an adjustable inlet port means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disposing of waste water above ground is disclosed. Effluent is deposited in a first tank wherein solids are broken down and liquified by a primary preconditioning unit. The preconditioned effluent is transferred to a second tank. A secondary conditioning unit in the second tank suspends liquid and solid particles in the tank air and vapor, vaporizes the suspended liquid and any entrained solid particulate material, and then discharges the vaporized material into the ambient atmosphere. An automatic control means senses vapor temperature and operates a stack damper and vacuum means which causes the vapor stream, thus preventing escape of non heat-treated vaporized materials. Another automatic control means activate the secondary treatment unit heater only when the liquid level of the second tank is within a preselected range.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of removing lead contaminants from drinking water wherein the apparatus includes a first lead-separator tank which receives water from an incoming line. Lead particles are allowed to settle to the bottom of the first separator tank for sequential deposit in a waste tank. A second lead-separator tank receives water from the first tank by means of a mist spray. Lead particles are further precipitated and collected at the bottom of the second tank, and again are sequentially discharged into the drain tank. The second separator tank is connected to a third separator tank, whereby water from the second separator tank is siphoned off and transferred to the third separator tank. Any remaining lead particles in the last tank are again discharged into the waste-water tank. The lead-free water in the last tank is allowed to be directed to various outlets for drinking or cooking purposes only. The remaining or waste water from the waste tank is used for various other purposes, such as washing.

Abstract: A skimmer for decanting treated liquid from sewage treatment basins comprising a weir, barrier, sealing means and mounting means so constructed and disposed as to define a solids-free decantation zone of increasing size during lowering of the weir during decantation is described.

Abstract: A device (10) for filtering and directing effluent to one of a plurality of angularly spaced drainfield trenches. The device (10) includes a housing (12) in which a core (14) is received. A filter medium (18) is inserted within the core (14) and extends around an inside of the core (14). Effluent channelled into the core (14) passes outwardly therefrom through a port (52) formed therein. This port is in registration with one of a plurality of ports (54) formed in the housing (12). Selective registration is accomplished by rotating the core (14) relative to the housing (12).

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for determining the thickness of a layer of aerated sludge floating on a layer of heavier liquid in a tank used in the treatment of sewage. The apparatus comprises a frame which can be positioned to extend vertically into the tank, an indicator supported by and movable vertically with respect to the frame, the indicator being positionable at the highest level of sludge in the tank, a horizontally-extending lower base attached to the frame at or near the bottom thereof, a horizontally-extending upper base attached to the frame at or near the top thereof, and a line carrying a float, the line being movably secured at the upper and lower base. The float is movable between the upper and lower base, is floatable on the liquid, and includes a horizontally extending portion presenting an upwardly directed, generally planar surface.

Abstract: Bar screen apparatus of the type having a motorized rake assembly, that mounts an electric drive motor with associated electrical components which moves the assembly along a guide frame in a closed, approximately vertical path from an upper parking position to and through a lower reversing direction position, is imporved by adding a protection device to prevent the drive motor and associated electrical components from being submerged in a stream of sewage passing the apparatus at an abnormally high level.

Abstract: A microwave-based emulsion treating system comprising a microwave energy source, a microwave applicator for treating an oil-water emulsion, a wave guide between the microwave energy source and the microwave applicator, a circulator in the wave guide, a separator vessel for receiving and separating microwave-treated emulsion, and means for removing an oily water phase from the separator, circulating it to a water load chamber on the circulator, and returning it from the water load chamber to the separator.

Abstract: A water treatment system having an apparatus (2) for the intensive pretreatment of the untreated water with ozone, having a downstream filter (3) with reducing action, and also having an apparatus (4) for the post-disinfection is improved in that the excess ozone which accumulates in the upper part (17) of the filter tank and which is added to the water during the pretreatment is removed anhydrously and fed into the apparatus for the post-treatment of the filtered water. The post-treatment takes place preferably in a retention vessel (4) filled with packing material (15) in which the water comes into contact with ozone by surface contact. The water level (24) is kept constant by regulating the gas discharge from the retention vessel (4). (Illustrated by drawing).

Abstract: A filter compartment containing water with surface scum is bounded by first and second end walls and spaced side walls, the latter of which are spanned by a moving bridge. The bridge is movable between the ends of the compartment and has associated nozzles which direct a pressurized air or other fluid angularly against the upper surface of the scum layer to skim the scum towards at least one collecting pot, in which scum is collected, and from which the scum is withdrawn for delivery to a scum pit for further treatment or disposal.

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: This apparatus and method consists of serially or in parallel of contacting a contaminated water countercurrently with air, preferably containing ozone, to remove dissolved organics from the water. It is also desirable to pass the treated water through a carbon adsorbent bed prior to use.

Abstract: A filter device suitable for use in cleaning dampening water used in an offset press. The filter device has a tank in which are defined three sections: a stirring tank section, a floating tank section and a discharging tank section. The floating tank section and the discharging tank section are communicated with each other through a passage at their lower regions. The passage is adapted to be selectively closed by a shut-off device which is operated periodically under the control of a timer. A floating contaminant removing opening es positioned above the water level in the floating tank section. The contaminated water is poured into the stirring tank section through a bubbling means so that contaminants are adsorbed by the bubbles. The bubbles adsorbing the contaminants are allowed to float in the upper region of water in the floating tank section.

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 constant-recirculation filter system for decontaminating and reusing wash water in vehicle washing installations and other applications in which water recycling is needed. The elements of the system are selected to avoid need for backwashing operations, thereby enabling use by unskilled personnel. Unrecycled fresh water is used to rinse vehicles, and to provide makeup water to the recirculating system.

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: Water purifying apparatus comprises a purified water storage vessel and a filter, preferably a reverse osmosis filter, for purifying water. An inlet side of the filter is adapted for connecting to a pressurized source of water to be treated and an outlet side of the filter is connected to an inlet of the storage vessel. A purified discharge line is also connected to the vessel inlet. The vessel is configured for being pressurized by a gas, such as air, in a manner that the pressurizing gas is in direct contact with purified water in the tank. A gas check valve is installed at the vessel combination inlet and outlet, the check valve comprising a spherical valve which floats in water and a valve seat against which the valve seals when most of the water has been withdrawn from the vessel, so as to prevent escape of pressurizing gas from the vessel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for regulating a water-removing or drainage machine, particularly a double-sieve sludge drainage machine having a plurality of automatic control means for adaptation thereof to sludges with different drainage properties, comprising an automatic throughput control means in which a sludge level in a filtering zone serves as an indication for the automatic throughput control means, an automatic flocculant control means adapted to employ shearing strength of a sludge-flocculant mixture as an indication of drainage behavior, and an automatic sieve velocity control means responsive in dependence upon drainage velocity.

Abstract: This fuel filter device serves to eliminate the need for priming a fuel pump and bleed-air from fuel injectors, in the event that the fuel storage tank runs dry, or fuel filters are replaced on a fuel consuming device, which employs a fuel injecting system. Primarily, the device includes a housing, having a floating filter on its interior, which rides on a perforated fuel valve rod. The device also includes a floating ball valve attached to the armature of a solenoid, which is secured to a fuel output fitting in the bottom wall of the housing, and in the event of water in the fuel, the solenoid is actuated, and its armature will pull the ball valve down for positive shut-off of fuel flow.

Abstract: A skimming device which is arranged to be positioned within the wall of a receptacle for a body of water such as a swimming pool or spa, the device including a housing which has a horizontal inlet portion with an opening therein arranged to be positioned in open communication with the body of water, the housing having a downwardly extending vertical discharge chamber having an inlet which is of lesser cross-sectional area than the inlet of the horizontal inlet portion, a strainer basket proportioned to be received through the opening in the horizontal inlet and constructed and arranged to be snap-in seated in the vertical discharge portion, with a float pivotally secured to the strainer basket to substantially cover the basket when in a closed first position and also proportioned to be received through the opening, the float dimensions being larger than the opening to the vertical discharge chamber, the arrangement being such that the basket and the float are removable as a unit through the horizontal inlet p

Abstract: A liquid filter unit can be used to filter fuel and includes a ball which is moved into a position to prevent further fuel flow through the filter unit when a predetermined amount of water is collected in the unit. One form of the unit includes a water soluble membrane anchoring the ball in place. This form of the filter unit can be used in either the vertical or horizontal orientation, and can be used for high fluid flow rates.

Abstract: A pool surface skimming apparatus is disclosed which has two concentric, substantially cylindrical shells engageable one about the other. The inner shell has a floatation means integral therewith and a waste removal basket contained within its lower portion The inner shell floats atop of the surface of the pool thus occasioning collection of solid matter from the pool's miniscus layer. The outer shell provides for the attachment of plumbing fixtures utilizable in the operation of the skimming apparatus.

Abstract: A waste disposal system provides a mixing stage where waste matter is water-charged, the water charged mixture is then steam exploded by being sprayed onto a white hot surface in a chamber with only one outlet where the expansion on vaporization forces the vapor out through a chemical spray stage; next a vertical-filter stage removes and gravitationally drains coarse filtrate and finally a horizontal filter stage treats the vapor in the presence of a counterwash spray of fresh water before the vapor is released into the atmosphere; recirculation of the material filtered and treating materials is provided.

Abstract: Sewage effluent from a septic tank collects in a holding tank before being pumped out into a disposal field. The pump is turned on and off automatically by a control circuit which includes maximum and minimum level float switches in the holding tank, so that a predetermined volume of the effluent is discharged under pressure into the disposal field during each on-and-off cycle of the pump. A third float switch in the holding tank triggers an alarm whenever the effluent rises above a predetermined maximum level. The alarm signalling system may be silenced or tested by a manual switch.

Abstract: A divider plate having a strainer basket depending therefrom is positioned in a skimmer apparatus intermediate the skimming inlet and the lower end. A conduit passes through the basket and communicates with the drain inlet in the bottom of the skimmer which also includes an outlet from which water is drawn by the swimming pool pump. The conduit is aligned with a water passage in the divider plate. A coupling member affixed to the hose associated with vacuum cleaning equipment is passed through the water passage and engaged with the conduit. The coupling blocks water flow from the drain inlet and has an exit therethrough for movement of water from the hose to the outlet of the skimmer. Valve means are provided for selectively closing the water passage and for selectively retarding water flow from the drain inlet.

Abstract: A water recycle unit for producing clear water output from grey water input comprises an enclosed container which holds a relatively large volume of water within the container while the heavy materials of the grey water, such as sand and dirt, settle to a lower zone and the lighter materials, such as oil and fibers, rise to an upper zone leaving a central zone of clear water between the lower and upper zones. An internal gate within the container removes clear water from the central zone through the outlet in response to the inflow of additional grey water into the unit through the upper inlet. The outlet is located in a side wall above the level of the central zone of clear water, and the gate includes an inlet opening which is located in the central zone. The gate also includes a passageway between the inlet opening and the outlet for conducting only clear water from the central zone to the outlet.

Abstract: An automatic liquid level control system for separation tanks which are used to clean waste water. The automatic level control system includes an external stilling well mounted on the side of the separation tank and having a liquid level sensing means which produces a pneumatic signal related to the liquid level. A pneumatic operator receives the pneumatic signal and maintains the proper position of the weir gate in the weir or outfall box of the separation tank, so that the amount of effluent water flowing from the tank is appropriately regulated to maintain the desired liquid level in the tank.

Abstract: Aquatic sports zones are reclaimed or made by bounding non-shore areas of the zone with a plurality of end-to-end connected water impervious flotation boom sections, anchoring the formed boom in the bound zone, and attaching the ends of the boom to pier bulkheads, and providing the boom with a ballasted skirt having a length greater than the maximum normally anticipated water depth at the point of attachment of the skirt to the boom. Where desired, water purification means may be included in the bound zone.

Abstract: Water contaminated with oil is separated within a closed container into an oil layer and a water layer containing a residue of oil, because of the difference in the specific gravities of water and oil. A suction pump sucks the separated oil from the container to reduce the pressure of the liquid in the container, thereby lowering the concentration of oil residue in the separated water.

Abstract: A pneumatic sewage ejector includes a tank for holding fluid sewage. When the sewage reaches a predetermined high level in the tank, it is ejected by pressurized air forced into the tank through a valve located inside the tank. The ejection of the fluid is initiated by a float which responds to the high fluid level in the tank by ascending and thereby moving the valve to an air-input position to admit pressurized air into the tank to expel fluid. The valve remains in the air-input position until the fluid reaches a low level, at which time the float descends and moves the valve to a vent position to vent the pressurized air to the atmosphere. The float moves the valve between the air-input position and the vent position in one discrete step so that the valve cannot stop in an intermediate position.

Abstract: A reservoir for the final treatment of sewage is provided with a fluid diverter, which is interconnected with and actuated by a float on the surface of the liquid collected in the reservoir. A submersible pump within the liquid recirculates liquid by spraying it through a foraminous header disposed above the liquid level. When the liquid level in the reservoir falls below a predetermined liquid level, the diverter permits the sprayed fluid to be returned to the reservoir. When the liquid level rises above the predetermined liquid level, the diverter diverts at least a portion of the fluid into the outlet pipe and continues to do so until the predetermined liquid level is restored.

Abstract: A three-phase separator for processing produced fluids from an oil well is divided into an emulsion, an oil, and water compartments. The separator includes a water weir and controls for automatically adjusting the position of the water weir to maintain the oil-emulsion interface in the emulsion compartment substantially constant.

Abstract: A reservoir for the final treatment of sewage is provided with a fluid diverter, which is interconnected with and actuated by a float on the surface of the liquid collected in the reservoir. A submersible pump within the liquid recirculates liquid by spraying it through a foraminous header disposed above the liquid level. When the liquid level in the reservoir falls below a predetermined liquid level, the diverter permits the sprayed fluid to be returned to the reservoir. When the liquid level rises above the predetermined liquid level, the diverter diverts at least a portion of the fluid into the outlet pipe and continues to do so until the predetermined liquid level is restored.

Abstract: A septic tank system is provided with an indicator above the ground surface to indicate the water level in the tributaries leading from the tank so that any excess water therein may be pumped out before it causes a back up of sewage upstream of the septic tank.

Abstract: a reservoir (10) for a scavenging system has a suction line (12) of a pump disposed within the reservoir and a float mechanism (24) that controls the fluid pathway (21) from the reservoir into the suction line (12) in response to the height (22) of the fluid within the reservoir. This system restricts large volume of air from being drawn into the suction line as the fluid level in the reservoir is lowered. The float mechanism includes a sealing arrangement (25) to restrict air from being introduced into the openings from around the float mechanism (24) during operation of the system. An apparatus (26) is also associated with the float mechanism (24) to cause the pathway (21) to be significantly lowered relative to the level (22) of the fluid and the openings (18) in the suction line (12).