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: A self contained water treatment system and enclosure for a water treatment system. The water treatment includes an enclosure having a removable lid and a base. The base includes a bottom and side walls forming an upper opening structured to sealably receive the lid. The base also includes a partition which sealably engages along its upper margin against the lid. The partition forms a first and second compartment, the first compartment being water tight for receiving water. The second compartment, having a removable side wall panel, houses the water treatment system operably connected therein. A well water source is connectable to and received through an inlet in one side wall into the water treatment system and aeration-sprayed into the first compartment to remove gases from the well water. Purified and degasified water is removed from the first compartment by the water treatment system and delivered out an outlet tube in one side wall connectable to a dwelling water inlet line.

Abstract: An improved skimmer is provided for recovering hydrocarbons floating on the surface of a body of water. A floating hull defines first and second tunnels, and a holding tank for housing the collected hydrocarbons. A power driven propeller in the first tunnel draws subsurface water from an inlet port through the first tunnel and out a discharge port. The inlet port of the second tunnel is positioned above the first tunnel to receive floating hydrocarbons and water. The second tunnel has a water outlet in fluid communication with the first tunnel. A skimming gate passes hydrocarbons floating on the surface of water in the second tunnel to the holding tank, and thereby separates hydrocarbons from the water.

Abstract: Water purification is performed in a simplified manner within a vessel having at least the lower porton thereof filled with a filtration media such as activated carbon. A spout is provided near the upper end. A filter media placed in the spout. The top of the vessel is closed with a cap which is vented to permit the escape of matter which is vaporized during the heating phase. The vessel preferably has a handle to aid in the dispensing of the purified water. The vessel is preferably formed of a material which is safe for use in microwave heating devices. A valve may be provided at the bottom of the vessel for dispensing purified water directly into a container such as a cooking vessel or beverage maker. In another embodiment the liquid is purified as it rises through the carbon in the container.

Abstract: The invention concerns a storage space for liquids, especially a rain-basin or sewer-backup space, with at least one flushing chamber that is positioned at the maximum height of the bottom of the storage space, that can be filled with storage liquid, and that emits the storage liquid in the form of a torrent of flushing water through at least one flushing opening when the storage space empties.The object of the invention is accordingly a storage space for liquids with a flushing device wherein the storage space fills automatically and wherein the flushing process is automatically initiated subsequent to each storage process without outside energy.This object is attained in that the flushing chamber automatically fills with storage liquid as the level of storage liquid rises, means of retaining the storage liquid in the flushing chamber once it has arrived therein are provided, and the flushing opening is closed off and opened up by a closure controlled by the level of storage liquid in the storage space.

Abstract: Artificial kidney comprises a hemodialyzer connected in a dialysis liquid circuit which is in the form of a loop the volume of which is essentially invariable. The circuit is open to the atmosphere and comprises a circulating pump arranged upstream of the hemodialyzer. Means are provided for drawing off and measuring, outside the said circuit, amounts of liquid equal to the amounts of ultrafiltrate which it is desired to remove from a patient's blood stream. A variable hydraulic resistance is provided downstream of the hemodialyzer and comprises a float, the resistance being operative to keep the dialysis liquid at an essentially constant level in the circuit in order automatically to regulate the pressure of the dialysis liquid in the hemodialyzer.

Abstract: This invention comprises a valve filter unit (23, 53) comprising a filter (24, 54) the face (25, 55) of which extends angularly to the flow of a fluid medium toward same, and having perforations (26) formed therein; the filter (24, 54) biased by a spring (33, 63) toward a first position wherein the fluid is forced to flow through the filter (24, 54) to remove foreign particles therefrom; said filter (24, 54) movable against the spring (33, 63) in response to additional pressure of the fluid to unseat the filter (24, 54) from its first position engagement with a surface (40, 66) of the conduit (12, 51) within which the filter (24, 54) is mounted, the additional pressure occurring due to a valve (21) downstream from the filter (24, 54) moving away from a closed position with its seat (22) such that the fluid moves quickly past the filter (24, 54) and through the space formed between the filter (24, 54) and the surface (40, 66), thereby cleansing both the filter surface (25, 55) and the mating surfaces of the va

Abstract: A centrifugal filter separator system operable to separate from oil under pressure, contaminants and water. The centrifuged water port of the centrifugal filter separator of the system is coupled to a differential pressure responsive, sensor control, which automatically senses the presence of a layer of centrifuged water against the internal surface of the rotating drum of the centrifugal separator. The sensor control is coupled to a flow control circuit which in conjunction with the differential pressure sensor control causes automatic removal of an existing layer of centrifuged water from the rotating drum via the water exit port of the separator. When there is no adequate depth layer of centrifuged water on the inner surface of the rotating drum, the sensor control deactivates the water removal circuit, while the flow control circuit maintains a minimum generally constant flow of liquid from the water port of the separator for priming purposes.

Abstract: An automotive type diesel engine provided with a conventional fuel filter water separator has a solenoid operated drain or dump valve for removing liquid contaminant/water automatically when the contaminant or water reaches a predetermined level actuating a sensor. The removed contaminant or water is then inducted into the engine by means of a venturi/aspirator which in one embodiment has an outlet connected directly to the engine intake manifold to provide the necessary pressure drop or, in another turbocharged diesel engine embodiment, the boost pressure is connected to the inlet of the venturi/aspirator to again induct the liquid contaminant/water into and through the aspirator to be disposed of in the exhaust system of the engine, both embodiments thereby automatically providing for a complete disposal of liquid contaminant/water within the engine and thereby eliminating the need of a periodic draining of the same from the fuel filter by the vehicle operator, for example.

Abstract: A system to generate chlorine to disinfect a body of water. The system has a pump to move water through the system, a filter and an electrolytic cell able to generate chlorine by the electrolysis of sodium chloride and having an anode and a cathode mounted in a separate compartment. Chlorine is generated in the anode compartment and hydrogen in the cathode compartment. The compartments are in communication through an ion permeable membrane. There is a power source for the cell. The ion permeable membrane is formed as separate members, each covering an opening in a wall dividing the anode and cathode compartments. The anode and the cathode are located above the electrolyte. There is a mixing container divided into compartments, a first compartment to receive hydrogen and chlorine from the cell and provided with an outlet for water and the second compartment, in communication with the first and having an inlet for water, a float valve to control the inlet, the mixing container having a pressure relief outlet.

Abstract: The invention provides a breakover detection device for use with a centrifugal separator. The device comprises a main chamber, a float in the main chamber operative to actuate switch contacts in response to the presence of liquid in the main chamber, an inlet and outlet for the main chamber arranged so that small volumes of liquid trickle from the inlet to the outlet without activating the float and large volumes of liquid at least partially fill the main chamber, thereby activating the float, electrodes in the main chamber for connection to circuitry discriminating between different liquids detected by the float in the main chamber. The device can detect the occurrence of breakover in a centrifugal separator, without leading to shutdown solely as a result of an increase in volume of the separated liquid.

Abstract: In an oxidation ditch process for clarifying a waste water stream employing a clarifier boat, a novel skimmer assembly is disclosed having a buoyant closing assembly to control the amount of surface fluid containing the bulk of the oils, greases, etc. in the waste water being removed from the clarifier.

Abstract: Spilled liquid hydrocarbon products ranging from crude oil to refined fractions and discrete compounds are converted from a liquid to a gel or to a semi-solid or solid state by contacting a liquid petroleum product with a slurry of cryogenically comminuted polymer particles in a liquified refrigerant gas. The technique is particularly appropriate for control of oil spills in a water environment wherein the oil is either floating on or dispersed in water. Contact of the polymer particles with liquid hydrocarbons results in virtually instantaneous solvation of the polymer in the hydrocarbon to produce a cohesive gel or a semi-solid to solid material at a polymer concentration ranging generally from about 0.2% to 1% for gel formation and from about 1% to 30% for formation of a semi-solid to solid material based on hydrocarbon weight.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating water or other liquid comprises outwardly extending front side walls defining an entrance for water to be treated, intermediate inwardly extending side walls, central parallel side walls and outwardly extending rear walls defining an exit for treated water or other liquid. A stepped bottom is integral with and between the side walls. A housing, slidable on the top edges of the side walls, is provided for holding a chemical solution to be dispensed into the water to be treated. A float housing integral with one of the intermediate side walls contains a float which is raised or lowered according to the volume of water flowing between the side walls. A valve on the housing is interconnected with the float whereby the solution within the housing is dispensed into the water or liquid to be treated in proportion to the volume of water flowing between the side walls.

Abstract: The upflow filter assembly includes a primary chamber situated above a secondary chamber within an enclosure and having a filter element spanning the primary chamber towards the upper end thereof. Airlocks are situated near the dividing floor of the two chambers so that when in the liquid treating or filtering mode, they operate to maintain the air/liquid interface between the chambers and prevent liquid from passing into the secondary chamber assisted by compressed air introduced into the secondary chamber. Liquid containing solids and/or flocculents, is fed into the primary chamber adjacent the lower side thereof and gradually fills the chamber with much of the flocculents and solids settling out by gravity. The partially deflocculated liquid then passes up through the filter element to a height above the filter element with excess, relatively clear effluent flowing out through an outlet spaced above the filter element to provide a hydraulic head above the filter element.

Abstract: Water from a source is fed to a reverse osmosis unit having a membrane which divides the stream into a first permeate product and a first concentrate. The first permeate product is stored in a tank until a selected quantity is collected and then the source is disconnected from the pump which next delivers water from the tank to the reverse osmosis unit to divide the stream into a second permeate product and a second concentrate. In one version of the equipment the second permeate is processed by a different membrane than that producing the first permeate. In another version, the same membrane is used, the second permeate product is stored, and the second permeate product is later run through the reverse osmosis unit to produce a third permeate product and a third concentrate.

Abstract: A time saving combination of a manual pump connected with a storage tank pump and a float controlled drain valve. The connections permit circulation of liquid from the sump to the float valve and back to the storage tank while heavier liquid is allowed to drain from the valve.

Abstract: An internally baffled, horizontal flow, vertical oil separator or skimmer for the flotation and removal of oil from mixtures of oil and water has internal baffles that compel horizontal flow of a vertically elongated cross-section of fluid in the vertical vessel. The skimmer is of particular utility on offshore platforms where deck space is extremely expensive and limited.

Abstract: A system for the combined softening of water and reduction of dissolved solids from the water, which can be retrofitted to a conventional water softening apparatus, is disclosed. The system includes a pressure tank having a closure with an access opening, an inlet line for conveying hard water to the pressure tank, an outlet line for conveying softened water from the tank and having a mouth located proximate the bottom of the tank, pelletized treatment material located within the pressure tank for softening the raw water, a plurality of tubular membrane carriers embedded within the treatment material, a plurality of semi-permeable reverse osmosis membranes enclosing the tubular membrane carriers, and a conduit for collecting the purified water from the membrane carriers.

Abstract: A system for controlling the number of waste liquid disposal units in operation is disclosed in which the amount of waste liquid to be produced during a predetermined period of time is forecast, and the forecast result is used to calculate the required minimum number N of the waste liquid disposal units according to a predetermined formula, thereby to control the operation of the required minimum number N of the units among a plurality of waste liquid disposal units.

Abstract: A portable water purifying device is disclosed which includes a main housing provided with a main inner chamber to receive a purified water receptacle. An electric circuit provides a main "on-off" switch to provide a flow of water in its "on" position, from a suitable pressurized source through a purifying capsule into a suitable container such as a jug. When the container is full a limit switch shuts off the water flow and a signal light is illuminated. The container is removed and replaced with another empty container. In preferred form of the invention, a refill switch is provided to deenergize the signal light and to initiate another water purifying and container filling cycle.

Abstract: A storm overflow basin for use, e.g. in combined sewage systems has a storage tank leading to a storm overflow unit having a restricted sewage discharge and a storm overflow, the latter being provided with a weir at which there is mounted a flap gate engaging the crest of the weir with its bottom edge and being operable by float controlled means in dependence upon the water level in the storm overflow unit, to move away from the crest of the weir when storm conditions require a controlled overflow discharge. The normal sewage discharge is provided with restriction means that are also float controlled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating wastewater such as sewage are disclosed. Designed principally for complete on-site wastewater treatment and disposal, the system separates wastewater into liquid wastes and solid wastes by filtration, treats the liquid wastes with a mild oxydizing agent and disperses them into unsaturated ground. The solid wastes are periodically removed, along with used portions of the paper filter medium and delivered, in the case of sewage, to a composting area where the still-fresh solids can be aerobically composted. Preferred and particularly advantageous embodiments of a filtering system, a sewage delivery system, a vacuum generating system, and a liquid level sensor, each of which may be used with the invention, are disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a deairing system for use in a bedside-console-type dialysis machine.The system includes a selectively adjustable flow controller, a deairing tank, and a suction pump for drawing dialysis solution from the flow controller through the deairing tank and to the pump. The pump is also connected to the deairing tank for applying a negative pressure and for removing gas from the dialysis solution.The tank is provided with a baffle-and-ball-type check valve arrangement for preventing flow of dialysis solution through the gas line. A recirculation loop is provided in conjunction with the pump and includes an air separation tank downstream of the pump and a negative pressure valve which connects the upstream side of the pump and recirculation tank. The air separation tank cooperates with the pump to assure efficient operation of the pump by minimizing the air drawn through the recirculation loop and to the pump from the separation tank.

Abstract: A miniaturized proportioning system for continuously mixing and preparing dialysate in accurate proportions, as may be prescribed by a physician, for simultaneous clinical treatment of a plurality of patients, e.g., ten, or in another form for treating a single patient almost anywhere.

Abstract: The disclosed control apparatus for water treatment systems embodies a float switch actuably responsive to a predetermined drop in stored water level causing the pumping of treatment solution to a predetermined rate of flow controlled by a flow orifice for a predetermined period of time when called for by a thus energized clock totalizer embodying cam mechanism therein and a sensitive switch responsive thereto for controlling the flow of treatment solution to the water reservoir proportional to the delivery of make up water controlled by the float switch.

Abstract: A modular liquid-treatment system for treating water having a liquid-treating tank with a liquid-treatment cartridge therein for treating untreated water and a similar storage tank which receives the treated water and stores it for supply on demand. The detection of variation of the water level of the storage tank below a predetermined level is used to automatically control supply of untreated water to the liquid-treating tank. A modular liquid-flow control unit is removably mounted on the two alike tanks. The unit has two similar symmetrically mounted couplings each removably mounted on a corresponding one of the tanks. A supply valve on the unit controls supply of water from an untreated water supply main and supplies the untreated water to a flow-control device which maintains the flow substantially constant in the presence of pressure variations in the supply main.

Abstract: An apparatus for dosing a treatment solution into a waste liquid comprises a device for measuring and dispensing a predetermined volume of solution, means for delivering treatment solution to and from the device and control means adapted to determine when waste liquid is present to be dosed and activate the device to dispense a measured volume of treatment solution into a waste liquid. The device has a container with an inlet and outlet diaphragm valve, and an air vent means for venting the chamber during filling and dispensing of treatment solution. Reversible actuation means is provided for simultaneously opening the inlet valve and closing the outlet valve to permit filling of the chamber with a treatment solution and for simultaneously closing the inlet valve and opening the outlet valve to permit dispensing of the measured volume of treatment solution.

Abstract: A closed system of cyclically storing and dispensing nearly pure water discharged from a reverse osmosis module which is free from exposure to light and air.

Abstract: This invention provides a separator for two relatively insoluble mixed liquids of different specific gravities as, for example oil and water. More particularly the invention relates to a bilge oil separating system (BOSS), or apparatus and includes a float controlled bilge pump for pumping the oil contaminated bilge water from a ship's bilge into a splatter chamber, that, to considerable measure, undoes the globularization of the oil caused by the bilge pump. This is effected by changing the rather rapid downward flow of the mixed liquids out of the delivery tube to a hollow jet type outwardly and upwardly directed flow that then changes to a hollow cylindrical downward flow against the inner cylindrical surface of the wall of a splatter chamber.

Abstract: A dialysis apparatus for machines such as artificial kidneys and heart-lung machines has a warning device activated to prevent air bubbles from entering the blood circulation system of the patient and controlled by the vertical position of a float in a float chamber where air is separated from the blood. The warning signal is triggered when the air/blood volume ratio in the chamber is increased so that the float sinks and closes off the outlet at the bottom portion of the chamber. Continued blood supply to the chamber compresses the air therein and the corresponding pressure increase is detected and used to generate a warning signal.

Abstract: Filter backwash means for automatically backwashing a filter when increase of pressure indicates that the filter is starting to block, wherein a reversing valve is arranged to reverse water flow through the filter to wash out the blocking particles (mud and the like) to drain, the reversing mechanism comprising a pressure responsive means coupled to an actuating means in turn coupled to the reversing valve, and a float valve actuated latch to actuate the reversing mechanism.